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When looking for a new camera backpack, many photographers feel a traditional one just doesn’t have all the storage they need for smaller accessories and personal items. This is where a rucksack camera backpack comes into play. Rucksack backpacks are the perfect backpack for any photographer needing a bit more space in their bag.
What is a rucksack backpack?
A rucksack backpack is a great option for photographers looking to carry more personal items, more accessories, or are even just looking for something a little different from a traditional camera backpack.
What makes a rucksack different from a traditional backpack? While rucksacks are still a type of backpack, what makes them different is their style. They’re traditionally made of a canvas like material, and often feature multiple buckles to keep pockets closed, and occasionally a cinched top pocket. Additionally, rucksacks tend to be great for carrying heavier loads, which makes them a good option for photographers carrying a lot of equipment. Lastly, many people love using rucksacks rather than backpacks for hiking and camping because of how durable they are, as well as how great the storage is.
If a rucksack sounds like the kind of camera backpack you’re looking for, here are the absolute best rucksack backpacks for every photographer that you need to check out.
17 Best Rucksack Camera Backpacks
- The Nash
- Wotancraft Nomad
- I-graphy Waterproof Backpack
- Sunny 16 Lightyear
- Brevite Rucksack Camera Backpack
- TARION RB-02 Camera Backpack
- Gitzo Adventury 30L
- Vanguard HAVANA 41 Backpack
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
- BAGSMART Camera Backpack
- ONA Camps Bay Camera Laptop Backpack
- Tenba DNA 15 Backpack
- Shimoda Explore 60
- Langly Alpha Compact
- F-Stop Dalston
- WANDRD PRVKE
- WANDRD Veer
Editor's Choice
1. The Nash
Pros: The Nash is an ideal option for a camera rucksack backpack. For looks, it features a waterproof canvas material and stylish leather buckles and details. The Nash is a comfortable size as well, fitting a DSLR, 3-4 lenses, a 15” laptop, and plenty of pockets for accessories and personal items. It has an external storage space for a tripod as well. The Nash has breathable padding on the shoulder straps and the back for maximum comfort. The interior features a polyester thick lining to keep your equipment safe.
Cons: While the Sunny 16 Nash is our favorite rucksack backpack, it isn’t the largest rucksack backpack. If you’re a photographer looking for more storage regardless of size, this may not be the one for you.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best canvas rucksack backpack.
The Nash Quick Specs
- Price: $169
- External size: 30" x 19" x 42cm
- Weight: 2.6lbs (1.2kg)
- What Fits: DSLR, 3-4 lenses, 15” laptop, tripod
- Color: Black, Khaki, Taupe
2. Wotancraft Nomad
The Wotancraft Nomad is another great camera rucksack backpack. While it’s a bit of a different look to a rucksack backpack, there are some features to this backpack that we absolutely love.
Pros: This camera has so much customizable storage space. The Wotancraft Nomad has two large and two small dividers to customize the interior to suit your needs while keeping your equipment safe. Additionally, the bag itself isn’t as structured as many backpacks and is actually expandable. This allows for more room and versatility for accessories and personal items. The pack features two L shaped side openings for quick access to your gear without having to put the rucksack on the ground.
We also love how travel friendly this rucksack backpack is. It meets standard carry on requirements. It also features comfortable straps and an air venting back pad to keep you cool.
Cons: While we love the looser style this bag has for versatile organization, the lack of a more solid structure may not work for every photographer’s needs. Additionally, while made of nylon, this rucksack backpack isn’t inherently waterproof. Additionally, this backpack is a bit on the more expensive side, which may not meet every photographer’s budget.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Versatile camera rucksack backpack.
- Masculine design makes it a great mens rucksack backpack.
Wotancraft Nomad Quick Specs
- Price: $299
- External size: 25L when fully expanded
- Weight: 1.7 kg
- What Fits: 2 DSLRs, 5-6 lenses, 13” laptop, water bottle, clothes for three days
- Color: Charcoal Black, Olive Green
3. I-graphy Waterproof Backpack with Cover for DSLR Camera
The I-graphy Waterproof Backpack is one of our favorite budget friendly rucksack backpacks.
Pros: Despite its affordable price, this bag is made very well. It’s made of a water resistant canvas material, and comes with a rain cover. The canvas material also makes it easy to clean, making it a great option for photographers that spend a lot of time outdoors. Additionally, the inner camera storage bag is removable, making the bag convertible from a camera rucksack backpack to a traditional rucksack backpack for versatile use. This rucksack has additional storage for accessories or personal items. Its stylish design makes it a great womens rucksack backpack.
Cons: While this is a great budget friendly, small rucksack backpack, it is definitely small. This bag only fits your DSLR, two lenses, a 13” laptop, and some accessories. But if you’re a photographer that is looking for a compact rucksack, this is the perfect one for you.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best budget friendly camera rucksack backpack.
I-graphy Waterproof Backpack with Cover for DSLR Camera Quick Specs
- Price: $36.99
- External size: 16.5 x 6.7 x 11.8 inches
- Weight: 1.76 pounds
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 13” laptop, accessories
- Color: Khaki, Army Green
4. Sunny 16 Lightyear
The Sunny 16 Lightyear is another one of our favorite camera rucksack backpacks. Its beautiful design and quality build makes it one of the best options for any photographer.
Pros: One of our favorite things about the Lightyear is its design. It’s made of a water resistant, beautiful canvas material to keep your gear safe in all weather. The Lightyear also features classic rucksack style leather buckles. Its rear opening keeps it anti theft, and it even has a USB charger built in so you’ll never run out of power for your electronics. The interior dividers are very thick to keep your equipment as safe as possible.
Cons: Our one con for the Lightyear is that it is a smaller rucksack backpack, which may not provide enough storage for every photographer. That being said, so long as you’re not looking for a massive camera rucksack, this could be a great one for you.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★★
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best quality small rucksack backpack.
Sunny 16 Lightyear Quick Specs
- Price: $169
- External size: 28" x 15.5" x 43cm
- Weight: 2.7lbs (1.23kg)
- What Fits: DSLR, 3x lenses, and 15" laptop
- Color: Khaki, Green, Gray
5. Brevite Rucksack Camera Backpack
The Brevite Rucksack is a fantastic convertible rucksack backpack option for a photographer with multiple needs.
Pros: This is one of the best rucksack backpacks, and we’re loving how versatile it is. It features an expandable top for added storage. The interior camera equipment storage is removable, transforming it quickly into a regular rucksack backpack. It features enough storage for two tripods (one of the only backpacks we’ve found that has that). The interior features smaller storage spaces, making it great for organising smaller accessories. It has side openings to access equipment quickly. Seriously, we’re loving this bag.
Cons: Our only con with this is that we wish it came in a few more color options, as its style would have made sense to have some quirky color options.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Fantastic customisable rucksack backpack.
Brevite Rucksack Quick Specs
- Price: $169
- External size: 18" x 13" x 6”
- Weight: 3lbs
- What Fits: DSLR, 3-4 lenses, 16” laptop, 2 tripods, personal items
- Color: Black
6. TARION RB-02 Camera Backpack
The TARION RB-02 Camera Backpack is one of our favorite leather rucksack backpacks on the market.
Pros: While this leather and polyester rucksack may not look it, this rucksack backpack is water resistant and comes with a waterproof rain cover. Additionally, this particular rucksack is very structured and firm, being sure to keep your gear in place. The main compartment for your equipment opens both from behind, keeping it anti-theft, as well as having a side access compartment for your convenience. This rucksack backpack is also a much larger option, fitting two DSLRs, four lenses, a 15” laptop, as well as accessories.
Cons: While the interior storage offers great protection for equipment, we wish that the compartments were customizable. It looks like the dividers should be removable for customization, but unfortunately they’re not.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best leather rucksack backpack.
TARION RB-02 Camera Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $79.99
- External size: 11.42 x 6.3 x 17.91 inches
- Weight: 3.15lbs
- What Fits: 2 DSLRs, 4lenses, 15” laptop, accessories
- Color: Gray
7. Gitzo Adventury 30L
While the Gitzo Adventury 30L doesn’t look quite like a traditional rucksack backpack, this bag packs a lot, making it great for outdoorsy photographers.
Pros: Many photographers choose this rucksack backpack as their primary camera bag. Gitzo designed this backpack with outdoor, landscape, and wildlife photographers in mind. It has a specially designed insert to keep equipment safe and is completely removable, transforming it into a traditional rucksack backpack. Its shoulder straps are adjustable and made with breathable padding, making it great for hiking. Its expandable roll top adds customization to fit whatever you may need. Its army green color makes it a great mens rucksack backpack.
Cons: While this backpack has a few small pockets for accessories, it doesn’t have many compartments for smaller pieces of equipment, such as SD cards. It’s also one of the more expensive rucksack backpacks on our list.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best rucksack backpack for hiking.
Gitzo Adventury 30L Quick Specs
- Price: $269.99
- External size: 12.20 x 7.48 x 18.90 in
- Weight: 4.52 lbs
- What Fits: DSLR, 3-4 lenses, 13” laptop, tripod
- Color: Green
8. Vanguard HAVANA 41 Backpack
If you’ve been wondering what a great, classic rucksack backpack is, look no further.
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 customised to fit up to a DSLR and two lenses. 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.
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.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Rucksack Camera 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
9. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
While the style of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L isn’t a traditional looking rucksack, the quality of this backpack makes it deserve a place on our list.
Pros: To start, this backpack is made of a waterproof material, making it great for photographers doing work outside. It was built with organization, customisation, and access in mind. The interior compartments are removable dividers to customize the compartments. The backpack has dual side access to grab equipment quickly. There are multiple other pockets designated for a laptop, water bottle, and other accessories. Additionally, this backpack has a built in luggage strap, making it a great backpack for airline travel.
Cons: Our biggest con with this backpack is its design. While it technically meets the criteria for a rucksack backpack, its design looks a little bit more like a traditional backpack. This doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good looking backpack, but it doesn’t quite meet the style of a rucksack.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★★★
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Versatile Camera Backpack.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L Quick Specs
- Price: $259.95
- External size: 33 x 21 x 46 cm
- Weight: 4.43lb
- What Fits: 2 DSLRs, 3-4 lenses, 15” laptop, water bottle, accessories
- Color: Black, Charcoal, Ash, Midnight
10. BAGSMART Camera Backpack
The BAGSMART Camera Backpack is another great, affordable rucksack backpack option.
Pros: This bag both has the classic rucksack look while still being a more structured backpack. It has a classy, professional style for it, making it a great option for commercial photographers. Additionally, its style makes it a great womens rucksack backpack. The backpack has a rear opening to a fully customisable equipment storage pocket, which holds a DSLR and 3-6 lenses. The upper pocket has ample storage for personal items, making it a great option for a travel rucksack backpack.
Cons: While this rucksack backpack does have straps on the side for your tripod, we wish they were a bit more secure. There are only two buckles to hold it in place, meaning it may not work for all tripods. Additionally, we wish that it had more than one access point to get to equipment.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Professional looking rucksack backpack.
- Great rucksack backpack for travel.
BAGSMART Camera Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $105.99
- External size: 12.59"L x 17.3"H x 6.3"W
- Weight: 5 lbs
- What Fits: DSLR, 3-6 lenses, 15” laptop, accessories
- Color: Green
11. ONA Camps Bay Camera Laptop Backpack
The Ona Camps Bay Camera Backpack is another super stylish camera rucksack backpack that we are loving.
Pros: This is an incredibly well made rucksack backpack. It’s made from a waxed canvas material, making it water resistant. While compact, the completely customizable interior has room for your DSLR and up to seven lenses. An upper section allows room for personal items, and a leather base on the bag protects it when on the ground. Speaking of leather, we love the leather accents on the buckles, the handles, and the straps. This is a really gorgeous backpack.
Cons: Unfortunately, while it's incredibly well made, this is an expensive backpack, coming in at $374.25 (though originally it was $499.00).
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★☆☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Beautifully made camera rucksack backpack.
ONA Camps Bay Camera Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $374.25
- External size: 17"L X 13"W X 6.5"D
- Weight: n/a
- What Fits: DSLR, 7 lenses, 17” laptop, accessories
- Color: Field Tan, Smoke
12. Tenba DNA 15 Backpack
The Tenba DNA 15 Backpack is another one of our top choices for a camera rucksack backpack.
Pros: Tenba made this rucksack backpack with versatility in mind. They intended to create a backpack that can transition with the photographer between sports photography, landscapes, city travel, hiking, and so on. A unique slide release buckle offers security, yet quick access to the top pocket. This backpack is weather resistant, once again offering versatility in use. The unique front pocket opens forward, offering wide access to all equipment inside.
Cons: Our biggest con with this is that despite its size, it only holds 2-3 lenses. This would be a better rucksack backpack for a photographer that only needs a few pieces of equipment but still has storage for personal items.
Style: ★★★★☆
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Tenba DNA 15 Backpack Quick Specs
- Price: $199.95
- External size: 11 in. W x 18 in. H x 8.5 in.D
- Weight: 3.70 lbs
- What Fits: DSLR, 2-3 lenses, 15” laptop, personal items
- Color: Gray
13. 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: This lightweight rucksack backpack is a backpack meant for comfort over long term use. Adjustable shoulder straps with strap pockets for a water bottle and a personal item are meant for your convenience. Additionally, a 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.
Cons: 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: ★★★☆☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best rucksack backpack for comfort and convenience.
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
14. Langly Alpha Compact
Of course, camera rucksack backpacks are very stylish. But we absolutely love how the Langly Alpha Compact looks
Pros: Its stylish colors and stand out straps make it a really cool backpack. The colorful options make it a great womens rucksack backpack. 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 rucksack 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: ★★★☆☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best rucksack backpack for airline travel.
- Great womens rucksack backpack.
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. F-Stop Dalston
Available in bright, fun colors, the F-Stop Dalston is the quirky rucksack for a unique photographer.
Pros: This fun, weather-proof rucksack backpack will be a great option for any photographer working outdoors. It has side opening zippers for quick and easy access to your equipment. The shelf-like padded interior will definitely keep your gear safe as well.
Cons: While we love this bag, we wish that it had both a bit more storage as well as some more comfort features. Though not uncomfortable, there aren’t any waist or chest straps to help distribute weight, leaving the bulk on your shoulders.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best quirky rucksack backpack.
F-Stop Dalston Quick Specs
- Price: $149
- External size: 18.9in x 11.4in x 6.3in
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- What Fits: DSLR, 1-2 lenses, 15” laptop, accessories
- Color: Orange, Khaki
16. WANDRD PRVKE
This sleek, stylish rucksack backpack is perfect for a modern photographer. While its rolltop mimics a rucksack, its minimalist design is great for a photographer looking for a more professional option.
Pros: This rucksack backpack is made of a weather-resistant material, though it does come with a waterproof cover. It’s back opening, making it theft resistant. Thick padding on the back keeps it comfortable for extended use. We love the tripod storage, as it’s an actual pocket the tripod slips into and is held in place with another strap. The interior storage can be adjusted to fit more camera gear, or a bit less gear and some personal items for when you travel. In addition to the rear storage, it has side entry pockets for quick access.
Cons: While it does have great padding for your comfort, we wish that the shoulder straps were wider for better weight distribution. Additionally, we wish that their waist strap was padded for more comfort as well.
Style: ★★★★★
Build: ★★★★☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★☆
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Sleek rucksack backpack.
- Great for travel.
WANDRD VEER Quick Specs
- Price: $184
- External size: 17"H X 11"W X 6.5"D
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- What Fits: DSLR, 3 lenses, tablet, personal items
- Color: Black, Wasatch Green, Aegean Blue
17. WANDRD Veer
If you’re looking for a light, breathable rucksack backpack, the WANDRD Veer could be a great option for you.
Pros: The Veer has a lot of great, unique features that we love. It has breathable straps to keep you cool in hot weather. This backpack is waterproof, super lightweight, and fully collapsible, which makes it a great option for a travel rucksack 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. It has some inflatable padding, but it definitely isn’t as strong as a lot of other options out there. This backpack's primary feature is definitely its collapsibility.
Style: ★★★☆☆
Build: ★★★☆☆
Ease of Use: ★★★★☆
Value: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★☆
Rucksack Camera Backpack Highlights
- Best compact rucksack 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
The Best Camera Messenger Bags
With so many cool rucksack backpacks available, we know there’s one out there for any photographer looking for an alternative pack. What is your favorite thing about a rucksack vs a backpack? Let us know in the comments below.
Looking for more alternative camera bags and potentially something smaller? Check out this article on messenger style camera bags.
