In this guide, we make it much easier to find the best camera bag. We have not just reviewed those camera backpacks and travel camera cases we believe are the best but also we have provided you with a detailed buying guide.
Some of the factors we have discussed in the buyer’s guide are the different designs of camera bags, padding & waterproofing, and the ideal number of compartments a camera travel case or backpack should have.
And, in case, you have any questions, there are FAQs to help you out.
Let’s dive in!
People’s Picks
Best Overall: Amazon Basics Large DSLR Bag. This large DSLR camera bag comes with a tripod stand and a bag to store or transport the stand.
Runner Up: CADeN Camera Backpack Bag. This is a super compatible camera backpack that works with DSLR, SLR, and mirrorless cameras.
Best Travel Case for Camera: eCostConnection Camera Equipment Bag/Case. Despite being compact, this travel case for camera has side pockets for storing extra accessories.
Most Versatile: Beschoi Waterproof DSLR Camera Backpack. This camera backpack can also be used as a school bag, a casual backpack, or a travel bag.
Best Camera Bag for Women: BAGSMART Camera Bag for Women and Girls. This pink camera backpack for women & girls looks cute and has lots of compartments.
9 Best Camera Bags Reviews
1. Amazon Basics Large DSLR Bag with Camera Mount Tripod Stand
You get up to 3 items when you buy this set. Which, for the price, we do not think is bad at all. Item one is a bag for camera. You will find it useful for storing, protecting, and carrying your camera. It is designed to hold a DSLR body and three lenses.
Moreover, this travel case for camera features a slot, which is perfect for storing Google Nexus 7, iPad Mini, or Amazon Fire Kindle. It is shipped in certified frustration-free packaging. Another item is the camera mount tripod stand. Its height is adjustable, plus it is made of aluminum. As a result, the tripod stand weighs slightly more than 1 pound.
The tripod camera mount stand also features a 3-way head that allows for swivel and tilt motion. This, in turn, gives you both landscape and portrait options. A quick-release plate is another cool feature. It helps you achieve fast transitions between shots. When collapsed, the tripod stand measures 16.5 inches, and, when extended, it measures up to 50 inches.
Additional Information: A zippered storage bag is included to ensure easy storage of the tripod stand. You should note that the tripod stand should not be used with heavy DSLR cameras. To be more precise, the total weight of the equipment should not go beyond 4.4 lbs.
Reasons To Buy
- Available in 2 sizes to choose from
- The price is very reasonable
- Available in many different great-looking colors
- Made of quality materials
Take Note
- The plastic that holds the strap is noisy, but you can quickly fix this by carrying the bag by hand
2. CADeN Camera Backpack Bag for DSLR/SLR Mirrorless Camera
The dimensions of the CADeN Camera Bag are 11 by 5.5 by 14.2 inches/28 by 14 by 36 centimeters. It is not just the size that is perfect; the weight of the backpack is good too. It is only 1.74 pounds/0.79 kilograms; meaning you will not have a lot of extra weight to deal with when carrying your camera.
The bag can fit a single camera body, four lenses, an iPad, and other accessories. The material it is made of is scratch-resistant and waterproof to make sure your camera is beautifully protected. The bag also features a front pocket, which is great for storing those accessories you normally use.
A mesh pocket is included too. It is on the side of the bag and boasts high elasticity to let you fit water bottles of different sizes. The mesh pocket is also suitable for storing an umbrella. A convenient carrying handle provides another way to carry this bag for photographers. Plus, there are shoulder belts designed with memory foam for maximum comfort.
Reasons To Buy
- Houses camera equipment and lenses nicely
- The included card case is a bonus
- The price point is great
- The shipping is fast
Take Note
- Has a horrible smell when new, but it (smell) goes away over time
3. eCostConnection Camera Equipment Bag/Case for Nikon, Panasonic
It is easy to see why this is the best travel case for camera. Its external dimensions are 7.5 inches long by 5.5 inches deep by 6 inches high, while its internal dimensions are 7 inches long by 5 inches deep by 5.5 inches high.
The camera case is well-sized and does a good job of keeping cameras safe. What’s more, this travel case for camera is unlike other cases in the sense that it works with many different models of cameras. Whether it is Samsung, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Canon, Nikon, or Panasonic, the case will provide a nice home for it.
The case also has a couple of side pockets where you can keep extra accessories. These side pockets are very conveniently placed and, therefore, very easy to access. A comfortable carrying handle ensures you have no problem carrying this camera case. The case also features a shoulder strap to provide you with another carrying option. The strap can be removed if need be.
Reasons To Buy
- The padding is great
- The quality is awesome
- The inside material is soft and will not scratch the camera
- The length of the shoulder strap is good
Take Note
- The side pockets are not the largest
4. Beschoi Waterproof DSLR Camera Backpack (Large)
Beschoi Waterproof Backpack is a well-made camera bag that offers a nice place to keep an SLR/DSLR camera, accessories, and, of course, lenses. The exterior dimensions of this backpack are 17.3 by 11 by 5.5 inches, whereas, the interior dimensions are 16.1 by 10.6 by 5.3 inches. The backpack is spacious and, therefore, keeps items and gadgets nicely.
It can even carry a laptop up to 13.3 inches. Other essentials you can fit in this bag for camera are a lightweight monopod or tripod and a flash speedlite. What’s more, the total number of lenses you can store in this backpack is around 4 – 6.
The backpack is made of water-repellent nylon, but this is not the only feature that makes it durable. Anti-theft zippers and heavily reinforced stitching play a role as well. It is a solid bag that does not just make it easy to carry your camera and accessories but also ensures everything inside is well protected.
Additional Information: Another reason why you may want to invest in the Beschoi Backpack Camera is that it has movable dividers. These dividers allow optimal storage as well as promoting convenience by letting you use the backpack either as a daypack or simply as a camera bag. That being said, this backpack is suitable both for outdoor travelers and photographers.
Moreover, the Beschoi Camera Backpack for Photographers is very comfortable to wear; thanks to the heavy padding. Plus, its shoulder straps are well-designed, and they distribute weight uniformly. The honeycomb board design improves comfort as well.
You should note that tripods whose lengths exceed 21.65 inches after folding may not fit into the Beschoi Camera Backpack.
Reasons To Buy
- The padding protects the equipment nicely
- The clear pouch inside is a nice touch
- Arrives quickly and in good condition
- The inside is customizable
Take Note
- N/A
5. MOSISO Water Repellent Camera Sling Bag with Tripod Holder
The MOSISO Sling Bag for Camera measures 15.7 inches long by 9.06 inches wide by 4.8 inches high. It is a decently sized bag with lots of compartments for keeping a camera, accessories, phone, and personal belongings. These multiple compartments help make the bag versatile and perfect for travel and other outdoor activities.
The camera sling backpack is equipped with a soft layer of foam that provides great protection; making sure your accessories and camera are protected from impacts. The soft foam layer also protects your gadget from scratches. The sling bag is separated into 2 parts, which are the lower storage case and the upper part.
The lower storage case is larger, and its interior dimensions are 10.1 by 7.87 by 4.33 inches. It is separated with modular inserts, which are removable for maximum convenience. These modular inserts make the lower storage case suitable for storing many different types of lenses as well as flash units. The upper part, on the other hand, is perfect for storing accessories you frequently use.
Additional Information: The tripod holder is on one side of the camera sling bag. Also, there is a hidden theft-proof pocket on the back of the bag. It is zippered and perfect for storing valuables. The bag’s shoulder strap is adjustable from 19.3 to 38.7 inches. This means you can customize its length for easy carrying of the sling bag.
The MOSISO Camera Sling Bag is suitable for men and women. It offers a quick way to access your camera since it is extremely easy to turn from the back to the front. The bag is specially designed to work with a wide range of camera brands, including Mirrorless, DSLR, and SLR.
Reasons To Buy
- The shoulder strap is padded
- The camera compartment is well designed
- Everything is easy to access
- Compact; hence, easy to carry around
Take Note
- The snap clips are a little hard to open
6. Altura Medium Camera Bag for Photographers
The best camera bag for women and men is built to stand the test of time. The Altura DSLR Bag is one of them. It is not just made with long-lasting polyester material but also boasts reinforced stitching at stress points. The bag also has a padded carry handle and an adjustable, removable shoulder strap.
The strap and handle offer 2 different ways to carry the bag. Adjustable compartments further prove that this is a good bag for photographers. They work with hook-and-loop fastened inserts to separate the lens and camera. These inserts also make it easy to organize extra batteries, lens caps, cables, memory cards, and other accessories.
The exterior dimensions of this camera bag for DSLR cameras are 9.5 by 5.5 by 6.5 inches, while the interior dimensions are 7.5 by 4.5 by 5.5 inches. The bag can fit a camera and 1 – 2 lenses, as well as other small accessories. Besides, the bag boasts universal compatibility; meaning you can use it to carry Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras, among others.
Reasons To Buy
- The padding is all around and nicely done
- The handle on top is well made
- The company stands behind the bag
- The size is perfect; neither too big nor too small
Take Note
- Padding in the strap is little to none
7. USA GEAR DSLR Camera Backpack Case
This is a versatile camera backpack that also has a laptop compartment. The laptop compartment is well padded and large enough to fit up to a 15.6-inch laptop. Needless to say, this is the bag to go for if you normally use both your laptop and camera equipment on the go.
The internal dimensions of this camera backpack for women and men are 11 by 10.5 by 6 inches. The backpack boasts tons of storage space and even features a top compartment for storing a charger, phone, etc. It also has padded dividers, which you can remove, organize, or add according to your needs.
The zippers of this bag for camera & laptop are reinforced and have non-slip yet soft rubber pullers that allow you to access your gear in a snap. Besides, there is a zippered side door that offers quick access to the camera. The backpack is compatible with many different DSLRs.
Reasons To Buy
- The camera compartment is well-sized
- The price will not break the bank
- Can hold plenty of lenses
- The build quality is good
Take Note
- The holes on zipper pulls are not large enough to fit a lock
8. FOSOTO Waterproof Camera Case Bag for Digital Camera
Cheap yet quality camera bags for DSLR cameras are not so easy to find. That is why we are happy to bump into and review the FOSOTO Travel Case for Camera. The external dimensions of this camera case for travel are 7.8 by 5.9 by 4.3 inches, while the internal dimensions are 7 by 5.1 by 3.9 inches.
The case is perfectly sized; hence, you will not have any issues fitting a mirrorless compact digital camera, a compact DSLR, a digital camera, etc. What’s more, this travel bag for camera features a thoughtfully designed sealed zipper that helps keep the dust at bay. It also boasts an extra storage pocket, which you will find handy for keeping accessories.
The shoulder strap is adjustable and makes carrying the camera case from place to place a no-brainer. Another feature we would like to talk about is the detachable divider. It allows you to adjust the inside space and easily fit in your lens, camera, and accessories. A rain cover is included to make sure water does not get into the bag and damage its content.
Reasons To Buy
- The handle feels great
- Lightweight and very well padded
- The zipper works fine
- The included strap has a shoulder pad
Take Note
- The 2-belt loop is not stretchy; therefore, some tripods may not fit
9. BAGSMART Camera Bag for Women and Girls – Pink
The main compartment of this camera bag for women is large enough to fit one DSLR camera equipped with a 70 – 200mm lens. It also fits 3 – 4 camera lenses and other accessories for camera. Additionally, the BAGSMART Camera Backpack comes equipped with a laptop compartment. The compartment is large and fits up to a 13.3” laptop. It is also thickly padded to provide maximum protection.
Extra two small pockets are useful for organizing earphones, keys, and memory cards. Plus, there is a stretch pocket with strap on the right side of the bag. It is perfect for carrying a tripod base. The bag has a total of 5 padded dividers, which are removable and do a good job of keeping your camera kit nicely separated and well protected.
The fact that the dividers can be removed means you can easily convert this bag into a laptop backpack. These removable dividers also make it easy to fit differently sized camera equipment. The quick-side access design is a feature worth mentioning as well. Furthermore, there is a wide opening featuring 2-way zippers. These two features make it easy to access your SLR camera.
Additional Information: The BAGSMART Backpack Camera features thick foam all around it. The role of this foam is to make sure camera gear is nicely protected from shocks and bumps. Furthermore, the backpack is made of water-resistant fabric, plus it has a rain cover to protect your camera from extreme weather conditions.
The back panel and shoulder straps are all padded to improve comfort and allow you to carry the backpack for long hours. Also, there is a top handle to provide you with another carrying option. The camera bag measures 10.2 inches long by 5.7 inches wide by 14.6 inches high and weighs 1.65 pounds.
It is perfectly sized and ideal for everyday use, short trips, and outdoor travel. You can also buy it as a gift for a friend, girlfriend, wife, sister, mother, aunt, etc.
Reasons To Buy
- Compact yet spacious inside
- Excellent security feature – cannot be opened from the front
- The quality is amazing
- The quick-side access design is a nice addition
- Attractive and does not feel bulky
Take Note
- It is a bit difficult to access the inner compartment
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Camera Bag
Now, in this part, we will look at the factors to have at your fingertips when buying a travel case for camera.
1. Design
Travel cases for camera come in a wide range of designs. There are camera backpacks, camera sling bags, and simple camera cases. Camera backpacks and sling bags are a good purchase for when you plan to carry your camera and its accessories for long hours.
This is because they have multiple carrying options, plus they are built with comfort in mind. Camera cases, on the other hand, can be less comfortable; hence, they are great for short trips. But also, camera travel cases are much cheaper than the actual camera backpacks and sling bags.
2. Camera Compatibility
Once you know what type of camera pack bag is good for you, the next factor to consider is what camera models and brands it is compatible with. Well, in our opinion, you should go for a bag that is compatible with as many cameras models as possible.
It should be able to easily fit a mirrorless camera, DSLR camera, or SLR camera. It should also be able to work with cameras from all notable brands, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Pentax, Olympus, and Samsung.
3. Padding & Waterproofing
The best camera bag for photographers has padding all around it. The padding is normally heavy and nicely done to protect the camera, lenses, and other accessories from shocks and impacts. Ideally, you should choose a camera case bag whose shoulder straps are well padded for maximum comfort.
The material used to make your bag should be of good quality as well. It should be water-resistant to protect the bag’s content from unexpected weather. Also, if possible, go for a bag with rain cover, as it further protects the camera kit from rain. The rain cover should have excellent waterproofing to stand up to heavy downpours in the unfortunate event that you are caught up in one.
4. Compartments
Some camera bags are thoughtfully designed in the sense that their padded dividers are removable so you can organize them in whatever way to meet your needs. But detachable dividers alone are not enough if you are a serious photographer with a lot to carry.
For this reason, try to go for a camera backpack or sling bag with multiple compartments. The bag should have a padded compartment for the camera and small pockets for organizing keys, wallets, memory cards, and earphones. It should also have a slot for lenses.
Also, if you can, go for a bag with a laptop compartment as well as a place to carry your tripod. Now, someone may ask, “will such a bag be bulky?” The answer is no. You see; modern camera bags are compact yet they carry a lot.
FAQs for Camera Bags & Cases
Q1. How do I choose the best camera backpack?
The best camera backpack is heavily padded so it can protect the camera kit reliably. It also has removable dividers that allow you to organize it your way. Moreover, a good camera pack has lots of extra compartments where you can keep your phone, laptop, lenses, speedlight, tripod, and memory card, among others.
Q2. What is the benefit of having a travel case for camera?
A travel case for camera is a good purchase if you find camera backpacks and sling bags pretty expensive. Most camera cases cost a fraction of what backpacks and shoulder camera bags cost. For this reason, they are an excellent purchase for someone on a budget.
You should note, though, that camera cases are smaller than camera packs; hence, they may not be perfect for long trips or when you have a lot to carry.
Q3. What are the uses of a camera bag?
A camera bag is great for daily use, commuting, outdoor activities, hiking, and camping, among others. You can even carry your camera bag to a picnic to capture picturesque moments. Moreover, the dividers of most camera bags can be removed to convert the bag into a laptop pack or to carry other essentials you plan to use on the go.
Best Camera Bags & Cases Reviews: Summary
The best camera bag does a good job of protecting a camera kit from bumps and shocks. It is heavily padded, and its waterproofing is reliable. This bag can either be a camera backpack or a camera sling bag.
Also, there is a travel case for camera, which is normally cheaper than camera sling bags and backpacks albeit smaller. If you are a serious photographer, a travel case for camera may not be the best choice.
That being said, a camera case for travel is perfect for shorts trips or someone that does not have a lot to carry.
Before buying a camera bag, make sure it has excellent security features such as lockable zippers. It should also be versatile for maximum convenience.