Once you’ve built up a comprehensive camera kit, carting it all about can be tricky. Even if you find a shoulder bag big enough, suspending so much bulk from one strap will fast become a pain in the neck.
The increased capacity and comfort of a typical camera backpack make these some of the best camera bags you can buy. There'll usually be enough space for a full-frame body mounted to a sizable telephoto lens, along with a complete complement of extra optics and accessories. Expect at least one tripod mounting point, plus a separate space for a full-size laptop. The best camera backpacks will also typically carry camera gear and essentials like an extra layer of clothing, more camera accessories, or even a drone.
Before you select a camera backpack, consider your own specific needs. If you’re after the best landscape shots you’re probably going to be hiking to get them, so choose a bag with comfortable straps, a waterproof cover, and a water bottle holder. For those driving between landscape locations, those features are much less important. If you’re after urban landscapes, go for as slim a bag as possible, and avoid dangly straps and hip belts, which are a pain on public transport.
It would be best if you also thought about how versatile a camera backpack is since many can be transformed into regular bags of the kind you might take to work, or on an overnight trip. Some can double as carry-on luggage when flying and are a great alternative to even the best roller bag if you travel light.
Whatever your needs, a camera backpack needs to protect your camera. Its inner movable dividers should suit your camera and lenses. A 30cm interior width is ideal for three rows of full-frame lenses, while around 25cm is better suited to the same arrangement of smaller-diameter mirrorless optics.
Here’s our pick of the best camera backpacks you can buy right now…
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II backpack
A modular camera backpack that’s perfect for airline cabins too
Have you never got the right bag for the job? Although this unusual and rather pricey modular system will likely have niche appeal, it’s actually great value for money because it can be easily modified for all kinds of scenarios.
The Velcro dividers inside can be moved to accommodate specific gear (including a drone) or dumped in favour of open space, while the rear-opening lid contains a zipped compartment for a 13-inch laptop. However, the real genius is the front’s succession of loops that can be used to attach accessories such as a neoprene flash holder, a tripod toe-cup and straps, and a phone case.
Vanguard Alta SKY 51D
Comfy but heavy-duty camera backpack that leaves no stone unturned
The Vanguard Alta Sky 51D is designed to carry camera gear, a drone, or a combination of both. The main compartment has room for a pro DSLR with attached 70-200mm lens and up to four lenses around it.
The padding is good, and there’s a hatch on one side for mobile access, although openings on both sides would be better. Primary access to this area is via a large rear panel that contains a slot for a 15-inch laptop. The flap opens wide, but you’ll need to bend the shoulder straps out of the way for unobstructed camera access. Comfort is assured by good-sized hip pads, thick back padding and generous shoulder straps.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Stylish urban-optimized transport for mirrorless and smaller DSLR kits
It’s hard not to like this bag’s chic style, tactile materials and beautifully crafted hardware. It's compact at 46 x 30 x 17cm but can still transport an ungripped DSLR with up to five lenses. There’s no front or rear opening, but rather large side flaps which afford excellent mobile access. Inside are internal dividers that form shelves attached to the front and back.
These are a clever design that can snap into thirds to allow a long lens to pass down one side or be instantly segmented so multiple small lenses can share one shelf. Up top is a large multi-use area that can expand by up to 8L thanks to a top flap with four latching positions. A travel tripod will stow on the side, there’s space for a 13” laptop and tablet in the back, and you can even lash a small drone on the front. A basic waist belt helps support heavier loads, and though it lacks hip pads, it can be completely tucked away.
Manfrotto Pro Light 3N1-36
A hugely versatile backpack for a modest outlay
The versatile Manfrotto Pro Light pack is designed for a DSLR kit, video set-up, or a small drone. In DSLR mode, the lower two-thirds of the bag will house a body with an attached lens, surrounded by up to five extra lenses.
Flaps on either side let you easily access your camera on the go, but the main front panel can slightly restrict access to lenses stored at the top. Comfort is acceptable, but the shoulder straps feel a bit cheap and aren’t the widest. However, they can turn the bag into a sling and tuck behind the back panel when you need them out of the way. We also like the simple, secure tripod attachment.
Think Tank StreetWalker Pro V2.0
An urban backpack great for maintaining a low profile with full-frame DSLR gear
The StreetWalker from Think Tank lines is a compact, city-friendly option. Its narrow 25cm external width keeps you streamlined. At the same time, this restricts the internal layout to two columns rather than three, these are wide and deep, and will neatly house a pair of full-frame cameras with large-diameter attached lenses; one facing down, the other up.
Depending on your lens choice, extra dividers can fit around additional optics. You can also strap a tripod to the front, and there’s room for a 10-inch tablet in a pouch at the rear. Access is via a single no-nonsense front flap. You don’t get a waist belt, but the shoulder straps and back padding are excellent.
Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW II Backpack
This big boy accommodates a handful of lenses and a large laptop too
Another side-opener, the Fastpack's 250's main camera zone can be opened up all the way across the front, so it's easy to organize.
It takes a DSLR with a big zoom lens attached, and there's room enough for at least three other lenses. The back panel has a side-zipped pocket for a 15in laptop and tablet, and there are two other zones for storing accessories and clothes. It's designed to be worn for long periods out on a shoot, so the ergonomically padded shoulder straps and hip belt are useful. There's even a strap that attaches the Fastpack 250 to the handles of rolling luggage at the airport. Too big? A smaller Fastpack 150 is also available.
