Best Camera Bags For Travel Photographers

Choosing the right camera bag for your travel photography gear can be a challenge. There are a lot of options out there, and it can be tricky to find one that suits your needs, especially when it comes to comfort, size, safety, and durability.

- Comfort: You'll want a bag that's lightweight, comfortable to carry for extended periods, and fits your travel style. If you're an active traveller, for example, you might prefer a sling bag that's less bulky and more accessible.

- Size: Your bag should be big enough to fit all your gear but also small enough to fit under an airplane seat. It's a balancing act, as you don't want to check your expensive equipment and risk it getting damaged.

- Safety: Look for thick straps that can't be easily cut, discrete zippers to deter pickpockets, and a low-profile design that doesn't advertise your expensive gear to potential thieves.

- Protection: Your bag should have enough padding and dividers to protect your gear from bumps and knocks, but not so much that it becomes bulky and uncomfortable.

With these factors in mind, here are some of the best camera bags for travelling, according to experts and enthusiasts:

- Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L: This bag checks all the boxes for comfort, size, safety, and protection. It's lightweight, compact, and adjustable, making it ideal for active travellers. It fits mirrorless cameras and lenses perfectly and can even accommodate a telephoto lens and teleconverter. It's designed to fit under airplane seats and has pockets for accessories and travel essentials like passports and phones.

- LowePro SlingShot 102 AW: This bag is a great choice for casual photographers carrying a camera and a few lenses. It's sleek, lightweight, and well-padded, with a rain sleeve for protection against the elements. However, it has poor space utilisation at the top due to its sling design.

- LowePro Flipside 300: Recommended for travel photographers who carry a lot of gear, this bag offers ample room for growth and can fit a camera, multiple lenses, flash units, and accessories. It's the perfect size for air travel, fitting under the seat while still allowing for a roller bag in the overhead compartment. It's well-made, durable, and can take a beating. However, it lacks a rain sleeve.

- Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L: This versatile backpack doubles as an overnight pack or a dedicated camera bag. It features padded laptop and tablet slots, a separate camera compartment, and top space for accessories. It's durable, water-resistant, and has deep side pockets for a tripod or water bottle.

- Shimoda Explore V2 30 Liter Adventure Backpack: Ideal for outdoor photographers, this backpack is carry-on friendly and features padded shoulder and hip straps for comfort. It has customisable Velcro walls to secure your camera gear and can hold a mirrorless camera, multiple lenses, and a 13-inch laptop. It's water-resistant and comes with a lightweight rain cover.

- Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L: If organisation is your top priority, this backpack offers ample storage for camera bodies, lenses, SD cards, hard drives, and a 16-inch laptop. It can accommodate a camera body with a lens attached and has an expandable clothing/gear compartment. It's water-resistant, has waterproof zippers, and keeps gear dry in moderate rain.

Comfort

When it comes to camera bags, comfort is key. You'll want a bag that's not only comfortable to carry but also one that allows you to easily access your gear. Here are some things to consider when choosing a camera bag for travelling:

• Bag Style: Camera bags come in a variety of styles, including backpacks, slings, messenger bags, and rollers. Backpacks distribute weight evenly across your shoulders and back, making them a good choice for comfort, especially if you're carrying a lot of gear. Slings are worn over one shoulder and provide quick access to your camera, while messenger bags offer the ease of carrying and are ideal if you only need to carry a limited setup. Roller bags are a comfortable option if you don't want to carry a bag, and they provide a convenient way to transport your equipment.
• Padding and Protection: Look for a bag with ample padding to protect your camera and lenses from bumps and scratches. Some bags have padded shoulder and waist straps for added comfort when carrying heavy gear. Consider a bag with a rain cover or water-resistant material if you plan to shoot in wet conditions.
• Size and Weight: A comfortable camera bag should be lightweight and not too bulky. It should have enough space for your camera, lenses, and other essentials without being overly large and cumbersome. Keep in mind that you might be carrying your bag for extended periods, so choose one that's easy to carry and doesn't weigh you down.
• Straps and Accessibility: Adjustable straps are essential for a comfortable fit. Look for straps that are padded and contour to your body, making the bag comfortable to carry even during active travel. Consider a bag with quick-access points, such as side zippers or a reversible strap, so you can reach your gear easily without having to take off the bag.
• Customizable Dividers: Customizable dividers allow you to configure the interior of your bag to fit your specific camera and lens setup. This not only keeps your gear organised but also ensures a snug fit, reducing movement and providing extra protection.
• Additional Storage: Consider a bag with pockets or compartments for accessories like batteries, SD cards, chargers, and personal items. Some bags even have dedicated spaces for laptops or tablets, but keep in mind that adding these items will increase the weight of your bag.

Size

When it comes to the size of a camera bag, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it needs to be big enough to fit all your gear, including camera bodies, lenses, and other accessories. However, it should also be comfortable and ideally small enough to fit under the seat in an airplane. Striking this balance can be tricky, as you don't want to be forced to check your expensive camera gear, but you also don't want a bag that is too bulky and awkward to carry around during your travels.

For example, the Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L bag is described as "conveniently sized". While it is lightweight and compact, it is also deceptively large and can fit multiple camera bodies and lenses, as well as accessories and personal items such as a passport and phone. Similarly, the Shimoda Explore V2 30L Adventure Backpack is carry-on friendly and can hold a camera, multiple lenses, a laptop, and a water bladder, all while remaining comfortable to carry.

On the other hand, some bags might be too small for your needs. The Ape Case Holster Bag, for instance, is compact and comfortable but may not be suitable for photographers who plan on purchasing additional lenses or carrying a lot of gear. Likewise, the Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L bag is described as "minimalist" and may be better suited to those carrying a smaller camera kit.

Ultimately, the size of your camera bag will depend on the amount and type of gear you plan to carry, as well as your personal preferences for comfort and portability.

Safety

When it comes to safety, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best camera bag for travelling. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Straps and Zippers: Thick straps that are difficult to cut and discrete zippers that are not easily accessible to pickpockets can help keep your equipment safe. It is also beneficial to have zippers that can be locked for added security.
• Low Profile Design: A camera bag that is discreet and does not scream "I'm a camera bag with lots of expensive gear!" can help deter thieves and pickpockets. A low-profile bag will also allow you to blend in and not draw attention to yourself and your equipment.
• Padding and Dividers: Adequate padding and dividers are crucial for protecting your camera and lenses from bumps and scratches during travel. Look for a bag with enough padding to cushion your equipment without making it too bulky and uncomfortable to carry.
• Water Resistance: A water-resistant bag will help keep your camera equipment safe from rain or other sources of moisture. Some bags come with a built-in rain cover, while others have a waterproof coating or liner.
• Size and Compartments: A bag that is big enough to fit all your gear, including cameras, lenses, and accessories, is important. Look for a bag with customizable compartments and dividers to securely store your equipment. Additionally, consider a bag with a separate compartment for personal items such as a passport, phone, or wallet.
• Carrying Options: A camera bag with multiple carrying options, such as shoulder straps, a waist strap, or a roller option, can provide versatility and comfort during travel.
• Durability: Investing in a high-quality, durable camera bag will ensure that it lasts for many trips and provides adequate protection for your equipment. Look for bags made with sturdy materials and reinforced stitching.
• Return Policy: Consider purchasing from a store with a flexible return policy, as you may want to test out different bags to find the one that best suits your needs.

Padding

The amount of padding you need depends on how careful you are when travelling, and how much gear you're carrying. If you're hiking or travelling in a busy area, you're more likely to knock or bump your bag, so you'll need more padding. If you're carrying a lot of heavy gear, you'll also need more padding to distribute the weight comfortably.

It's also worth noting that some bags have too much padding, which can make them bulky and uncomfortable. The LowePro SlingShot, for example, has poor space utilisation at the top of the bag, which could be better used for storage.

Style

When it comes to style, camera bags are no longer confined to the same old black, bulky designs. Nowadays, there are a variety of stylish options available that are both functional and fashionable.

For those who want a bag that doesn't look like a typical camera bag, the Lo & Sons Claremont is a great choice. Made from high-quality leather, this bag is both thick and durable, and its stylish design means it can easily pass for a purse. It can be worn as a crossbody or on the shoulder, and it comfortably fits a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a small lens, and an additional lens or flash. It also has two small front pockets designed for SD cards, as well as a discreet back zippered pocket for storing a wallet, passport, and other small items.

For a bag that is both stylish and functional, the ONA Bowery Messenger Bag is a great option. Crafted from Italian-tanned leather, this bag is perfect for carrying a DSLR or mirrorless camera and an additional lens. The main compartment can be tailored to your camera size and preference with a movable Velcro divider, and there is also a slot compartment on the back and two smaller front storage spaces for smaller accessories.

If you're after a bag with a classic, stylish design, the Wotancraft Scout Daily Camera Bag might be the one for you. Made from durable Cordura with cowhide leather straps, this messenger bag features a spacious main compartment separated by sturdy dividers, as well as a padded laptop pouch that can fit a 13-inch MacBook Air. While it doesn't have many pockets, there are two small pouches in the front for storing small items, and a luggage pass-through and rear zippered pocket.

For a bag that is both sleek and functional, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is an excellent option. With a 20-liter capacity, this bag can be used as an overnight pack or a dedicated camera bag, featuring a separate camera compartment with dividers, a padded laptop and tablet slot, and a top space for accessories. The bag also has deep side pockets that can fit a tripod or water bottle, dual side zippers for on-body access, and a waterproof bottom panel.

If you're looking for a stylish and lightweight minimalist bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is a great choice. This bag can be worn as a crossbody or waist bag and features a reversible strap and quick-access zipper. It can fit a mirrorless camera or a small DSLR with 2-3 lenses, depending on their size, and it also has a tablet sleeve and various pockets and zippered areas for storing accessories.

Frequently asked questions