Me and my team have been testing photography gear for the best part of 20 years. And for just as long, we’ve been using dedicated backpacks and satchels to lug it around. Thanks to that first-hand experience, I know exactly what makes a good camera bag – they've evolved alongside cameras and you'll find more compact and fashionable options today. For any type though, I appreciate comfort, durability and practicality, knowing that all three make a difference when you’re carrying camera kit for real.
The Shimoda Urban Explore 25 is a great example. Its padded straps are comfortable to wear and we appreciated its useful features, which include Air Tag and passport pockets. Storage capacity is both generous and usefully divided, with space for cameras, lenses and accessories. It’s a camera bag I'd happily recommend for every type of photographer.
That said, the right camera bag for you depends on several factors: how much you want to spend, how much gear you want to carry and how tough you need it to be. I've covered all bases below. Each entry distills feedback from our expert team, and every bag has been tested extensively in the field, so that we can give a genuine appraisal of its utility and value for money – and that you can buy in confidence.
I'm TechRadar's Cameras Editor, and with over 15 years' experience as a photographer and technology journalist I've carried a lot of camera bags in my career – in fact I have quite the collection at home! As a keen wildlife photographer, for example, I know what makes a backpack or satchel fit for the field, and my practical experience of events work means I also knows precisely which demands a camera bag needs to meet on the job.
In my view, a good kit bag needs to be as versatile as the photographer. The right one should match the way you shoot, making it comfortable to carry just the right amount of gear.
Why you can trust my judgement
My team and I test camera bags the way we test all photography gear: extensively and authentically. Our aim is to get an in-depth impression of how effectively each camera bag fulfils its role. We look at usability, practicality and durability, as well as how securely it stores camera gear.
☑️ 10s of camera bags reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
That starts with loading it up. We pack out each camera bag with different combinations of shooting kit, to see how its quoted capacity translates into real-world storage. We’ll see readily we can pack different sizes of camera body, including APS-C and full-frame mirrorless models, as well as DSLRs. Where relevant, we’ll re-arrange the dividers to see how many lenses can be accommodated too, both attached to and separate from the body.
We’ll also pack out each bags other pockets, whether that’s laptop sleeves, external tripod slots or clothing compartments. This is partly a question of space, partly one of functionality. We’ll form an impression of how easy a bag is to actually access and use across all of its pockets and spaces, internal and external.
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That assessment then extends into the real world. With a bag fully loaded up, we’ll go out and use it for several weeks. That usually involves a lot of walking in different conditions and scenarios, both urban and rural. We’re quite happy to put each bag through a few rain showers, to see how its durability holds up and how easy it is to access any rain cover when the heavens open.
We’ll take gear in and out of the bag, swapping lenses on the fly. This gives us a good impression of how easy it is to access kit once it’s packed in the camera bag, whether through the main door or any side flaps. This approach also lets us grapple with how each bag handles and how comfortable it is to wear for long periods. We’ll adjust shoulder straps and, where relevant, try wearing each pack with and without its optional sternum and/or waist straps, to get an idea of how it sits on the body.
Based on these first-hand experiences, we’ll form an overall view of the value and utility of each camera bag. And because our feedback is based on such comprehensive road-testing, you know that our recommendations can be trusted.
Meet the team
My team of reviewers has amassed many years of camera gear experience and testing, covering all of the latest and greatest cameras and accessories in the last 20 years.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.
For more than a decade, Chris has been finding and featuring the best kit you can carry. When he's not writing about his favourite things for Stuff, you'll find Chris field-testing the latest gear for TechRadar. From cameras to classic cars, he appreciates anything that gets better with age.
Sharmishta is TechRadar's Managing Editor for the APAC region. This includes managing not just the usual news, reviews and features coverage for the APAC editions of TechRadar, but she also spearheads the ecommerce content drive for several of Future's Australian publications. Her expertise lies in photography, having been reviewing cameras and lenses for the last seven years. This has led to her also becoming the Managing Editor of the Australian edition of Digital Camera World.
The best camera bags
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below, you'll find full write-ups for each of the best camera bags in my list and a link to a full review. Either I or a member of my team has tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best feature-packed camera bag
✅ You want a highly practical pack: Grab handles, plenty of pockets and multiple access points are just some of the thought-out design features that make the Shimoda Urban Explore 25 such a functional camera bag.
✅ You want a secure daypack: An Apple AirTag slot and hidden passport pocket boost the backpack’s security credentials, as does the option to internally zip shut the side-access flap of the padded camera core.
❌ You have several long lenses: The Urban Explore 25 is spacious enough to store a mirrorless camera body and several mid-sized lenses, but the 30L model has more room for a larger glass catalog.
❌ You want a hiking backpack: Adjustable padded straps make this a comfortable to wear all day, but it’s built for the city; a technical pack with hip straps is a better bet for photography treks.
If you’re looking for a go-to camera backpck that’s comfortable, practical and secure, we think the Shimoda Urban Explore 25 has a lot going for it. In our review, we praised its thoughtful design: there’s an AirPod slot, a hidden passport pocket and USB power passthrough, plus other neat features. We also appreciated the presence of grab handles on the top, bottom and side, which make it an easy pack to wield. So do the comfortable shoulder straps, although serious walkers will bemoan the lack of a waist strap.
The padded camera core can take a fair amount of gear: we packed it with a Sony A7 IV and FE 24-70mm f/4 lens, plus three other lenses and a flashgun. Only if you carry several large barrels will you need to look at the bigger 30L version. We found the option to access kit via the back panel or side flap a useful one, too. In fact, everything about the Urban Explore 25 is made for easy accessibility. We also think it’s a bonus that the design doesn’t shout ‘camera bag’, so it can fly under the radar when you’re walking the streets.
- Read our in-depth Shimoda Urban Explore 25 review
The best budget camera bag
✅ You’re on a limited budget: Affordable yet functional, Lowepro’s gone big on value with the Tahoe BP 150. It’s a practical, portable camera backpack which is well-made, tidily designed and easy to work with.
✅ You want a lightweight bag: At just 800g, the Tahoe BP 150 is the lightest camera bag in this list. Together with padded straps, that makes it an easy option to carry and travel with.
❌ You have a lot of gear: The Tahoe BP 150 is designed for traveling light. Its adaptable compartments can carry a lean APS-C setup, but larger tripods and lenses may need to stay at home.
❌ You shoot in all conditions: The padded body is water-resistant enough to shake off light showers, but it’s not fully waterproof. You’ll need to buy a third-party rain cover for all-weather work.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to carry a modest shooting setup, we think the Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 is the best budget camera bag you can buy. Despite its affordability, we found in testing that it doesn’t cut corners. The whole thing feels well made, with decent padding all around the pack. Its shell is water-repellant rather than waterproof, but you can always add a rain cover. We also appreciated how light it is: at 800g, the Tahoe BP 150 sits easy on the shoulders, helped by comfortable straps.
Storage is nicely organized, with internal pockets and sleeves complementing the main camera compartment. Movable dividers mean you can arrange it to accommodate an APS-C body, plus a handful of lenses and accessories. You don’t get a huge amount of space though, so you’ll need to be selective about what comes with you. The external pockets are deep enough for mini tripods, although the securing clips get in the way of the main zipper. Still, we think those are minor compromises on an otherwise highly functional pack. You won’t find a better camera bag for the money.
- Read our in-depth Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 review
The best day bag for photographers
✅ You want a versatile bag: Equipped with an array of straps, loops, pockets and dividers, there are countless ways to pack your gear inside the bag. Both the 20L and 30L versions are highly functional.
✅ You appreciate handling: With side access, plus handles on the top and sides, this is a camera bag that’s easy to wield. You get a magentized luggage pass-through and carabiner points, too.
❌ You want a simple bag: The appeal of this pack lies in its versatility, but that comes with some complexity. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with its organizational features to make the most of it.
❌ You want support as standard: The harness system is handy, but it lacks the full structure of a technical pack. A hip strap is an optional extra, while the removable sternum strap is pretty minimal.
Don’t let its minimalist exterior fool you: this is a camera bag loaded with functionality. In testing, we found versatility at every turn, with an array of straps, loops and magnetic clasps designed to keep gear in place. It’s a nicely sized bag that gives you several ways to pack your kit. It’s also one with plenty of useful features, including a suitcase pass-through and straps that stick magnetically to the back of the bag. Build quality is reassuring too, with a weatherproof coating.
Setting up the internal shelves takes some time, but it’s worth the effort to arrive at a configuration that works for you. The folded dividers create useful cubbies, although these can leave room for smaller cameras to move around. Carrying a laptop or tripod reduces the internal volume a bit, while the shoulder straps can feel uncomfortable when fully loaded, with limited support from the sternum strap. Still, grab handles make it an easy bag to move, while side access panels keep gear readily accessible. Yes, it’s relatively pricey, but this Peak Design pack is practical from top to bottom.
- Read our in-depth Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 review
The best premium camera bag
✅ You want a camera bag for life: Beautiful craftsmanship and rugged materials make the Hadley Pro a camera bag that will last for years. Three-layer waterproofing, plus leather and brass detailing, means it will wear well.
✅ You like its classic style: A timeless look is part of the Hadley’s charm. The aesthetic is both functional and versatile, making it a bag fit for everything from weddings to wildlife shoots.
❌ You prefer a backpack: The Hadley Pro’s messenger design gives you quick access to the padded camera insert, but it puts all the load on one shoulder. The optional shoulder pad is a must.
❌ You use several large lenses: The Billingham is surprisingly spacious, but you’ll need to detach bigger body and lens pairings or lay them flat. Even then, the Hadley Pro has limited capacity for professional telephotos.
A classic in every sense, the Hadley Pro is a camera satchel with traditional style and serious durability. In testing, we were blown away by the quality of its construction. Made using premium materials, including full grain leather and solid brass, this is a bag that’s built to last a lifetime. Three-layer waterproofing also shields your gear, as does the padded camera insert. We think its timeless look cuts a dash among the contemporary backpacks in this list. While it won’t be to every taste, it’s an aesthetic that works in different settings.
This is a very functional field bag. We found its main compartment surprisingly spacious, complemented by roomy front pockets plus optional add-on slots. Longer lenses will need to be laid flat or detached, but movable dividers allow you to carry a large amount of mirrorless kit. The limit is dictated more by the weight you can carry: the bag’s messenger design facilitates quick access, but you’ll want the optional shoulder pad for cushioning. It doesn’t come cheap, but as long as you don’t need a dedicated laptop sleeve, it could be a bag for life.
- Read our in-depth Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 review
The best camera bag with a large capacity
✅ You carry a lot of gear: Offering the biggest capacity of any camera bag in this list, the Tilopa lets you pack a huge volume of camera kit, together with a decent amount of personal stuff.
✅ You want versatile storage: Modular storage can be configured with different sizes of internal camera unit, allowing you to change the ratio of photo and outdoor kit. Accessories help you build the perfect setup.
❌ You need a compact bag: With 50L of storage, the Tilopa can haul it all. If you shoot with a more modest setup, you’re better off looking at a smaller pack that’s easier to wield.
❌ You don’t want to spend a lot: The bag itself isn’t exactly cheap. You also have to factor in the cost of an internal camera unit, plus any accessories. These can be bought separately or as bundles.
In our long-term review of the F-stop Tilopa, we called it ‘one of the best outdoor photography backpacks available’. It’s certainly a top choice if you want to carry large amounts of gear into the wilderness. With a 50L capacity, it has a truly cavernous capacity. We also found that it’s built to an impressively high standard, benefitting from an internal frame, as well as a tough, waterproof exterior. In essence, it’s a hiking backpack which can be equipped with different sizes of internal camera unit.
In our experience, that makes it an incredibly versatile solution. The ability to reconfigure the Tilopa means you can stash different volumes of photo kit and outdoor equipment depending on your plans. Externally, you get lots of netted pockets, loops and attachments points, plus shoulder and waist straps that make it extremely comfortable to carry. We also found that you can access gear without taking it off. Add-ons increase the already expensive price, but the accessory bundles do allow you to build the perfect technical pack.
- Read our in-depth F-stop Tilopa DuraDiamond 50L review
The best camera bag for travel
✅ You like to travel light: With carry-on proportions and neat storage features, plus space for a laptop, clothes and weekend essentials, this is a streamlined way to bring your camera kit along on holiday.
✅ You want a quality bag: Built to last and made from durable materials, including a weather-resistant exterior, the Gomatic McKinnon feels like a backpack that can keep hauling heavy loads for years to come.
❌ You want a dedicated camera bag: Designed to carry a moderate amount of camera kit plus some personal items, there are better bags for those who only need to carry shooting equipment (and lots of it).
❌ You want a cheap camera bag: This is a feature-packed camera bag, but the Peter McKinnon collaboration comes with an influencer tax. There are similarly high-quality backpacks on the market for half the price.
A collaboration between Gomatic and influencer Peter McKinnon, this 35L pack is built for shooters on the move. Its compact dimensions allow you to carry a streamlined shooting setup, plus a laptop, some clothes and a few personal items. In testing, we found it a well-managed compromise. Touches such as magnetic clasps and an expandable compartment make it an adaptable bag, as does the stowable tripod pouch. Optional add-ons such as packing inserts add even more versatility, but these also push the price higher still.
Not one for serious gearheads, this a luxury carry-on for traveling relatively light. We found it a good fit for a mid-sized mirrorless setup, but it’s not a realistic choice for photographers with large DSLRs and telephoto lenses. Still, if the former is what you have, we found a lot to like. Back padding and adjustable shoulder straps make it a comfortable pack to carry, with a removable waist strap for extra support. The whole thing has a durable feel. If you’re happy to pay a premium for its Instagram appeal, this is a camera bag that can go the distance.
- Read our in-depth Gomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L review
The best crossbody camera bag
✅ You need quick access to gear: Sitting across the body positioned close to hand, and with one large zip easily opened to access the main compartment, gear will be in your hand in no time.
✅ 9L storage is sufficient for your gear: Larger than your regular crossbody bag but much smaller than most camera backpacks, the Ulanzi sling is ideal as a day bag, being able to hold a camera with lens, or mobile content creator gear.
❌ You want a stylish bag: I think it's fair to say that aesthetics are hardly the Ulanzi sling bag's strong suit.
❌ You have bulky gear: Cavernous its 9L storage may be, the Ulanzi sling bag is built for lightweight camera gear.
Having used the Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag as my go-to day bag for several months, I found it essential for lightweight shoots. This crossbody bag sits perfectly at midriff height, giving me quick access to gear without the bulk of a backpack. For street photography, travel days, or content creation with lightweight gear, the Ulanzi 9L sling bag delivers superb performance at a bargain price.
The 9L capacity is surprisingly generous. I've comfortably packed a mirrorless camera with prime lens, or my entire mobile content creation setup including smartphone, wireless mics, portable LED lights, and accessories. There's even room for a 10.9-inch tablet. The included divider can be laid flat or folded to create three compartments, offering flexible organization.
The build quality impressed me – the weather-sealed main zip glides smoothly, and the rugged polyester exterior has withstood months of use, shrugging off light rain. Nice touches include external straps for tripod mounting, a hidden AirTag pocket, and side grips that make unzipping effortless.
Functionally, I can't fault it – I've found that the bag does exactly what I need. The only downside? It won't win style awards. The plain black exterior is purely functional, though optional velcro badges are available if you want customization.
- Read our in-depth Ulanzi 9L Camera Sling Bag review
Also consider
We've reviewed a whole range of camera bags, which means there are plenty more that almost made it into this list. Here are a few honorable mentions to consider.
Best add-on for packing – Peak Design camera cubes: If you want to adapt an existing backpack for photography duty, these packing cubes will do the trick. Designed to slot into other bags, each modular insert features padded dividers inside for safely stowing your kit. Available in a range of sizes, the cubes allow you to add camera storage to any bag, with the flexibility to pack around it.
Best hard-shell case – PeliCase 1510 Protector Case: A heavy-duty solution for protecting kit from harsh conditions, this hard-shell case is as tough as they come. It’s waterproof, crush-proof, dust-proof and corrosion-proof, plus you get a lifetime guarantee. The trade-off is that it weighs a hefty 5.44kg. Luckily, wheels and a handle mean it’s easy enough to move. Plus it can float.
Best outdoor backpack – MindShift Gear BackLight 26L: A functional backpack that’s light but tough, the BackLight 26L is made for shooting outdoors. Its storage is divided into a configurable kit compartment, a pair of front pockets and a separate space for packing personal items. Its features are all designed for backcountry practically, including a rear-entry camera section which can be accessed without taking the bag off.
Best for commuting – Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L: If you want a compact, well-made backpack for hauling daily essentials and a selection of shooting kit, this roll-top option is a good choice. Access isn’t the quickest and you’ll need pricey add-ons to securely stash your camera kit, but it’s a versatile bag that you can spec to suit your setup. It’s comfortable to carry, too.
Best trekking – Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III: Designed for photographers in the wild, this technical backpack has a padded camera insert. Adjustable shoulder and waist straps, together with contoured back padding, make it comfortable to carry over long distances. Ripstop nylon and a built-in rain cover also mean it can weather the elements. Quick side access to the camera compartment is also handy in the field.
Best for low-key looks – Wandrd PRVKE V4: This rolltop backpack bears none of the usual telltale camera bag signs, so if you're looking for something that doesn't scream "I'm packed with thousands of dollars' worth of photo gear!" it might be the choice for you. It's no slouch on the usability front, either, with handy side access and plenty of compartments.
How to choose the best camera bag for you
What to look for in a camera bag
Choosing a camera bag is quite a personal thing. You’re not just looking for a way to safely carry your photography kit, but also something that suits the way you’d like to organize and access it. Here are a few pointers to help you decide on the best camera bag for your needs and budget.
Capacity
Camera bags come in a range of sizes, from 6L slings for shifting your shooting essentials to 50L haulers that can handle your entire arsenal. There’s a temptation to pack all of your kit, all of the time – but think about what you really need to carry and choose a bag to suit. Smaller bags are fine for mid-sized mirrorless kit, while professional setups with larger lenses will need a bigger bag to match.
Pockets
Most camera bags feature a modular compartment with dividers that can be moved to suit your setup. Many also offer a number of extra pockets for storing accessories, laptops and personal items. Some are dedicated to camera kit, while others are designed to let you pack for a trip away. Useful pockets to look out for include slots for passports, AirTags and SD cards, as well as external pockets for carrying tripods or water bottles.
Access
It’s a good idea to think about how you’ll get at your gear on the go: some bags make it easier than others. Several backpacks above use a zippered main flap which sits against your back, keeping the main compartment more secure. Others use a standard top-opening approach, while a few feature zippered side doors for quick access to your camera body without having to open the whole bag.
Straps
Messenger bags have the advantage of keeping your kit accessible on your hip. The downside is that they put all the load into a strap slung over a single shoulder. Backpacks are a better choice if you’d like to spread the weight evenly. Several feature built-in or removable sternum straps for extra support, while more technical packs have waist belts that distribute some of the load to your hips.
Style
Function should come before form when choosing a camera bag, but looks matter too, especially if you’re shooting professionally. As you’ll see from the selection above, camera bags come in a range of styles, from understated city packs to technical bags for trekking. The former is a good choice for urban photography, especially as they don’t advertise that you’re carrying expensive gear. The best offer a hybrid of the two, with an aesthetic that can go from city to safari.
Durability
Camera bags are built to protect your gear, which means they all have a degree of durability. But some are more rugged than others. If you’re a fair-weather photographer or mainly shoot indoor events, weatherproofing will be less of a concern. Most are water-repellent to some degree, but if you need a pack for all conditions, look for one with proper waterproofing or a built-in rain cover.
Features
Extra features only add value if you’ll actually use them. Lots of bags offer neat additions like document pockets, magnetic closures and slots for managing cables. These shouldn’t be dealbreakers, but if you think they’ll make a genuine difference to how you shoot, they’re certainly something to keep in mind.