Photographers are busy creatives and professionals who love to travel. As professionals and enthusiasts in the imaging space, you might often find yourself in different shooting environments depending on the job or passion project. Whether you are shooting indoors or outdoors, it’s important to protect your equipment so you can continue earning a living from your gear. The last thing you want during a shooting assignment is accidental damage to your equipment. The best way to keep your camera gear safe and secure is to invest in the best travel camera case.
Travel cases come in different shapes and sizes and help protect your gear from weather, accidental damage, dust, and many other external factors. In this guide, we’ll tackle the multitude of travel camera cases available. Before we begin, though, let’s break down some of the different types of travel camera cases so you can understand which one is right for you.
Different Types of Travel Cases for Cameras
Hard Case
Hard cases are tough on the exterior and lined with cushioning inside. The design of hard camera cases also includes dividers, which help you stay organized with your gear. Typically larger in size, hard cases are well-suited if you need to travel with several lenses, lights, tripods, and other accessories.
Roller Bag
Roller bags are equipped with handles and either two or four wheels. Each bag has its own custom design for storing specific gear. Many of the smaller roller bags are manufactured to meet international baggage requirements. So rather than putting your bag in the plane’s hold, these special bags can easily fit in overhead luggage compartments. You’ll find these bags ideal for medium to large-size kits, as within most roller bags, there are customizable dividers that offer excellent protection.
Shoulder/Messenger Bag
A shoulder (messenger) bag is the perfect fit for shoots where you don’t require carrying your elaborate camera gear. Typically, messenger bags have enough space to accommodate a camera, lens, and smaller accessories such as batteries, memory cards, and sometimes a laptop. However, since the bag is worn on one shoulder, holding the bag with heavy equipment for longer durations can lead to shoulder strain.
Backpack
Backpacks are essential for landscape and travel photographers on the go. Having all your gear on you while traversing the outdoors is essential. Many of these camera cases have weather-sealing zips for harsh conditions and larger inserts to accommodate bigger lenses and drones. Also, backpacks feature comfortable straps that allow you to carry your heavy camera gear without causing any stress on the shoulders.
Holster
Holster travel camera cases fit one camera and one lens. So, if you only plan on using one camera body and lens for street or documentary photography, this case is for you.
Features to Look for When Buying a Travel Case for a Camera
As there are many cases to look at, consider the following features and points when making your choice.
Your Shooting Assignment
The first aspect you need to consider is the nature of your shooting assignment. Will you require your extensive camera gear? Or will just a camera and lens suffice? You need to pick a travel camera case for your gear depending on how much equipment you’ll be carrying. If you need all your gear, consider investing in larger travel cases, such as a hard case, roller bag, or backpack.
Travel Distance
The distance you’ll be traveling, and the mode of transport need to be considered. Are you traveling by air? If so, investing in the roller bag or a hard case is best. Are you traveling by road? A backpack is ideal for on-the-go travel. And if you’ll be on the move constantly (and will be working with your basic gear), choose the messenger or shoulder case.
Location Weather
The weather of the place you’ll be traveling to is the next important factor. If it’s hot, humid, rainy, snowing, it’s advisable to invest in a weather-proof travel case. With a tough, weather-proof case, you can rest assured that your gear will be safe in all weather conditions.
Best Travel Cases for Camera Equipment
Now that we’ve run you through the essential aspects you need in a travel camera case based on your needs, below are some of the top travel camera cases in each category:
Pelican 1510TP
Pelican cases are made with tough, durable material to withstand impact. These cases are designed to sustain even through the harshest shooting conditions and travel terrains.
- Dust, water, and crush-proof material
- Retractable extension handle
- Strong wheels with stainless steel bearings
- O-ring seal and padlock protectors
Pelican 1535TP Air Wheeled Carry-On Case
The Pelican 1535 TP is built to sustain long-distance air travel and is the perfect blend of strength, lightweight, and design. It features dividers, allowing you to store all your camera gear systematically.
- Built with lightweight, durable material
- Features purge valves that can balance the air pressure
- Steel hasp protectors and rubber over-molded handles
- Watertight O-ring gasket
Nanuk Wheeled Series 935 Waterproof Hard Case
If you’re looking for a systematic, organized hard case, the Nanuk Wheeled Series 935 is a great pick. The hard travel case for camera gear offers excellent stability, which is essential to keep all your gear safe and secure during travel and outdoor shoots.
- PowerClaw latching to secure the case
- Built with impact-resistant NK-7 resin
- Two-stage retractable handle and strong wheels
- Available in a range of 10 colors
Pelican 1200 Small Case
A small, pack-and-go option from Pelican, this durable hard case is the best travel companion a photographer can have. Compact and sleek, the case will still fit in all your essential photography gear, keeping it secure no matter your shoot location.
- Water, dust, and crush-proof build
- Easy to access design
- Pressure equalization valve to balance internal pressure
- Convoluted lid foam
Best Travel Roller Bag for Camera Equipment
Manfrotto Advanced III Rolling Camera Bag
The Manfrotto Advanced III Rolling Camera Bag is sleek, stylish, and spacious enough to accommodate all your camera gear. The bag has been designed to offer excellent protection and stability to keep your gear safe from damage.
- Lightweight and durable
- Includes rain cover
- Equipped with a tripod attachment
- Features an interior organizer pocket
Vanguard Alta Fly 55T Trolley Bag / Backpack – Roller Bag
The Vanguard Alta Fly Trolley bag is made of a durable, anti-scratch, and moisture-resistant material. It can effortlessly accommodate your photography gear and other personal items too.
- Meets airline carry-on size and form restrictions
- Systematic, organized storage
- Capacity to hold a 14″ laptop and tablet
- Well-padded for impact resistance
Think Tank Airport Navigator
The Think Tank Airport Navigator is well-suited for photographers who are always on the move. The bag has a unique design and is equipped with a split shoulder strap that allows you to roll two bags with one hand.
- Accessible and spacious design
- Replaceable wheels and handles
- Dedicated compartments for a laptop and tablet
- Retractable handles
Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Spin-55 Carry-On Camera Roller Bag
The Pro Light Reloader Spin roller bag from Manfrotto is a popular pick among photographers, as it features ample space to accommodate two DSLRs and 3-4 lenses all at once. The camera case is designed to offer high protection and shock resistance to keep your gear safe.
- Flexible dividers
- External tripod connection
- Water repellent material
- Rain cover for additional protection
Tenba Roadie Roller 24
If durability, protection, and style are what you’re looking for in your travel case for a camera, the Tenba Roadie Roller fits the bill perfectly. Designed to perfection, this case is tough, offers impeccable stability, and is super easy to handle.
- Can accommodate two DSLRs, 8-10 lenses, and a 17″ laptop
- Removable padded inserts
- Super smooth wheels
- Sleek design, yet tough and durable
Best Shoulder & Messenger Bag for Camera Equipment
Vanguard VEO RANGE 21M Small Messenger Camera Bag
The Vanguard VEO Range 21M is a small, stylish messenger bag that can fit a camera with a lens attached, two lenses, a mini tablet, and other accessories. A trusted companion for your travels, this bag is well-padded and super comfortable to carry around.
- Comfortable, adjustable strap
- Secure and safe storage
- The light-colored interior makes it easy to spot things
- Complete rain cover
Domke F-802 Reporter’s Satchel Canvas Camera Bag
If you like to travel light (even on your shooting assignments), the Domke Reporter’s Satchel is crafted just for you. It has large pockets and an ergonomic design that allows you to store your essential photography gear safely and securely comfortably.
- Padded sidewalls for impact resistance
- Seven compartments for organized storage
- Individuals weather flaps for quick access
- Adjustable, comfortable strap
Ape Case Pro Digital Medium SLR System Case
Safely seal all your expensive photography gear in this compact and tough camera case from Ape. The Pro Digital SLR case has 15 pockets and can comfortably store medium-sized SLRs, lenses, flashes, and other essential accessories.
- Heavily padded to protect your gear from impact
- Features multiple compartments
- Hard bottom with rubber feet
- Zipper pocket closures for easy access to gear
Peak Design 13L Everyday Messenger Bag V2
Versatile, environmentally sustainable, and stylish — that’s what this messenger bag from Peak Design is for you. The bag has been aesthetically designed and has a large, extendable capacity. It features customizable dividers that you can use to create space for camera gear of different sizes.
- Ergonomic and functional design
- 24% lighter than other messenger bags
- Space for laptop and documents
- Internal and external storage pockets
Best Backpack for Camera Equipment
Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Backpack
The Vanguard Alta Sky is the ultimate gear-carrying and working backpack, making it well-suited for professional photographers. It has a flexible design, making it adaptable to different working conditions.
- Clutter-free storage
- Bright interiors to make it easy to find gear
- Number of pockets and external connectors
- Rain cover for extra protection
Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack V2
The Peak Design Everyday backpack is the perfect travel case for your equipment – it offers storage space inside out and allows you to store your gear systematically and access it quickly when required.
- Cleaner, seamless, stylish design
- Adjustable height
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Dedicated sections for a laptop and documents
Manfrotto Pro Light RedBee-110 Backpack
The Manfrotto Pro Light backpack is lightweight, compact, and spacious. The bag comes with padded, comfortable straps, so you won’t have any issues carrying it around even when it is loaded to full capacity.
- Meets cabin-luggage size requirements
- In-built camera-protection system
- Customizable dividers
- Rain and UV protection
MindShift FirstLight 20L Backpack for Camera
Designed to meet the dynamic requirements of outdoor travel photographers, the MindShift FirstLight bag is comfortable, functional, and, most importantly, lightweight.
- Adjustable torso length
- Includes tripod/monopod mounting system
- Compatible with a range of top cameras
- Zippered pockets for quick access
Best Holster & Sling Bag for Camera Equipment
Slinger Holster Camera Case
Coming from Slinger, this holster case for cameras is compact yet spacious. It can sustain rugged usage and is perfect for shoot days when you only require a camera and a lens.
- Adjustable strap
- Water-resistant
- Extra strong and comfortable handle
- Super lightweight, yet tough and durable
Case Logic DCB-304 High Zoom Camera Case
The Case Logic camera case is crafted for point-and-shoot camera kits. It has a padded shell that protects your camera everywhere your shot takes you.
- Simple, functional design
- Padded shell
- Zippers for easy access
- Adjustable strap
Think Tank Digital Holster
The Think Tank Digital camera holster case is designed to accommodate DSLRs from major brands. In addition, it has a quickly accessible design, making it well-suited for on-the-go shoots.
- No-slip shoulder strap
- Plenty of pockets
- Padded cover
- Secure locking system
Peak Design 6L Everyday Sling V2
One of the smallest sling bags for camera gear, this Peak Design model is designed for the minimalist, on-the-go photographer. It comes in three sizes, so you can choose one depending on the gear you want to fit in.
- Intuitive, ergonomic design
- Anti-slip, adjustable strap
- Flexible dividers
- Zippers for quick access
Final Thoughts
Travel camera cases are an essential tool for every photographer. From professionals to entry-level shooters, having the right tool to assist your job or shoot can make a huge difference in your photographic outcome. So whether you are a professional photographer who needs to carry all their gear everywhere or just a casual point-and-shoot photographer, there’s something for everyone. Browse our recommendations and find the perfect travel case for your camera gear.
