Best Camera Bag For Travel Photographer

Updated on May 5, 2021

They say "the best camera is the one you have with you," and if you want to have your favorite camera with you all the time, you need a good camera bag for travel. Depending on the type of travel you do – expeditions where you're traveling on planes, hikes into the backcountry, or quick day trips – there are different bags to meet your needs. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we will help you pick out the best camera bag for travel so your camera is ready to capture the next magic moment.

For more of our top travel photography gear recommendations, check out the Best Cameras for Travel Photography.

Quick Answer - The Best Camera Bags for Travel

Peak Design Everyday Camera Pack 20L
Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L
Mountainsmith Tanack 10 Lumbar
Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack
Lowepro Pro Runner BP 350 AW II
Peak Design Travel Camera Pack 45L
Poler Classic Camera Cooler
Peak Design Everyday Camera Messenger Bag

Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Travel Camera Bags

Peak Design Everyday Camera Pack 20L

Specs

Material: Synthetic Canvas
Capacity: 20 Liters
Dimensions: 18 in x 12 in x 6.75 in
Size: Medium
Bag Style: Backpack

Features

Magnetic Latch System Provides Easy Yet Secure Top Access
Reconfigurable Internal Dividers To Customize To Your Needs
Tension Straps Allow You To Attach Lots Of Gear Externally

Peak Design Everyday Camera Pack 20L

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND PERFORMANCE

The Peak Design Everyday Camera Pack 20L (it also comes in a 30L model) truly is a peak performer in travel camera bags. The pack easily fits a DSLR with a few lenses, and the FlexFold system of internal dividers allows you to customize the compartments to your gear, while an internal sleeve holds a laptop up to 15 in. The MagLatch system for top closure makes accessing your gear quick and easy, yet the closure is still extremely secure. The bag also offers side access on each side.

Thanks to tension straps that can easily be tucked away when not in use, you can attach a large amount of gear, such as tripods, to the pack externally. Though this might be called the Everyday Camera Pack, it really is the perfect way to carry all your gear with you wherever you travel.

Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L

Specs

Material: Nylon Canvas
Capacity: 5 Liters
Dimensions: 12.2 in x 7.5 in x 4.33 in
Size: Small
Bag Style: Cross-Body Sling

Features

Packs Flat When Empty Making It Easy to Fit in a Suitcase
Two Flexible Dividers Let You Configure the Interior to Your Camera Kit
Can Be Worn As Either a Cross-Body Sling or As a Waist Pack

BEST FOR: MINIMAL & LIGHTWEIGHT

If you're looking for a small, lightweight bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling 5L is the perfect go-anywhere pack. This bag is designed to be carried as a cross-body sling, so you always have your camera handy on your travels. The strap can also be adjusted to carry it as a waist pack for hands-free convenience.

Although it is not large enough to fit a whole camera kit, the Everyday Sling can easily fit a mirrorless camera plus a couple lenses or a DSLR with one lens, and it has plenty of pockets for small accessories such as batteries and cables.. The bag also includes two flexible dividers that attach with velcro, so you can adjust the layout of the interior to your needs.

Mountainsmith Tanack 10 Lumbar

Specs

Material: Cordura Nylon
Capacity: 10 Liters
Dimensions: 11.75 in x 12.25 in x 5.5 in
Size: Small
Bag Style: Shoulder Bag/Waist Pack

Features

Padded Waistbelt To Carry In Comfort
Removable Bag For Small Accessories
Included Rain Cover For Protection From Wet Conditions

BEST FOR: EASY TO CARRY

The Mountainsmith Tanack 10 Lumbar Camera Pack is part of a whole system including a backpack and camera cubes, yet it can be used on its own as a great shoulder bag. A padded waistbelt helps redistribute the weight and makes it more comfortable to carry. The bag includes several thoughtful features as well, such as an included rain cover if you get caught in wet conditions and a removable bag for keeping small accessories organized and handy.

The Tanack Lumbar Pack fits a camera inside the main compartment but does not include padded dividers for your lenses. You can purchase an optional Mountainsmith Kit Cube if you want to add dividers to your bag.

Evoc Photo Op 16L

Specs

Material: Nylon & Polyester
Capacity: 16 Liters
Dimensions: 11 in x 19.7 in x 5.1 in
Size: Medium
Bag Style: Backpack

Features

Removable Camera Compartment With Easy Side Access
Holds A Hydration System In Rear Compartment
Polyurethane Coating For Water Resistance

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL

When you want to take your camera with you on an adventure into the backcountry, the Evoc Photo Op 16L is an excellent combination of a daypack and a camera bag. The outer fabric is a durable polyester which is coated in polyurethane to repel water and keep your camera gear dry if you're hit by a rainstorm. The rear compartment is designed to hold a hydration system, so you can bring plenty of water on a hike.

The padded camera compartment is removable if you want to use it on its own, and if you don't need your camera gear, the Evoc Photo Op is a nice daypack without it.

Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack

Specs

Material: Nylon
Capacity: 48 Liters
Dimensions: 21.3 in x 17.7 in x 7.9 in
Size: Large
Bag Style: Backpack

Features

Removable Camera Compartment
Dividers Fold Around To Protect Gear
Can Fit A DSLR Plus A Drone

BEST FOR: CARRY-ON BAG

The Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack is the perfect bag to keep your camera gear safe and secure, especially as a carry-on when you're traveling by plane. Made of durable and water-resistant fabric, this backpack can withstand a beating, whether you're taking it across town or across the country. The protective camera compartment is easy to access through a side zipper, and the compartment can be removed to be carried on its own.

The Covert Rolltop Backpack can hold both a DSLR and a drone, so you don't have to choose which one to bring on your next adventure. However, the bag can get a bit heavy if you pack all your gear in it, and although the shoulder straps are padded and ergonomic, there is no waistbelt to help support the load.

Timbuk2 Enthusiast

Specs

Material: N/A
Capacity: 30 Liters
Dimensions: 16.9 in (top width) x 10.2 in (bottom width) x 18.5 in x 6.10 in
Size: Large
Bag Style: Backpack

Features

Attachment Loop For Bike Light
Horseshoe Zipper Opening Allows Easy Access To Everything Inside
Cushioned Back Panel & Shoulder Straps For Comfort

BEST FOR: BIKING

The Timbuk2 Enthusiast Camera Bag is designed to let you bring all your photo equipment into the great outdoors with ease. It has an attachment for a bike light, so if that's your preferred mode of travel, the Enthusiast is an excellent choice for a camera bag. It can also carry a tripod externally, and you can easily fit a DSLR with extra lenses and accessories inside with padded dividers to protect each piece.

The outer fabric is durable to stand up to arduous travel, and padding on the shoulder straps and back is extra thick for comfort and protection when you're on the move.

Lowepro Pro Runner BP 350 AW II

Specs

Material: Nylon & Polyester
Capacity: 20 Liters
Dimensions: 12.4 in x 5.5 in x 18.1 in
Size: Medium
Bag Style: Backpack

Features

Separate Compartments For A Laptop, Graphics Tablet, And An iPad
Holds A DSLR With An Attached Lens Plus 4-5 Other Lenses
Tripod Can Be Attached Externally With Front Buckles

BEST FOR: LOTS OF GEAR

When you need to carry absolutely all of your gear with you, the Lowepro Pro Runner BP 350 AW II Backpack should be your go-to. It has the capacity to fit a DSLR with an attached lens, along with several other lenses. Plus, it has individual sleeves to hold your laptop, a tablet, and an iPad all at once. A professional tripod can be attached to the front with a buckle system.

The Pro Runner BP 350 includes a removable accessory case to keep important stuff handy, as well as several pockets for cables and other bits of gear, so everything stays organized and in place.

Peak Design Travel Camera Pack 45L

Specs

Material: Nylon Canvas
Capacity: 35-45 Liters
Dimensions: 22 in x 13 in x 9.5 in (Compressed), 22 in x 13 in x 11 in (Expanded)
Size: Large
Bag Style: Backpack

Features

Can Compress Down To 35l And Expand Up To 45l
Plenty Of External Pockets, Including Side Pockets & A Waistbelt Pocket
Can Be Carried By Grab Handles On The Side Or With Padded Shoulder Straps

Peak Design Travel Camera Pack 45L

BEST FOR: EXPANDABILITY

The Peak Design Travel Camera Pack can compress down to 35L and expand up to 45L, so you can have room for what you need without leaving a lot of unnecessary empty space. The bag also has pockets everywhere, including the top, side, and even in the waistbelt, so it's easy to stash and access all your small stuff without worrying about losing it.

Though the Peak Design Travel Camera Pack can pretty much do it all as a travel camera bag, it is definitely on the pricey side. Plus, it requires you to purchase camera cubes separately to compartmentalize and protect your gear in the large main compartment.

Poler Classic Camera Cooler

Specs

Material: Campdura
Capacity: 7 Liters
Dimensions: 11 in x 7 in x 6 in
Size: Small
Bag Style: Shoulder Bag

Features

Can Be Used As Either A Camera Bag Or A Soft-sided Cooler
Camera Insert Is Padded And Removable
Interior Seams Are Sealed To Prevent Leaks

Poler Classic Camera Cooler

BEST FOR: DOUBLE DUTY

If you're heading out for some weekend fun, the Poler Classic Camera Cooler can carry your camera – and then convert into a cooler to keep your drinks cold. A padded insert protects your DSLR, and the flaps can be positioned to suit your needs. The whole insert can then be removed to be filled with beverages. The bag won't leak thanks to sealed interior seams, and the outer fabric is designed to stand up to wear and tear. You can carry the Camera Cooler either by handles or a removable shoulder strap.

While the Polar Classic Camera Cooler is a bit of a novelty and definitely won't be your main camera bag for travel, it is handy to save space on a camping trip or other short getaway.

Peak Design Everyday Camera Messenger Bag

Specs

Material: Synthetic Canvas
Capacity: 18 Liters
Dimensions: 17 in x 12 in x 7 in
Size: Medium
Bag Style: Messenger

Features

Two Flexible Dividers To Customize Camera Compartments
Exterior Camera Clips For Easy Attachment & Access When You're On The Go
Designed To Carry A Tripod And Includes Silicone Band To Secure Tripod Legs

BEST FOR: OFFICE TO THE ROAD

The Peak Design Everyday Camera Messenger Bag is the camera bag you need to go from a regular office day to an on-the-road adventure. The bag can hold a DSLR with 3 lenses, as well as a laptop or tablet, so you can easily tote all of your gear with you. A tripod carry system makes it easy to bring your tripod along as well.

The rigid design of the Everyday Camera Messenger Bag protects your expensive gear. It also expands and contracts without losing its shape and putting pressure on the contents inside. Two Peak Design Camera Clip attachments on the outside of the bag allow you to quickly stow your camera hands-free between shots and easily grab it again when you need it.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING CAMERA BAGS FOR TRAVEL

You won't find one perfect camera bag for travel because there are so many different ways to travel and different camera gear you need to bring along. Are you going on an adventure into the backcountry where you need to keep things minimal and light? Or are you traveling to another country for a big shoot that requires all your gear?

REI offers a basic rundown of different types of camera bags, while B&H helps figure out what your needs are in a camera bag for travel.

TYPE OF BAG

Camera bags for travel come in a variety of types, from backpacks to shoulder bags to simple camera cubes.

If you're always on the go, whether around town or heading out of it, a backpack is a good, versatile choice, especially if you're heading outdoors with your gear.

Shoulder bags are great for more local, urban travel, and are perfect for taking to and from the office or shoot location.

Camera cubes are a low investment way to turn a bag you already own into a camera bag, and they can often be carried on your own when you just need your camera by your side.

CAPACITY

An important consideration when buying a camera bag for travel is how much gear you need to hold in the bag. If you just need your DSLR and maybe an extra lens, you can get by with a small bag. But if you need to bring several lenses plus a tripod and a laptop and all the accessories, then you'll require a larger capacity bag.

COMPARTMENTS

Compartments keep your gear both protected and organized, so it's key that the system in the bag you choose fits with your gear. Padded internal dividers can usually be configured to your specifics, but you still should make sure there are enough for your stuff. If you're planning to carry a laptop with you, look for a bag that has an internal sleeve that's big enough for yours. And, of course, lots of pockets are handy for keeping smaller things, like cables, in their place.

FEATURES EXPLAINED

DIVIDERS

Padded inserts that protect camera gear and usually can be moved and customized with velcro or another type of system.

SIDE ACCESS

Zipper on the side to allow access to area at the bottom of the bag without opening the top and having to unpack other things.

HORSESHOE ZIPPER

The front panel has a zipper all the way around, so you can access all the contents when its unzipped.

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