15 Best DSLR Camera Backpacks: Reviewed & Compared

Value For Money

The Altura photo brand bag is simple and cheap yet protects and organizes your valuables.

Top Of The Range

This upgraded 450 AW model is the big brother of our #1 choice. Need more space? This is for you.

Smartphone cameras may have come a long way in the last decade, but true photographers will always want their DSLR with them to capture the perfect moment. Whether you’re shooting scenery on an urban stroll or capturing wildlife with larger lenses, there’s a specific camera backpack for you.

The benefits of finding the right bag include keeping your equipment secure and safe, staying organized and adding extra protection with locks or waterproof materials.

DSLR Camera Backpacks Compared

Image

Model

Size

Laptop Compartment

Check Price

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II - A...

Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II

31 X 26 X 50 Cm

Yes – Up To 15”

Photo Sport 200 AW From Lowepro

Photo Sport 200 AW From Lowepro

24.5 X 19.5 X 52 Cm / 13.9L

No

USA Gear DSLR Camera Backpack Case - 15.6...

Digital SLR Camera Backpack

28 X 26.7 X 15.2 Cm

Yes – Up To 15.6”

Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-Inch...

Case Logic

SLRC-206 

20 X 43 X 32 Cm

Yes – Up To 15.4”

Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II Black Pro Modular...

Lowepro LP37177 ProTactic BP 450 AW

34.8 X 27 X 48.8 Cm

Yes – Up To 15”

CADeN Camera Backpack Bag with 14' Laptop...

CADeN Camera Bag Backpack

30 X 14 X 39cm

Yes – Up To 14”

Evecase Large DSLR Camera/Laptop Travel...

Evecase Large DSLR Camera/Laptop Travel Backpack

46 X 30 X 20 Cm

Yes – Up To 15.6”

Camera Backpack with Laptop Case for Canon...

DSLR Camera And Mirrorless Backpack

30 X 16.5 X 43 Cm

Yes – Up To 14”

Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW. Outdoor Day...

Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW Pepper Red

29 X 23 X 50 Cm

Yes – Up To 11”

Amazon Basics Convertible Rolling Camera...

AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack

39 X 55 X 25.4 Cm

Yes – Up To 17”

S-ZONE Canvas DSLR SLR Camera Backpack Mens...

S-ZONE Canvas Camera Shoulder Backpack

45 X 28 X 21 Cm

No

BESCHOI Camera Bag, Camera Backpack for...

Beschoi DSLR Camera Backpack

44 X 28 X 14 Cm

Yes – Up To 13.3”

Altura Photo Camera Sling Bag DSLR - Camera...

Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack

21.6 X 13 X 40.6 Cm

No

Zecti Camera Backpack Bag for DSLR/SLR...

Camera Backpack Zecti

41.7 X 19 X 31 Cm

Yes – Up To 13”

TARION Camera Backpack Waterproof Camera Bag...

TARION

RB-02 

28.4 X 15.5 X 45.3 Cm

No – Will Hold Standard Size IPad

Deciding What’s Best for You & Your Camera Gear

What are you using it for?

Camera backpacks are designed with a specific purpose in mind, yes, to keep your camera equipment safe while you’re transporting it from one location to the next.

But beyond that, it’s also important to consider your specific needs. Some questions to ask yourself about the purchase of a camera backpack include:

  • Will you be hiking long distances with your equipment?
  • Will you need the extra support of a padded hip belt?
  • Will you be carrying several lenses, need room for your laptop, or extra straps to secure a tripod?
  • What about weather – will you be on location at events in which there might be rain or snow?
  • Will you require space for other things, like personal items or a hydration pouch?
  • Are you a professional wedding photographer who needs to carry a lot of equipment?

Which camera equipment do you need to carry?

We may never know the answer to the age-old question of whether the chicken or the egg came first, but when it comes to camera backpacks, you should most definitely purchase your equipment first and then the backpack to ensure that the backpack will suit your needs.

The varying sizes and layers of interior protection will greatly depend on the exact models of equipment that you're using. Lowepro has an awesome guide on what to consider when buying a camera backpack

Some of the equipment that photographers need to consider carrying include: DSLR cameras, SLR cameras, mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, camera lenses of various sizes, tripods, drones, cell phones, laptops, iPads or tablets, accessories like memory cards, and more.

On top of that, photographers that work on location or out in wildlife will likely have to consider room for additional personal equipment like food and water and other necessities.

How much storage space do you need?

An amateur or hobby photographer going on a hike through the woods will likely need a lot less storage space than a professional photographer shooting a wedding.

When looking for the right camera backpack for you, it’s important to consider how much space you’ll need for your camera and accessories. To keep your equipment the most secure, you’ll want to make sure that you neither over-stuff your backpack or have too much space left over.

Ask yourself what camera equipment you’ll be storing (one camera? several?) and what additional accessories you will require (tripods? lenses?) Professional photographers usually also require room for their laptops or tablets, so they can retouch pictures on the go. Hobby photographers might want room for their other belongings as well, like extra clothing, hiking accessories, etc.

So, there might not be one camera backpack that fits every situation you will be in. Hopefully, our assessment of all the different types of camera backpacks will help you find the backpack(s) that will best suit your lifestyle.

How much do you want to spend?

Camera backpacks range in price based how many compartments the bag has, its intended use, the brand, and where you purchase it. Through our research, we’ve found that the best price for each of the camera bags in this article can be found on Amazon.

The 15 best camera backpacks that we look at range in price from around $40 to upwards of around $175. This might seem like a wide price range, but when you take into consideration all the compartments the bags have and other “extras” (like rain covers and tripod holders) you’ll have a much better idea of the correct price range for you correlated with your personal needs.

best camera backpacks

What To look For In a Good Camera Backpack

Size & Weight Capacity

Probably the most important feature of a camera backpack is that it’s the appropriate size for what you intend to carry, and that it’s comfortable while you are wearing it.

You’ll want to know exactly what you intend to store inside your camera backpack before purchasing one, for optimal use. You’ll also want to see how much your equipment weighs ahead of time, so you’ll know if you’ll need to purchase a bag with extra support (a hip belt), etc.

Waterproof/Water-Resistant

If you’ll be using your camera equipment outdoors or there is a chance you’ll need to transport it in the rain, you’ll likely want to look for a waterproof or water-resistant option for your camera backpack needs.

Many of the models we look at in this article have these features or come with a built-in rain cover to protect your belongings. 

Material

Camera backpacks can be made from many different materials and it really comes down to your personal preference and whether you’ll need water protection. We look at bags made from polyester, nylon, canvas, leather, memory foam, and more.

Things to consider when looking at materials include where you’ll be using the bag, whether you’ll need breathability (hiking backpacks), etc.   

Camera Case Type

The camera backpacks in this article focus mostly on holding DLSR cameras, but some of them are more suited for mirrorless cameras or drones only.

When purchasing a camera backpack, you’ll want to make sure that you find a suitable fit for your specific camera needs, as it’s our main goal to keep your camera equipment safe during use.

Laptop Compartment

We know that many photographers carry their businesses (literally) on their backs, and that having room and access to a laptop is an important part of their photography gig.

We’ve looked at whether these camera backpacks are appropriate for carrying a laptop, and if so, what size laptops they carry. As always, it isn’t recommended that you carry a laptop in a bag that doesn’t have a laptop compartment.

Number of Compartments

Camera backpacks in general come with a lot more compartments than standard backpacks because they’re equipped to carry all the lenses and accessories that come with your camera.

Depending on your needs, camera backpacks can come with just the basic compartments for your camera and lenses, to dozens of extra compartments to hold even your tiniest of accessories (like memory cards) in an organized manner.

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If you’re in a city, you often need a backpack that works well, can carry a fair amount of gear, is versatile, and doesn’t really break the bank. 



Thephoblographer blog

Accessibility

Some photographers like to be able to quickly grab their DSLR cameras at a moment’s notice so as not to miss the perfect shot. World famous photographer Chase Jarvis highlights the importance of accessing your gear and also taking the time to zip it up fully after use. This an save you thousands of dollars!

Others like their equipment more securely stored and not as easily attainable to passers-by. Whatever your preference, there’s a camera backpack that will suit your needs.

Strap Design & Comfort

Depending on how often you’ll be wearing your camera backpack, and for how long per time, you’ll want to carefully assess the straps and comfort level of each back.

Many of the larger bags, and those that are designed specifically for hiking, have built-in harnesses and hep belts that will take a lot of the weight off your back and distribute it more evenly.

Price

As with any product that you’re looking to purchase, price will be a factor, and more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean a better product. We’ve taken a careful look at each product to assess whether they’re worth the money or not.

Because protecting your expensive camera equipment is a top priority, it’s important to look at all the features of the bag first, and then consider whether the price is right for you or not.

Warranty

As with any product you purchase, you’ll want to make sure that your camera backpack is meant to last throughout its use. While warranties generally don’t cover standard wear-and-tear that comes with repeatedly using a backpack, they do cover certain things like seams coming apart and zipper pulls breaking.

The backpacks that we look at in this article have warranties ranging from 90 days to limited lifetime warranties.


15 Best Camera Backpacks Reviewed

1. Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II

Best Backpack For DSLR Camera's
  • Number of Compartments = 10+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 15” Laptop
  • Size = 31 X 26 X 50 Cm
  • Warranty = Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II is an all around great DSLR backpack for beginners or professionals looking to take their DSLR on the go.

One of my favorite features about the bag is that it’s simple in design and isn’t flashy in the least. Nothing about this bag screams, “Hey – I’ve got a thousand dollars’ worth of camera equipment in here!” I think it’s a great bag if you’re walking around the city or out and about in the country.

Another great feature of this bag is the side access pocket. It easily allows you to access your camera quickly so that you don’t miss any moments. If you have kids like I do, this backpack makes a great day-pack for your trips to the zoo or museums. Tested.com also rates this backpack highly - assessing that this is terrific bag that offers excellent value for money.

The top section of the bag works as a separate compartment and can easily store snacks, diapers, a change of clothes, or anything else that you might need. There’s also a water bottle holder on the side, and a built-in weather cover! You’ll never have to worry about dodging out of the rain with this versatile pack.

Why do we rate the Lowepro 250 AW II our best DSLR backpack?

Overall, this backpack has all the features of a DSLR backpack that we think are most desirable and its very affordable price tag is a bonus. It’s also extremely versatile and can be used for nearly any DSLR carrier.


2. Photo Sport 200 AW From Lowepro

Best Backpack For Hiking With a Camera
  • Number of Compartments = 5+
  • Laptop Compartment = No
  • Size = 24.5 X 19.5 X 52 Cm / 13.9L
  • Warranty = Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Photo Sport 200 is the best camera backpack for hiking. If you like to take your camera with you on long-distance adventures, this bag will get you there and back and keep you comfortable along the way. Professional adventure photographer Dan Carr reviewed this bag on his blog and loved how lightweight yet string the nylon material is.

It doesn’t have a ton of extra compartments, but the ones that it does have each serve a purpose and will carry what you need. One of the best features of this backpack is that it carries a 2-liter hydration pouch, something that I find essential for long hikes.

Even if they don’t have far to hike, all photographers will appreciate the built-in hip built that takes a lot of the backpack’s pressure off your back. There are straps on the bottom of the pack that allow you to easily bring along a tripod, too.

One thing to note about this bag is that it carries either a mirrorless camera of a DSLR with an attached lens (ie, smaller cameras). There really isn’t going to be extra space in this bag for additional lenses and accessories, but one larger hiking bag I really like is this Endurex Hiking Bag.

Why do we rate the Photo Sport 200 AW our best camera backpack for hiking?

The Photo Sport 200 is a great option for hikers who want a comfortable and ergonomic bag that will carry all their normal essentials like water and gear, but also have a safe place to store their camera equipment.


3. Digital SLR Camera Backpack

Best Backpack For Carrying Tripod Holder
  • Number of Compartments = 15+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 15.6” Laptop
  • Size = 28 X 26.7 X 15.2 Cm
  • Warranty = 1 Year Warranty

This camera backpack by USA Gear is an excellent choice for photographers starting their own small businesses and is the best backpack with tripod holder that we’ve looked at. For photographers, carrying your gear is part of your professional business, and often carrying things like our tripods can become awkward and bulky.

I love that USA Gear has taken this into consideration and built-in what they call a “foot holder” for your tripod. Essentially, it’s a large pocket that you stow the bottom portion of your tripod in. They understand the need for using a tripod and why its an important tool.

You can then secure the straps to the upper portion of the tripod to make sure that it stays secure and doesn’t wiggle around. And if you’re not carrying a tripod, it doubles as a water bottle holder, so it’s really a win-win in my book.

The bag itself has a black exterior and looks incredibly professional, but the interior comes in six different colors, so I find that’s a nice small way to personalize your look. I’d especially recommend this camera backpack for wedding and event photographers.

It will fit everything you need and has room for all the extras as well. I was particularly impressed with the small front pocket that holds four memory cards perfectly. I’m always worried about looking mine and this is the perfect solution.

Why do we rate this USA Gear bag the best camera backpack with tripod holder?

We love the tripod foot holder and straps on this backpack. Your tripod will be completely secure during transit, making the awkward days of hauling it separately over.


4. Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera & 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack (Black)

Best Backpack For Camera & Laptop 
  • Number of Compartments = 15+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 15.4” Laptop
  • Size = 20 X 43 X 32 Cm
  • Warranty = 25 Year Warranty

For anyone looking to carry just the basics when it comes to camera equipment and laptops, this Case Logic backpack is a great choice. This bag has a lot of great features that photographers will be able to appreciate, starting with the memory foam inserts to completely protect your equipment.

I love that the inserts can be adjusted to your needs, making this bag completely customizable. Another great feature is the hard, waterproof base that allows this backpack to stand-up on its own.

The backpack is designed to fit laptop computers with up to a 15.4” screen, however, we’ve found that if you have a very slim laptop that it will fit up to a 17” screen (like the MacBook Pro). The straps on this backpack are thicker than other bags we’ve looked at and provide a lot of comfort, however, if you’ll be carrying heavier equipment this bag doesn’t have a hip belt.

The only complaint with this bag that users have described over and over is the top handle/hanging loop. Instead of sitting on the top center of the backpack, it’s on the very back edge near the laptop compartment.

Therefore, it puts a lot of strain on the bag when it’s hung up at capacity and wears out quickly. If you’ll be hanging this bag up frequently, then you’ll want to consider a way to reinforce the handle.

Why do we rate the Case Logic SLRC-206 the best camera and laptop backpack?

This backpack is a very affordable option for carrying your laptop and camera on the go, while ensuring the contents inside are safe in their memory foam interior.


5. Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera Backpack

Best Backpack For Drones & Camera 
  • Number of Compartments = 30+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 15” Laptop
  • Size = 34.8 X 27 X 48.8 Cm
  • Warranty = Limited Lifetime Warranty

This Camera Backpack by Lowepro is a big backpack. If you’ll be carrying more than one professional camera or drone, this is the bag for you. It can fit two DSLR cameras, up to a 15” laptop, the DJI Mavic Pro Drone, a tripod, and still have room for a few of your personal items.

Will it fit other drones? The answer is possibly, but please note that this particular bag is designed to hold the DJI Mavic Pro versions. Because drones are both so costly and so fragile, you’ll want to make sure that the bag you are purchasing is recommended for that specific brand. For the DJI Mavic Pro, we highly recommend this Lowepro backpack.

It’s slightly on the more expensive side of backpacks we’ve looked at, but if you’ll be carrying around a lot of equipment it will be worth it to protect your assets. Photography blog fstoppers agrees in their comprehensive review of the bag, stating that the 450 AW designers have 'thought of everything'. 

One of the things you can come to expect from the Lowepro brand is that their bags will be comfortable to carry. The harness on this ProTactic 450 AW is extremely comfortable, and the hip belt will make long-term wear relaxed.

Why did we rate the Lowepro 450 AW the best drone and camera backpack?

This backpack can carry a lot of heavy-duty equipment, and because it was designed with the DJI Mavic Pro drone in mind we know it’s a solid option for securely transporting your equipment.


6. CADeN Camera Backpack

Best Backpack For Traveling With A Camera
  • Number of Compartments = 7+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 14” Laptop
  • Size = 30 X 14 X 39cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 3 Year Warranty

This CaDeN Camera Backpack is the ideal backpack for taking your DSLR on a weekend trip. It fits many standard DSLR cameras and has a handy side pocket that allows you almost instant access to your equipment. Its slim design makes it easy to carry along anywhere, including stowing it under your airline seat as a personal item.

My favorite feature of this CaDeN camera backpack is that it’s truly designed to stand up to the elements of both everyday wear and weather. The heavy-duty nylon it’s made from is both scratch-resistant and waterproof.

And if that isn’t enough to convince you, they also have included an additional rain cover for heavy rains. I wouldn’t necessarily go submerging the backpack in a pool of water, but I’d say you can trust their “Double Waterproof” motto.

The only feature of this backpack that we didn’t love was the waist belt. It seems a little on the flimsy side but given that this is just a standard size backpack we don’t think you’ll end up using it anyways.

Why did we rate this CaDeN the best camera backpack for travel?

This bag is a great size for carrying along your DSLR with some of your personal items. The heavy-duty nylon makes it ideal for traveling.


7. Evecase Large DSLR Camera/Laptop Travel Backpack

Best Backpack For Backpacking With A Camera
  • Number of Compartments = 15+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 15.6” Laptop
  • Size = 46 X 30 X 20 Cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 1 Year Warranty

For the photographer carrying a lot of camera equipment on long treks, this large camera backpack by Evecase is a great option. It can fit two full-size DSLR cameras with about 5 to 6 additional lenses. It also has a separate laptop compartment, several accessory pouches, a rain cover and a tripod holder.

The straps are built for comfort and you will not mind wearing this camera backpack for long periods because the weight is distributed so nicely to the hip belt. There are also additional straps that allow you to securely fasten the bag to rolling luggage, making it an all-around great camera bag.

The downside to this camera backpack is that because there are so many camera-specific compartments, there’s really no room for the extras that you might desire like personal items and extra clothes.

That aside though, if you’re a photographer following families on location for long stretches, the comfort of this bag will suit you well.

Why did we rate the Evecase the best camera for backpacking?

Backpacks, perhaps above all else, should be comfortable. We find that this large backpack has a harness that allows photographers to carry their equipment for extended periods of time in a manner that is relaxed and comfortable.


8. DSLR Camera and Mirrorless Backpack Bag by Altura Photo (The Wanderer Series)

Best Backpack For Mirrorless Cameras
  • Number of Compartments = 6+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 14” Laptops
  • Size = 30 X 16.5 X 43 Cm
  • Warranty = 30 X 16.5 X 43 Cm

I love this backpack by Altura Photo for it’s sleek and minimalist design. If you feel like a lot of the camera backpacks that we’ve looked at in this article have too many extra pockets or features that you wouldn’t necessarily need, then this bag is a great option for you.

It can fit a full-size DSLR just fine, but because of it’s slim and compact design we find this backpack especially useful for those with mirrorless cameras and extra lenses.

This backpack completely opens up, which makes it extremely TSA friendly and going through security a breeze. It’s made with a super durable nylon that’s also water-resistant, so it would be appropriate for either every day or occasional wear. I also really like the purple lining – I think it give some character to the bag without making it stand out obnoxiously.

My only complaint with this Altura Photo backpack is that the laptop compartment is much smaller than most of the backpacks we’ve looked at. It will fit up to a 14” slim laptop or tablet, but anything larger is just not going to squeeze in.

Why did we rate this Altura the best camera backpack for mirrorless cameras?

The slim design of this bag is perfect for traveling with your mirrorless camera and extra lenses. The simple design has everything you need and nothing you don’t.


9. Lowepro Photo Hatchback 22L AW

Best Backpack For Urban Camera Carrying
  • Number of Compartments = 10+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 11” Laptop
  • Size = 29 X 23 X 50 Cm
  • Warranty = Limited Lifetime Warranty

Lowepro is a great brand for camera backpacks, and this Lowepro PhotoHatchback ranks as our best urban camera backpack. What’s an urban camera backpack?

When we think of urban backpacks, we think of young entrepreneurs hiking their way through a city with their businesses on their backs. We know these photographers need both comfort and security with their equipment.

My favorite feature of this Lowepro bag is that the camera compartment is only accessible through the back panel of the backpack.  That means that while wearing the bag, you can rest assured that there’s no way prying fingers will reach your goods without you knowing.

I think this is a fantastic security measure. And as a bonus, the camera compartment is completely removable, which would allow you to use this backpack as a regular daypack as well.

Another great feature of this bag is the extra padding on the back and shoulder straps. The padding, along with the adjustable straps and hip belt really allow you to attain a custom fit to your body frame.

Why did we rate the Lowepro 22L AW as the best urban camera backpack?

We believe the trendy design and extra security features make this bag a clear winner for trekking around the city with your photography equipment.


10. AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack

Best Backpack For Rolling Camera's Around
  • Number of Compartments = 15+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 17” Laptop
  • Size = 39 X 55 X 25.4 Cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 1 Year Warranty

In recent years, Amazon has really been able to look at the reviews and features of many of the products that sell on their sites, take the best from what they know, and create their own products with Amazon Basics.

Buying “store-brand” usually means that you can expect the same quality and features as more famous brands for a fair price, and we find that true with this AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack.

I personally think that rolling backpacks are one of the best inventions. They have all the features that you’d need in a backpack, but they can also be pulled behind you when you have an especially heavy load, or you just want to create a different look.

This bag holds a DSLR with lens attached, and it has 11 configurable compartments that you can move around to hold your accessories snugly. I love the bright orange interior, too. I think it adds a fun pop of color and makes finding your belongings easy as well.

If you’ll be traveling through an airline with this bag, it should be noted that this rolling camera bag fits in most overhead compartments. On some planes you may have to check it gate-side.

Why did we rate the AmazonBasics the best rolling camera backpack?

This rolling backpack has a solid build that will carrying your DSLR and a laptop up to 17” Coming from AmazonBasics we know it’s a product we can trust.


11. S-ZONE Canvas Camera Shoulder Backpack

Best Camera Backpack For Women
  • Number of Compartments = 7
  • Laptop Compartment = No
  • Size = 45 X 28 X 21 Cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 1 Year Warranty

Usually, it’s hard to say whether an item as universal as a backpack would be better for a man or a woman, and ultimately that’s up to the user to decide.

This backpack though we feel would make a great purse and camera bag combo, and some of the reviews even go on to rave about the fact that this backpack perfectly stores a breast pump in the camera section, making it an A+ selection for moms on the go. For that reason, we rate this S-ZONE Canvas DSLR bag the best camera backpack for women.

I love the style of this bag. The hardy canvas material and khaki cover really give off a vintage explorer vibe. This bag would be great for a woman who wants to bring along her DSLR, but who doesn’t have a lot of accessories to include.

The top portion of the bag is more of a catch-all area that would be perfect for storing your wallet, keys, cell phone, etc. The bottom section divides into two parts to keep your camera safe on the go.

The built-in rain cover is a must for this product because the canvas is in no way waterproof. But if you’re looking to bring along your tripod or laptop, then this bag is lacking and you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Why did we rate the S-ZONE the best camera backpack for women?

We love the fashionable design of this camera backpack and find that it easily doubles as an everyday purse or bag for personal items.


12. Beschoi DSLR Camera Backpack

Best Small Camera Backpack
  • Number of Compartments = 12+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 13.3” Laptop
  • Size = 44 X 28 X 14 Cm
  • Warranty = Limited 90 Day Warranty

For smaller camera models or for photographers who don’t have a lot of equipment to carry along with them, the Beschoi DSLR Camera Backpack is a great option. It has a very slim design and it made to hold just the basics.

The inside compartment is completely padded and has moveable shelves so that you can store your lenses and accessories however you choose.

I love that the dividers have Velcro attachments so that once you secure them into place you don’t have to worry about them moving around. The backpack is extremely lightweight (not even three pounds!) so it really won’t feel like you are carrying anything more than your camera itself.

The only con of this backpack is that with it being on the smaller side, carrying a tripod can be awkward. The backpack does have a tripod attachment on the side but depending on the size of your tripod this will shift the weight and balance to that side. Smaller tripods should work just fine.

Why did we rate the Beschoi the best small camera backpack?

The adjustable compartments in this slim design will store your smaller cameras and keep them snug without the need for you to buy a bulky camera bag.


13. Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack

Best Camera Sling Backpack
  • Number of Compartments = 10+
  • Laptop Compartment = No
  • Size = 21.6 X 13 X 40.6 Cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 1 Year Warranty

Sling backpacks are often easier to get into than standard backpacks, and I know that a lot of sports parents prefer the sling camera bags for their children’s sporting events because of how quickly they can grab their camera.

This camera sling backpack by Altura Photo matches the full-sized version by Altura that we looked at above. I’d highly recommend this bag for anyone who is just beginning to carry their DSLR with them and is looking for an affordable option. This bag is under $30 and will do a great job protecting your gear!

Make sure to check that this bag is compatible with your specific brand and model of camera. Most DSLRs will fit, but a few are too snug due to their larger lenses.

A few people with larger body frames have noted that this bag just doesn’t fit across their torso or is too uncomfortable. The bag does have an adjustable body strap and will fit most adults.

Why did we rate the Altura the best camera sling backpack?

As with any item, it’s nice to have a variety of different options. We believe that this Altura bag is a great alternative to the traditional backpack style.


14. Camera Backpack Zecti Waterproof Canvas Professional Camera Bag

Best Waterproof Canvas Backpack
  • Number of Compartments = 15+
  • Laptop Compartment = Yes – Up To 13” Laptop
  • Size = 41.7 X 19 X 31 Cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 18 Month Warranty

I absolutely love the style of this Zecti backpack. It’s a true fashion statement for a man or a woman, and I think it just speaks sophistication and practicality both. If Indiana Jones were going to carry around a camera backpack, this is the one he would choose!

It’s made from a heavy-duty canvas material that looks weathered, but it is super durable, tear-resistant and waterproof. On top of that, they throw in a free built-in rain cover for extra measure, but whether you’re headed to the rainforest or stormy Seattle this bag will keep your camera dry.

I feel like a lot of weatherproof items look and feel as if they’re wrapped in plastic, and this bag does not feel like that at all.

Like many camera backpacks, this one has a completely customizable internal compartment so that you can organize your camera equipment or personal gear in a way that makes sense to you.

There are also additional fixation straps within the backpack so that you can secure your camera even within its compartment, meaning your camera equipment will be extra protected.

Why did we rate this Zecti as the best waterproof canvas backpack?

You won’t find another waterproof backpack with this much style on the market. We love the added protection of an additional rain cover for heavy rains.


15. TARION RB-02 Camera Backpack

Best Leather Camera Backpack
  • Number of Compartments = 10+
  • Laptop Compartment = No – Will Hold Standard Size IPad
  • Size = 28.4 X 15.5 X 45.3 Cm
  • Warranty = Yes – 1 Year Warranty

The Tarion RB-02 looks like a rather expensive designer camera backpack, but we were pleasantly surprised to find out just how affordable it is, at under $70. At first glance, the backpack looks like the latches would be hard to use and that fashion has won out over accessibility, but we discovered that just isn’t true.

This backpack has two ways to quickly access your camera: a side zipper and zipper compartment on the back panel. This not only adds functionality to the design but will also offer extra security to your equipment throughout your travels.

The Tarion RB-02 isn’t designed to hold a laptop. It does have an iPad pocket and the description says that it will hold a “tiny laptop,” but users have pointed out that even a 13” slim laptop isn’t tiny enough.

Most people who said their laptops didn’t fit said that they were keeping the bag anyway because of its smart design and extra capacity for cameras and lenses.

Why did we rate the Tarion RB-02 the best leather camera backpack?

We know that sometimes our eyes are drawn to style, and some people just prefer leather over more synthetic materials. We wanted to find a leather backpack that excelled in style, functionality, and price. This is it!


Specific Camera Bags & Backpacks

DSLR

DSLR backpacks differ from regular backpacks in that they have camera specific compartments to hold your DSLR, all your lenses, and other accessories like a tripod attachment, laptop sleeve and water bottle holder.

DSLR backpacks will vary by need, and a wedding photographers’ top choice will look much different than someone who’s shooting sporting events or wildlife.

Mirrorless

DSLR cameras have a mirror inside of them that reflects light up to the optical viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras have a sensor that’s always exposed to light, giving them their name.

Both camera types have interchangeable lenses, but mirrorless cameras are often much smaller and will, therefore, require different transportation needs than a traditional DSLR.

Drones

Many realtors and home photographers have begun using drone cameras to catch angles that we couldn’t get otherwise. Drones easily allow us to fly above an area so that we have a better idea of the entire property we’re looking at.

And drones are generally very fragile and very expensive, so you’ll want to make sure to get a drone backpack that will ensure the safety of your equipment.

Hiking

Camera equipment can be heavy and cumbersome to carry on long journeys. If you’ll be traveling long distances on foot or out in the great wilderness, you’ll want to make sure you have a hiking camera backpack to keep you comfortable with each step.

Many of these bags have extra features like waterproof exteriors and pockets for your personal belongings as well.

Travel

All camera backpacks are designed with the idea in mind to keep your camera equipment safe while you move from one place to the next. For this article, traveling camera backpacks will focus on using your bag as a carry-on on an airplane.

We get it – you’ve invested a lot of money into your photography equipment and you want to keep it close on hand with you during your travels. If you’ll be traveling with your bag, you’ll want something that’s TSA friendly and can be stowed right next to you safely.

Backpacking

There are some great backpack options for extreme backpackers who would like to take their photography equipment with them on their trips. When purchasing your backpacking camera bag, you’ll want to consider how long your trip will be, what type of items you need to bring, and how much you’re willing to carry. This article helps you organise all your important equipment when traveling.

Most backpacking camera bags have plenty of storage for your extras like clothes and food and have taken into consideration weather and comfort.

Laptop + Photography

For photographers running a small business, your office tends to be wherever you are at that moment. Many camera backpacks feature room for both your camera equipment and a laptop compartment.

If you’ll be needing to carry both items, make sure your bag is equipped to hold both, because stowing a laptop on top of your camera equipment without the additional sleeve could compromise the safety of both items.

Rolling (Wheeled)

Camera backpacks can also come with wheels and then have a dual function, allowing you to either wear the backpack or pull it behind you like a carry-on suitcase.

Rolling camera backpacks are a great option for users who don’t want to carry heavy loads for very long or for photographers who have several bags to carry.

best camera backpack for hiking

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Will these backpacks protect my camera equipment?

Yes. Camera backpacks are built to protect your camera equipment from being damaged during transit. If you use these bags according to their intended purpose, your equipment will be protected.a

What about a regular style backpack?

Will it do the job? Regular style backpacks aren’t recommended for carrying DSLR cameras. Camera backpacks have special compartments that are meant to stow your contents securely so that they don’t shift around too much with movement.

What is the typical length of a warranty of these featured bags?

The bags we look at in this article have warranties ranging from 90 days to a limited lifetime warranty. When looking at warranties specifically, it’s important to understand what they cover and what they don’t cover before committing to a bag.

What is the price range of all the reviewed backpacks?

The camera backpacks that we’ve reviewed range from around $40 to upwards of $175.


Conclusion

There are a lot of options when it comes to finding the best camera backpack for your personal situation. The most important factor is knowing what equipment you have and need to store, so that you can find the right bag to store it successfully.

This article looks at all the different types of camera backpacks and who they’re best suited for. We hope we’ve helped you pick out something that you’ll love for years to come.

  • Updated July 29, 2021