Top 8 Travel Camera Bags Recommended by Industry Experts

Many factors must be taken into account by a photographer when selecting the ideal camera bag — and there’s even more to ponder when jet-setting. “We are dopamine seekers and light aficionados; everything needs to be prepared for action,” explains Hope Kauffman Ambroze, a travel photographer. This entails having a travel bag that is easily accessible and remains well-organized, whether you’re reaching for a memory card, lens wipes, or even a snack bar in case of emergencies.

In order to discover the finest camera bags for travel, I consulted with eight photographers. They indicated that bags should be spacious, robust, and provide protective features for their equipment while on the move; additionally, they should be easy to organize. Below is a selection of eight styles ranging from crossbody designs to backpacks, all approved for travel.

Kamrette Lyra Camera Backpack

When searching for the ideal travel bag for her photography equipment, Kauffman Ambroze followed the guidance of wedding/elopement photographer Haley Jessat and found Kamrette, a brand owned by women, designed in Australia. “I adore the pocket arrangement. I know precisely where every item is without needing to handle several exterior pouches, which is convenient for switching lenses, memory cards, and batteries,” she notes. Kauffman Ambroze prefers the black leather option as the brown may show marks; even though it lacks a rain cover, she recommends it can be obtained separately for enhanced protection. “It’s stylish and professional but doesn’t appear like a camera bag, which is advantageous for deterring theft.”

Lo and Sons Claremont

After countless years and numerous destinations, luxury travel creator, Nicole Sunderland, chose to exchange her worn Lo and Sons Claremont for an updated version of the same bag. “It’s the ultimate camera bag for me since it resembles a handbag,” she remarks about the full-grain leather crossbody bag equipped with a soft polyester lining. “I can store extra memory cards in the front pocket, my passport and additional items in the back pocket, and a spare lens in the main compartment.” Moreover, it even features a suspended SD memory card holder. The strap length can be adjusted and is available in one of four colors. Sunderland swears by the functionality of the black bag, emphasizing how it “truly just resembles a fine leather purse” instead of a cumbersome backpack or fabric camera bag.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip

From early morning shoots at the Eiffel Tower to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s markets, travel photographer Zornitsa Shahanska claims her most reliable travel partner is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip. “The innovative FlexFold dividers allow me to go from carrying my Nikon equipment to accommodating my gimbal in mere moments,” she states. “When I’m navigating through Thai street markets or hurrying to catch that ideal golden hour shot by the Seine, the side access panels are transformative — I can retrieve my gear without ever placing my bag down.” Furthermore, the backpack accommodates her laptop and editing tools, making it the sole bag she requires during her travels. The weather-resistant outer layer will endure a variety of conditions, and the external straps allow for coat storage on the front if needed. “It’s worth every cent,” Shahanska enthuses.

Wandrd Prvke Backpack

Sleek, roomy, and robust, the Wandrd Prvke Backpack has been the preferred camera bag for travel photographer Ryan Neeven for the past five years. “It’s extremely resilient, weather…resilient, and can accommodate nearly every lens and camera I utilize on a shoot,” he mentions. He considers it ideal for traveling since it contains a concealed passport slot among several other compartments that help keep equipment organized while on the go; moreover, it provides all-day comfort with cushioned straps and a lightweight structure. “The inclusion of a lifetime warranty is a significant plus as it allows you to truly test the bag,” states Neeven. “If anything malfunctions, Wandrd will address it.”

Wandrd 9L Rogue Sling Bag 

“This bag is incredibly adaptable,” remarks Charlotte J Mack, a fine art photographer, who additionally endorses Wandrd for a dependable camera bag. “I appreciate having just one bag that can seamlessly fit numerous requirements.” The crossbody design is customizable, allowing Mack to adjust it according to the exact shoot she is engaged in. Its dimensions are also optimal: it’s small enough to avoid being cumbersome but spacious enough to hold essential gear and accessories. “I’ve taken my sling everywhere: from multi-week international excursions to backcountry treks and high-end production sets. It excels in any setting,” she comments. The Rogue bag comes in 3-, 6-, and 9-liter sizes, as well as seven chic colors.

Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L

For a compact camera bag suitable for urban travels, Erica Connolly, a travel photographer, recommends the Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L — one that has been her companion for the past two years. In her quest for the ideal bag, Connolly experimented with “bag after bag” until she stumbled upon this design which she claims “quickly fulfilled all her criteria.” “The sling is lightweight, waterproof, and cushioned, with customizable/removable dividers and both inside and outside zipped compartments.” Most importantly, it accommodates all her frequently used gear: a Canon R5 with 24-70 lens, spare batteries and SD cards, her wallet, chapstick, and even a small souvenir collected en route, all while maintaining a low profile. “Its reasonable price and lifetime warranty make it even more appealing to recommend!” she adds.

Ona The Clifton Backpack

Carley Rudd is a travel photographer who documents both landscapes and hotel interiors from her home state of Maine to more distant destinations such as Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Nicaragua — and this Ona Clifton backpack has accompanied her on her journeys. “It’s extremely resilient and padded,” she notes. “I appreciate that it doesn’t resemble a typical camera bag, making it more discreet for safety purposes.” Rudd mentions she can fit four to six lenses into the backpack, along with a camera and her laptop. She also utilizes it for personal excursions, stating, “It’s excellent and prevents me from overpacking!”

Ona The New Camps Bay Backpack

Another Ona camera backpack is this waxed canvas model designed with durability and efficacy in focus — which is precisely why photographer Erin Witkowski adores it. “This bag has traveled with me worldwide, enduring rain, snow, and sand,” she asserts. “It has proven its durability and quality without attracting attention to the fact that I am carrying high-value equipment.” The Camps Bay backpack is made from waterproof canvas and features leather accents to enhance its aesthetic appeal. “The New Camps allows me to transport at least two camera bodies and four to five lenses,” she states, while also accommodating a well-cushioned section for her laptop. “An added benefit is the straps are comfortable for those extensive hikes or long airport journeys.”

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