Camera bags are more than just a daily backpack or bag you carry with you for work. It is an essential part of your daily workflow as a photographer, videographer, and content creator. It houses everything you need to create on-the-go.
Choosing the right camera bag that works for your gear and environment, and that matches your style and aesthetic, is important. Although, there are so many options that it can make your head spin.
We created this article on how to choose the right camera bag that walks through five different options on the market — built for creatives working remotely — while asking five important questions that help you zero in on the bag or backpack that’s best for you and your unique needs.
First, let’s walk through five different types of camera bag options built for on-the-go workflow.
6 Types of Photography Bags for 2024
Backpacks for Photography
Backpacks are probably the most popular choice for carrying camera gear. This is thanks to their comfortable design, functionality, and ability to hold lots of gear, laptops, and more. They also come in several sizes, handling small, medium, and large gear hauls. There are different options for any environment you shoot in, whether it be in the backcountry or the city.
Sling Bags for Photography
Sling bags are essentially modified messenger bags, with a sling-style carry across the chest, which provides quick and easy access to your gear. While sling bags tend to be smaller than backpacks, there are options that can house larger items — like laptops — that make this bag type a great option, especially when working in the city.
Tote Bags for Photography
A tote bag is great when you want to carry a small kit but not look like a photographer. It is perfect for covering business meetings and conventions when you are an attendee as much as a photographer. Typically, tote bags have one strap and fewer pockets and zippers, so they are ideal for a day bag when you are on bigger projects.
Messenger Bags for Photography
Messenger-style bags are ideal for situations when you want to blend in, as they are often fashionable and professional-looking. These bags inconspicuously hold camera gear without drawing too much attention. If you work with high-end clients and/or want a bag that works with your business or business casual attire, messenger bags are a great option.
Rolling Cases for Photography
Rolling cases are another option as a camera bag. These are typically used in addition to a camera bag to increase the amount of gear you can bring especially on day-long intensive photoshoots. The robust, durable build is another great plus, meaning your camera gear stays safe, no matter your shooting environment.
Shoulder Bags for Photography
Shoulder bags, as they sound, are meant to be worn on the shoulder and are typically designed to carry a camera, several lenses, and more. They are a great option for creatives in urban environments who need a comfortable, convenient camera bag for daily use.
Best Photography Accessory Pouches and Organizers in 2024
Whether you work with a hard case, a shoulder bag, a backpack, or a Tote, accessory pouches can help keep your camera gear more organized and safe. Most camera bags have plenty of compartments for bodies, lenses, and a laptop, but a nice pouch or tech organizer is the solution for chargers, memory cards, and the tangle of USB cables. Keeping your SSDs and memory cards in a tech case you can grab with your laptop allows you to keep your primary camera bag packed and ready to go while you edit.
Bag and Case Accessories
Wearable pouched, and media storage can be life savers on location, allowing you to work without opening your main camera bag in crowded streets or under harsh conditions.
Cable Management
We’ve all been there: You open your bag only to see a jumble of cables staring back at you. Keep your expensive and important cables organized and safe with a cable management pouch.
Tech Organizers
Keep your dongles, power blocks, SSDs, and other vital tools organized and safe with a tech organizer pouch when working on the go.
Personal Care
We’ve reviewed six types of camera bags that can carry camera gear and all the necessities for an on-the-go creative workflow. Here are five questions to ask yourself to narrow down to the best one for you.
5 Questions When Choosing a Camera Bag
How much camera gear do you typically carry?
This is probably the biggest question to ask yourself when researching camera bags. How much gear do you typically take with you on a normal day? Do you bring 1-2 camera bodies, a few lenses, a drone, a laptop, and accessories like camera batteries, SSDs, memory cards, and more? Are you more minimalist and only take a camera, lens, and a laptop? Understanding the space you need will help eliminate options that won’t work.
Do you require a versatile bag design?
Do the lenses, cameras, and gear you use change from day to day or week to week? If so, you’ll need to look at camera bags that have the versatile design, layout, and space needed to make that versatility happen.
Where will you be taking your camera bag and gear?
Will you be shooting content in the backcountry or in the city? The mountains or desert? Not all bags are created equal. Certain bag designs are built for specific environments. Whether it’s related to materials used (waterproof, lightweight, etc) or features offered (waterproof gear pouch, bike clip, etc), look for a bag that is designed to go where you go.
Will you be traveling for work?
Do you travel constantly for your job? If so, you’ll need a bag that can hold all your gear but still fit in both an international or domestic overhead bin — or even better, under your seat. A good camera bag is like a travel partner, so make sure your travel partner can travel with you while flying to future jobs.
What style are you going for?
Are you looking for a sleek sophisticated bag or a rugged adventure-ready backpack? Your bag should not only hold and protect your gear but be a representation of your style and focus as a photographer.
Will your camera bag need more space?
Will your camera bag need a sidekick? Typically, the bigger the job, the greater the amount of gear you will need to bring. If you book larger gigs and plan to continue pursuing those types of opportunities, investing in a padded, protective hard case is really important. Not only are these easy to travel alongside your camera bag, but they increase the amount of protected space you have to bring everything needed.
Conclusion
Here are your five great camera bag options for the on-the-go creative. Hopefully, these five questions will help you filter out the best choice for your own unique workflow and needs.
We hope this article allows you to zero in on the perfect camera bag. If you’re ready to start shopping and exploring the best options in the bag category, Adorama has hundreds of camera bag options for any needs, workflow, and style.
