Cameras, lenses, and accessories are expensive equipment. So, if you're transporting them, it's definitely worth investing in a bag that'll protect them adequately.

However, it can be hard to pick the right bag, especially if you're new to photography. You'll want to find a bag that allows you to move around freely and confidently, knowing your gear is safely stashed inside.

Here are the best camera bags available today.

Premium pick

1. ONA The Brixton

9.20 / 10
Read Reviews

Whether you're a professional photographer covering a formal event, or a hobbyist shooting street scenes during vacation, the ONA The Brixton is a stylish, durable camera bag that will protect your gear. It will comfortably carry one camera, two to three lenses, a 13-inch laptop, and a 10-inch tablet.

Furthermore, all these gear are easily reachable when you're wearing the bag, so you can quickly swap camera lenses or check your output from your tablet. Better yet, the interior dividers can be easily arranged, so if you're going on a quick trip, you can rearrange the interior to hold one camera and a change of clothes instead.

This small bag will be all you need for carrying your gear daily. Keep your equipment safe while staying stylish with ONA's The Brixton.

Key Features
  • Stylish and made with premium leather material
  • Capacity for one camera, two lenses, and a 13-inch laptop
  • Removable dividers make it easy to adjust the layout for your needs
Specifications
  • Material: Leather
  • Bag Style: Sling Bag
  • Color(s): Antique Cognac
  • Brand: ONA
Pros
  • With a rear pocket to hold a 10-inch tablet
  • Solid brass tuck-clasp closure secures your gear inside the bag
  • Side weather flaps help protect against light weather
Cons
  • Shoulder pad isn't effective when the strap is shortened
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ONA The Brixton

Camera gear is costly and could take years to build up. If you're a professional, your living also depends on this equipment, so you can't afford to lose them to theft or damage. So, consider the Pelican 1510 Protector Carry-On Case for the ultimate protection.

This hard case protects your gear against external impacts and weather. In fact, its lid is sealed all around, and the case itself floats. That means your equipment will stay safe even if the case falls in the water. Furthermore, it's designed to the maximum FAA-mandated carry-on size limits, meaning you can bring it aboard aircraft without issues.

After all, you wouldn't trust anyone with thousands of dollars of camera equipment. When your gear is crucial for your profession, you should do everything to keep them safe. That's why you should invest in the Pelican 1510 Protector Carry-On Case for your camera and its equipment.

Key Features
  • Watertight and shock resistant case provides the ultimate protection for your expensive equipment
  • Padded dividers with velcro adjustments protect your equipment inside the case
  • Reinforced padlock protectors help ensure the security of your gear
Specifications
  • Material: Polypropylene
  • Bag Style: Trolley
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Pelican
Pros
  • Maximum allowed size for carry-on baggage
  • Automatic pressure equalization valve reduces the chances of vacuum lock
  • Uses rugged polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings
Cons
  • Bulky case means you can't keep it on you when you're shooting
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Pelican 1510 Protector Carry-On Case
Best value

3. Case Logic SLRC-206

9.20 / 10
Read Reviews

With camera equipment already costing a great deal of money, you might get tempted to save money on their protection. Luckily, the Case Logic SLRC-206 does an excellent job of protecting your equipment while staying affordable. It can store most of your equipment, with space for cameras, lenses, flashes, and other accessories.

It also has this innovative Hammock system that isolates your primary camera from shock coming from the bottom of the bag. You can easily rearrange the interior dividers, so whatever gear and camera configuration you have, you can ensure that it fits easily in the bag.

It has a massive laptop compartment, ensuring most laptops fit squarely inside it. You don't have to skimp on protecting your cameras and other gear if you're on a budget. The Case Logic SLRC-206 delivers the security you need without breaking the bank.

Key Features
  • Fits one camera with an attached lens, a couple of extra lenses, a flash, an extra camera body, plus several other accessories
  • Hammock system protects your camera by keeping it suspended from the bottom of the case
  • Laptop compartment fits most 16-inch laptops and even the 17-inch MacBook Pro
Specifications
  • Material: Nylon
  • Bag Style: Backpack
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Case Logic
Pros
  • Water-resistant solid EVA base helps keep your gear dry and makes the bag stand up on its own
  • Hook and loop straps on the side of the bag can hold your tripod
  • Back panel air mesh helps keep the pack breathable and comfortable when you're wearing it
Cons
  • Hammock system is a bit tight for large diameter gear like 24-70mm F/2.8 and 24-105mm F/4 lenses
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Case Logic SLRC-206

When you're looking for a rugged and dependable camera backpack while at the same time wanting to ensure you can carry all your gear with you, you should consider the Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II. This tough backpack protects all your camera equipment with its rigid FormShell casing.

If you need to bring more gear than what you can fit inside the bag, you can easily do so with its modular accessory system. This way, you don't have to leave anything behind when going to your destination. Once at your shooting location, you can easily take out the equipment you need with its multiple interior access points.

And if you encounter bad weather, you can use the all-weather cover to ensure your gear inside is protected. Active photographers working in outdoor field conditions will appreciate the Lowepro ProTactic BP 250 AW II. You shouldn't look any further if you want this pack's versatility and protection.

Key Features
  • Uses a rigid FormShell construction to protect your gear
  • Built-in laptop compartment can fit up to a 13-inch laptop
  • ActivZone support system ensures your equipment's weight is evenly distributed across your shoulder blades, lumbar, and waist
Specifications
  • Material: Nylon
  • Bag Style: Backpack
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Lowepro
Pros
  • Includes an all-weather cover for rain protection
  • Secure your tripod to the bag with the included two quick-lock straps and slip-lock tripod cup
  • 4-Point access gives you multiple ways to quickly retrieve your camera from your bag
Cons
  • Not useful for large combinations, like the 70-200mm F/2.8 lens attached to a full-frame camera
Buy This Product
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II

When you're looking for a hard case to protect your gear but don't have the budget for premium brands, the Amazon Basics Large Hard Rolling Case will do that job for you. It includes an interior foam case that you can customize to fit your gear perfectly.

This case is also sized to meet the maximum allowable carry-on size, so you can safely bring your gear with you inside the aircraft cabin. Its built-in pressure equalization valve also ensures that you won't have trouble opening the vase, even when there's a pressure difference inside and outside the case.

You can carry this case easily in two modes: a rolling trolley bag with the extendable top handle or a hand-carry case with the fold-down handle down the side. That way, you won't have to struggle with it if you go up a flight of stairs. This affordable hard case is perfect for those who want to give their equipment substantial protection without spending too much. So, if you're in the market for a rugged camera case, you should consider the Amazon Basics Large Hard Rolling Case.

Key Features
  • Comes with pre-cut foam squares for easy interior customization
  • Built-in pressure equalization valve ensures an airtight and watertight seal
  • IP67-rated from an independent testing facility
Specifications
  • Material: Ultraviolet and Impact Resistant Plastic
  • Bag Style: Trolley
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Amazon Basics
Pros
  • Fold-down handle makes it easy to carry, while the extendable top-handle lets you quickly use it as a trolley
  • Fits inside the maximum size limit for carry-on bags
  • An affordable alternative to branded watertight cases
Cons
  • Less durable than other premium brands
Buy This Product
Amazon Basics Large Hard Rolling Case

Being a professional photographer can be taxing at times. Aside from lugging around your heavy camera equipment, you also have to bring another bag to carry your clothes and other essentials. To solve this problem, NOMATIC introduced the McKinnon Camera Pack 35L. This large backpack can store all your gear—two camera bodies, four lenses, a camera flash, chargers, and other accessories.

It can also carry your laptop inside a dedicated pocket and your tripod externally. But what makes this stand out is its capacity to expand. You can extend the bag to accommodate up to five days' worth of change of clothes, along with your cameras and equipment.

Furthermore, it has several pockets for storing other essentials, like your travel documents, wallet, and other valuables. If you're tired of having too many bags when traveling, look at the NOMATIC McKinnon Camera Pack 35L. This specially designed camera backpack will help simplify your travels.

Key Features
  • Expands an additional 7L to accommodate clothes and other gear
  • Side pocket unzips for easy access to your camera
  • Includes a removable waist strap to help support the heavy weight of your equipment
Specifications
  • Material: Nylon
  • Bag Style: Backpack
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: NOMATIC
Pros
  • Easily fits in overhead aircraft cabins or underneath airline seats
  • Features an RFID safe pocket to protect your valuables
  • Dedicated laptop pocket can fit up to one 16-inch laptop
Cons
  • Expensive
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NOMATIC McKinnon Camera Pack 35L

When you're always carrying your camera gear with you, you want a bag that you can wear as part of your daily outfit while protecting your equipment. Brevite's The Jumper is one such backpack, offering space for one camera and its accessories, your laptop, and a change of clothes.

You can even carry two tripods on it—one attached to the bottom and another attached to the side. This bag's trendy look also delivers another advantage: it's discreet. You can lug your gear around with no one noticing that you have thousands of dollars of camera equipment inside.

It has an internal pocket for keeping valuables, like your smartphone, safely tucked away. The Brevite The Jumper ensures that your camera equipment is safe while bringing it around while not messing up your daily style. So, if you want to be known as a hip and cool photographer, this camera backpack is for you.

Key Features
  • Fits one camera, three lenses, and a drone or a flash unit
  • TSA-approved carry-on bag with easy access pockets for your smartphone and travel documents
  • Easily adjustable dividers to ensure a perfect fit, no matter what camera configuration you have
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Bag Style: Backpack
  • Color(s): Green / Triple Black
  • Brand: Brevite
Pros
  • Trendy but discreet design helps keep your gear secure
  • Can carry two tripods
  • Quick access side door allows you to quickly access your camera even when you're on the go
Cons
  • Not very comfortable to carry when fully loaded
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Brevite The Jumper

When people talk about camera bags, they usually expect a big bulky black backpack. But the Billingham Hadley Pro breaks this stereotype by providing a protective camera case while keeping a classy, fashionable look. This camera sling bag can carry one camera, a couple of lenses, and accessories in its two front pockets.

It also has a small rear pocket for keeping documents and papers protected from the rain. You know your gear is protected in this bag with the removable padded inserts included in the package, plus its customizable dividers ensure you fit whatever you need inside it.

Its front straps also ensure that you can easily access the accessory pockets in the front to get what you need, even with just one hand. Being a photographer doesn't mean you need to look like one. With the Billingham Hadley Pro, you can maintain your fashionable look with this classy camera sling bag.

Key Features
  • Timeless and classic design that fits most cameras and your accessories
  • Made with three layers of waterproof fabric and genuine leather
  • Includes a removable padded insert
Specifications
  • Material: Canvas & Leather
  • Bag Style: Sling Bag
  • Color(s): Black + Black / Burgundy + Chocolate / Khaki + Chocolate / Black + Tan / Khaki + Tan / Olive Green + Chocolate
  • Brand: Billingham
Pros
  • Can fit a 70-200mm F/2.8 lens without the camera attached
  • Includes two front pockets for placing accessories
  • Discreet design makes it great for traveling without calling attention to it
Cons
  • Genuine leather material makes it not vegan-friendly
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Billingham Hadley Pro

When a backpack is too bulky and cumbersome for your need, it's worth considering the Moment Rugged Camera Sling. This compact camera sling bag lets you carry a camera, an extra lens, and a flash unit. You can also choose between a six-liter or ten-liter capacity, so you get the perfect balance between size and capacity.

This sling bag is water-resistant, and its top-down opening flap makes it easy to retrieve your equipment while still keeping water out. It also has an exterior and interior pocket for keeping your accessories within reach. The bag's shoulder strap is also wide, helping reduce the strain of carrying your gear all day.

It has a Stability Strap to help ensure that it stays secure on you, whether you're shooting, walking, or even hiking. So, if you're looking for a more compact camera bag to supplement your equipment list, you should consider the Moment Rugged Camera Sling.

Key Features
  • Durable padding and material ensures your gear is protected
  • Top-down opening zippered flap allows easy access to your equipment while keeping water out
  • Wide shoulder straps help distribute weight for an easier carry
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Bag Style: Sling Bag
  • Color(s): Olive
  • Brand: Moment
Pros
  • Covered by a two-year warranty against defects
  • Easily configurable inner pockets/dividers
  • Stability Strap ensures the sling stays secure on you, even as you move around
Cons
  • Not as stylish as other sling bags on the market
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Moment Rugged Camera Sling

When you're a professional who must have all your gear on hand, you'll appreciate the Manfrotto Reloader Switch-55 PL. Despite its substantial internal volume, it's still compact enough to fit international carry-on sizes.

All your gear is organized inside via the included padded dividers, ensuring they're secure in their positions as you travel. You can even bring your tripod with the bag's external tripod connections. The bag's trolley form makes it easy to lug around with you. But in case you encounter rough terrain, you can easily convert it into a backpack, so you can carry it around with you while keeping your hands free.

This is the camera trolley bag for professionals with a lot of equipment. If you're one of them, you should check out the Manfrotto Reloader Switch-55 PL.

Key Features
  • Can hold two cameras, two flash units, several lenses, and accessories
  • Water repellant exterior fabric helps protect against light weather
  • Polypropylene chassis ensures strength and stability without adding weight
Specifications
  • Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
  • Bag Style: Trolley
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Manfrotto
Pros
  • Transforms into an easy-to-carry backpack when needed
  • Fits international carry on size limits
  • Optional external connections to securely carry your tripod
Cons
  • Not watertight
Buy This Product
Manfrotto Reloader Switch-55 PL

FAQ

Q: Can You Put a Camera in a Backpack?

Yes, you can put your camera in a backpack. However, you shouldn't place it in there without any protection. The least you can do is get a small camera case, place your camera inside it, then put it in the backpack.

It's still best to get a specially designed bag for your camera—that way you can properly protect it and also make it easier to access when you're on the road.

Q: Can You Bring Your Camera Bag as a "Personal Item" on an Airline?

Yes, most airlines allow passengers to have one carry-on bag and a personal item in the cabin. So, as long as your camera bag fits under the seat in front of you, you can bring it along. However, you should still check with your carrier as this policy may vary from airline to airline.

Q: How Do You Carry a Camera Without Looking Like a Tourist?

You should avoid keeping your camera around your neck when traveling, especially when you're not using it. It's best to store it inside a discreet camera backpack or sling bag with an easy access flap. That way, you don't stand out from the crowd.

Furthermore, you should know local customs, rules, and regulations to avoid offending anyone. And knowing that cameras are valuable, you should also be constantly aware of your surroundings.