15 Best Travel Camera Backpacks for Photographers

Choosing the perfect backpack for traveling can be tricky. Photographers often wonder if there’s a bag that has it all- waterproof material, comfort, and optimized storage. Whatever your specific needs are, we’ve got fifteen of the best travel camera backpacks for photographers on the go.

What goes into the best travel camera backpack?

Asking what goes into the best travel camera backpack is a seriously broad question.

Travel photographers are going to have different needs based on the kinds of work they do. Some are looking for the best camera backpack for hiking, prioritizing things like weatherproofing and storage. Others may need the best travel backpack for airline travel, preferring a small camera backpack to fit as a carry on.

In this article, we’re going to break down what makes these travel camera backpacks great. We’ll discuss the pro’s and con’s of the best travel camera backpacks to help you choose the perfect one for you.

 

15 Best Travel Camera Backpacks

1. Sunny 16 Voyager
2. Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack
3. MindShift Gear UltraLight Dual 25L
4. Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II
5. Vanguard HAVANA 41 Backpack
6. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
7. The Nash
8. Lowepro Whistler Backpack 350 AW II
9. Gitzo Adventury 30L Camera Backpack
10. Vanguard Alta SKY 51D
11. Thule Covert Rolltop Backpack
12. Shimoda Explore 60
13. WANDRD Veer
14. Langly Alpha Compact
15. Chrome Niko F - Stop Camera Backpack

 

Editor’s Choice

1. The Voyager

If you’re looking for the most stylish travel camera backpack, look no further.

Pros: The Voyager is definitely the most stylish of our backpacks. Yet, its style doesn’t impede on function. It’s made of a durable, waterproof canvas to protect your gear in all types of weather.

It has storage that goes beyond just camera gear to truly be the perfect solution for travel photographers. Additionally, it features dual access points to easily grab your camera quickly.  Another cool feature? It features an anti-theft opening to keep your camera safe.

As far as comfort and convenience go, the Voyager has breathable padding in the back to keep you comfortable. It also has a USB charging port so that you never have to worry about losing a charge.

This is absolutely one of our top picks for the best travel camera backpack.

Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★★

 

Backpack Highlights

• Most versatile travel camera backpack
• Most stylish travel camera backpack

Voyager Quick Specs

• Price: $139
• External size: 17"L x 11” W x 6” H
• Weight: 2.4 lbs (1 kg)
• What Fits: 2-3 cameras, up to 7 lenses, tripod, and 16" laptop
• Color: Khaki, Gray, Green

 

2. Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack

There’s a reason we’ve ranked Thule’s Aspect DSLR Backpack as our number one choice. It has versatility to fit nearly any need.

Pros: Inside, it has customizable, padded storage to fit a DSLR, two lenses a laptop, and a tablet. It also has a bonus pocket for storing more accessories or personal belongings, making it a great choice for hikers. It features a hip strap for comfort and a sternum strap for stability, easing the pressure off heavier loads.

Cons: The one downside is that it’s slightly too large to fit under an airplane seat, but it can fit in the overhead storage compartment just fine.

Bonus: the interior can be customized to fit a drone.

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★★

Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★★

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best large travel camera backpack.
• Best versatile travel camera backpack.

Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack Quick Specs

• Price: $139.95
• External size: 30x22x52 cm
• Weight: 4kg
• What Fits: DSLR, 2 lenses, 15” laptop, tablet
• Color: Black

 

3. MindShift Gear UltraLight Dual 25L

Pros: If durability is one of your main concerns in a travel camera backpack, the Mindshift Gear UltraLight Dual 25L may be the right choice for you. It’s made of an ultralight, water resistant material, which makes it one of the best travel camera backpacks for hiking. 

The UltraLight Dual 25L features multiple smaller pockets to fit tons of camera accessories, including one on its hip strap. The hip straps are padded for comfort. The UltraLight Dual 25L also features side access to the camera body for your convenience. A really cool feature of this side pocket is that it’s completely removable, creating another small bag for your DSLR.

Cons: Our one negative point to be aware of is that this backpack features thinner straps, so it isn’t designed for heavier equipment.

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best travel camera backpack for hiking.

MindShift Gear UltraLight Dual 25L Quick Specs

• Price: $184
• External size: 19 x 12.5 x 7.5 in
• Weight: 3.4 lb
• What Fits: 31L, or 1 DSLR, 3 lenses, 1 flash, 1 laptop, 1 drone, 1 tripod, 1 waterbottle
• Color: Black, Wasatch Green, Aegean Blue

 

4. Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack

If you’ve been asking yourself what the best camera backpack for travel is, then look no further. The Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II offers versatility that will suit a variety of needs.

Pros: The Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II features a hard shell top for ultimate protection. It has added foam padding on its back for added comfort. It’s made from a tough nylon material, making it durable in extreme conditions. Removable velcro inserts allow photographers to choose between multiple, secure sections for lenses or one open pocket for a drone.

One of its most exciting features, however, is a number of loops on the front to attach even more gear. Versatility is key with this bag.

Cons: The one thing we’re disappointed in is that this backpack isn’t waterproof, so make sure to take that into consideration when choosing a backpack.

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Most durable travel camera backpack.

Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack Quick Specs

• Price: $149.95
• External size: 30x18x47cm
• Weight: 2kg
• What Fits: DSLR, 13” laptop, tripod, 4 lenses or drone
• Color: Black

 

5. Vanguard HAVANA 41 Backpack

If you’ve been wondering how to pack a camera bag for travel, the Vanguard HAVANA 41 backpack is about to make your life a lot easier. 

Pros: The stylish backpack disguises the fact that it’s a camera bag, making for an excellent travel companion. It features a 13” laptop pocket in the back, as well as a tablet pocket. The main compartment, while small, features multiple smaller pockets for accessory storage. The main DSLR body protection is removable. Its interior dividers can be customized to fit up to a DSLR and two lenses. 

Cons: While we’re a little bummed this backpack isn’t water resistant, it does come with a rain cover, which you would normally need to buy separately.

Though it doesn’t hold a ton of larger pieces of equipment, it’s great if you’re looking for the best small travel camera backpack.

Additionally, it easily connects to traditional luggage handles, proving that this is the best camera backpack for airline travel.

Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★★

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best small travel camera backpack.
• Best travel camera backpack for airline travel.
• Best budget friendly camera backpack.

Vanguard HAVANA 41 Backpack Quick Specs

• Price: $89.99
• External size: n/a
• Weight: n/a
• What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, flash, accessories
• Color: Blue, khaki/brown, tan

 

6. The Nash

Pros: The Nash is another great small camera bag. This bag has clearly been made with photographers in mind, as it features great storage for multiple lenses, a tripod, and a laptop, as well as accessories. It’s made from a water resistant, durable fabric. Its wide shoulder straps were designed with comfort in mind, giving photographers the support they’ll need on long shooting days anywhere in the world

Bonus: it’s one of the most stylish bags on the market.

Style: ★★★★★

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★★

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★★

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best small travel camera backpack.
• Best stylish travel camera backpack.

Sunny 16 Nash Quick Specs

• Price: $169
• External size: 30" x 19" x 42cm
• Weight: 6lbs (1.2kg)
• What Fits: DSLR, 3-4 lenses, 15” laptop
• Color: Khaki, Black, Taupe

 

7. Lowepro Whistler Backpack 350 AW II

The Lowepro Whistler Backpack is definitely one of the best camera backpacks for hiking. 

Pros: The Whistler features a nylon, four seasons safe material, as well as rigid internal structures for maximum safety. This bag can protect your gear in snow, rain, sleet- you name it. 

Another unique feature is that it has ice axe trekking loops, something that very few camera backpacks feature but are necessary for more intense hikes. Additionally, the tripod straps are also capable of holding skis. It has a separate front pocket for more outdoor equipment, and plenty of interior space for all of your camera equipment. These unique features make it one of the best travel camera backpacks for outdoor use.

Cons: While it is one of the most expensive travel camera backpacks on our list, its unique features may be enough to justify the cost for many adventurous photographers. 

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best travel camera backpack for hiking.
• Best travel camera backpack to support intense outdoor recreation.

Lowepro Whistler Backpack 350 AW II Quick Specs

• Price: $399.99
• External size: 11.42 x 9.45 x 20.87"
• Weight: 5.83 lb
• What Fits: DSLR, 4 lenses, 13” laptop, accessories
• Color: Grey

 

8. Gitzo Adventury 30L Camera Backpack

 

Deemed as one of the best backpacks for wildlife photography, the Gitzo Adventury 30L Camera Backpack is another great travel backpack option.

Pros: This travel camera backpack is massive. The larger backpack makes it easier for photographers to take longer trips in remote locations. Despite its large size, it’s surprisingly lightweight. It has a unique material in that there are squares sewn onto the material. The reason for this is to stop any potential tears from growing- if there’s a small rip, it will stop at the edge of its square.

It’s back-loading design makes it naturally anti theft. It additionally features a waterproof cover, protecting it from rain. Best of all, the inner dividers are removable, making for a versatile backpack filling a variety of needs.

Cons: One major complaint for the Gitzo Adventury 30L Camera Backpack is its lack of water bottle storage and small pockets for accessories. The lack of space for a water bottle is detrimental for anyone looking to use it as a hiking camera backpack. The lack of smaller pockets for accessories is surprising given its size.

Overall though, this is still a great camera backpack option

Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★★★

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Large travel camera backpack.

Gitzo Adventury 30L Camera Backpack Quick Specs

• Price: $199.99
• External size: 23x16x38 cm
• Weight: 2kg
• What Fits: DSLR, 4 lenses, telephoto lens, 13” laptop, tablet, drone, tripod
• Color: Brown

 

9. Vanguard AltaSKY 51D

Pros: Durability is key with this heavy duty travel camera backpack. The Vanguard AltaSKY 51D was designed to carry a lot, including 5 lenses, a 15” laptop, even a drone.

The AltaSKY has both a side access and back access to equipment, giving photographers versatility and quick access. It additionally has a base storage compartment that unzips to reveal storage slots for a DSLR and two lenses.

Also, this is a waterproof camera backpack, as this backpack has a waterproof rain cover. If you need the best travel camera backpack that can handle a ton of gear, this one's for you.

Cons: One of the downsides of this backpack is its padding. While the exterior padding gives added comfort, it does make for a bit of a tight fit in the interior space.

Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: 4.★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★★

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Space for both standard DSLR equipment and a drone.
• Multiple access points for versatility and easy use.

Vanguard AltaSKY 51D Quick Specs

• Price: $215.70
• External size: 5 cm
• Weight: 9kg
• What Fits: DSLR, 4 lenses, 15” laptop, drone
• Color: Gray

 

10. Thule Covert Rolltop Backpack

The Thule Covert Rolltop Backpack is definitely one of the best small camera backpacks. Its small size makes it a great option for a backpack for airline travel. Made of durable canvas, this backpack will keep your gear protected while also being easy to clean.

Pros: Its name is derived from the top storage area that unrolls to reveal a massive storage space great for your laptop and other miscellaneous equipment. Its smaller font pocket cover unlatches to reveal multiple smaller pockets great for SD cards and other smaller accessories. At the base of the bag there are side padded pockets to store your DSLR and lenses. The built in dividers can be removed to customize the storage space. There’s even a bonus padded tablet space in the back of the backpack.

Cons: We do wish that it had a bit more storage for actual camera equipment, and that accessing the camera storage compartments was a bit more convenient. However, this is still a great option for someone looking for the best small travel camera backpack for them.

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best small travel camera backpack.
• Great versatile travel camera backpack.

Thule Covert Rolltop Backpack Quick Specs

• Price: $219.95
• External size: 21.3 x 17.7 x 7.9"
• Weight: 4.97lbs
• What Fits: DSLR, 2-3 lenses, flash, 15” laptop, tablet
• Color: Black

 

11. Shimoda Explore 60

The Shimoda Explore 60 is absolutely one of the best camera backpacks for airline travel on the market. It has been specifically designed to fit carry on requirements.

Pros: One of the most unique features of this backpack is its height adjustable shoulder straps, guaranteeing to comfortably fit any photographer. It has pockets on the shoulder straps as well, one an open pocket for a water bottle and the other a zipper pocket, which is great for keys or a cell phone.

Another unique feature about this backpack is how the rear entry unzips. Unlike most backpacks with rear entry, the Shimoda Explore 60 unzips to the side rather than the base, disallowing it from touching the ground. This is going to help to keep your camera backpack much cleaner.

On the interior, there is a pocket large enough for a 13” laptop. The dividers for your DSLR and lenses are much thinner than many other bags on the market. Depending on your needs, this could be a pro or a con. It’s nice if you have a lot of gear you’re trying to fit in, but the thinner design doesn’t yield itself to being the most secure interior in a travel camera backpack. Additionally, it is a pretty expensive camera backpack, but its unique features may make the price worth it for many photographers.

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★☆☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best travel camera backpack for airline travel.

Shimoda Explore 60 Quick Specs

• Price: $319.95
• External size: 11.4 x 24 x 11
• Weight: 3.3 lbs
• What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, hard drives
• Color: Sea Pine, Blue Nights

 

12. WANDRD Veer

Looking for the most compact of all of the travel camera backpacks? Look no further, as the WANDRD Veer is one of the best small travel camera backpacks available this year. 

Pros: This backpack is waterproof, super lightweight, and fully collapsible, which makes it a great option for a hiking camera backpack. It has numerous compartments and pockets to keep smaller accessories and personal items organized. It has a side entrance for faster access to camera equipment. Best of all, at only $99 this is a very affordable travel camera backpack. 

Cons: The one downside of the WANDRD Veer is its limited padding for camera gear safety. 

Again, though, did we mention fully collapsible? 

Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★★★

Overall: ★★★★☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best small travel camera backpack.
• Compact size can be folded in on itself when empty.
• Best waterproof travel camera backpack.
• Best budget friendly travel camera backpack.

WANDRD Veer Quick Specs

• Price: $99
• External size: 18 x 11 x 9 in
• Weight: 0.8 lb
• What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses
• Color: Black, Rust, Colbalt

 

13. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

Pros: It’s not surprising that Peak Design dubbed this their ‘Everyday Backpack.’ This small camera backpack features a classic design and durable materials. Rather than a front opening, it features two side openings, which make for faster, easier access. It features a water resistant design that will keep equipment safe during sudden rainstorms. Another great feature is that it’s expandable, giving the user up to eight additional liters of space.

Cons: A major downside to the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L is its shoulder straps. It has a thinner strap with limited padding, making this one of the more uncomfortable backpacks on the market.

Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★★☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Good small camera backpack.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L Quick Specs

• Price: $154
• External size: 46x30x54cm
• Weight: 1400g
• What Fits: DSLR, 4-5 lenses, 13” laptop, tripod
• Color: Black, Tan, Ash, Charcoal

 

14. Langly Alpha Compact

Are you looking for a more stylish option that is still a great travel camera backpack? The Langly Alpha Compact may be a great option for you.

Pros: Its stylish colors and stand out straps make it a stylish option. This bag is still practical however, as it is completely water resistant. It features a locking zipper for equipment security. Additionally, it features a luggage strap, making it one of the best travel camera backpacks for airline travel.

Cons: A major downside that has been a common complaint is inconsistency in quality. After comparing several of the same bags, some seem to have a higher quality of material and structure than others, so going with this bag does run that risk.

Style: ★★★★☆

Build: ★★★☆☆

Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

Value: ★★★☆☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Best travel camera backpack for airline travel.

Langly Alpha Compact Quick Specs

• Price: $169
• External size: 16.75" H x 11.75"W x 6.50"
• Weight: n/a
• What Fits: DSLR, 5 lenses, 15” laptop, tripod
• Color: Slate, Cement, Brick

 

15. Chrome Niko F - Stop Camera Backpack

 

Pros: If you’re looking for a discreet backpack to keep your gear safe, the Chrome Niko F - Stop Camera Backpack will do the job.

The all black design is very simple and professional. The back opening is designed for security. The interior features velcro dividers, making it fully customizable. It has a water resistant design with a tarp material interior and a nylon exterior to keep camera gear safe and dry. Additionally, this travel camera backpack has ample storage for a ton of equipment, laptop, and tripod.

Cons: This bag is great for any photographer on the go.

Style: ★★★☆☆

Build: ★★★★☆

Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆

Value: ★★★★☆

Overall: ★★★☆☆

 

Backpack Highlights

• Great everyday camera backpack.
• Great versatile camera backpack.

Chrome Niko F - Stop Camera Backpack Quick Specs

• Price: $150
• External size: 51x25x18cm
• Weight: 1.5kg
• What Fits: DSLR, 3 lenses, 15” laptop, tripod
• Color: Black

 

Up Next: The Best DSLR Camera Bags

Durability, style, and value are key when choosing a camera backpack. There are some great options for travel camera backpacks, and we loved checking them all out. What are the most important features in a camera backpack that you're looking for? Let us know in the comments below.

Looking for even more camera bag options? Check out this article on the 15 best DSLR camera bags.