Best Camera Backpacks for Photographers & Filmmakers

Today, we’re exploring the best backpacks for every kind of photographer, traveler, or adventurer. Whether you’re looking for rugged durability, sleek style, or even a budget-friendly option, we’ve got you covered. I share my thoughts on some of the best camera backpacks on the market to help you make the right choice for your needs. You’ll see backpacks from industry leaders like Peak Design and Lowepro, as well as a budget-friendly option from Amazon. I’ll discuss price, style, and functionality, and I’ll include a summary of the pros and cons.

As photographers and filmmakers, we all love our camera gear. Our cameras are the tools with which we tell stories and capture memories. It can be overwhelming to find the right camera, lens, or accessory for the job. The task gets even more complicated when shopping for a camera backpack. We need a bag to hold our valuable gear and keep it safe while out in the field. It needs to be a functional backpack that allows us to access our gear when we’re out on a shoot. And each one of us has different needs unique to our brand of photography, travel, or style.

Taking all these things into consideration, I hope you can use this guide to find the right camera bag for you!

If you prefer video, check out the review on YouTube.

 

These are the Best Camera Backpacks for Photographers and Filmmakers

Image	Product	Features
	Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30LBEST SIDE LOADER	Adjustable Pack Height Dual Side-access Panels Magnetic Latch System Adjustable Dividers	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Peak Design Travel Backpack 45LBEST FOR ONE-BAG TRAVEL	Expansion Zippers Multi-Configuration Backpack Spacious & Expandable Variety of Compartments	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45LBEST FOR EVERYDAY & ADVENTURE	Flex Pockets Expandable Top Roll Ultra-cinch Closure Laptop/Hydration Bladder Pocket	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Wandrd PRVKE 31LBEST AFFORDABLE RUGGED EVERYDAY BAG	Accessory & Waist Straps Expandable Roll-top Closure Camera Cube Padded Back Panel & Shoulder Straps	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35LBEST FOR SLEEK STYLE	Water Resistant Expandable Design Built for 1-to-3-day Trips Fast Side Access	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Lowepro PhotoSport Pro BP 55L AWIIIBEST FOR BACKPACKING	Front & Back Gear Access Weather-resistant Roomy Top-loading Compartment Adjustable Dividers	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Lowepro Runabout BP 18L BackpackBEST FOR ULTRALIGHT TRAVEL	Collapsable Multiple Zippered Access Points Large Side Pocket Expands to Full-featured Day Pack	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader 26LBEST FOR BUSINESS SETTING	M-guard Divider Protection System Exterior Tripod Attachment Points Holds 2 DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras Adjustable Harness System	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Moment Daychaser Camera Pack 38LBEST FOR STYLE & TRAVEL	Seperated Compartments Tripod Stabilizing Strap Water Bottle Pockets Durable & Lightweight	Check Price →
	Wontancraft "NEW PILOT" Travel Camera Backpack 18LBEST FOR COMPACT STYLE	Side Opening Flaps Fits up to 2 Cameras & 5 Lenses Multi-pockets Easily Attached Modules	Check Price →
	Brevite Jumper Camera BackpackBEST INCOGNITO CAMERA BACKPACK	Padded Camera Compartments Sleeve for 16" Laptop Adjustable Dividers Compact & Lightweight	Check AMAZON Price → Check B&H Price →
	Amazon Pick: MosisoBEST FOR BUDGET	Waterproof Hardshell Protection Dual Compartments Accessory Pockets Adjustable Interior	Check Price →
	Shimoda Action X40 V2BEST FOR ADVENTUROUS WOMEN	Expandable Roll Top Access Dual Laptop/Tablet Sleeves Compact & Durable Removable Helmet Holder	Check Price →

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L and 20L – The Best Side Loader

The Peak Design everyday backpack is my favorite side loader.

I love both the midnight and coyote colors, as well as the hip-meets-modern style.

The Mag Latch closure and use of magnets to hold the shoulder straps against the pack when not in use are outstanding.

Peak Design is known for its thoughtful design, and they designed this bag to be very versatile.

The adjustable, foldable, and transformable dividers allow you to organize your gear vertically in the bag.

While the design is cool and interesting, it does feel slightly limited for my specific needs.

A lot of photographers seem to love the side loader. They love to be able to swing the bag to the side from their shoulder and grab their camera.

I tend to carry too much gear, which makes it challenging to remember which side I packed different things on.

Additionally, some of my Sony lenses seem a little small to be held properly by the dividers.

On the positive side, using this camera bag would force me to be more intentional about what I’m carrying, which could be a good thing!

It’s a reminder that more gear isn’t always better; the right gear is what truly matters.

As with any camera bag, it comes down to your personal preferences. If you’re used to using a side-loading backpack, you’ll want to check this bag out.

It comes in 30L and 20L sizes so that you can choose the right one for your kit.

It’s built for everyday use and is great for photographers on the go, but probably not my pick if you have a large camera kit.

Peak Design also offers a few variations of this pack, so make sure you’re shopping for the right size and latch style.

• Peak Design Everyday Backpack Full Review

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L – Best for One-Bag Travel

If you’re a one-bag traveler, the 45L Peak Design Travel Backpack is a great choice.

This backpack gives you plenty of room for both your camera gear and your clothes—making it ideal for longer trips.

It’s sleek, stylish, and super adaptable, with a full 45-liter capacity to work with.

It has full access through the back panel as well as an additional expandable storage compartment.

You can choose how much gear to bring by selecting the camera cube that works best for you.

The remaining room can be utilized for your clothing or whatever else you travel with.

The bag is reminiscent of a roller bag in design and super convenient to use.

Tuck away the shoulder straps neatly behind magnetic flaps and you can use the bag like a duffle.

Despite the large capacity, this bag doesn’t feel overly large or bulky.

However, if filled completely, it would be very heavy, and the suspension system isn’t quite what I would want for carrying gear long distances.

This pack is great for the one-bag traveler who is looking for a way to get their camera gear and clothes to a destination photoshoot.

• Peak Design Travel Backpack Review

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 45L and 25L – Best for Everyday and Adventure

 

The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack is probably my favorite out of the camera backpacks that I’m sharing today.

Peak Design has taken their attention to detail and innovative ideas and made packs for adventurers and outdoor photographers.

As an outdoor photographer myself, I need my bag to be able to keep up when I’m on the go.

At first glance, the bag isn’t as straightforward as I would expect.

However, I quickly got used to how the bag works, from accessing the main compartment to the roll top.

This bag is customizable with a ton of features that allow you to pack it in a way that works for you.

The durable material and well-designed suspension make me feel confident taking this bag anywhere and everywhere.

I do wonder about the durability of the main zipper, only because my main camera bag has a much beefier zipper.

This zipper failing would be a major problem since it’s the main functionality of the pack. In saying that, I haven’t had any problems with it so far.

I also love the white color options since having black camera bags for over a decade can get a little old (but I do worry about it getting dirty).

This bag is made for outdoor photographers and adventurers but is also scalable for everyday use.

• My review of the Peak Design Outdoor 45L

 

Wandrd PRVKE 31L – Best Affordable Rugged Everyday Bag

 

If you’re looking for something rugged but more affordable than some of the other options on the list, try the Wandrd PRVKE.

This bag is a great everyday bag for photographers who also want something that holds up to adventures.

I like the hip style of the roll top and top handle that makes this bag expandable.

The roll-top material doesn’t seem as waterproof as the rest of the bag, which is something to be aware of.

The main compartment is a little on the smaller side for my preferences.

Additionally, the black camera cube makes it hard to see your gear. I prefer more contrast so I can find things easier, especially if I’m working in the dark.

Nonetheless, this bag is perfect for adventurous photographers who need an affordable bag.

It might not have as many features as some of the other bags in the line-up, but for the price, this backpack is tough to beat.

• Wndrd Prvke Full Review

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L and 25L – Best for Sleek Style

The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack combines sleek design with exceptional organization, making it another standout choice for photographers on the go.

The 35L version is a great option for one-bag travel, featuring a huge main compartment and an expandable second compartment.

You could fit everything you need for your travels in this bag.

It’s quite large and doesn’t fit great on my body personally, so I would lean more toward the 25L version.

The smaller pack has fewer pockets but is more affordable and less bulky.

While I love the idea of one-bag travel, I would do better with the 25L pack and a roller bag for my clothes.

I can’t picture myself carrying the 35L pack, especially weighed down with all my gear and without more customizable suspension.

It also doesn’t seem to fit my mirrorless camera system that well.

That being said, this bag has a premium and rugged feel and has some great features to keep you organized.

You can tell this bag was designed for maximum functionality and a lot of intention.

I would say this is a great option for a one-bag traveler with a sleek style.

• Nomatic McKinnon 35L Review
• Nomatic McKinnon 25L Review

Lowepro PhotoSport Pro BP 55L AWIII – Best For Backpacking

The Lowepro PhotoSport Pro is a unique backpack in this line-up because it’s actually a backpacking backpack designed for your camera gear.

For all of the wildlife and landscape photographers out there, this bag is for you.

It has all the features of a backpacking pack alongside camera-specific features like access to your camera cube.

Rather than digging through your bag and shuffling things around to find your camera gear amidst your sleeping bag, it has front or back panel access.

Part of me wishes they had chosen one or the other and made it a little more functional rather than giving the dual access options.

The camera access doesn’t stay open as smoothly as I’d like.

However, dual access gives you the option of how you want to access your gear.

It also has lots of padding and support for extended carrying.

I’m impressed that Lowepro was able to accomplish so many goals with this bag.

It’s clear who the target market is!

Lowepro Runabout BP 18L Backpack – Best for Ultralight Travel

Again, Lowepro has a clear target market for this bag!

The Lowepro Runabout backpack is a great pick for ultralight travel.

As Marc and I were compiling all of these backpacks for the article, this one was one of the first to make it into the wild.

We were excited about testing this unique pack as a summit pack for when we need to travel lightweight but want to bring camera gear.

It doesn’t fit a large amount of gear as it’s such a small pack.

However, unlike other summit packs I’ve had, it’s easy to access your camera gear.

Rather than digging into the bag and throwing stuff out while you try to find what you need, this backpack has full zipper access.

You can also pack this bag inside a larger one to give yourself a daypack on a trip or excursion.

It rolls up into a compact shape once you remove the camera cube.

Because of this, the bag doesn’t have any shape to it which might be solved by attachment points for the camera cube.

However, it’s flexible and simple to use as is.

The only sticking point is that the top hook is a little harder to use and I’d be worried about my dexterity on a cold mountaintop.

But then I’d probably use that full-access zipper so that I don’t accidentally drop my gloves while digging for my camera!

This backpack is great for ultralight travel and for use as a summit pack.

• Lowepro Runabout BP 18L Full Review

Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader 26L – Best for Business Setting or Safety Concerns

What the Manfrotto Multiloader lacks in trendy looks, it makes up for with creative and customizable access.

As a multiloader, this pack can be customized to access your gear in a variety of ways so that you can find what works best for you.

It also has a locking system for the camera and laptop compartments to keep your gear safe.

While this isn’t something I normally worry about, we do carry thousands of gear around in our backpacks.

The suspension carry system also tucks away and it doesn’t scream “camera bag” by how it looks.

With all the functionality this bag offers, there’s a bit of a learning curve and all of those zippers can be overwhelming.

Once you set it up how you like it, however, this bag will be perfect for a business setting or anyone with safety concerns.

Moment Daychaser Camera Pack 38L – Best for Style and Travel

For those who prioritize style, the Moment Daychaser might just catch your eye.

Made from a durable canvas, this bag even stands upright on its own, which is perfect for setting it down in a cafe.

The bag offers easy side access that wraps around to the back.

While I think this bag is really cool, it’s not quite as quick or efficient as I’d like.

The side access is easy but the back is accessed by a zipper and buckles that are hard to adjust with larger fingers.

There are a lot of zippers to figure out, presenting a little bit of a learning curve.

As cute as it is, I’m usually in too much of a rush to choose form over function.

This pack is great for those who prioritize style in their travel camera backpack.

• Moment Daychaser Review

Wontancraft “NEW PILOT” Travel Camera Backpack 18L – Best for Compact Style

For those who want a blend of compact style and compact functionality, the Wontoncraft New Pilot Travel Camera Backpack is a solid pick.

This pack gives you camera storage with side access and a lot of customizable organization for your gear.

It has a unique safari-chic design that stands out from the crowd.

While I love the style, it’s a more acquired taste with the little accessory pouches attached.

I would personally prefer it without the pouches to keep it more sleek and simple – but others might feel otherwise.

While it’s clear there’s a vision in the design for how to utilize this bag, it doesn’t feel as flexibly functional as some of the other bags on the list.

It’s a little more compact, making it harder to access everything and forcing you to stay organized.

If you love detailed organization, then with its compact style, the Wontoncraft “NEW PILOT” may just be for you!

Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack – Best Incognito Camera BackPack

The Brevite jumper doesn’t scream “camera bag.”

Instead, it’s simple and clean, like a kids’ backpack all grown up.

If you have a smaller camera kit and are looking for an everyday bag, keep reading.

This budget-friendly bag is available in a variety of colors and presents as an incognito camera bag.

It has a creative design that’s super accessible and easy to use.

It doesn’t feel all that practical for someone like me, and yet I’m drawn to this bag.

I’m a heavy shooter who sets their bag in the snow or mud of the Colorado mountains.

In fact, Marc and I (my husband and business partner) agreed on most of these bags except this one.

I liked this one a lot more than he did because I could see myself wearing it around town or to a small, simple photoshoot.

If you’re looking for a smaller incognito camera backpack that looks and performs well, check out the Brevite Jumper.

• Brevite Jumper Review

Amazon Pick: Mosiso – Best for Budget

We can’t write a gear review without including a budget-friendly option from Amazon.

If sticker shock has you groaning after looking at all the other bags, pause here for a moment of peace.

The affordable Amazon Mosiso is a great low-cost option for photographers on a budget.

Sure, it may not be ultra durable, last forever, or survive a backpacking trip to photograph wildlife.

However, we’re talking about a functional bag that will help you get the job done.

If you’re the practical type, this backpack will be really attractive at a fraction of the cost of the other bags.

It’s simple and effective to use and holds a surprising amount of gear.

There aren’t a lot of frills or fluff that you’re paying for so you can focus instead on making money rather than spending it.

If you’re a photographer on a budget trying to make a buck rather than spend one, the Mosiso is for you!

• Mosiso Backpack Review

Shimoda Action X40 V2 – Best for Adventurous Women

 

Last, but certainly not least, I’ll share the bag I’ve been using for the last few years.

The Shimoda Action X40 has a women-specific version that is oh-so-comfortable and comes in a pretty color.

I’ve carried this pack on long trips through the Colorado Rockies, and the custom fit helps me be ready for adventure.

The bag is durable and up to the task of keeping your gear protected.

It also has great camera access with my preferred back panel zipper.

The design is smart and professional, allowing me to use it for weddings and commercial shoots.

It carries a lot of gear, so it gets heavy, but the suspension system is great.

There’s also a men’s version, in case you were worried, which I’m sure you weren’t.

If you’re looking for a camera bag that is tough and adventurous, check out the Shimoda Action X40.

• My Review of the Shimoda Action X40 V2

Conclusion

Whether you’re a pro photographer, a weekend warrior, or a minimalist traveler, there’s a perfect bag for you in this Shotkit roundup. Remember to consider your gear needs, comfort, and style preferences when making your choice. You might have a big camera kit like we do as photographers and filmmakers. Or you might be a day shooter with a lighter minimalistic kit. We frequently hike a few miles to get the shot, making comfort an essential factor to consider. Someone else might prioritize style as they only need to get their bag from A to B. As adventurous outdoor photographers, my husband Marc and I love practical, durable backpacks that don’t slow us down. Someone else might want something stunning and stylish that’s on brand.

Do you want simple or tons of features? Thought out for you or customizable? Are you a fan of side access, a full zip back panel, or a diverse multi-loader? Most of us think about price and value, too (at least some of the time). There are so many great options on the market to fill the many unique needs of all the photographers out there. I hope this guide has helped you narrow it down.