The 5 Best Camera Bags
Holsters and backpacks and slings, oh my! If you're trying to decide upon a camera bag, you've likely already realized how overwhelming the search can be. There are nearly as many bags as there are individual cameras, and cameras are aplenty. So how are you supposed to know which one will suit your needs? Here we've dissected the camera bag market to find what's what. We came out with 5 fantastic products, each suited for a particular need, like that of a traveler who expects to be living a mobile lifestyle more often than not. So whether you're an amateur buying gear for the first time or a professional looking to protect your lifeline, we imagine you'll find something here to meet your needs.
Thule Aspect DSLR
Thule: The Tool You Need
If you’re a DSLR-er looking to transport your baby, there are plenty of other options on the market that’ll suffice. But what if you’re not just looking for point A to B transportation, but rather, you want something with more space, something comfortable, something reliable? Well, folks, look to the Thule Aspect, which boasts so much storage that you could probably rent ’em out for profit. Aside from its ultra-useful 15.6″ laptop compartment, it also features another separate iPad compartment. Meanwhile, the main compartment can house your camera (obviously), lenses (obviously), and even a drone with all its gear included.
Look to the bag’s external design and you’ll find a removable, padded hip belt that, when secured, makes the bag grip much more comfortably around your body. Oh, and did we mention that the hip belt has pockets, too? Then there’s the side panel, which has a small zip-compartment for a tripod. What else could you really want?
Pros:
- Sternum strap to stabilize extra weight
- Made in the USA
- Back-panel made of air mesh to reduce sweating
Cons:
- Hip belt’s pockets are stretch fabric, not zip
- Doesn’t include a raincover
Wandrd PRVKE
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Available in three gorgeous colorways and an assortment of different sizes, the Wandrd PRVKE is the kind of bag that can make your mouth drool, even if you’re not a photographer. This lovely, tarpaulin-based beauty touts a minimalist urban aesthetic that’ll turn eyes in the subway. Wait, you might think, I don’t want to turn eyes! I don’t want any attention drawn to my bag, because that might attract thieves. True. But wait! There’s more. The PRVKE’s rolltop-closure method makes it virtually impossible for thieves to access the contents of your bag, short of slicing the darn thing open. Furthermore, its integrated passport pocket makes navigating your travel itinerary a breeze. Since it’s relatively easy to access, you’ll be able to pop out your passport, cash, or your map without much effort; meanwhile, its secure design means you won’t have to worry about pickpockets worming their way into your secret travel cash-stash.
Pros:
- Rainfly included
- Tripod pocket can also fit a water bottle
- Camera cube can be removed to make bag a daypack
Cons:
- Water bottle compartment could be bigger
- Quite costly
Lowepro 250 AW II
It's a Bird! It's a Plane! No, It's a Backpack!
Perhaps you’re one of the many out there who’s wary of a camera bag that’s obviously, well, a camera bag. Being that our cameras are precious, costly extensions of ourselves, we’d really prefer that they not be stolen, thank you very much. What better way to ward away camera thieves than to not let them onto the fact that you’re carrying a camera in the first place? This Lowepro bag does just that. Though the outside says daypack, the interior betrays that facade. You’ll be able to store a DSLR with an attached lens inside the removable camera compartment, as well a bunch of auxiliary gear too, like an action camera, extra lenses, and a bit of your own personal gear, like a tissue to wipe the tears away after you capture the most beautiful shot of your life. Oh, bring along your tablet, too, if you’d like. There’s room for that. Some claim that it’s even possible to jimmy your tripod into the external tablet compartment if you’re feeling audacious.
Pros:
- Available in gray and blue
- Fantastic value for the price
Cons:
- Not the best quality material
- Not recommended for nature shoots
Think Tank Photo Streetwalker V2.0
Walk on the Wild Side
Those of you who fell in love with the original Streetwalker have nothing to fear. Think Tank got it right on this one by following the tried-and-true adage: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Aside from a few minor tweaks, like adding a tad more length and width to the new bag, the Streetwalker 2.0 remains nearly identical to the first iteration. For the uninitiated, know this: working professionals swear by the Streetwalker’s durability, and they put their money where their mouth is. From its YKK zippers and metal hardware to its 1680D ballistic nylon outer, this thing cuts no corners with the quality of its materials. Furthermore, it’s got a ton of space, moreso perhaps than any of our other picks so far.
Pros:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Tablet sleeve is an addition to the old model
Cons:
- Won’t fit under most airplane seats
- May not fit shorter folks
Peak Design Everyday Sling 10L
Peak Simplicity
Look, we’ll respect the product’s intentions by keeping its description simple. While compact, this sling-style bag can fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera body, a few lenses, and perhaps a tablet or a tiny laptop, too. Inside, you’ll find padded dividers that’ll help you separate and protect each individual gear item. You’ll also notice internal pockets where you can store things like wires, pens, or other miscellaneous gear items you might want to bring along. This bag’s streamlined design makes it lightweight, handsome, and convenient. Once you’ve got everything packed in, tug on the compression straps to tighten the bag, throw it over your shoulder (but gently!) and head on out into the world.
Pros:
- Weatherproof Kodra shell
- External straps for tripod, yoga mat, umbrella, etc
- Small enough to be “personal item” on a flight
Cons:
- Shoulder strap could use more padding
Frequently Asked Questions
I plan on taking my camera along on flights with me. Are these bags considered a “personal item” by airlines?
Most airlines allow you to take a free “personal item” with you that is distinct from carry-on or checked baggage. Typically, these personal items must be equal to or smaller than the size of a handbag, but most airlines are fairly lax with this. Still, to be on the safe side, it’s not a bad idea to consult with the airlines you plan on flying with and comparing the numbers they give you with dimensions of the bag you plan on buying. Furthermore, consider that even if the bag you’re interested in doesn’t count as a “personal item”, chances are, it’ll be small enough to take as a carry-on. If it’s too bag to carry on, then it definitely won’t work for travel, because you absolutely shouldn’t store your camera in your checked luggage. It will probably be destroyed in transit. Those checked baggage handlers can be merciless as they chuck bags around.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.