9 Seriously Cool Leather Camera Bags
It’s well known that most camera bags are substance over style. Sure, they can hold your gear, but they mostly look like dull, nylon covered boxes. Thankfully, there is a growing number of camera bags that are integrating style and substance.
A classic material that not only looks great, leather camera bags are the perfect solution for photographers looking to marry both style and function. Unlike canvas bags, for instance, leather camera bags provide durability, extended life, and of course aesthetic appeal.
Look no further than this list to get the best of both worlds and find the best leather camera bag for you!
The Best Leather Camera Bags
- The Explorer Leather Camera Bag
- ONA Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag
- Think Tank Signature 13
- ONA The Bowery Leather Camera Bag
- FeatherTouch Leather Travel Camera Bag
- Koolertron Waterproof Leather Camera Bag
- ZLYC Vintage Leather Camera Bag
- Gillis Street Messenger 7749
- Copper River Medium Lewis & Clark Camera Bag
1. The Explorer
Featuring full grain leather in combination with premium canvas and stout nickel hardware, The Explorer stands out as a modern vintage leather camera bag. It’s ideal if you have a meeting with a potential client or are going on a trip. For those who commute to the office, you can use it as a business messenger bag when not being used to carry your camera and equipment.
There’s plenty of room for all your gear including spare batteries, hard drives, laptop, and personal items. You can even shoot outdoors with The Explorer, making it a truly versatile option for hikers and corporate professionals alike. In short, it’s a fantastic choice for any photographer.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
The Explorer Quick Specs
- Price: $135
- External size: 10 x 14 x 4.9 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, hard drives, batteries.
- Color: Black, Light Grey, Army Green, Khaki
2. ONA Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag
The Prince Street leather camera bag is hand-crafted with top-quality Italian leather and a quality look to match. Its side weather-flaps protect your gear and its slim design makes it comfortable to carry around wherever you go.
The Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag also has plenty of space for your camera, lenses, and some other personal items. You can even carry a 13” computer or tablet, making it easy to edit photos wherever you are. When not being used to carry your camera, it works well as a leisure bag.
Overall, this ONA camera bag is pretty versatile. With the removable top grab handle you can carry it in a variety of ways to suit your needs.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
ONA Prince Street Camera Messenger Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $409
- External size: 12.5 x 10 x 4.5 in
- Weight: 1.2 Kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, tablet, batteries, hard drives
- Color: Antique Cognac, Dark Truffle
3. Think Tank Signature 13
The Think Tank Signature 13 is a stylish and versatile partial leather crossbody camera bag. Its claim to fame is that it’s a modern take on the classic camera bag. Leather touches offsetting the wool base give this camera bag a nice aesthetic as both a camera bag or office bag for working professionals.
The main compartment is easy to access with sprung latches and leather straps. There is also an internal zipped cover for added security that can be easily placed out of the way when not in use. There is also a zippered pocket at the rear for extra storage, as well as a luggage trolley strap that makes airport travel effortless.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Think Tank Signature 13 Quick Specs
- Price: $279.75
- External size: 17.7 x 21.6 x 29.5 in
- Weight: 1.4kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, hard drives
- Color: Brown
4. ONA The Bowery Leather Camera Bag
Another great option from ONA is their The Bowery Leather Camera Bag. The last feature on this list, The Bowery has a classic silhouette that will never go out of style and its sizing makes it an ideal bag for both the office and shoots.
Like the Prince Street Camera Bag, The Bowery has side weather flaps to protect your gear, as well as an adjustable and removable strap. A tuck-clasp closure keeps your gear secure and the combination of waxed canvas and full-grain leather provide extra stylish protection. For those who want less leather, The Bowery comes in a variety of stylish canvas hues.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
ONA The Bowery Leather Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $259
- External size: 10.5 x 7 x 4 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, small tablet
- Color: Dark Truffle, Antique Cognac
5. FeatherTouch Leather Travel Camera Bag
This vintage-inspired leather camera bag is handcrafted from cow leather. It’s both sturdy and lightweight, with multiple carrying options depending on your needs. With leather being notoriously expensive at times, you may wonder, “Why are camera bags so expensive?”
Contrary to this belief, the FeatherTouch Travel Camera Bag is pretty affordable and made from real leather. Its internal padding also ensures your gear is protected in any situation and a spacious interior also means you can bring a number of lenses and gear with you.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
FeatherTouch LeatherTravel Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $69.99
- External size: 13.2 x 12.1 x 5 in
- Weight: 1kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, hard drives
- Color: Brown
6. Koolertron Waterproof Leather Camera Bag
Another great option for those who like the look of a vintage leather camera bag, the Kooltertron Waterproof Leather Camera Bag has vintage appeal and affordable function. I say affordable function because a common question asked is “How much does a camera bag cost?” As with the FeatherTouch option listed above, the Koolteron Leather Camera Bag proves that you can get a stylish leather camera bag without breaking the bank.
Although not made from genuine leather, it looks and functions just as great. A waterproof exterior protects your full-frame DSLR and lenses. Not to mention that it’s just compact enough to make it easy to travel with. When not being used as a camera bag, the sectioned liner can be removed and the Koolteron camera bag becomes a leisure bag.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Koolertron Waterproof Leather Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $39.99
- External size: 11.41 x 8.26 x 5.11 in
- Weight: 0.45kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 2 lenses
- Color: Antique Brown
7. ZLYC Vintage Leather Camera Bag
For those that love the look of the Koolertron bag listed above, but want a genuine leather DSLR camera bag, look no further than the ZLYC Vintage Leather Camera Bag. Made from genuine cow leather, this bag is the ideal not-too-small, not-too-large camera bag.
With just enough room for your full-frame DSLR, a lens, some spare equipment, and personal items, this bag is a great choice for photographers on-the-go who don’t need to carry too many options. A single strap closure means you don’t have to fiddle too much with the latch while in motion or on-the-go. A removable strap means you can also carry this bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or even just by the handle.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
ZLYC Vintage Leather Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $79
- External size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 5.1 in
- Weight: 1.1kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 1 lens, memory cards, batteries, personal items
- Color: Brown
8. Gillis London Trafalgar Messenger Leather Camera Bag
The Trafalgar Messenger leather camera bag from Gillis is a combination of waxed canvas and leather inspired by the London streets. It’s perfect as a crossbody bag as well as over the shoulder. Whichever way you wear it, there’s no doubt you’ll look good doing it.
The Trafalgar Messenger has plenty of space for all your gear, while maintaining style and functionality. Not only can you store your full-frame DSLR, but even a tripod or large telephoto lens as well. This, coupled with the handy opening, makes it ideal for landscape or wildlife photographers
It also has a zippered pocket, which can fit up to a 13” laptop so you can use this bag at the office when not at a shoot.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★☆☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★☆☆
Gillis London Trafalgar Leather Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $279
- External size: 5.8 x 15.1 x 6.3in
- Weight: 2.6kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, hard drives, tripod
- Color: Black, Vintage brown
9. Copper River Medium Lewis & Clark Camera Bag
As the adventurous name suggests, this rugged camera bag is waterproof and durable. Outdoor camera bags have never looked as good at this Copper River messenger bag. This tough camera bag is not only perfect for the outdoorsmen, but for everyday use as well.
Fit your DSLR camera, laptop, personal items, and even running shoes in the Lewis & Clark Camera Bag. This heavy duty rot and mildew-resistant bag is made using the same thread used in ocean sails. It’s also made right here in the USA and is built to live not just one lifetime, but many. With the ability to carry your story and more, it’s a bag that you can hopefully pass down to your children and your children’s children.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Copper River Medium Lewis & Clark Camera Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $265
- External size: 14 x 10.5 x 4.5 in
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lens, 14” laptop, personal items
- Color: Tan
Honorable Mention! Jack by Jill-e Designs Hudson Messenger Bag
Last, but not least, I wanted to give an honorable mention to the Hudson Messenger Bag by Jill-e Designs. Although it’s smaller in size than The Gogh, for instance, the Hudson Messenger Bag from the Jill-e Designs Jack line is an ideal bag for quick shoots where you don’t want weight to be an issue. It’s also a great option while traveling so you can cut bulk and still have the opportunity to get some great shots.
There’s enough room for your DSLR, an extra lens, and some personal items. For those who travel light, this is just the right amount of space. This is the perfect leather crossbody camera bag if you spend a lot of time on-foot and don’t need a lot of equipment with you!
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Jack by Jill-e Designs Hudson Messenger Bag Quick Specs
- Price: $64.11
- External size: 7.5 x 9 x 4.2 in
- Weight: 0.66 kg
- What Fits: DSLR, 1 lens, personal items
- Color: Brown, Tan
What's next?
Leather is not only a classic look, but a long-lasting material that makes for a great camera bag. The great thing about leather specifically is that there is an option for everyone, whether you want to invest a little or a lot in your camera bag.
Couple that with an array of sizes for the traveling photographer who prefers to carry light, or the photographer who likes the versatility of having more than one lens on-hand, and you’ll find that there is a leather camera bag out there for everyone.
Which of these bags will you be buying next for your camera equipment? Let us know in the comments below!
