The BAGSMART backpack is our favorite camera backpack for 2023. It has a smart yet casual design. You get plenty of space for your camera and lenses. And everything is organized and protected with padded dividers. [Note: ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here].
What is the Best Camera Backpack?
There are plenty of camera backpacks on the market. But buying a bad one is risky. Finding the best camera backpack is the best way to carry your gear and know everything is safe inside. With so many different backpack designs to choose from, you need to think about what you need. Where are you going with your camera? What gear do you need to take with you? And what conditions will you be facing? Answering these questions will help you find the best camera backpack for you. It’s important to remember best doesn’t always mean the most expensive. We’ve included plenty of great backpacks that also have budget-friendly prices. Sometimes you do get more return when you spend a bit more. But photography is for everyone. And we’ve kept that in mind when compiling this list. Here’s a roundup of our best camera backpack list. Keep reading to see each camera bag in more detail, so you can make the perfect decision.
The Best Camera Backpacks in 2023
Here’s our list of the 12 best camera backpacks. We’ve included a wide range of backpacks with a selection of styles, brands, and price tags. No two photographers are the same. And we’ve tried to find a camera backpack for everyone. The BAGSMART backpack is one of the most popular camera backpacks with photographers. It has a casual yet smart design that suits foreign trips and professional shoots. And it’s a well-considered camera bag with all the features photographers want to see. The interior is more spacious than you might think. It looks like a standard backpack. But the entire front section unzips to give you full access to all the storage pouches inside. This means you don’t have to rummage around looking for the right gear. There’s enough space for two camera bodies with a variety of lenses. And these can include pro-level DSLR cameras and telephoto lenses. You can use the Velcro dividers to keep everything organized. And the padding of the dividers protects your gear when stowed away. The outer material is water-resistant polyester. It’s not completely waterproof on its own. But it will keep your gear dry in lighter showers. You also have an extra waterproof rain cover for more protection if the weather turns really ugly. The anti-theft zips are a thoughtful feature. The zip buckles interlock, making it difficult to open. This is a huge benefit if you feel unsafe when traveling in an unfamiliar place. The zips slow you down when you want to access the bag. But that’s a small price to pay for extra security. The bag also includes a side strap for travel tripods. And there’s a pouch at the back for your laptop or tablet. The inside of the front section also has extra pouches for more accessory storage. You can cram this camera backpack full of stuff, and you can still find more space! Peak Design is one of the biggest names in camera bags. And this Peak Design Everyday 20L backpack demonstrates why this brand has become so popular with photographers. It’s stylish without drawing attention. That’ll please street photographers. And it keeps everything in order when you’re on the move. The outer nylon canvas is waterproof, allowing you to travel and shoot in bad conditions. The zips are also weatherproof, so you don’t need to worry about getting caught in a heavy shower. You can’t take it underwater. But it protects your gear in bad weather. The side-body access is a considerate feature for busy photographers. It allows you to access your camera without removing the backpack completely. You can keep it on one shoulder while grabbing what you need. You’ll find FlexFold dividers on the inside. You can adjust them to fit your gear exactly. And they offer extra protection against knocks and scraps. There’s a laptop compartment at the back. And the top section has enough space for extra gear, even a few spare pairs of undies. The Manfrotto Pro backpack is great for air travel and big photography jobs. The padded shoulder pads give you comfort even when carrying a heavy load. And you can carry a full load of gear with this camera backpack. This is one of the most spacious backpacks you can find. It has enough storage space for two to four cameras. And even with four camera bodies inside, there’s enough room for six lenses! Plus, there’s a laptop sleeve for your computer. It’s easy to keep everything organized with the interior dividers. And they have extra padding that keeps everything safe and sound. You also have a laptop pouch and tripod strap. And there are two side pockets for other accessories. The bag isn’t waterproof. But it does come with a removable rain cover. That’s a handy accessory if you’re traveling in wet weather. And there’s a strap for roller case handles. That helps you keep all your luggage together on long-distance trips. The TARION backpack is a versatile camera bag for adventurous photographers. It offers excellent protection with ample storage. It’s a good option for hiking in the wilderness. But it won’t be out of place traveling through cities or airports. The camera backpack has two main compartments. Each can hold one camera body with several lenses and other accessories. That makes it a good choice for more complex photography missions. But you can also use one compartment for clothes. That means it’s good for short trips too. The interior has padded dividers, so everything is kept neat and protected. There’s a rear compartment for a laptop or table. And you also have two front pouches for extra items. These even have special pockets for SD cards. The outer material is weather-resistant. That means your gear is protected when you’re traveling in wet weather. And you also get a separate rain cover. That means you can keep traveling during a monsoon. It’s no surprise the TARION backpack is popular with travel photographers. The Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 is a popular backpack with street photographers. Lowepro has an excellent reputation in the photography world. And this backpack is a good example of why. It has a casual style that helps you stay inconspicuous. And it offers great protection and storage. The main camera storage compartment isn’t the biggest. You only have room for one camera body. But you can get a few big lenses in there. That means it’s better suited for casual photographers. This backpack does have plenty of storage options for extra items. There’s a handy pouch for your tablet. And there are smaller pockets in the front section for your photography knick-knacks. That makes it a good backpack for short trips and traveling for work. The interior padding is thicker than most competitor bags. And they have flexible joints and Velcro edges for interior customization. You can set up the camera compartment to fit the gear you have. The bag also has plenty of exterior padding, so you get a lot of protection for a small backpack. The MOSISO backpack is a camera bag like no other. The hard shell design makes it a unique camera backpack that gives excellent protection. It has a more angular form than most backpacks. But it’s still stylish enough for cruising a city with your camera. The outer shell creates a safe housing for your photography gear. It can cope with more pressure than other backpacks. And it doesn’t lose its shape. The faux leather is also waterproof, so you can use it in any weather. The spacious interior is easy to organize. The dividers have Velcro attachments, so you can adjust them when necessary. They also have padding, so your camera and lenses are kept safe. The front section zips down completely. This gives you easy access to all the items inside. There’s no need to blindly rummage. And the inside of the front section has extra storage pockets. They include a pocket for your iPad or tablet. If you’re an adventurous backpacker, the Shimoda Action X50 is the camera backpack you need. It’s a proper adventurer’s backpack. But it has special features that make it one of the best camera backpacks for travel. It’s a full-sized backpack for travel. You can get plenty of stuff in there, so you only need to travel with one bag. And there’s a special removable insert for camera gear. It can be customized to fit your gear. And the padded sections protect the camera and lenses when packed away. The Action X50 has access points you won’t find on a normal traveler’s backpack. There’s a zip-access side pocket. And you can open the back section to access your photography equipment from there. These make it easy to switch from traveler to photographer mode. The bag material is water-resistant. It keeps the rain out and keeps everything dry inside. That’s handy when you’re traveling in wet climates. But it isn’t totally waterproof, so do take care when you’re out in heavy downpours. The BAGSMART canvas backpack is stylish and inconspicuous. The overhead straps give it a casual look. And no one will know you’re a photographer when you’re roaming around with this backpack. The lower compartment has padded dividers for your camera gear. It’s only big enough for one camera and a few lenses. But that’s enough for street photography and short trips. You also have extra space in the upper compartment. And there’s a special pocket for laptops and tablets. The side pouches are handy too. You can access the camera section from the front. This comes down completely, so it’s easy to grab what you need. And there’s a side access point. This allows you to pull your camera out without taking the bag off. You also have anti-theft zips for extra security. The canvas material is fully waterproof, so bad weather is no issue. And you have anti-theft zips for extra security. They lock together so thieves can’t get at your expensive equipment. You also have the drawstring top and strapped hood to keep everything safe inside. The Atlas Pack’s adventure camera backpack is another great option for globetrotting photographers. It has all the space you need for all your gear. And you can still pack extra clothes. It’s a great companion for your next photography adventure. The interior is very spacious. You can travel with three or four camera bodies. And they can be pro-level DSLRs or mirrorless travel cameras. And you have enough space for a whole collection of lenses. You can even take several large telephoto lenses. The padded dividers keep the gear in place. And the padding protects against external damage. They can be customized or removed completely to make space for other things. The bag also has an internal aluminum frame. This helps the bag maintain its structure even under pressure. The bag is water-resistant. You can walk through rain showers or sea spray on the coast. But be careful you don’t drop it in. It isn’t completely waterproof. It’s a tough and durable camera backpack for a photographer with wanderlust. The G-raphy backpack is a simple yet effective camera backpack. It’s the ideal solution for casual photography. It’s spacious enough for short trips. And it’s a good option for street photographers. It’s also one of the most affordable camera backpacks out there. It’s a small backpack. But you can carry two cameras with several lenses. You have padded dividers for organization and protection. And you can adjust and remove them to suit your needs. You can use all the dividers to give yourself a dedicated camera bag. Or you can only use a few and have a backpack with space for a camera, lens, and other items. And there’s a laptop section at the back. The outer material is weather-resistant. You’ll be fine walking around in lighter showers. But thankfully, the rain cover is included. You’ll need it in heavy rain. The tripod straps on the side are another handy feature for photographers. You won’t find a camera backpack with better overall value than this TARION backpack. It has a simple design and is ultra-lightweight. But it is still an effective camera bag for photographers at all levels. The padded dividers allow you to create an interior layout that suits your needs. You can squeeze two camera bodies and lenses in there. But you can also remove some of the dividers if necessary. These give you more space for clothes or other travel items. The rear laptop sleeve means you can travel with your computer. That makes it a good backpack for work travel. And the tripod strap at the bottom gives you more shooting options when you use this bag. The bag itself isn’t waterproof. But a fully waterproof rain cover is included. You can strap this over the backpack for complete weatherproof protection. That allows you to travel in all conditions. This CADeN Backpack is another great camera backpack. It’s a good option for short trips away with your camera. It’s not too bulky to take on the train. And it has excellent features that make it a good option for street photography. The lower compartment has padded dividers to protect your camera. There’s only enough space for one camera. But you can take a large DSLR camera and several lenses. There’s a laptop pouch with padding. And the upper compartment can be used to carry anything you need. The lower compartment has a side opening, making it easier to access your camera. You can grab it without having to take the backpack off your shoulders. That’s handy when you need to snap something at short notice. The canvas has a water-repellant coating to add weather protection. It keeps the rain away from your gear. But it’s not fully waterproof. You’ll need to take care in very bad weather.
Conclusion: The Best Camera Backpack
The best camera backpack should be a comfortable and convenient way to carry your camera. Your arms should be free when you’re walking and traveling. And there should be more than enough space for all your photo gear. There are plenty of different types on our list, so you can find your perfect camera backpack. But we think the BAGSMART backpack is the best camera backpack option in 2023. It is lightweight and comfortable. And it provides plenty of storage for all your camera accessories. It is also water-resistant and provides excellent protection for your camera gear.
