13 Best Small Camera Bags
So, you want to take your DSLR camera or point and shoot camera around with you, but don’t have the right bag. What’s more, you don’t want a large bag to weigh you down. So how do you both carry your camera safely and keep your carry light and compact? Maybe you’re traveling and wondering, “Can a camera bag be a carry on?”
The good news is, there are plenty of stylish and functional small camera bags out there that can even work as a carry-on and more. If you’re shooting with a mirrorless camera, then you probably don’t need a ton of space. With just the right amount of space to carry everything you need, the best small camera bag does what you need it to do without getting in the way.
With a wide array of options to suit anyone’s style preferences, there’s surely a small camera bag for you on this list.
The Best Small Camera Bags
- Peak Design Everyday Sling V2
- Tory Burch Kira Chevron Camera Bag
- ONA The Savannah II Camera Bag
- Think Tank TurnStyle 20 V2.0
- The Vinci Messenger Bag
- Think Tank Digital Holster 10 V2.0
- LowePro Streetline SH 120 Shoulder Bag
- Gucci Marmont Small Shoulder Bag
- Incase Ari Marcopoulos
- LowePro Tahoe CS 80 Shoulder Bag
- Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera Bag
- Holdfast Explorer Lens Pouch
- LowePro Truckee SH 160 LX Shoulder Bag
1. Peak Design Everyday Sling V2
The Peak Design Everyday Sling V2 is great as an everyday bag or a small camera bag. It has the portability of a sling bag, the freedom of a backpack and the accessibility of a messenger bag. Whether you’re hanging with friends and want to store a couple cans of White Claw or are out and about with your camera, the Peak Design Everyday Sling is a great option.
Depending on your carrying needs, the Peak Design Everyday Sling comes in three size options ranging from 3L to 10L. Nonetheless, all of the sizes work great as a convenient sling or hip bag.
Starting at the smallest, the 3L has the perfect amount of space for one prime lens and either a mirrorless, crop-sensor DSLR, or full-frame DSLR camera body. As you move up in size, there is room for more accessories like batteries, extra lenses, and additional personal items. There’s even room for a tablet in the larger sizes.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Peak Design Everyday Sling V2 Quick Specs
- Price: Starting at $79.95
- External size: 12 x 7.4 x 4.3 in
- Weight: 1.21lb
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, hard drives
- Color: Black, Light Grey, Navy Blue
2. ONA The Savannah II Camera Bag
The ONA Savannah II Camera Bag is great for those who want to carry their camera safely and have the designer-inspired look. Handcrafted from Italian leather, the Savannah II features a classic, minimalist design with a plush quilted interior and adjustable strap.
A magnetic closure means you have easy access to your camera and personal items. This great-looking bag has enough room for your smartphone, a lens or two, and your mirrorless, film, or compact DSLR camera. Its perfect size makes it a great small camera bag that easily translates into a leisure bag when you need it.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
ONA The Savannah II Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $249
- External size: 8 x 9 x 4 in
- What Fits: Mirrorless camera, small DSLR, 1-2 lenses, film camera, personal items
- Color: Black, Sahara, Desert Rose
3. Think Tank TurnStyle 20 V2.0
Another option for those who like sling bags is the Think Tank TurnStyle 20 V2.0. WIth a single strap, you can wear this bag across your body both in the front for easy access, as well as on your back when you need things out of the way. Rotating placements is easy and quick. A stabilizer strap also holds the bag steady while active and tucks away when not needed.
Bring your DSLR, a lens or two, some accessories, and even a tablet wherever you go. The padded tablet compartment keeps your tech safe and removable sections allow you to customize your camera placement. The TurnStyle 20 V2.0 is also waterproof, so it’s a great option for outdoor and traveling photographers.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Think Tank TurnStyle 20 V2.0 Quick Specs
- Price: $99.75
- External size: 9.3 x 17.3 x 5.4 in
- Weight: 1.2 lb
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 10” tablet
- Color: Charcoal, Blue Indigo
4. The Vinci Messenger Bag
Messenger bags can tend to get pretty bulky at times. However, there are some great options out there that are just the right size. If you’re looking for a messenger camera bag and want to have a few lens options on-hand, The Vinci is for you.
Bring along your DSLR, mirrorless camera or film camera, 2-3 lenses, a 13” laptop or tablet, some accessories, and your personal items all in The Vinci. Handcrafted with waxed canvas and leather accents, The Vinci is both classic and effortlessly stylish. An adjustable strap and top grab handle give this bag versatility. For any photographer looking to carry their gear or even have their camera bag double as an office bag, The Vinci is where it’s at.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
The Vinci Messenger Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $169
- External size: 11.2 x 3 x 4.1 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 2-3 lenses, 13” laptop, accessories, personal items
- Color: Black, Green, Grey, Khaki
5. Think Tank Digital Holster 10 V2.0
If you know you need to be hands-free and don’t need more than just your DSLR with you, take a look at the Think Tank Digital Holster 10. This small DSLR camera bag wears around your waist and snugly fits your DSLR with a mounted lens. What’s more, you can adjust the bag height to fit a lens hood or telephoto lens.
The Think Tank Digital Holster 10 comes with some spare pouches to store some SD cards and a seam-sealed rain cover to keep your gear dry. With its light, hands free, and easy access, this small camera bag is great for wildlife photographers, street photographers, and traveling photographers alike.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Think Tank Digital Holster 10 V2.0 Quick Specs
- Price: $57.75
- External size: 6.8 x 7.3-10.3 x 5 in
- Weight: 1 lb
- What Fits: DSLR or large mirrorless system, 1 lens
- Color: Black
6. LowePro Streetline SH 120 Shoulder Bag
As its name might suggest, the LowePro Streetline SH 120 Shoulder Bag is an urban take on the small camera bag. With its sporty hints and compact design, it’s the perfect bag for city-dwelling photographers.
Moisture-repelling fabric mimics the look of canvas and leather grab handles provide a sturdy and stylish carry option. Quickly grab what you need thanks to the multiple, easy-access pockets. Most importantly, a FlexPocket™ padded interior protects your gear while you’re in motion.
Use this bag to carry your DSLR, attached lens, mirrorless camera, mini tablet, and personal items. Although you can’t necessarily carry all of these items at the same time in this bag, it’s an easy transition to rotate your day items to your photography gear when you need to.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
LowePro Event Messenger 100 Shoulder Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $99.95
- External size: 11.2 x 7.9 x 3.9 in
- Weight: .19 lb
- What Fits: DSLR, 1 lens, mirrorless camera, mini tablet, personal items
- Color: Grey
7. Incase Ari Marcopoulos Camera Bag
Something unique about the Ari Marcopoulos Camera Bag is that it was designed in partnership with photographer Ari Marcopoulos himself. Having been designed by a photographer, it stands to reason that this is a great small camera bag for photographers on-the-go. A faux fur interior, padded sections, and a removable rain cover help keep all your gear safe and sound while you’re out in the elements.
Despite its sleek and compact appearance, this sling bag carries everything a traveling photographer would need. With enough room for your DSLR, some lens options, a tablet, your phone, and a few necessary accessories, this waterproof DSLR camera bag is light enough to take anywhere.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Incase Ari Marcopoulos Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $199.95
- External size: 18.5 x 12.2 x 7.3 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, accessories, tablet, smartphone
- Color: Grey
8. LowePro Tahoe CS 80 Shoulder Bag
For those who favor the sporty or athleisure look, the LowePro Tahoe CS 80 Shoulder Bag is one to consider. It’s just the right size to fit the popular Instax Mini polaroid camera, along with some extra film and batteries. If you don’t use the Instax Mini, don’t worry; this small camera bag also works with compact DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and 35mm film cameras.
Foam padding protects your camera and an adjustable strap lets you carry to your height. Although this camera bag isn’t waterproof, it’s still a great option to have on you when you’re traveling or out and about. Since it’s so small and lightweight, it won’t get in the way and you can easily shelter it from potential rainfall under your jacket.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Incase Ari Marcopoulos Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $24.95
- External size: 18.5 x 12.2 x 7.3 in
- What Fits: Compact DSLR and attached lens, mirrorless camera, film camera, accessories
- Color: Black, Blue, Pixel Camo, Red
9. Holdfast Explorer Lens Pouch
The Explorer Lens Pouch from Holdfast is a compact, ruggedly stylish option for those who like the worn vintage look. Made from canvas and leather, this small camera bag is weatherproof and insulated with soft sheepskin.
With your camera and lenses stowed safely inside, outer pockets provide extra space for small accessories and personal items. Another great feature is the versatility in how you can carry this bag. The Explorer Lens Pouch can be carried by traditional strap or on a belt. You can even use your own favorite strap if you don’t want to purchase one with the bag.
If you want to fit more than a couple of small-to-medium lenses, your camera body, and some accessories, the Holdfast Explorer Lens Pouch comes in a larger size. Whatever your needs, this is definitely a great bag to take on all of your adventures, no matter the climate.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Holdfast Explorer Lens Pouch Quick Specs
- Price: $295
- External size: 7 x 6.5 x 4.5 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, accessories, personal items
- Color: Olive, Navy, Black
10. LowePro Truckee SH 160 LX Shoulder Bag
A useful option for event photographers, the LowePro Truckee bag is the perfect size. Just small enough to be out of the way, the Truckee Shoulder Bag holds your DSLR, a lens (or two), and some additional equipment like flashes and SD cards.
A padded shoulder strap keeps things comfortable and stretch mesh outer pockets provide quick accessibility to necessities. Removable dividers let you configure your gear however you want and since it’s made from such lightweight material, it won’t feel heavy as you’re carrying it around.
You don’t have to be just an event photographer to use this small camera bag. It’s also great for travelers and photographers who like to spend hours out shooting. Another great thing about this bag is that it also comes in other dimensions to suit your personal camera needs.
Style: ★★☆☆☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
LowePro Truckee SH 160 LX Shoulder Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $34.95
- External size: 10.2 x 7.5 x 5.5 in
- Weight: .58 lb
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, accessories, personal items
- Color: Silver
Honorable Mentions
11. Tory Burch Kira Chevron Small Camera Bag
For those who want the stylishness of a designer bag, the Tory Burch Kira Chevron Small Camera Bag is perfect. Like many of the options listed in our guide to the best designer camera bags, this bag is great for bloggers on the go and photographers who prefer to travel light.
With enough room for a small mirrorless camera and your phone, the Kira Chevron Small Camera Bag is a great option for events where you need function and want to look great at the same time.
Made from soft lambskin with an adjustable chain-accented strap, this bag by Tory Burch seamlessly transitions with any look from day to night. It’s also classic enough in style to simultaneously feel timeless and trendy.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★☆☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Tory Burch Kira Chevron Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $358
- External size: 5 x 7.2 x 2.4 in
- What Fits: Mirrorless camera, phone, personal items
- Color: Black, Pink, White, Yellow, Green, Tan, Royal Blue, Light Blue, Red
12. Gucci Marmont Small Shoulder Bag
The most expensive option on this list, the Gucci Marmont Small Shoulder Bag is a blogger favorite. Thanks to its timeless style, quality Italian leather, and designer appeal, this Gucci small camera bag is great for those looking to invest in a stylish piece with minimalist function.
Take your mirrorless or film camera with you to events, parties, and concerts in style. Despite its designer nature, the Gucci Marmont small camera bag looks great in casual settings as well as formal ones. It’s versatility and classic design make the Gucci Marmont Bag a great option for the fashion-forward.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★☆☆☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Gucci Marmont Small Shoulder Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $1,290
- External size: 9.5 x 5 x 3 in
- What Fits: Mirrorless camera or film camera, phone
- Color: Black, Dusty Pink, Cream, Red Snake
13. Marc Jacobs Snapshot Small Camera Bag
Another blogger favorite, the Marc Jacobs Snapshot Camera Bag is similar in shape to the Gucci Marmont. However, the Snapshot bag is separated into two zippered compartments. This, coupled with its slim design, makes it most ideal for mirrorless cameras like the Sony a6000.
Whether you’re at a festival or traveling, the Snapshot bag allows you to keep things light and stylish. Record your adventures with your compact mirrorless camera and store your phone and keys in the other compartment to make things easily accessible. With the most color options out of all of the bags on this list, there is something for everyone when it comes to the Marc Jacobs Snapshot.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Marc Jacobs Snapshot Small Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $295
- External size: 7 x 4 x 2 in
- What Fits: Mirrorless camera or film camera, smartphone
- Color: Multiple
Up Next: The Best DSLR Camera Bags
There you have it; no more wondering “what is the best camera bag to buy?”
The best small camera bag for travel, shoots, or just everyday is out there for you. Whether you want to keep things extra light, or have a little more room for lens and equipment options, you don’t have to sacrifice compactness.
You can achieve a lightweight carrying option and still have everything you need.
Granted, some of the bags on this list might be too small for those who carry full-frame DSLRs and like to have multiple lenses and accessories on-hand. If this is you, check out our list of the best DSLR camera bags that will get the job and get it done well.
