Best Camera Backpacks

High-quality storage and protection for your camera and equipment are important. As photographers, we spend lots of money on our gear – it makes sense, therefore, that we should store it properly and look after it. Enter the camera backpack. The best camera backpacks typically have a dual purpose.

They allow you to keep your camera gear organized and safe and they give you a simple way to carry your gear on your photographic adventures! These versatile backpacks usually have dedicated compartments for lenses and cameras, but also additional space for traveling essentials. If this sounds like something you need, we have listed 13 of the best camera backpacks available!

BAGSMART Camera Backpack

If you want a stylish backpack that looks great but is also functional, the BAGSMART Camera Backpack is a solid choice. The backpack is made from canvas material and is available in five different stylish colors. It is certainly one of the better-looking designs available.

Aside from looking great, this backpack also has a large central storage compartment with adjustable dividers. You can comfortably fit a full-frame DSLR camera together with four lenses. The main compartment pocket also has a sleeve for camera accessories like cables and spare batteries.

We also like that in the rear, there is a separate laptop compartment capable of holding a laptop up to 15” in size. For traveling, there are also two sizeable side pockets that can hold a water bottle and/or a tripod.

CADeN Camera Backpack

For those on a budget, the CADeN Camera Backpack Bag Professional is one of the cheapest options available. This lightweight and compact backpack is made from waterproof materials which make it excellent for outdoor usage.

In the main compartment, you can store one DSLR camera, four lenses, and accessories like an external flash. We also like that you can adjust the dividers for different equipment configurations. The dividers are made from fabric and have Velcro edges – this makes the main compartment easy to configure.

Despite being a budget option, this CADeN product is still durable. For example, the zippers are made from alloy metals and are incredibly strong. Also, the shoulder straps are made from reinforced materials to provide excellent support for those long hiking trips. This backpack is also available in three different colors.

Amazon Basics Vintage Camera Backpack

Amazon has a great range of products in its “Basics” series and one such item is the Amazon Basics Vintage Camera. This is another stylish option and looks better than most of the best camera backpacks available. It is made from water-resistant waxed canvas and has a stylish light brown color. If you want to carry your camera equipment in a fashionable way, this is a good option.

The main compartment doesn’t have any dividers, but it has enough space for a DSLR camera and several lenses. The compartment lid also has three pouches where you can store additional lenses, flashes, or filters.

This backpack is also comfortable and has padded shoulder straps that provide an even weight distribution. If you want ultimate organization, this may not be the backpack for you. However, it looks great, and it will also provide ample room for travel essentials, too.

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II

If you want a large, durable backpack for outdoor travel, the Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II is a good choice. This ingenious backpack has three different storage compartments which make it fantastic for effective organization. The bottom compartment can hold your camera and several lenses, whilst the central compartment can hold more lenses and other equipment.

Finally, the top section is an open compartment and can be useful for general travel essentials or other loose gear. We also like the side-opening mechanism of the bottom compartment – this makes it incredibly easy to access your camera.

The top compartment also has a range of pockets and dividers so you can store items like pens, your smartphone, and SD cards. For comfort, the backpack also has general padding as well as a padded waistbelt.

Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack

The Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack Bag has an interesting design that allows for easy access. The shoulder strap can be rotated from your back to your front. As a result, you can swing the backpack to your front and easily open the main compartment to access your camera and equipment.

This is a smaller backpack so you will only be able to store a DSLR camera and a couple of lenses, however. It is comfortable to wear though and has excellent padding on the straps and the inside to protect your gear.

Aside from the main compartment, there is also a top compartment which is perfect for storing accessories. On the side, there is also a handy tripod holder and several zipped mesh pockets. This may not be the largest backpack, but it is a great choice if you only need to take a minimum amount of gear with you.

BELONGME Camera Backpack

The BELONGME Camera Backpack is a simple and effective device that is another good budget option. It only has one main storage compartment, but this should comfortably hold a DSLR camera and a variety of lenses. It also has foam dividers that can be adjusted to suit different size lenses.

Above the dividers, there is also a sizeable compartment for general camera accessories – this doesn’t leave much space for other essentials, however. On the outside, this backpack has several mesh pockets and holders for items like a tripod, umbrella, or even your smartphone.

This backpack is also comfortable to wear and features two adjustable shoulder straps. The straps have ample padding and provide great support for your back.

BPAULL DSLR Camera Bag

The DSLR Camera Bag Waterproof Camera Sling Backpack is a smaller product that is perfect for quick trips where you don’t need a huge array of equipment. It also looks great and is available in two styles – either plain black or a camouflage design.

In the main compartment, you can easily fit a DSLR camera together with several lenses. It also has pockets and sleeves for smaller items like SD cards, cables, and batteries. On the side, there is also a handy secure zipped pocket that can hold a large smartphone.

The one-shoulder design also means you can quickly access your equipment – simply swing the back around from your back to your chest. We also like the straps underneath the backpack that can be used to hold a travel tripod.

MOSISO Camera Backpack

The MOSISO Camera Backpack may not be the most stylish model available, but it is highly functional. This medium-sized backpack has an excellent main compartment that can store all the gear you could need. You can easily fit a full-frame DSLR camera together with 4+ lenses and accessories.

The lid of the main compartment also has two sleeves – a mesh sleeve for smaller items, and a large sleeve for a tablet up to 16 inches. The internal compartment has padded dividers that can be removed and adjusted as needed to suit your equipment.

As one of the best camera backpacks, this MOSISO product also has great padding. For example, it has an elastic back cushion to support your back and shoulders. The hard-shell front of the backpack is also completely waterproof.

Endurax Extra Large Camera Backpack

The Endurax Extra Large Camera DSLR/SLR is ideal for dedicated photography trips. If you are traveling for a specific purpose and need a large selection of gear, this backpack offers excellent storage. It has two compartments and you can easily fit two DSLR cameras, up to 8 lenses, and a host of other accessories. There is also a laptop compartment large enough to fit a 15.6-inch laptop.

On the outside, there is also a handful of useful zipped pockets for storing smaller items. The interior is also fully customizable with adjustable dividers. This means you can easily set up your backpack for specific trips and equipment requirements.

Although this backpack is quite heavy, it does have padded shoulder straps that should help distribute the weight evenly, and reduce strain on your back and shoulders.

Lowepro LP37176 ProTactic Backpack

Our second Lowepro backpack is the Lowepro LP37176 ProTactic Backpack 350 AW II. This is a highly functional camera backpack and has a large main storage compartment. In this main compartment, you can comfortably fit a full-frame DSLR camera, 6 lenses, and other equipment.

The compartment is also easy to access and has four access points. One of these access points is located on the side. This means you can hold the backpack on one shoulder and easily take out your camera without placing it on the ground.

It also has a cool waistbelt to provide extra support. This waistbelt also doubles as a utility belt and has several pockets and compartments. The ProTactic is a well-designed backpack that has all the storage requirements you would need.

TARION Pro Camera Backpack

The TARION Pro Camera Backpack is one of the best camera backpacks for traveling and serious expeditions. It is weather-resistant and made from shock-resistant materials. This means you can comfortably take it outdoors on long hiking adventures.

Aside from its durability, this backpack also has an excellent storage system. It has one main compartment that has a range of dividers. You can remove the dividers completely and use the backpack as a standard backpack for traveling too.

Also, it has two main access points which make it easy to access your camera and gear. We also like the variety of external pockets and sleeves which are perfect for storing SD cards, batteries, and cables.

Manfrotto MB MA2-BP-GM Advance

Manfrotto specialize in tripods but they also have a great range of backpacks like the Manfrotto MB MA2-BP-GM Advanced. This premium camera backpack looks fantastic and is made from durable materials. It can comfortably hold a full-frame DSLR camera and five lenses. There is also space for a 15-inch laptop, and other accessories.

The external fabric is water-repellent, and there is also a detachable waterproof rain cover. We also like the padded straps that give excellent comfort for your back – they can also be freely adjusted.

HEX Backloader DSLR Backpack

The HEX Backloader DSLR Backpack is a fantastic premium product. If you are looking for a high-quality backpack that also looks great, this is a good choice. It may err on the expensive side, but it is durable and has padded shoulder straps.

In the main compartment, you can easily fit a DSLR camera and a range of lenses and equipment. It also has two front compartments for accessories and a tablet. We also like the rear-entry of this backpack which makes it easy to access your camera and gear.

How to Pick the Best Backpack: Buying Guide

As you can see, the best camera backpacks come in many shapes and styles. You should now have a good idea of the different types of camera backpacks available. But how do you choose the right one for your needs? To help make your choice easier, we have compiled a simple buying guide listing the different features and considerations:

What Can it Hold

First and foremost, what can the backpack hold? The carrying capacity of camera backpacks varies greatly. Some can hold two DSLR cameras plus a variety of lenses, for example. Alternatively, some are smaller and may only be able to hold a single camera and a couple of lenses

What capacity you need depends on the equipment you have, and what you will typically take with you when you use the backpack.

Waterproofing and Protection

One of the main uses of a camera backpack is to protect your equipment. It should therefore be made from durable material. Also, if you intend to take the backpack outdoors in varying weather conditions, it should be waterproof.

There are different levels of waterproofing too. For example, some can withstand any amount of water, whereas other backpacks may only be able to withstand a light rain shower. Also, check for additional features like a separate rain cover that can be pulled over the backpack for extra protection.

Additional Storage and Compartments

Aside from storage for your camera and lenses, what other storage does the backpack have? Ideally, the backpack should have a selection of compartments and pockets so you can store other items like SD cards, cables, filters, and spare batteries.

Also, some of the best camera backpacks have separate storage that you can use for travel items. For example, if you are hiking, you may want storage for spare clothes, food, and a water bottle. You can also find backpacks that have dedicated sleeves for a laptop or a tablet.

Price

The price is obviously an important factor too. The prices of the best camera backpacks can vary greatly. For example, there is a great range of budget options like the CADeN Camera Backpack for less than $50. Alternatively, you can spend much more on larger backpacks with much more storage and features like the Lowepro LP37176 ProTactic Backpack.

Comfort

You should also look at how easy the backpack is to carry and wear. If you intend to take the backpack with you on long journeys or outdoor expeditions, it needs to be comfortable. The weight of the backpack can affect this – if it is too heavy it may put unnecessary strain on your shoulders and back.

Also, what about the straps? Ideally, the straps should have padding so that they do not dig into your shoulders. For versatility, they should also be adjustable. Some backpacks also have a waist strap to provide extra support and remove some of the strain from your back.

Ease of Access

Finally, how easy is it to access your camera and gear? Different camera backpacks have the main access point at different points. For example, some have a top zip, whereas others have a side opening so you can access your camera and lenses whilst walking.

Think about how you intend to use the backpack, and if you will need quick access or not. You can then look for a specific style of access and main compartment zip design.

Which Backpack is Right for You?

We hope you have found this guide useful. A camera backpack is a great item to have and helps greatly when traveling with your camera and equipment. If you are looking for a simple budget backpack, the CADeN Camera Backpack Bag Professional is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you want something a little more stylish, the BAGSMART Camera Backpack looks fantastic. Finally, if you want a large, durable backpack for outdoor adventures, the Endurax Extra Large Camera DSLR/SLR is an excellent choice.

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