Tested: The Best Camera Backpacks For Photographers

Though purchasing and owning high-end camera equipment was once primarily reserved for professionals, the general popularity of photography has massively spiked over the last decade or two. Not only has this given way to a growing number of available video cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless models, drones, and other hardware, but it’s also resulted in a huge variety of different bags and carry solutions engineered specifically for transporting and protecting photography gear and equipment — the latest and greatest of which we’ll be zooming in on today in this guide to and hands-on review of the best camera backpacks and bags for amateur and professional photographers. 

Selection & Testing

When we first set out to uncover the best camera backpacks on the market, we kicked off our search by making a list of qualities and criteria that we’d use to analyze and judge each potential pick, scrutinizing areas such as volume and design, weatherproofing, material selection, trim and hardware, camera-specific features, overall modularity, and versatility. Viewing the camera backpack segment through this lens, we then used these properties to make a shortlist of candidates that we suspected of representing the best the product space has to offer. 

One can gain an extraordinary amount of information from product descriptions and spec sheets, though the only way to really get a comprehensive sense of a camera backpack’s overall performance and user experience is to actually put it to the test and use it for an extended period to house and transport a DSLR and other various camera accessories and photography peripherals. During my own hands-on review process, I closely examined areas such as the comfort and ergonomics of each pack’s harness, their overall craftsmanship and build quality, how easy it was to access items from inside the bag, and what level of organization, modularity, and upgradability they offered. 

Because a camera backpack’s ability to protect the camera gear within is of such monumental importance, I also opted to carry out a few in-house torture tests for our lineup of camera bags. This includes a hose-spray test, where paper and cardboard were placed throughout the bag before unleashing a garden hose onto the backpack, spraying it from above and from the side to mimic harsh weather conditions. The paper and cardboard helped us to more easily determine if any water found its way inside the bag, as it’s super evident and obvious when paper or cardboard gets wet.

I also ordered a handful of small, square, glass storage and display boxes that measured 4.0” H x 4.0” W x 3.0” D, l allowing them to perfectly slot into the dividers of the various camera cube inserts on the backpacks I was testing. By placing several of these in a camera bag’s camera cube, I was able to carry out drop tests (from a meter up) and impact/drop tests using a two-pound weight (dropped from a one-meter height). By opening the insert after these tests, I was able to evaluate how well-protected the glass boxes were and if they cracked or saw any other damage occur — thereby simulating how well each pack would protect a camera from either of these forces. 

While I’ve owned a DSLR for years and photography has long been a hobby of mine, I’m a mere amateur and my day-job is writing and testing gear. As such, when executing this review, I called in some help from HICONSUMPTION’s lead video producer and our in-house photographer (Brandon & Sam) — both of whom possess a wealth of experience with cameras, camera bags and gear, and photography equipment in general. I also worked closely with a colleague and good friend that’s spent the last few decades working as a freelance camera operator and photographer, and tasked him with putting each bag through its paces, getting hands on with all of them, and then giving me detailed feedback on what he did and didn’t like about each bag. The same was asked of HICONSUMPTION’s video producer and photographer who also provided ample feedback surrounding their hands-on experience using the camera packs. 

Once armed with the information from both my own time spent testing the bags and the opinions of the professionals I consulted, I then used this intel in order to narrow our original shortlist of candidates down to a final list of what our research and testing proved to be the best camera backpacks on the market. There were several camera bags that came extremely close to receiving a spot on our main list — bags that can be found at the bottom of this review in our honorable mentions section. 

Testing Gear: When testing and evaluating these camera bags, we used two DSLR cameras, four lenses. A myriad of filters, and a handful of SD cards, batteries, cables, and other odds and ends. The photography equipment was accompanied by a light jacket, a water bottle, a notebook and pen, a set of keys, and a few other assorted EDC items. These were used to test the volume and organizational features of each bag, though when testing smaller bags or slings, we obviously had to use less gear, such as testing a bag with only one camera.

Mystery Ranch DSLR Chest Rig

Best Chest Bag: The vast majority of camera bags on the market feature dedicated camera storage that comes supplemented via a host of other pockets or areas for housing other everyday items. And while this can be a great option if you’ve got other garments or gear to schlep around, it can also be a bit overkill if you only plan on carrying just your camera, a lens, and little to nothing else. And it’s this more spartan and minimalistic approach to photography that Mystery Ranch designed its DSLR Chest Rig for — allowing you to carry just the bare essentials, while still keeping them protected (and providing hands-free carrying). 

The Good

Measuring 9.3″ x 7.3″ x 6.3″ and weighing only 1.1lbs, the DSLR Chest Rig is cut from super rugged 500-denier CORDURA fabric. Rather than being a soft textile bag that houses a semi-rigid camera cube or insert, Mystery Ranch’s DSLR Chest Rig utilizes a shell with a semi-rigid structure, allowing the entire carry solution to provide protection for its contents. The bag also benefits from Mystery Ranch’s usual brand of top-notch build quality. 

Decorated in a classic Mystery Ranch logo patch, the shell also comes flanked by stretch-woven side pockets that offer a bit of extra exterior storage space, while practically disappearing when not being used. There’s also a top nylon grab handle and two rows of heavily-reinforced webbing running across the bottom of the DSLR Chest Rig which proved to be great for mounting it to other larger bags. 

The bag’s main zipper opens to reveal a primary compartment with two modular, adjustable Velcro divider shelves for compartmentalizing cameras and gear. The lightly-padded lid of the main compartment also features a mesh pocket on its inside face. Just below that is a second, non-padded quick-access pocket with an interior zippered mesh pocket that was great for stashing small accessories like SD cards, AirTags, and the like. Both tracks feature weatherproof two-way YKK AquaGuard zippers with paracord pulls.

Rather than sporting a set of backpack straps, the chest rig uses a full-on harness setup with openings for your torso, neck, and both arms. This gives the bag a much more snug and precise fit that keeps it pinned against your body even amid rigorous movement, plus it allows for a ton of adjustability, letting you easily tweak the rig’s positioning on your chest. I also found it could easily be reversed and worn like a backpack when not taking pictures.  Mated to elastic anchors stitched to the shell to further improve comfort and fitment, all four straps also connect via quick-release buckles which was another very appreciated touch — and one likely inspired by Mystery Ranch’s tactical packs.  

Supplementary Strengths

With 3 liters of internal real estate to work with, this front-pack has just enough space to securely accommodate a single camera and a medium sizes lens, plus a handful of other small peripherals like an extra battery, some SD cards, and a few charging and transfer cables. When being used the chest rig is separated from its wearer via a lightly-padded mesh panel that aims to bolster airflow and overall comfort — functioning just like a backpack’s back panel, only for your chest rather than your back. The side of the harness that presses against your back is also lined with this same thin layer of lightly-padded mesh. 

I also love that it kept my camera pinned to my chest where the thing was ready to be taken out at a moment’s notice. Some of the other backpacks I used had quick-access side ports or other setups to quickly gain access to your camera from within the bag, but the DSLR Chest Rig blew everything else out of the water when it came to how long it took to take out and start shooting. This is also because you don’t have to remove a strap and swing the bag from your back to out in front of you, as the chest rig is already right there. 

The glass box I used for testing revealed itself with no cracks or damage, and not a drop of water got into either of the chest rig’s pockets in my hose-spray test. All in all I was really satisfied with the level of waterproofing and protection this front-pack afforded, as I really wasn’t expecting it to offer such robust fortification.

Some of the other camera backpacks I tested were pretty huge, and as such a occasionally accidentally ran them into doorways or poles, not yet having familiarized myself with my new dimensions when wearing these large packs. The DSLR Chest Rig eliminates this issue by keeping the entire bag pressed to your chest. And, while I mostly tested it by itself, I found that this chest bag pairs wonderfully with a backpack, not only because of where it’s positioned on your chest, but also thanks to how thin the rear straps are (and where they’re placed as well). 

The Not So Good

While it’s a fantastic piece of minimalistic photography kit, I did still have a few gripes with this one. The padded mesh panels on the rear face of the bag and inner face of the harness are a nice touch but honestly just don’t offer all that much in the way of ventilation. This became very apparent when a heat wave happened to occur at one point during the time I spent testing this item. More importantly, the chest rig no doubt is hugely lacking in storage space compared to the other backpacks I got hands-on with, though the entire purpose of this item is to accommodate just the bare essentials and not a huge loadout of cameras, lenses, and gear, so it’s hard to deduct points here. 

Additionally, every other bag I tested for this piece sports a more plain, unassuming appearance that doesn’t announce to the world that its user is carrying around pricey camera equipment. The same can’t really be said for Mystery Ranch’s DSLR Chest Rig which I definitely see as a bit of a negative. On a similar note, all the other camera bags I used have markedly more casual, stylish overall aesthetics to them, allowing them to easily blend in whether I was at the office, a coffee shop, or the campsite. The DSLR Chest Rig, however, has a much less understated look, and at times I felt a little awkward or uncomfortable wearing it out in public. 

Verdict: Essentially a mini backpack you wear on your front, the Mystery Ranch DSLR Chest Rig is a rugged camera bag that features a semi-rigid, lightly-padded structure with weatherproof zippers that open to reveal a three-liter compartment with adjustable shelve dividers. If you’re looking for an ultra-minimalistic option with just enough space to securely house and protect a single camera, a single lens, and maybe a few small accessories and peripherals, this should be your clear go-to choice. 

Moment Rugged Camera Sling

Best Camera Sling: Sling-style bags have grown markedly more popular over the last decade or so, so it should come as no surprise that as camera bags have also taken off, we’ve been introduced to an enormous selection of camera-specific slings. It should also come as no surprise that one of today’s best camera slings comes from one of today’s most eminent camera gear and accessories outfit, Moment, as the company’s Rugged Camera Sling epitomizes everything that a good camera sling should be. 

The Good

Boasting a light structure that gives the shell a semi-rigid feel, the entire bag is crafted from ultra, ultra-rugged NPX sailcloth and features a synthetic Hypalon leather trim and a main compartment with a YKK AquaGuard zipper — a combination that offers stellar protection from the elements. The part of the sling that presses against your body has a padded layer with body-hugging wings that comes trimmed in a woven-stretch material to presumably improve comfort and breathability. 

In addition to a reinforced nylon webbing grab handle, there’s also a padded crossbody strap with a quick-release buckle, Hypalon trim, an NPX overlay, and a stabilizer strap that connects to the main strap via a magnetic-coupling buckle. The very bottom of the sling is lined in two vertically-running adjustable nylon webbing straps that connect using a pair of magnetic-coupling buckles — a setup designed for carrying tripods. 

The inside of the sling has a slip pocket for tablets of up to 11” and a modular main compartment that comes with two Velcro-secured, padded dividers that allow you to setup the interior however you see fit. The semi-rigid top that opens to reveal the main compartment also features a zipper-secured stash pocket in its lid that has an organizer with four slip compartments. The modular divider system is super secure and the Velcro doesn’t budge. You really have to give them a good yank to get them out to adjust their position. 

There’s a quick-access zippered pocket on the front face of the bag — also running a coated AquaGuard track — with a key leash clip and enough room to store small items like cables, filters, SD cards, or other pocketable EDC items like pocket knives, smartphones or wallets. Between the main compartment and the quick-access pocket on the front of the sling, you’ve got a collective 6 liters of storage space. 

The overall build quality looks fantastic, and it’s clear the thing left a factory with some very stringent quality control standards. The stabilizer strap (and its magnetic buckle) is very much an appreciated detail, and I loved how easy it was. To swing the sling around to in front of me when taking out my camera. And while I’m admittedly a bit of a sucker for Fidlock-style buckles, I absolutely loved this sling’s magnetic-coupling tripod straps that run across the bottom of the bag. 

Supplementary Strengths

While it’s got twice the volume of Mystery Ranch’s DSLR Chest Rig, storage space in Moment’s Rugged Camera Sling is still pretty limited, meaning you’re restricted to carrying a camera, one lens, and a couple more small items. It’s also worth noting that Moment makes a larger 10-liter version of this sling. I also found this crossbody camera bag had the potential to make for a great EDC sling, as once its removable dividers are taken out, it basically becomes an ordinary sling — that just happens to have a light structure and a bit of padding. 

In the glass box tests, the Rugged Camera Sling kept true to its name and perfectly protected the glasswork, keeping the two from getting a single crack. The thing performed just as admirably in the hose-spray test, as water wasn’t able to find its way into the sling anywhere — with the sailcloth construction and AquaGuard tracks proving their worth. My testing can also confirm that the crossbody bag’s “Rugged” name checks out, as it is indeed, one seriously rugged sling. 

Because the shell has that semi-rigid structure, the addition of the thin padded section and slightly-protruding wings is an excellent design decision, as it allows the sling to hug your body and better lay against it rather than lean off of it. And, despite its semi-rigid structure, the sling still does a pretty great job of hiding the fact that it’s carrying camera gear. 

The sling has a practical simplicity to it that really resonated with me. It’s not loaded with an abundance of features just for the sake of being feature-laden, and instead all of the organizational amenities and exterior features are genuinely usable and useful, addressing the needs of real-world photographers. I’m also typically not a huge fan of plastic hardware on premium backpacks or slings, and I almost always prefer alloy hardware (or alloy buckles like Cobra buckles), but I also found myself really enjoying the shoulder strap’s main buckle, as it features a fairly unique design that’s also super secure and easy-to-use.

From the insanely-rugged NPX construction to the Hypalon trim and logo patch to the X-Pac overlay on the padded crossbody strap to the magnetic-coupling stabilizer strap to the padded breathable inner-face to the weatherproof zippers, Moment’s Rugged Camera Sling is just brimming with super premium details that collectively make for a really high-quality sling. Considering that Moment is selling the Rugged Camera Sling for only $130, I’d argue it also offers pretty stellar bang-for-your-buck, as it’s loaded with features and amenities normally reserved for markedly pricier bags. 

The Not So Good

I didn’t have all that many issues with Moment’s Rugged Camera Sling, but there were a few small areas that I feel could possibly be improved. First off, I wish Moment had made the sling just an inch or two bigger, as I’d love if I could fit a 13-inch notebook, though I still appreciate it having space for an 11” tablet. Next, I’d also ideally like to see the company included an extra divider or two, giving you a total of three or four rather than two. I was still able to put my camera pressed to one side and my lens to the other so you can make it work with only two, but more would still be appreciated. 

And this brings us to my final gripe. The Rugged Camera Sling is protected by a factory warranty though it’s only good for two years. With its ultra-tough material selection and fantastic build quality, I would have expected a lifetime warranty, so I found the two-year length to be a little alarming. All told, I think it’s a stellar camera sling — and it beat out several other slings I tested without a shadow of a doubt — though these areas still seemed worth mentioning. 

Verdict: The Moment Rugged Camera Sling is a tough-as-nails photography-specific carry solution offering a more compact, crossbody alternative to modern camera backpacks. If protection, weather-proofing, and quick-access to your rig are at the top of your list of priorities, this is almost certainly the camera sling you want. 

Langly Multi Globetrotter Camera Backpack

Best Value Bag: Pretty much every camera bag has an internal camera cube or padded, modular organizer for camera gear, and a selection of other pockets for housing ordinary, non-photography items. There is a spectrum here, as some camera bags are just as geared towards housing men’s jackets and EDC items as they are photography equipment, while others pretty much solely focus on accommodating camera kit and consider everything else mostly an afterthought. Well, let us introduce you to a backpack that falls on this latter end of the spectrum, the Langly Multi Globetrotter Camera Backpack. 

The Good

The front of the bag has a full-length clamshell opening that provides completely unobstructed access to the pack’s modular camera storage cube which takes up the entirety of the inside of the backpack. The inside face of the clamshell is lined in zippered pockets and organizational amenities for housing smaller pieces of gear. Directly above the modular camera gear area is a mesh wall on a full-length zipper track, not unlike what you see when you open a suitcase — a zippered layer to keep everything down and in place. Though it only has a 27-liter capacity, it’s nonetheless able to house a cool ten lenses and a single camera body. 

Outside, the main compartment is paired with seven exterior pockets ranging in shape and size, but these include a pair of side pockets, a quick-access horizontal zippered pocket, a dedicated padded laptop pocket with its own entry with a weatherproof zipper, a storm-flap-protected sleeve with room to accommodate a second laptop of up to 16”, two pockets built into the back panel, and a wraparound zipper track at the top of the backpack that provides quick access to just the camera — plus the interior comes setup default to have the camera placed by this window, where it’s also centered and at the top of the bag where it’s best protected. There are a few hidden pockets stashed throughout the pack as well. The zippers on the outside of the bag are of the weatherproof coated YKK AquaGuard variety, and the main zippers have TSA-approved locking setups. 

The shoulder straps are decently padded and are fairly comfortable, plus them come paired with a foam backpack panel with channels for ventilation, and both waist and sternum straps. The back panel and harness elements are also equipped with EVA foam inserts and sweat-wicking mesh panels. On top of a luggage handle pass-through, there’s also two loops on the bottom of the bag made from nylon webbing and buckles that allow a tripod to be carried beneath the pack. The bag ships with two large and nine smaller dividers that collectively afford a huge array of ways to configure the onboard camera cube. 

Supplementary Strengths

The outside of the bag is made from nylon EPO fabric with a waterproof TPU coating. Decked out in a combination of plastic and alloy hardware and buckles, this camera backpack also features a leather loop that can serve as a grab handle or a place to hang the pack. Looking at the Multi Globetrotter, there’s no doubt that this is a modern backpack produced in recent years. Having said that, it has an unmistakably retro-inspired aesthetic to it at the same time, appearing to draw some influence from vintage military rucksacks that I definitely appreciate. Making it all the more appealing is a level of build quality that you’d expect from a $300 backpack — camera pack or otherwise. 

 It not only looks like a regular backpack, not announcing its camera-specific nature or the fact it has camera gear onboard, but it also does a pretty terrific job of hiding how much padding it has. Speaking of that beefy padding, I was really impressed with the level of protection this backpack afforded. Even when loaded up with glass boxes, it protected everything during the torture tests. I also expected water to find its way into the outer pockets only protected by snap-secured storm flaps, but those storm flaps worked exactly as intended and prevented any water from entering unless sprayed directly from the side. 

At $300, it’s by no means cheap, but when you consider the amount of camera body and lens storage you’re getting — and how well fortified that storage is from impacts and the elements — I’d actually argue Langly’s Multi Globetrotter offers pretty solid value. Other expensive bags like this force you to purchase bundles or add-ons, but this one comes with everything needed — and a bit more if we’re being honest. This backpack also comes backed by a lifetime warranty, which no doubt speaks volumes about its overall quality — and points to the people that make it thinking it will last for decades. 

The Not So Good

I definitely liked the Multi Globetrotter a lot as a whole — which should be evident from it receiving a spot on this list — though there were a few aspects I took issue with. Unlike the Nomatic McKinnon which sits on its face when open, when the Multi Globetrotter’s clamshell is open, the back panel rests on the ground. While this is perfectly fine when opening the bag up in clean, indoor environments, it sometimes forces you to put a dusty or dirty (or worse) backpack on, even after giving it a quick wipe down and a few smacks to loosen the dust. And, while I appreciate the sentiment and effort, I often see hidden pockets as a bit superfluous, as once a thief has their hands on your bag, the battle is probably already lost. 

Additionally, I also wish this pack’s onboard camera cube was removable rather than being built into the backpack, as I really enjoyed being able to remove the camera cube insert on bags like the f-stop AJNA. This hugely lessens its overall versatility and mostly limits its use to photography applications. Because its camera cube takes up the entirety of the interior of the bag, it has very little in the way of storage for other items — aside for a laptop and a few other minor odds and ends like a computer mouse or some batteries or earbuds. If you needed to stash a jacket somewhere inside this bag it simply isn’t happening — though you could probably roll it up and secure it to the straps on the bottom of the pack. 

Verdict: Sporting a Neo-retro design, the Langly Multi Globetrotter Camera Backpack sports a full-length clamshell opening that provides access to the main modular camera gear storage cube — which takes up every inch of the inside of the bag, with its only other storage being a series of supplementary exterior pockets (including a 16” laptop sleeve). If camera gear constitutes 90% or more of what you plan on regularly carrying with your new camera bag and you aren’t concerned with room for a jacket or other EDC gear, then the Multi Globetrotter is almost certainly the way to go. 

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

Best Daily-Use Bag: Peak Design first introduced its original Everyday Backpack in 2016 and the design has since come to define the San Francisco label. After receiving a ton of field testing and customer feedback, Peak Design has returned to the drawing board in order to deliver a new and improved version of its flagship pack known ad the Everyday Backpack V2. 

The Good

Weighing in at around 5lbs, this particular version of the pack jettisons the regular V2’s 400-denier double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell in favor of an even more rugged X-Pac VX-21 Ocean Edition sailcloth shell, which is actually derived from recycled fishing nets and features a multilayer lamination construction. The backpack is constructed using ultra-hardwearing  a 22° diamond patterned post-consumer recycled polyester threading known as X-PLY. While it’s made overseas, I found the craftsmanship and build quality on display to be pretty next-level. 

The bag features a top-opening lid that connects to one of several plates on the front of the bag — a setup Peak calls the Mag-Latch system. This grants access to the top of the backpack’s contents, while there are also two full-length side zippers that also give you access to its contents. The side zippers run the entire length up both sides of the bag, and they make it super easy to swing the bag around in front of you to remove gear while it’s still on your back. Though it can be a little controversial, I was blown away with the MagLatch hardware, as I found it incredibly easy to use, and its one-handed operation functions exactly as advertised. 

Paired with a vented, quick-drying mesh back panel, the shoulder straps on the Everyday Backpack V2 — like all Peak Design packs — use a clever axial pivot system that optimizes fit regardless of body type. The harness system features ample padding, and in my experience offered true all-day comfort, even when loaded up with ample heavy gear. The back of the backpack has another zipper track for the thing’s dedicated laptop compartment, which boasts thick padding and can accommodate notebooks of up to 16”.

Supplementary Strengths

Also present are collapsable side water bottle pockets which can also house umbrellas and tripods and the like. Tucked into one of those water bottle holders is another one of my favorite minor features on this backpack which is its Anchor Link key tether. This element makes it super easy to take out your keys and open a lock or door, without having to remove them from the tether. 

The grab handles on the top and both sides are also a great touch, as they make it markedly easier to get it out of overheard bins, or next to you from the seat of a car. In terms of weatherproofing, the Everyday Backpack V2 did an excellent job of keeping water out. Peak also produces the bag in a larger 30-liter version that offers a bit more space. 

Sporting a light structure, this backpack also offers a decent amount of expandability and can be opened up a bit to gain a few liters of extra volume. The bag comes fitted with #8 weatherproof zips mated to the bag using super rugged threading. The main compartment of the bag uses a stacked series of three levels separated by a series of origami-inspired, modular, folding dividers. In typical Peak Design fashion, the company has really sweat the details, and focused on a ton of tiny areas that have collectively elevated the bag as a whole. 

The Not So Good

My issues with theEveryday Backpack V2 were few and far between. While the FlexFold divider system is great for organization and is incredibly modular and easy-to-use, I did found that it didn’t afford the best impact protection, as the glass boxes I used during testing cracked during the weight-drop test. You could always beef up the bag with some extra padding or armor, but the entire point of getting a camera backpack is for it to organize and protect your gear. 

While I definitely appreciate how much thought went into developing and designing this bag, I do feel like some of the features are a bit superfluous, such as the magnets embedded in the shoulder straps that allows them to couple to the back panel, preventing them from dangling. I also don’t love that the hip belt is sold separately, and wish it came included with the pack, even if it bumped up the price a bit. 

Verdict: The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20L thoroughly premium and thoroughly modern 20-liter back that’s been engineered from the ground up to offer an ideal blend of amenities for both photography and daily-use. While it does come at a pretty steep price, it’s practically guaranteed to offer a lifetime of use. 

Nomatic McKinnon 35L Camera Backpack

Best Expandable Bag: It can be legitimately difficult to transport a large array of camera gear without announcing to the world that you’re carrying thousands of dollars worth of photography kit. So, if you need to schlep a full photography loadout and want to maintain a low-profile, you’d be hard pressed to find a better option than Nomatic’s McKinnon 35L Camera Backpack, as this full clamshell-opening photography pack combines a casual-looking, unassuming appearance with an unparalleled amount of modular, camera-specific storage space.

The Good

The entire backpack is cut from 900-denier nylon square ripstop that’s been further fortified via a PU65 coating. Where this backpack really shines is in its organization and accessibility. The thing features a full clamshell opening that provides completely unobstructed, end-to-end access to the entire interior. Like the Langly Multi Globetrotter, the McKinnon 35L’s entire interior is comprised of a modular camera gear storage setup, rather than using an insert or a portion of the pack. 

I also really appreciate how the full clamshell opens from the front, leaving the front face of the pack on the ground when digging through it. The Multi Globetrotter on the other hand, utilizes a setup where the back panel is left on the ground, requiring you to sometimes put a dirty back panel to your shirt or jacket. The hardware and trim suite on this bag is another clear highlight, as its components are objectively premium. 

The actual walls of the backpack are somewhat riding, giving it some structure and allowing it to stand on its own. The walls also boast a decent amount of padding. This allows the exterior of the bag to serve as the perimeter for the modular camera storage area. The 35 liters of internal real estate is soft-lined and padded, and it ships with four medium dividers and five small dividers, affording a ton of options for how you want to configure the interior — whether your’e carrying multiple camera bodies, a grip of lenses, or any other photography kit. 

Supplementary Strengths

The lid of the clamshell also features a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate notebooks of up to 15.5”, and the rest of the lid also sports a pair of zippered mesh pockets for stashing cables and other smaller peripherals and gear. The back panel features beefy padding with an embossed skull logo that’s subtle, but no doubt adds a lot of character. Equipped with a luggage handle pass-through, this back panel comes joined by an ergonomic harness system with a webbing-style sternum strap and shoulder and waist straps that are padded and lined with mesh to enhance airflow. 

The backpack boasts 35 liters of storage space in its normal form, though it can also be expanded in order to open up some extra real estate, brining its total up to 42 liters. This is made possible through the use of a zipper also runs around the front face of the pack, allowing it to open up, expanding out and gaining more storage space when unzipped — a setup found on quite a few of our favorite travel bags. Considering that it can offer over 40 liters of storage space, the fact it weighs under 6lbs is pretty impressive. 

The McKinnon 35L boasts a really clean, modern minimalist aesthetic, and it does a great job of not announcing that it’s hauling pricey camera gear. The main compartment has been supplemented via a single horizontal quick-access zippered pocket, and collapsible water bottle pockets flanking the pack’s sides. Grab handles have also been added to both the sides and top of the backpack — all of which are heavily reinforced. In my glass crush tests, the McKinnon performed exactly as advertised and did a stellar job of protecting the glass, preventing a single crack for occurring. 

The Not So Good

While it’s easily one of the favorite camera bags that I tested, I did have a few minor complaints with this one. First off, with a $400 MSRP, there’s also no dancing around the fact that the McKinnon 35L comes at a premium price. Second, this backpack doesn’t feature waterproof zippers and instead requires you to use a rain fly that’s sold separately. This is especially disappointing considering the weatherproof shell construction (and this bag’s exorbitant price point). Third and finally, because the entire interior of the pack is taken up by camera storage, there’s not much space left for stashing a jacket or other non-camera items.

Verdict: The Nomatic McKinnon 35L Camera Backpack is a premium take on a clamshell-opening camera bag that offers an enormous amount of modular, padded, customizable storage space for your photography gear. While it’s a little lacking on room for non-camera kit, if you’re primarily looking to accommodate photography equipment and not much else, this option is hard to beat —assuming protection from the elements isn’t a major priority. 

f-stop AJNA DuraDiamond 37L Travel & Adventure Photo Backpack Bundle

Best Outdoor/Adventure Bag: In 2006 f-stop was first born. The company was created when its founders were unsatisfied with the available photography bags on the market, and wanted a carry solution that was as technical and well-crafted as the hiking and outdoor bags they’d frequently use. This would ultimately give way to a range of ultra-durable, adventure-ready carry solutions with purpose-built features to safely and securely organize and house cameras and camera gear. And the brand’s entire MO is on full-display with the f-stop AJNA DuraDiamond 37L Travel & Adventure Photo Backpack Bundle. 

The Good

Measuring  21 x 13 x 10”, the entire pack is cut from f-stop’s proprietary DuraDiamond fabric, which is a Dimond-structured, laminated material with remarkable abrasion and rip resistance and equals-impressive levels of waterproofing — making it similar to materials like X-Pac sailcloth. Though the backpack can be purchased by itself for $350, I recommend opting for the Travel & Adventure Photo Backpack Bundle which includes the pack, plus a rain cover, and a removable camera cube insert. 

The top of the backpack features a main lid opening granting top-down accessibility into the pack. The main cavity can also be accessed through a zipper track that runs along the perimeter of the back-panel. Supplementing this main compartment is a quick-access small pocket built onto the top’s lid, plus full-length vertical zippers are also located on both sides of the backpack, offering a bit more storage. The front of the backpack also boasts a vertical-zip pocket, and the entire thing is bookended by mesh water bottle pockets in their usual location. 

Because the camera cube is removable, I was able to organize it outside the bag and then slide it in when it was all ready-to-go. This also means you can purchase extra cube inserts and load them up, then simply swap them into the backpack as needed. Another reason this is such a pivotal highlight is that, without the camera cube inserted, the f-stop AJNA becomes an extraordinary outdoor bag, hiking backpack, or tactical pack. Another one of my favorite details is f-stop’s use of alloy hardware throughout. 

While the zippers did allow some water to penetrate this pack, it becomes completely rainproof when fitted with its included rain fly. Fortunately, it’s impact protection is far better than its weather resistance (at least sans rain fly) as this pack completely protected the glass boxes I used to judge impact resistant. That removable insert really does do a stellar job of providing protection from bumps.

Supplementary Strengths

Considering that it offers 37 liters of storage space, I was also pretty impressed by the fact that this backpack tips the scales at just 4lbs. It’s also just a really premium bag that was clearly born out of a spare-no-expense approach. What’s more, it really is the very definition of over-engineered, being heavily reinforced at all key stress points (and damn-near everywhere else too). 

Another defining trait for this backpack is versatility. Because its camera cube is removable, the whole thing is able to function as a regular outdoor backpack or tactical bag. Other details include a beefy, heavily-reinforced grab handle, a bevy of attachment points on the shoulder straps, mesh stretch pockets built into the pack’s oversized waist straps, and an even more rugged bottom construction. 

The harness system on this backpack is another major highlight, as it’s super comfortable and super supportive — an absolute must on a pack of this size. The actual camera cube insert also proved to be super modular and I found it to be incredibly easy to setup, while still be sturdy. A rain fly is also included in this bundle, and it’s ridiculously easy to slip the whole thing over the pack. 

The Not So Good

All my gripes with the f-stop bag were pretty minimal — except for one. Some of the other bags I tested also provide quick-access to the camera from one exterior point, though this can’t be said for the AJNA. I also found that having the waist and sternum straps fitted with alloy hardware frequently resulted in this metallic items accidentally banging into things that I walked by. While this is no doubt at least partially a me-problem, it still happened frequently enough during the time I spent testing the bag that I thought it was worth mentioning. Also, at around $450 for the backpack and bundle, there’s no getting around the fact that this entry comes at a pretty steep price — even if its materials, hardware, and build quality help to justify its MSRP. 

More importantly, while it is protected by a somewhat effective storm flap, I was bothered by the fact that the zipper track that provides top-down access to the main compartment isn’t of the coated, weatherproof variety. This same non-coated type of zipper is also used for the track on the back panel that provides access to the interior. To be straight up, these details really surprised me, especially because the majority of the less important zipper tracks are coated water-resistant zips. Even though it’s sold with a rain fly, this area undoubtedly represents the AJNA’s main Achilles heel. 

Verdict: Characterized by its immense durability and versatility, the f-stop AJNA is an over-built outdoor and adventure-focused photography backpack that features a removable camera cube insert that not only provides stellar protection and makes organization a breeze, but it also allows the entire insert to be removed, transforming the AJNA into a top-tier outdoor or tactical backpack. While it does cost a bit more, I’d argue this one is worth every penny. 

Camera Backpacks Comparison Chart

What Exactly Is A Camera Backpack?

As the name suggests, camera backpacks are a type of backpack that is designed from the ground up to meet the needs of modern photographers. Despite looking like normal backpacks from the outside, these backpacks usually feature a clamshell opening that lifts to reveal a modular main compartment that features a series of modular dividers that allow users to accommodate cameras and rigs, lenses, lighting gear, and a host of other hardware and accessories. Contemporary camera backpacks also often feature robust weatherproofing to protect the electronics within. Because they look like normal packs from the outside, camera backpacks also don’t announce to the outside world that their user is carrying expensive camera gear.

What To Consider When Shopping

From the outside, camera bags don’t look all that different from regular backpack. In fact, some models are pretty much visually indistinguishable from their photography-focused counterparts. Under the surface, however, camera bags are incredibly unique, differing pretty substantially from your everyday work or school pack. So, while there are a handful of similarities between normal and camera backpacks, there are a handful of finer points that are unique to the latter — both of which we’ll be touching on in this condensed guide to the main areas to consider when purchasing a camera backpack.

Design: Like regular office or everyday carry backpacks, camera backpacks come in all manner of different designs. On top of a bag’s size and volume and style and appearance, it’s crucial to factor-in a camera pack’s closure and opening setup — with quite a few of our favorite models sporting full-length suitcase-style clamshell openings that provide unobstructed access to the bag’s contents. 

Primary Materials: Whether it’s work bags, EDC packs, travel duffels, or tech slings, the overall quality and durability of any type of carry solution is largely owed to the material or materials used to craft its primary elements like its shell and bottom. And camera backpacks are no different in this regard, making primary construction one of the most crucial areas to consider when shopping for one. Camera backpacks are made from a wide array of materials, though some of the most common constructions on reputable premium models include high-denier poly or nylons, as well as proprietary materials like X-PAC sailcloth, CORDURA, or Dyneema. It’s also worth looking into whether or not a bag’s shell material has been further fortified via any type of weatherproofing treatment such as a polycarbonate or DWR finish.

Secondary Materials: Though not as important as its primary construction, a camera backpack’s secondary materials should also be taken into account, as this element can also impact a bag’s overall quality and user experience. This includes components such as a backpack’s shoulder straps, back pad, grab handles, and liner material.

Hardware & Trim: Alongside primary and secondary materials, and the techniques used to piece those constructions together, another element that separates the more premium camera backpacks on the market from their cheaper counterparts is hardware and trim. Also playing a substantial role in a pack’s overall user experience, hardware and trim elements to consider when shopping include the bag’s buckles and fasteners, zipper tracks, zipper pulls, and any and all labels and logo patches.

Size: Like normal everyday carry packs, camera backpacks come in a wide array of different sizes, ranging from compact slings to  flight-ready travel-sized models. We recommend considering the camera gear and other equipment and items that you plan on regularly carrying as this should help give you some sense of the volume that will be required to accommodate your typical loadout.

Weatherproofing: With normal packs weatherproofing is important, however, with camera-specific carry solutions, this aspect becomes even more pivotal, as poor weatherproofing can easily lead to camera equipment being damaged or destroyed should water find its way into the bag amidst a downpour. In addition to the bag’s overall design, other areas that impact weatherproofing include a bag’s primary construction, if that construction boasts any type of fortifying treatment, and the types of zippers and tracks being used. The construction technique used to piece the bag together will also impact the weatherproofing factor.

Camera-Specific Features: On top of modular main compartments, quite a few of today’s best camera packs also boast features and amenities designed to accommodate the needs of photographers. This includes dedicated pockets for SD cards and other tiny accessories, as well as soft-lined compartments for lenses and lighting gear, and exterior mounting loops for attaching tripods. Some of the main compartments of camera backpacks also feature dividers and cubbies sized to accommodate specific camera types or lenses.

Modularity & Upgradability: The vast majority of camera backpacks are fairly modular in nature, allowing their user to custom-configure the interior of the pack to accommodate their specific equipment and accessories. This makes modularity another monumentally important aspect to consider when shopping. What’s more, some bags also have the ability to be upgraded with a number of different optional add-ons or accessories .

Additional Tech Storage: All camera backpacks are designed to accommodate cameras and photography gear, though some also come outfitted with storage to house other tech items such as headphones or laptops — making this a crucial area to consider if you plan on regularly carrying a laptop, tablet, or other pieces of tech or devices. 

Honorable Mentions 

The Bellroy Venture Sling 10L Camera Edition sees the Aussie outfit take one of its best-selling crossbody bag designs and bestows it with waterproof zipper tracks and a trio of dividers for separating camera kit, and it delivers it in a slightly-larger 10-liter size. The sling offers just enough internal real estate to house a DSLR, a lens, and a few other small items — plus it also doubles as a stellar regular/EDC sling. Though I’d still highly recommend considering this option from Bellroy if you’re in the market for a purpose-built camera sling, I opted to bump this entry to just an honorable mention as it simply doesn’t provide the same level of impact and drop protection as the other small camera bags and camera slings I tested like the Mystery Ranch DSLR Chest Rig and Moment Rugged Camera Sling. 

As its name suggests, the Thule Covert DSLR 32 is a 32-liter pack with an ordinary-looking roll-top-style design that conceals an interior designed to house a DSLR camera and a host of peripherals and accessories. Noteworthy elements on this camera backpack include magnetic front pockets zips, an expandable side pocket for accommodating tripods, a side access port that allows you to quickly remove your camera, and a padded camera gear pod that’s not only removable, but the thing can also be used as a standalone camera sling thanks to having a crossbody strap. And while there’s zero question as to whether or not the Thule Covert is one of the best camera packs currently out there, it was slightly edged out by a few of our main picks, ultimately relegating it to a particularly honorable mention. 

Offered in half-a-dozen color options across a trio of sizes (21L, 31L, and 41L), the Wandrd Prvke V2 is a stylish, modern take on a roll-top backpack that features a partially-concealed full clamshell opening that provides unobstructed access to its interior. This pack boasts an excellent harness system and a heavily-padded, highly-breathable pack panel, plus has a quick-access side zipper for quickly pulling out a camera or other gear. I was initially bothered that this backpack doesn’t come with any interior camera cube or organizers, but I actually came to appreciate the myriad of available bundle deals Wandrd offers, as it allows you to select a loadout of camera gear to meet your specific needs without having to pay for components you won’t use or don’t need. Though I was impressed with the overall user experience, at the end of the day I simply preferred some of the other bags I tested, leading the gen-2 Prvke to being chosen only as an honorable mention.  

Over-engineered and over-built, the Shimoda Action X70 HD Backpack is a purpose-built camera bag that’s built like a tank. It offers an enormous amount of storage space for both regular items and camera gear, and its interior is highly modular, allowing it to be set up in a huge variety of ways to meet your specific needs based on your intended use and the kit it requires. Because they offer such similar user experiences, I ultimately ended up selecting the f-stop AJNA, as it boasts a better shell construction and a much more premium suite of hardware and trim elements, which bumped the Action X70 to an honorable mention. The fact thee Shimoda bag also comes with a rain cover (rather than featuring a waterproof construction was also a major strike against it, especially when you considering its nearly-$400 price. 

With its wealth of genuinely useful camera-specific features and amenities, its ultra-rugged X-Pac sailcloth construction, and meticulous American craftsmanship, the Mission Workshop Integer undoubtedly represents one of the finest camera backpacks on the planet, having been developed using a spare-no-expense approach that results in a pack that’s so premium that it makes other $300 and $400 camera bags look like your average Jansport. Highlights on the Integer include YKK AquaGuard zippers, a roll-top (or flap) closure, a fold-out tripod stand, a dedicated laptop compartment with its own exterior access point, and a trio of exterior ports granting access to the bag’s camera gear storage area. While there’s no denying the Uber-premium nature of this bag, it just doesn’t offer very decent bang-for-your, and its roughly $650 MSRP has resulted in it being added as another particularly honorable mention. Having said that, if money is no object, we’d recommend simply opting for this Mission Workshop pack. 

Tested: The Best Tactical Backpacks to Take a Beating

If you already own one of more camera cube inserts, you may be better off with purchasing a different backpack to place them into rather than opting for a dedicated camera backpack. And with these immense durability, stellar harness systems, top-notch weather resistance, and ample storage space, tactical packs are a great option for housing your camera inserts. For a list of the latest and greatest options out there, be sure to check out our guide to the best tactical backpacks to take a beating.