The 7 Best Camera Bags You Can Buy in 2023

Camera gear can cost a ton, and It’s not uncommon to discover some running into tens of thousands of dollars. This article will help you find the best bag to keep your expensive photography equipment safe.

What’s the Best Camera Bag?

You’re at the right place if you’ve just bought camera equipment. Investing in a great camera bag that is amazing for travel, waterproof, lightweight, and durable, is prudent. The bags below combine these fantastic qualities and more.

Our Picks for the Best Camera Bag

1. Best Overall – CADeN Backpack
2. Best Budget – Amazon Basic Point & Shoot
3. Best Sling Bag – MOSISO
4. Best Roller Bag – Manfrotto Manhattan Runner
5. Best Small Bag – Meliae Chic
6. Best for Travel – Think Tank Photo Airport Takeoff v2.0
7. Best Waterproof Bag – Tarion XH Backpack

Why You Need a Camera Bag

Before discussing the best camera bag, it’s worth mentioning how smartphone cameras continue to evolve and are currently the go-to choice for capturing memorable events worldwide.

The image quality on the current flagship phones is out of this world, yet these same phones cannot lace the shoes of a mid-range DSLR camera. Professional photographers know their camera bag is essential to safeguard fragile gear.

Some insurance companies may outrightly refuse to cover your photography equipment if you don’t have a high-quality camera bag. Fortunately, the bags on this list represent the crème de la crème in the market.

Best Camera Bag: Our Top 7 Picks

We’ve reviewed hundreds of bags, separating the real deal from the pretenders to give you the top options for your needs. You’d be hard-pressed to do better than the camera bags below. 

1. Best Overall – Caden Camera Backpack

The CADeN Camera Backpack is a DSLR bag for professional photographers and is excellent for both sexes. Moreover, the backpack is portable and lightweight. It has space to fit a camera, four lenses, flash, tripod, tablet, and other photography accessories.

This backpack has a higher price tag than it should because of the premium build quality. The polypropylene material is scratchproof and waterproof, protecting your camera and accessories from water damage. 

You can also use this backpack for storing DJI drones. In addition to camera accessories, the bag also has an elastic mesh on the side for storing essential items like water bottles and umbrellas. 

Unlike other brands, this camera bag features an alloy zipper that is rust-free for three years and guaranteed not to break for five years. An eye-catching feature is the side zipper that allows you to store and retrieve your camera gear within three seconds.

Additionally, the inner compartment has an 18MM thick internal protection padding you customize to your needs. This padding doesn’t deform, is shockproof, and provides multiple storage ideas. 

Still, there’s space enough to fit a 15.6” laptop to edit your shots on the go. Interestingly, this bag looks like a regular backpack, easy to fool the unsuspecting passerby! 

The only drawback to this bag is the overpowering plastic smell. All you need is to air it out for a day, and it’s good. Overall, the Caden Camera Backpack works excellently and is worth the price.

2. Best Budget – AmazonBasics Point & Shoot

This AmazonBasics Point & Shoot is suitable for point-and-shoot cameras, but the price catches the eye. It’s very affordable considering the relatively large size.

The nylon material is durable, and you’ll love the interior padding that shields your camera against hard bumps and knocks. The bag is optimized for point-and-shoot cameras like the Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS70, SONY RX100 iii, Canon G9x MK II, and Fujifilm FinePix XP 120. 

The bag has three primary areas. The spacious zippered compartment is for storing the camera. There’s an outer zippered area for holding accessories like batteries and lenses.

At the same time, the third compartment comprises pockets for holding smaller items like SD cards. The roomy bag also has a belt loop that helps you hang the camera on your belt.

Moreover, the pockets store items efficiently without getting in the way when picking up things or taking them out of the bag. 

The AmazonBasics Point and Shoot doesn’t offer the highest protection of any camera bag. Still, it has excellent padding where the delicate parts of your camera will rest.

There’s more padding towards the front compared to the sides. Moreover, the zip opens with ease but feels secure when closed. The Amazon Basics Point and Shoot Bag is an excellent steal considering the price.

3. Best Sling Bag – MOSISO Sling Camera Bag

This camera bag looks small but is quite spacious, with different compartments for camera gear, smartphone, and tablet, including other accessories.

It has a protective foam layer that surrounds the bag’s outer shell to keep your items safe from scratches and shocks. The entire space has two parts; the larger room has removable inserts to protect delicate things like flashes and lenses, while the upper part is for accessories.

You’ll also find a tripod holder to the side, including an anti-theft pocket for more valuable items.

Moreover, the flexible strap is perfect for both sexes, and the sling design makes it straightforward to slide the bag to the front for instant access to your gear. The tripod holder is at the side and is a perfect fit for tripods and monopods. 

You’ll be amazed by the high elastic back cushion that’s comfy and lightweight. It features a breathable material that releases trapped heat.

That said, the bag is a bit too compact and can be uncomfortable to wear when you store a tripod. Let’s be clear; this shoulder strap bag is for mirrorless cameras, including DSLR/SLR brands. It’s a multifunctional bag suitable for specific camera types, including the Nikon D5600 to D3200. It is compatible with other regular-sized DSLRs like the Canon EOS Rebel lineup. 

The Mosiso Camera Sling is a petite bag that punches above its weight for protecting camera gear.

4. Best Roller Bag – Manfrotto Manhattan Runner

The Manhattan Runner by Manfrotto is arguably the best roller bag with a versatile design that allows you to use it as a travel trolley or roller bag. 

It has a separate interior bag that’s perfect as a standalone camera bag. The capacity isn’t anything to scoff at, with the ability to store two DSLR cameras, a 70/200 mm lens, a more miniature camera, and multiple lenses. 

This camera bag includes a Flexy Camera Shell specifically designed to keep your gear snug and safe from bumps, shocks, and falls. The two wheels at the base make it easy to move heavy equipment.

More importantly, the bag is crafted from ballistic fabric to safeguard it from scratches while the bottom coating cleans easily. The outer cover repels water, and you’ll find additional rain cover for extra protection.

This backpack is, without a doubt, a premium bag; the only apparent drawback is the price. If you can look beyond the price tag, you’ll see the Manfrotto Manhattan Runner offers long-term value.

5. Best Small Bag – Meliae Chic

Meliae Chic isn’t like any other camera bag – it’s a purse. This tastefully stylish purse protects your equipment without looking at the part. It is the perfect bag for women shooting downtown in the big city.

 Meliae Chic uses authentic, high-quality leather with a soft and silky texture for that elegant and classy look. Moreover, the bag is water and scratch-resistant, with premium lining and stitches that make a camera bag stand the test of time. 

Equally important are the sturdy zippers, strap clasps, and purse sleeves that improve the longevity of this purse. Thanks to the adjustable strap, you can sling the bag over your shoulder like a regular purse or wear it crossbody. 

The stylish handbag features multiple pockets that can hold various items like lens caps, wallets, smartphones, memory cards, and keys. 

Besides, there are two removable dividers helpful in customizing a safe zone to store more fragile equipment.

You won’t find much to complain about except for the apparent lack of room. However, it’s a small bag emphasizing chic style rather than function.

6. Best for Travel – Think Tank Airport Takeoff v2.0

You’ll search long and hard to find a camera bag that comes remotely close to this behemoth in size and capacity. The Photo Airport Takeoff is a large-sized hybrid bag that’s convertible from a trolley to a portable backpack in a matter of seconds.

While many camera bags offer this feature, only a few provide a similar degree of comfort you’d find with this brand. 

The chunky back straps and flap release provide soothing relief when moving heavy camera equipment, allowing you to keep it on your shoulders for a long time. 

Moreover, this camera bag has many variations and an insane number of partitions to customize the space however you want. 

This bag is excellent for travel because it’s roomy enough to store all camera gear types while sufficiently small to serve as a carry-on when you fly.

The price is the only drawback, costing as much as some DSLR cameras. If it’s beyond your budget, you’re better off looking for something less pricey. 

The Airport Takeoff v2.0 is the Rolls Royce of camera bags and fits multiple camera bodies and lenses without issues.

7. Best Waterproof Bag– Tarion XH Backpack

The standout feature of the Tarion XH is its waterproof properties with a certified IPX5 rating. It has exceptional weatherproof properties and includes a rain cover as additional protection against the elements. 

You’ll take comfort in the 18.5L storage space that can fit a complete camera, five lenses, and other essentials. A roll-top compartment gives you instant access to accessories like clothing and shoes. 

The bag can serve as a regular backpack with sweatproof, breathable fabrics courtesy of its air-mesh padding. Small-sized drones can fit into the space, including a safety belt for extra protection of delicate camera gear. 

The bag has padded dividers that prevent camera components from bumping into each other. In sum, the Tarion XH is a backpack suitable for shooting in wet environments and will keep photography equipment bone dry in the wettest conditions.

Finding the Best Camera Bag

While the bags on this list offer great value, it’s okay to opt for something else. Use the features below to find the perfect camera bag for your needs.

Material

The bag material is crucial because cameras aren’t cheap. You need a fabric that can withstand the elements while keeping your equipment safe. And this feature is even more important if you often travel with your gear. 

Many manufacturers use canvas because of its lightweight properties. Nylon is durable, suffers minor wear and tear, and has waterproofing qualities. 

Leather is an exceptional choice – but make sure it isn’t faux leather as the latter suffers wear and tear faster than the former. Be mindful that newer generation bags use premium synthetic fabrics but often have a higher price tag.

Protection

For the umpteenth time, cameras don’t come cheap. The inside of your camera bag should have plenty of foam stuffing to protect delicate parts like the digital sensor and fragile accessories like the lens. 

The best camera bags have padded barriers you can arrange to form a housing for your gear. Lest we forget, your bag needs multiple sealed compartments and pockets to ensure your camera isn’t at the mercy of the elements.

Size

Size matters. Cameras are bulky equipment that requires space. Your camera bag must be roomy to contain all your gear. 

You may opt for a smaller bag if you’re shooting as a hobby. At the same time, professional photographers need a giant camera bag to fit their gear. Don’t be limited by your choices. You can have different camera bags for various occasions.

Comfort

Photographers often travel long distances to get the perfect shot. It’s essential to opt for a comfortable camera bag. 

Look for breathable fabric, thick shoulder straps, and waist buckles. You may consider crossbody bags if you shoot with a small camera. 

Moreover, instant access to your equipment is a plus, and you’d probably be better off with a bag with side zippers. It doesn’t matter whether you go for a backpack or shoulder bag. Ensure you pick an option that works for you.

Discreteness

Cameras are expensive equipment which makes them a target for thieves. It would be best if you had a bag that doesn’t make it obvious you have camera equipment inside. 

Additionally, the bag must have anti-theft features, including locking zippers and RFID-blocking tech to keep sensitive card data safe. 

If an attacker tries to snatch your bag, the sturdy construction will prevent them from cutting it off your person to get at the contents. The best camera bag will look like any other bag while fulfilling the role a photographer requires.

Ergonomics

Camera bags are special equipment, just like the contents they hold. These bags need special padding and partitions you can customize to fit your gear. 

The bag must be easy to carry with high-strength buckles and anti-rust zippers that last a long time. Access to camera equipment must be simple and efficient, with multiple pockets for storing memory cards and batteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still undecided? No problem! Below are some frequently asked questions and answers most people would like to know.

So, What’s the Best Camera Bag?

The best camera bag is the CADeN Backpack. The bag is scratchproof and waterproof, easy to carry with thick paddings to keep your equipment safe.

More importantly, the bag is compatible with a wide range of cameras and doesn’t break the bank. That said, the camera bags on this list are the best in their categories and offer exciting long-term value.