Are you looking for the best camera backpack to protect your valuable camera gear?
If you’ve ever tried storing or bringing your camera along with you even just for a walk somewhere, you might have had difficulty storing it and your photography gear properly. You might have been constantly worried about whether or not your camera was well protected from dust, dirt and damage.
That is why camera bags were created. These special bags are specifically built to be protective and ideal for carrying your delicate gear. They are usually built with padding or foam that is designed to protect your equipment from damage.
The best camera backpacks are also usually made with other features such as weather and abrasion resistance and special compartments that are made to fit specific equipment. A camera bag is an ideal part of any photographer’s arsenal.
How to find the best camera backpack
Consider what you need from your camera bag. Will you be traveling a lot? Do you need a lot of space or something slim and portable? Something discreet? Something that is heavy-duty and waterproof? Try to consider exactly what it is you are looking for in a camera bag. This will help you find the perfect one for you.
Research the most trusted brands. Since camera backpacks are specially made for this special purpose, you can trust that there are manufacturers out there who specialize in this type of bag. Chances are camera companies or those who manufacture photography gear also have camera bags to match. It is important to go for a brand that has a long history of trustworthiness and excellence.
Bring your photography gear with you when shopping in a physical store. This way, you will be able to test out the bag with all of the contents that you expect to put in it after buying it. Try to see how all of your gear fits in it and how it feels to wear the bag with all of the gear in it. Test it out for comfort and carrying capacity and try to see your gear inside moves around as you walk or change positions.
What to look for in the best camera backpack
Space
The right amount of space is crucial to be able to get the most out of your camera bag. In general more space is better, but this isn’t always true. Sometimes a smaller bag is needed, especially when traveling when you wouldn’t want to check in your expensive gear at the airport due to the risk of damage.
A bigger bag might be better for camping where you will not only be bringing photography gear but also some personal items such as food, water and clothing.
Ease of access
When you are on the go, it is important to have easy access to your camera. It is important especially if you are capturing moments would be difficult to capture if you had to reposition your bag, put it down and fully open it just in order to access your camera. Examples of these types of photography are news photography where significant moments may happen in the flash of a second and you don’t have much time to react. Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW and Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW have plenty of space for your camera needs.
Protective
What sets a camera bag aside from ordinary bags is that it is built to specifically be protective of your gear. That is why they are usually made up of a tougher material that is usually cushioned or made of foam to cushion your items from the impact. The best camera backpack will ensure that your gear is adequately protected at all times while stored or transported.
Versatility
The best camera bags are supposed to be able to adapt to any situation you are in, especially if you are traveling. You may be faced with different situations that call for different needs and where different features may be necessary. It is important for the best camera bag to be as versatile as possible to be able to meet these changing needs.
BEST CAMERA BACKPACK
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AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories
The AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR cameras and accessories is a camera bag that is made by one of the largest companies in the world and comes with a warranty. There are many camera bags out there, but not so many that are as trusty as this. You may be wondering why I added this backpack to the best camera backpack review. Well AmazonBasics has come a long way in such a short time and and of high quality.
Features
- Holds and protects 2 small sized SLR or DSLR camera bodies, 3-4 lenses and smaller accessories
- Durable black polyester and nylon exterior
- Ample storage, multiple adjustable compartments
- Maximum carrying comfort
- Distributed by Amazon and backed by a one-year Amazon Basics warranty
- Shipped in certified frustration-free packaging
Advantages
The AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories gives you enough room to bring along everything that you could possibly need for a shoot. It is roomy enough to fit two cameras, extra lenses, and other accessories.
It also has exterior pockets with flaps and two large zippered pockets which provide you extra storage for other gear and personal items. The bag’s main compartment has foam compartments that you can customize depending on the size and number of gear you are carrying. Canvas straps can keep bigger lenses or other gear in place.
The AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories is made up of durable material that is resistant to water and damage. This adequately protects your gear from external elements such as rain and means you can confidently set it down wherever you need it to without having to worry about scratching or damage to the bag and to your gear.
It is built with ergonomic features to ensure that you are comfortable whenever you carry the bag even when it is filled with all of your gear at full capacity.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately the bag’s tough material isn’t matched with good stitching. There have been a few complaints about the bag coming off at the seams despite the quality material that the bag itself is made up of.
Verdict
The AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories is basically everything you would ever want a good camera bag to be. It is durable, packed with useful features and comfortable too. Plus it is backed by Amazon’s one year warranty and excellent customer service.
Altura Photo DSLR Camera and Mirrorless Backpack Bag – The Wanderer Series
If you feel most comfortable to go for a shoot with more than just a few lenses to shoot from, you will simply love this DSLR Camera and Mirrorless Backpack Bag by Altura Photo. It has very spacious compartments that let you bring all the gear you need.
Features
- Holds one DSLR with attached lens, 4-5 additional lenses, shoe mount flash and tripod
- Padded slip pocket under the lid
- Customizable interior with removable padding
- Durable weather-resistant nylon with reinforced stitching
- Adjustable padded straps
- Digital Goja 90 day 100% satisfaction guarantee
Advantages
You can store not one, not two, but up to five additional lenses with this camera bag. Its spaciousness is simply amazing. Aside from storing a camera and plenty of lenses, you will still have a lot of room for other accessories such as a flash, a tripod and other smaller items. You can work confidently and you will be ready for whatever challenges your shoot may bring because you can basically bring all of your gear with you as you travel. This is one of the best camera backpacks for the day hiker.
Aside from camera gear, you can also fit a 14-inch laptop in a padded slip under the lid. This way you can store and process your photos in one go since you can bring your laptop with you. This is especially useful when traveling.
The outside is made from nylon and sewn with reinforced stitching so that your gear and your personal items are well protected from the elements. This also ensures that you will be able to use the bag for a prolonged period of time on a daily basis without it getting damaged. It will be able to serve you for a long time since it is not easy to rip or tear.
Inside the bag there are some fully customizable padded dividers that keep your gear in their proper place at all times while inside the bag. This is so that your gear does not get jumbled up as you move and transport it so that there is no risk of damaging your gear due to the way it is carried.
Disadvantages
Despite the many wonderful features of this bag, a few still argue and question the quality of the material that has been used to manufacture it.
Verdict
The DSLR Camera and Mirrorless Backpack Bag by Altura Photo is customizable, versatile and comfortable. If you are looking for those attributes in a camera bag, this is most definitely it.
G-raphy Camera Bag Backpack with Rain Cover
The G-raphy Camera Bag Backpack promises you super-quick access to your camera and camera gear in a well organized lightweight backpack, as you can see from the image below.
Features
- Durable weather-resistant nylon with reinforced stitching
- Adjustable padded dividers
- Holds a DSLR camera with lens, 3-4 additional lenses, a shoe mount flash and a tripod
- Side entry
- 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Quick response/release
Shooting in an active setting can be a tiresome task, but it is easier when you have a good camera bag. The G-raphy Camera Bag Backpack comes with its own rain cover that protects your gear from the elements, especially moisture when you are shooting in the great outdoors.
Aside from the rain cover, the bag is made up of water-resistant nylon which is a durable choice of fabric for any bag. This ensures that your gear is well protected and that you can carry it with confidence.
There are padded dividers inside which you can customize depending on your gear and how much you are planning to carry. This further protects your gear from knocking into each other as you move or walk. It can fit a camera with an attached lens, additional lenses and other needed accessories such as a flash and a tripod.
What is special about this backpack is that even if all of your gear is situated at the back, you can still access it easily through a side entrance which is both quick and effective. It has a quick-release feature that grants you super quick access to your needed gear any time you need it so you can catch all of those spur-of-the-moment scenarios and not miss a single thing.
Disadvantages
There are a handful of photographers who argue that there doesn’t seem to be enough compartments or storage in this bag to adequately contain all of the equipment that is normally used by professional photographers. If you have a lot of gear to store, you may have to consider this.
Verdict
This backpack’s quick release and side opening features are what makes it one of the best camera backpacks. Not all camera backpacks out there are created in this way, and so if you find yourself needing quick access to your camera, consider getting the G-raphy Camera Bag Backpack.
Acuvar DSLR Camera Backpack
Providing the ultimate protection for your gear and giving you the ultimate carrying comfort –that is what the Acuvar DSLR Camera Backpack is all about.
Features
- Holds 2 DSLR cameras or 2 small camcorders, 3-4 additional lenses and other accessories
- Durable nylon and polyester exterior with rain cover
- Thick customizable foam
- With waist, chest and padded shoulder straps
Advantages
You can actually carry two cameras in this bag. That would be great if you are shooting with a friend or are simply more comfortable shooting with a spare camera in tow. Aside from the two cameras, you can also store fit additional lenses as well as other important gear that you may need for a shoot.
The exterior is made from a nylon polyester material with a rain cover that aims to keep your gear safe and dry at all times no matter what the weather. The rain cover is conveniently found stored at the underside of the bag. The material used to make this bag is durable so you can be sure that it will last a long time.
Cushion dividers which can be adjusted or customized make up the inside of this bag. This makes sure that all of your gear fits snugly in your bag without any room to move around inside the cushion. Your gear will stay put no matter your activity level. This also means that whether you have smaller or bigger parts to store, the Acuvar DSLR Camera Backpack will always offer an excellent fit.
Disadvantages
There is one thing that a few photographers complain about with this bag. It has weak zippers that are constructed badly so that it tends to unravel and open the entire flap, thereby potentially causing all of your expensive gear to fall out.
Verdict
The Acuvar DSLR Camera Backpack has very good features, and it looks quite nice too.
Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag
If you want something super versatile, you might want to consider the Vivitar Camera Backpack. It is so much more than just a camera bag.
Features
- Multi-use
- Fits a DSLR body, extra lenses and other accessories
- High-quality interior
- Satisfaction guarantee
- Lightweight and comfortable
Advantages
You can use the Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag not just for camera and photography gear but for other purposes as well. You can even use it on a daily basis as a casual bag for school or work. That is because it is lightweight, durable and has very versatile storage options.
You can easily store all of your personal items in this bag without any trouble at all and you can be even more confident storing them because of the cushioned partitions that allow you to not only protect but also to organize your things within.
You can take this bag with you every day to work or use it for travel or camping and be assured of a well-organized bunch of supplies at all times.
As a camera bag, the Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag can fit a DSLR camera, a few lenses and some important gear such as tripods and flashes. This is basically everything that you might need in one shoot. You will be ready with everything that you could need.
Thickly padded dividers make up the inside of the bag so that your gear inside is well organized and well protected as well. This is important if you are carrying fragile items such as lenses.
Disadvantages
The stitching is a problem with this bag. It might come apart if you fill it too much and too heavy. The tripod holder is also a bit too movable so that the tripod might swing around too much.
Verdict
If versatility is what you are after, you are looking at the right bag. Longevity is a major consideration when you’re paying good money for a product, and the Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag won’t disappoint. The look and comfort is why I added it to the list of best camera backpack.
What should you carry in your Camera Backpack?
Cameras
You really can't call it a camera backpack without having a camera. I'd suggest you carry several cameras such as a compact digital camera, action camera and DSLR camera. You want to be have the right camera for the situation. Sometimes you just need to capture a quick picture and a compact camera would be the right camera, where as if you need to create a quick video while hiking your action camera would do. Needless to say, the more cameras you carry, the better chance you will have to get the right shot.
Lenses
Your style of photography will determine the lens you carry with you. You can't carry every camera lens you have but planning will help with getting the ultimate photo. At the very least you should have a wide angle, regular and telephoto lens with you.
Tripods, Mounts & Gimbals
Depending on your camera, you should have at least a adjustable tripod or monopod with you. Without one, you're not going to get sharp images when using a telephoto len. If you're a youtuber or content creator using a gimbal is a must. Having an extra set of batteries and a portable charger with you may be needed if your nowhere near a power outlet.
Memory Cards
A digital camera is useless without have spare memory cards and a card reader to transfer your images to a laptop or computer.
Spare Camera Batteries
As with memory cards, a camera requires batteries. Having a few sets of spare batteries, a portable battery charger is a must. Don't be caught without fully charged spare batteries.
Camera Lighting
Another item you should alway have with you. In low level light situations a flash must be used to get the best photos. As with other accessories, these use batteries and you should have a spare set with a charge with you.
Cleaning Kit
A camera cleaning kit should also be in your camera backpack. Dust & water can damage your expensive camera.
Best Camera Backpack Criteria
Durability
The best camera backpack must be constructed with quality materials and give you many years of use while protecting your camera gear. This is no easy feat. Zippers are one of the biggest fail points.
Design
There are many types of backpacks available. Things to look for in the design of the best camera backpack are does it have quality adjustable padding. Is it a normal backpack with padding or was it built specifically for DLSR cameras. There is a big difference. Does the camera backpack have easy to access pockets without having to take all your stuff out. A quality camera backpack will have several ways to access your gear.
Value
The price is one of the major factors Photographers use to select the best camera backpack that meets their needs. Since every Photographers budget is different, its really hard to put a real hard number on the price. Value is a truly a measure of cost and quality.
You can't really have a high quality backpack at a really low price. For me quality is always preferred over low price. Remember you are making an investment in your camera gear and its protection is most important. How many times have you bought something that was a few dollars cheaper to find a couple years later you out buying a new one. Selecting the best camera backpack from the start will be your best decision.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has helped you with your search for the best camera backpack for your particular situation. Photographers spend thousands of dollars on their gear, so investing in a quality camera bag should be considered. As I get a chance to review other camera bags I will add them to the best camera backpack review.
