Best camera bag 2024: top backpacks, holsters and cases for protecting your camera gear

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13V2
(Image credit: Peak Design)

Looking for the best camera bag? Then you've come to the right place – we've tested dozens of bags in all shapes and sizes, covering all budgets, gear inventory and carrying needs.

If you're style conscious then the Billingham Hadley range is a solid choice, while Peak Design's Everyday Messenger is an excellent day bag for those that don't have a lot of kit to carry. If you need the best possible protection then a Pelicase is the ticket, while the cavernous Mindshift Gear Backlight will swallow up plenty of gear for those setting out for a heavy day of photography.

Many of the latest designs of shoulder bags, sling bags, and backpacks include padded dividers that protect your gear and enable you to split the space, so you can mix and match photo gear with your daily essentials, which is particularly handy if you're a student who needs to carry your lunch and laptop too. 

Some options also have dedicated pockets for either your tablet or laptop, as well as separate compartments for anything from a mobile phone and wallet, to a packed lunch. You’ll often find a little compartment on the side, to hold a water bottle, and maybe even a tethering system to attach a tripod. We've included our favorite choices that cover a range of needs.

Best camera bags in 2024

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(Image credit: Billingham)

1. Billingham Hadley Pro

This classic Billingham is expensive but worth it, both for looks and durability

Specifications

Type: Shoulder bag
Camera: DSLR/CSC
Additional lenses/accessories: 3
Laptop/tablet compartment: Tablet
Tripod attachment: No
Additional compartments: 2
External dimensions: 350x120x300mm
Weight: 1,100g

Reasons to buy

+
 Slimline design 
+
 Beautifully made 

Reasons to avoid

-
 Shoulder pad costs extra 
-
 Space can feel a little limited 

Billingham is known for its premium, classy camera bags, and the Hadley Pro is a gorgeous example. Though it's a shoulder bag it can take quite a bit of kit. If you have a mind to, you can squeeze in a full-frame Mirrorless body with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and a 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom (without tripod collar), and a flashgun. You may not want to (think of your shoulder!) but you can.

Of course, if you are carrying a lot of kit, the optional shoulder pad will be worth the investment to ease the weight a little, and there are also additional 'AVEA' side pockets available. FYI, that is real leather on the straps, so vegans and animal lovers will want to steer clear of this one.

If you need even more space, then the Hadley One is a larger offering, while the tiny Billingham's 72 Camera bag is your choice for a single mirrorless camera with lens. 

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13V2

(Image credit: Peak Design)
A top quality and stylish shoulder bag

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens attached, 1-2 additional lenses, 13-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 38 x 27 x 12cm
Weight: 1.1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Wide and supple shoulder strap
+
Beautiful build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey option
-
A little bulky

Though it might seem pretty pricey, the Everyday Messenger is bristling with clever touches and is well worth the outlay. A spring-loaded flap-catch with four fastening points is both secure and easy to use, letting the bag expand or contract to suit varying loads. The flap also has a zippered top passthrough for even easier access. There are slots for a 13-inch laptop and tablet, plus you can attach a tripod on top. Rather than using typical foam partitions, the main section contains innovative dividers that snap around and over individual items. Everything’s supported by a wide and supple shoulder strap, and we also like the stabilizing waist strap that prevents the bag from bouncing as you stride. Beautiful build quality and attention to detail seals the deal.

Read our in-depth review Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13 V2

Lowepro Protactic BP350

(Image credit: Lowepro)

3. Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II

This full photo backpack has plenty of access points

Specifications

Capacity: 1-2 DSLR or mirrorless cameras with lens attached, 4-5 additional lenses, 13-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 26 x 12.5 x 40cm
Weight: 2.1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Good range of access points
+
Removable waist strap

Reasons to avoid

-
Tapered base makes bag prone to toppling
-
Can only take a fairly small laptop

While it's fairly slim, this backpack can nevertheless hold one or two DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, both with attached lenses, plus up to three additional lenses. There are access points to the cameras at the top and on both sides, so it’s quick and easy to get at what you need. The whole camera compartment can also be opened via a rear zipper, after laying the bag down on its front and angling the shoulder straps out of the way. The backpack also features a 13-inch laptop compartment plus two internal zippered pockets for accessories. Two external pockets are fitted but they’re very small and thin. Build quality is up to Lowepro’s usual high standards, and a range of modular accessories is available too.

Tenba Axis Tactical

(Image credit: Tenba)

4. Tenba Axis Tactical 24L

A top-quality photo backpack that pumps up the volume

Specifications

Capacity: 1-2 DSLR or mirrorless cameras with lens attached, 6-8 additional lenses, 17-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 29 x 17 x 49cm
Weight: 2.2kg

Reasons to buy

+
Plenty of space for large camera kits
+
Excellent build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Fairly weighty
-
Quite large to carry

This is the mid-sized option in Tenba’s range of Axis Tactical backpacks, ideal for holding one or two cameras and six to eight lenses. In addition to the main compartment, there’s a separate, full-height front compartment with its own zipper. An internal sleeve is also fitted that can accommodate a 17-inch laptop. Full access to the main compartment is via the rear but, unusually for this type of design, there’s no need to fold the shoulder straps back out of the way before opening the zipper. There are also zippered access flaps on the top and on the lower left-hand side, enabling quick and easy access to two cameras with attached lenses. The harness and shoulder straps are particularly comfortable and breathable, with an excellent range of adjustments. The same is true of the sternum and waist strap, the latter being completely removable.

Lowepro Photo Active 300

(Image credit: Lowepro)

5. Lowepro Photo Active 300

Pockets aplenty make this a fine choice if you need to stash a number of extras alongside your kit

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR with lens attached, two further lenses, 15-inch laptop, accessories
Exterior dimensions: 31 x 19 x 48cm
Weight: 1.48kg

Reasons to buy

+
Oversized d-rings are great 
+
Plenty of pockets all around

Reasons to avoid

-
Padding around top of laptop compartment
-
Shoulder straps a little stiff and could do with more padding

It’s the numerous pockets and Lowepro’s Quick Shelf system that differentiates this bag from its peers. While there’s ample space on the inside for moderate DSLR kits, stretch pockets on the front, two side flaps, and even each shoulder strap let you carry heaps more. The QuickShelf system is based around stiff dividers that keep everything firmly in place, while the huge D-rings on the zips make opening them effortless. Our only reservation is the slight lack of padding towards the top of the laptop compartment, which makes the laptop feel a little exposed – but if your machine measures less than 15 inches, this won’t be an issue.

Mindshift Gear PhotoCross 13

(Image credit: Mindshift)

6. Mindshift Gear PhotoCross 13

Sling this over your shoulder to carry your kit in comfort

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens attached, 2-4 additional lenses, 13-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 32 x 45 x 18cm
Weight: 1.1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Room for a DSLR with ‘trinity’ f/2.8 zooms
+
Comfortable and durable

Reasons to avoid

-
Interior dividers are a bit on the thin side
-
Fairly wide for a sling bag

Typically slung over one shoulder, this is the larger of Mindshift’s two PhotoCross sling bags, able to hold a DSLR and ‘trinity’ wide-angle, standard, and telephoto f/2.8 lenses. Construction quality is very good, with tough water-resistant external material and zippers, although the inner dividers are relatively thin. As with other sling bags, you can spin it around on your shoulder to gain access to your camera without the need to take the bag off and lay it on the ground. And if you need greater stability when you’re negotiating tricky terrain, there’s a pull-out waist strap to keep the bag firmly fixed in place.

Vanguard VEO Discover 46

(Image credit: Vanguard)

7. Vanguard VEO Discover 46

A stylish hybrid option for DSLR owners who want to switch between backpack and sling options

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR, 3-4 lenses, flashgun, 13-inch laptop, tripod and small accessories
Exterior dimensions: 30 × 23.5 × 46cm
Weight: 1.1kg

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent price for the capacity and padding
+
Water-resistant cover thrown in

Reasons to avoid

-
Straps could be thicker (but they're padded) 
-
Back doesn’t keep as dry as some other options

Easy on the eye and with masses of space on the inside, this rucksack/sling hybrid provides a home for a DSLR, 3-4 lenses, a 13.3-inch laptop, and a tripod around the front, together with extra space for smaller essentials. You can access your kit from the left or right sides, and bright yellow padding is generous throughout, with a special scratch and water-resistant base to keep everything safe from harm. The laptop compartment might be a bit small for some, and you can get a bit sweaty as the back isn’t as cleverly contoured as the Lowepro Photo Active (see above). Then again, this one is currently less than half the price, making it a real bargain.

Lowepro m-Trekker SH 150

(Image credit: Lowepro)

8. Lowepro m-Trekker SH 150

This small but smart and superbly built shoulder bag would be an ace choice for mirrorless users on holiday

Specifications

Capacity: Mirrorless camera with lens attached, further lens, small tablet, small accessories
Exterior dimensions: 28.5 x 13 x 19.5cm
Weight: 379g

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent build quality 
+
Great security

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as stylish as many others 
-
A little pricey for its size

Perhaps not the sexiest shoulder bag around, but if you’re happy to overlook that you’ll love what this bag offers. There’s enough space for a mid-range mirrorless camera and mounted lens, plus a further optic and a small tablet, while two clasps and plenty of Velcro keep everything secure. Expandable pockets on the outside provide a home to batteries or even a small bottle of sunblock, while a zipped pocket on the front of the lid is joined by a further zipped pocket on the back. Build quality is high and the pad on the shoulder strap is a bonus, plus it can be removed if not wanted. While small in size and super light, it feels very well put together and is comfortable on the shoulder. For holidays and traveling with just a modest kit, this would be a fine option.

MindShift Gear BackLight 26L

(Image credit: Mindshift)

9. MindShift Gear BackLight 26L

A tough backpack with easy access

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens attached, 4-5 additional lenses, 15-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 29 x 51.5 x 20cm
Weight: 1.8kg

Reasons to buy

+
Security conscious rear-opening design
+
Roomy camera compartment

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite bulky
-
Not overly stylish

A problem many photo backpacks have is that you need to take them off and lay them down on the ground to access your camera gear. It can be a pain in dirty or wet conditions, as the side you lay on the ground is also the one you wear against your back. This bag solves the problem by having the main flap at the rear, which also boosts security. Also, by slipping the main straps off your shoulders, you can swivel the bag around on its waist strap, open the main flap and keep it raised by looping the fitted elastic cord around your neck. This makes it easy to retrieve your kit or change lenses on your camera while having the open backpack neatly secured at a comfortable working height. Additional front pockets are surprisingly capacious, able to stow lots of additional items.

Gitzo Century Traveler Backpack

(Image credit: Gitzo)

10. Gitzo Century Traveler Backpack

A photo backpack from the legendary tripod manufacturer

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens attached, 2 additional lenses, 15-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 33 x 15 x 46cm
Weight: 1.9kg

Reasons to buy

+
Split compartment for photo and general gear
+
Quality Italian leather

Reasons to avoid

-
A touch on the weighty side
-
Camera insert is fairly small

Impeccably turned out in carbon fibre patterned fine-grain Italian leather and weather-resistant nylon, this backpack has the high-quality look and feel that you’d expect from Gitzo. The main compartment is split into upper and lower sections, the bottom of which has a removable camera insert that can accommodate a full-frame DSLR with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, plus another couple of lenses. You can access camera gear from either side of the backpack, while the separate section that forms the top half of the bag is ideal for stowing daily essentials. There’s also a generously proportioned compartment at the rear for a 15-inch laptop.

Peli 1510 Protector Case

(Image credit: Peli)

11. Peli 1510 Protector Case

Perfect for those travelling regularly with a lot of kit

Specifications

Capacity: 1-2 Pro DSLRs with up to 8 lenses, 17-inch laptop, tablet and accessories
Exterior dimensions: 56 x 35.1 x 23cm
Weight: 6.2kg

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent protection and build
+
Huge capacity

Reasons to avoid

-
Cumbersome
-
No pockets for smaller items of kit

Ideal for professional photographers or anyone flying off on a landscape photography expedition, a safari or even just storing your kit when it's not in use, you won't find a better solution than the Peli 1510 Protector Case. It's not just the protection it provides that makes it a great buy – the ease with which you can organize and access your camera kit on location makes it incredibly useful. It's a little heavy and bulky, but it's worth it for the protection it provides.

Read our in-depth Peli 1510 Protector Case review

Lowepro Toploader Zoom 50 AW II

(Image credit: Lowepro)

12. Lowepro Toploader Zoom 50 AW II

A smart and versatile solution to carrying your camera and attached lens

Specifications

Capacity: DSLR or mirrorless camera with lens attached, small accessories
Exterior dimensions: 19 x 16.5 x 24cm
Weight: 300g

Reasons to buy

+
Wide range of size options
+
Chest harness available for larger sizes

Reasons to avoid

-
No shoulder pad on strap
-
Fairly basic

Lowepro’s Toploader Zoom series of camera holsters are available in no less than five different sizes. The smallest ‘45’ model can accommodate a mirrorless camera or small DSLR with a kit standard zoom, whereas the ‘50’ can hold a full-frame DSLR with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. The largest Pro 70 and Pro 75 options are big enough to take a pro-grade DSLR with integral battery grip, plus an attached 24-70mm f/2.8 or 70-200mm f/2.8 lens respectively, and a chest harness is available as an optional extra. The two smallest options are available in a choice of black or ‘galaxy blue’, and all of the bags in the range are of the ‘all-weather’ variety. There’s a removable shoulder strap, a grab handle on top, and a belt loop around the back. The bag also features an external pocket on the front, plus an additional internal pocket in the top flap.

Wandrd Hexad Access Duffel (45L)

(Image credit: Wandrd)

13. Wandrd Hexad Access Duffel (45L)

Perfect as a travel bag as well as having loads of space for your camera kit

Specifications

Capacity: 2 full-frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras with large lens attached, plus 2-3 extra lenses
Exterior dimensions: 23 x 36 x 56cm
Weight: 1.8kg

Reasons to buy

+
Very versatile design
+
Stylish with excellent finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Not enough organisation for some

If you're going to be traveling a lot with you're camera, then the Hexad Access Duffel is the answer. Featuring a clamshell, one half of the bag can be set aside for clothes and other travel essentials, while the other half is for photo gear, with dual side-access pockets. These can accommodate Wandrd's medium camera cubes (sold separately) which offer protection for your kit. If you just want to use one, you've got even more space for day-to-day stuff. There's also a padded laptop sleeve, stowable backpack straps, and a handy expandable laundry pocket. Then there are the weather-sealed materials used, while the overall finish is excellent. Perfect if you're going to be on a city break and want to travel light.

Will a different bag type suit you better? Check out our favorite picks for Adidas backpacks | backpacks for kids | Amazon backpacks | best school backpacks | best laptop bag

Timothy Coleman
Cameras editor

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.