If you are a travel or outdoor creator, camera backpacks are incredibly important. Essentially, they’re your camera gear’s home on the road. Because of that, they require a reliable, durable, comfortable design with ample storage and organization that is versatile and flexible to fit your different camera kits for specific jobs.
As we know, some camera backpacks carry more weight than others (pun intended). In this article, we break down seven of the top camera backpacks for travel and everyday use. We’ll also walk through important backpack details and why we chose the pack in the first place, so you can make an informed decision on the camera backpack that is best for you and your unique needs as a creator.
Best Camera Backpacks
Nanuk N-PVD Messenger Bag/Backpack
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Nanuk N-PVD bag seamlessly transitions from a messenger carrier to a two-strap backpack thanks to its configurable straps. This backpack is best for users who want to best of both worlds.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 15, 18, 30, 35, or 40 liter options
- Backpack material: Bluesign approved exterior polyester fabric
- Sections/dividers: customizable and reconfigurable dividers (amount dependent on bag size)
- Tripod holder? Yes, exterior attachment
With the vast number of size options, divider configurations, and adjustable strap options, there is sure to be a Nanuk N-PVD bag that meets your specific needs. It features a lightweight double-layered foam body for added protection from the elements, along with detachable rain covers. There are both top and back panels, secured by YKK Aquaguard zippers, to access your gear with ease.
The customizable padded sleeves that are included with this bag will ensure that your gear does not shift around while you travel. Its seamless tripod carrying solution will allow you to easily reach for your tripod with little to no disruption. Overall, the shape-shifting dividers and comfortable yet customizable straps make the Nannuk N-PVD bag a great option for almost any kind of creator.
Lowepro PhotoSport PRO BP 70 L AW III Backpack
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Lowepro PhotoSport PRO BP 70 L AW III Backpack is one of the most outdoor-capable camera backpacks on the market today, and great for multi-day adventures with your gear.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 70 liters
- Backpack material: Weather-resistant, 420D nylon (86% of materials used are recycled and sustainable fabrics)
- Sections/dividers: Padded, removable sections and dividers for up to eight devices
- Tripod holder? Yes, large tripod-compatible side mesh pockets
The new Lowepro PhotoSport PRO BP 70L AW III Backpack is built and designed for professional photographers and filmmakers who need a bag that has enough room to comfortably carry their camera equipment and outdoor gear for a multi-day adventure.
Its 70-liter capacity combined, modular design. It includes GearUP straps for multiple configurations and the ability to carry extra outdoor gear like a tent, sleeping bag, apparel, trekking poles, and more. Its ActivLift adjustable length harness system makes carrying that excess weight and gear much more comfortable and manageable.
But what makes the Lowepro PhotoSport PRO BP 70L AW III so fantastic are the multiple smart features built into the design of the bag. It has a removable lid compatible with the GearUp strap system and even converts into a shoulder bag. It has front and backside camera gear access and a dedicated sleeping bag compartment on the bottom of the pack. This will help keep gear organized and balanced. It’s even designed with 86% recycled, sustainable materials, so you can invest in a backpack that was built for a better future.
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II Camera Backpack, Gray
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II Camera Backpack is considered to be one of the most rugged, proven camera backpacks for the outdoors and single-day trips. It was created to meet the demanding needs of professional outdoor athletes and content creators.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 27 liters
- Backpack material: Tear-resistant 420 Ripstop Nylon with waterproof TPU/PU dual lamination
- Sections/dividers: Padded, removable sections and dividers for up to eight devices
- Tripod holder? Yes, exterior attachment system for a full-size tripod
The Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II Camera Backpack is an iconic camera backpack for a reason. It’s simply one of the best outdoor camera backpacks ever made. It was designed in collaboration with professional outdoor athletes, photographers, and filmmakers to create a camera backpack that is functionally and intelligently designed for long shoot days in the outdoors.
This 4-season, waterproof camera backpack features a unique design with a front waterproof lining that keeps wet, dirty, or muddy outdoor apparel and gear separated from your camera gear. It also features a robust exterior attachment system with Nifco side-release buckles and Duraflex hooks. This allows for heavier gear like skis, ice axes, or full-size tripods to be secured comfortably on the sides without hindering access to your other gear.
Like its PhotoSport PRO cousin, it also provides a serious amount of comfort sporting the same ActivZone back panel and harness system, with dual-density foam that increases overall carrying comfort. The Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II also features additional storage compartments for any gear, big or small. This includes internal zipper pockets for small items and a padded, suspended, CradleFit compartment that holds and protects up to a 13” laptop. This camera pack has all the features needed to become your go-to camera pack for day adventures.
Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack, Green
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack is a fantastic camera backpack for travelers with travel features that make carrying this backpack while in transit a breeze.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 24 liters
- Backpack material: Weather-resistant polyester material on the sides and top, durable weather-resistant/scratch-resistant lining on the bottom
- Sections/dividers: Padded, removable sections and dividers that can hold 1-2 camera bodies, 3-5 lenses, and accessories
- Tripod holder? Yes, VEO TRIPOD LINK – external tripod carrying system and internal tripod storage
The Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack is a fantastic camera backpack, especially for jet setters and travelers. It features a padded airflow back and harness for comfortable all-day carrying. If you’re tired of hauling and want to lessen the load, simply slide the backpack through your carry-on handle and wheel it through the airport.
The Vanguard VEO SELECT also features fantastic internal storage that is designed with traveling content creators in mind. This includes easy access to internal pockets for travel documents and other daily essentials. Its side and secured-front access to a large external camera gear storage. Meanwhile, a padded laptop sleeve provides ample space for several camera bodies, lenses, and a 15” laptop. The entire interior storage space is lined with brightly colored materials, so you never fumble around with your gear and miss a shot.
If you’re looking for a quality daypack for camera gear that is built and designed for those on the move, the Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack is the backpack for you.
Vanguard VEO RANGE T48 Backpack, Black
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Vanguard VEO RANGE T48 Backpack is one of the most versatile, adaptable camera bags you can buy. It has an interior that can be adapted for almost any kit, making it practical for anyone, not just photographers or filmmakers.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 27 liters
- Backpack material: High-quality, weather-resistant material
- Sections/dividers: Padded, removable sections and dividers that can hold a pro-DSLR and up to 9 lenses, with lenses up to 400mm f/2.8, and a 16″ MacBook
- Tripod holder? Yes, an exterior strap attachment system for a full-size tripod
The Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack is incredibly versatile, sporting one of the most interchangeable and adaptable camera bag interior systems on the market. If you’re a professional photographer or filmmaker, you can utilize and maximize the well-padded interior camera storage. It can hold a DSLR/mirrorless camera, up to nine lenses, a 15” laptop (or 16” MacBook Pro), and accessories from flashes to memory cards. If you don’t need the internal camera storage, simply take it out to use for clothes or travel gear. The versatility of this pack is outstanding.
On the exterior, the Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack was designed with multiple webbing straps on the front and sides to attach other accessories like tripods, waterbottles, external pockets for SD cards, cables, and other accessories you might need quickly on a shoot. It’s designed with back and side access to your camera access for secure, quick access to your gear, and features an ergonomic harness system, and padded back panels for maximum comfort and airflow while wearing.
All in all, the Vanguard VEO SELECT 48BF Backpack is a fantastic camera backpack. It’s one of the most versatile on the market, designed for a multitude of uses, from hauling to a complete camera kit to taking as a carry-on for travel.
Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2
Why We Chose This Backpack: Hence its name, the Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2 is a top-tier, everyday camera backpack, featuring a beautiful but rugged modern exterior design, quality build, and intuitive, dedicated internal storage features.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 30 liters (expandable to 38 liters with internal expansion)
- Backpack material: 100% recycled, weatherproof 400D material and 900D waterproof bottom liner
- Sections/dividers: Padded, customizable, easy-to-configure FlexFold dividers for multiple gear-carrying options
- Tripod holder? Yes, an external cord hook strap carry system that can cinch down and carry a tripod
The Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2 is a camera backpack that not only focuses on versatility, protection, and durability but perfectly balances form and function, with an attractive, modern design. Featuring highly durable materials like a 100% recycled, weatherproof 400D outer fabric and external UltraZip weatherproof zippers, the Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2 is built for longevity but still maintains an aesthetically design that gets even better with V2 model, with cleaner seams and more rounded profile. The V2 also comes in three colors: Black, Midnight, and Charcoal.
Another great selling point of the Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2 is its increased and improved internal and external storage, including several top and side pockets inside the bag for increased organization, a stretchy waterproof internal side and top pockets for cards, cords, and other small accessories, increased laptop and tablet storage with an adjustable height laptop sleeve, now fitting up to 15” laptops, and greater volume in the external side pockets for larger water bottles, tripods.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg with this Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2, like many Peak Design products, combines innovation with aesthetics, and provides a top-tier camera daypack you should definitely consider.
Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack, Green
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack is a premium roll-top design backpack that combines reliable durability, ample internal and external storage options, and a comfortable backpack-carrying design, in one great outdoor camera backpack.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 30 liters
- Backpack material: Weather-resistant ripstop nylon fabric
- Sections/dividers: Gitzo G-Cushion removable, padded inserts and storage for a camera body, 4-6 lenses, and accessories
- Tripod holder? Yes, a multi-link strap system to carry larger tripods
The Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack is a roll-top, and while that can be a polarizing design feature, many prefer a roll-top design for its carrying flexibility. However, what’s not polarizing is how well this camera fits and stores camera gear.
With its internal Flexi Dividers that fold out of the way to hold larger equipment or lenses, and interchangeable dividers for customizable storage that fits your unique kit, the Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack offers so much flexibility to the carrier, in addition to a dedicated, internal padded sleeve for both your laptop and tablet.
The Gitzo Adventury 30L Backpack is also incredibly durable and reliable in the outdoors, made with weather-resistant ripstop nylon that is treated with a water-repellant finish throughout the exterior design, as well as water protective zipper to keep gear safe and dry. It’s heavy-duty roll-top camera backpack that’s a great option for outdoor and landscape-focused photographers and content creators.
Gitzo Century Traveler Backpack for DSLR Camera, Up to 3 Lenses, 15″ Laptop
Why We Chose This Backpack: The Gitzo Century Traveler Backpack is a smaller camera pack that combines style with function and provides a middle ground for enthusiast photographers who might want to carry camera gear, but not carry anything too technical looking.
Backpack Details:
- Size in liters: 17 liters
- Backpack material: Genuine Italian leather with wear-resistant nylon and a water-repellent treatment
- Sections/dividers: Interchangeable, padded dividers for a camera and up to 3 lenses
- Tripod holder? Yes, external tripod connections
The Gitzo Century Traveler Backpack is the smallest camera backpack on this list, but that’s not a bad thing because that’s exactly what it’s trying to be.
This camera pack is the perfect middle ground for those who want a capable camera backpack that can carry a camera and several lenses while remaining a stylish, attractive design. Its combination of genuine Italian leather and nylon makes it a very attractive bag that can fit in with the rest of your bags for work or travel, especially with its Trolley connection sleeve, that slides onto any rolling carry-on handle for easy transport through an airport.
FAQs: Best Camera Backpacks
What is the best size for a camera backpack?
This depends on your camera kit and carrying needs. Although, typically, a backpack between 25-30 liters is great for a normal camera kit of around 1-2 camera bodies and 3-4 lenses. Any kit larger than that, a backpack of around 40+ liters is a good choice since you will need much more internal storage.
Is a 40L backpack too big for carry-on?
Typically, a 40L backpack is U.S. domestic carry-on compatible. Depending on the international airline, some 40L bags might be too big for the overhead or under-seat space. Before flying any airline, be sure to check your bag size versus the carry-on size limit, so you can make the most informed decision.
How many camera bags do you need?
This depends on your workflow and camera kit needs. Typically, professionals will have two camera packs. One smaller camera backpack for single-day shoots and one larger camera backpack for a multi-day shoot, which require hauling much gear or larger items, like lenses and drones.
How do you pack a camera when traveling?
When it comes to packing, we always struggle with the internal dilemma of what or what not to pack. But while packing your camera backpack for travel is important, but shouldn’t be overcomplicated. Unless your job requires it, try to limit your items as much as possible, using this simple four-step process:
- Limit yourself to bringing only 3-4 lenses with two cameras: a main and backpack camera
- Bring larger items like drones or gimbals, depending on the opportunities or laws at the location you’re going
- Pack your laptop or on-the-go editing device and all accessories it needs
- Bring any and all accessories like batteries, cords, and camera attachements that work well with the larger camara gear items you’re bringing to round out your camera kit for your next trip
