The Neewer Rolling Camera Backpack is our top choice. It has smooth rolling wheels, shoulder straps, and protected storage areas for your camera. So it’s the perfect camera bag for the traveling photographer! [Note: ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here.]
Finding the Best Travel Camera Bags
Finding the best camera travel bag isn’t easy. There are many different camera bags on the market. Types and styles range from backpacks to hard cases. So we’ve included something for everyone. That way, you can find the best camera bag for your next trip.
The Best Travel Camera Bags
Now we’ll look at each travel camera bag in more detail. We’ll give you all the info your need to make an educated buy. Then you’ll have the perfect camera bag for trips, journeys, and adventures. Many photographers use their travel camera bags extensively throughout the day. They need to change lenses and grab extra equipment. And they’re often digging inside their bag. The Neewer rolling camera backpack is perfect for these photographers. A portable camera bag is one you can wheel along, use as a backpack and carry short distances by hand. It allows you to navigate different distances, situations, and environments. So it’s ideal for air travel or long train journeys. The Neewer Rolling camera backpack is a beast. Its depth lets you store your equipment vertically to take everything with you. This is the best camera bag for moving around easily. This option is not for hikers but perfect for those shooting high-end lifestyle photography abroad. Besides a DSLR with a telephoto lens, you can fit another camera body with up to nine other spaces for lenses and devices. The interior has padded dividers. So each piece of gear has a snug compartment and is protected against damage. With everything tucked away safe and sound, traveling with all your gear is no problem. Many travel photographers want to go off the beaten path and explore new locations. And there will always be places where people will see a travel photographer as an easy target. So it’s best not to announce your presence with shiny, new gear. There are ways to avoid this. One way is to buy a camera bag that does not look like a camera bag… especially an expensive one. We recommend the Think Tank V3.0. It’s the best camera bag to minimize the risk of theft as much as possible. This camera bag’s security features are amazing. And it’s the perfect flight companion due to its compact size. Not only does it have a combination lock. It also has a cable to secure it to a stationary object. This means you can rest assured that no one is taking it if you get distracted. And that’s great since this bag holds three DSLR bodies and seven other devices. Other features include the following:
Space for two gripped DSLRs with lenses attached plus four to six extra lenses Room for a max lens length of 600mm f/4 detached or 500mm f/4 attached International airline carry-on requirements A high-strength coated cable and combination lock for the laptop compartment
Traveling abroad means new smells, tastes, experiences, and weather. The latter is sometimes unpredictable. But it’s not something you have to worry about with the CADeN camera backpack. The waterproof outer material keeps your gear dry even in the rain. There is a lot to like about this bag. Not only does it have plenty of storage space for your gear, but it also holds a tripod. There is also space for a laptop and two other items in the side pockets. The interior is well-designed. The layout gives storage spaces for all your main gear items, including cameras, lenses, and hard drives. You don’t need to worry about gear getting damaged. Padded dividers separate everything. For weather protection, the high-density 900D polyester nylon used is rain resistant. Plus, there’s a rain cover for extra protection when the rain really comes down. And these are some of the other top features:
Adjustable undercarriage straps to attach a tripod Hidden zipper pocket on the back A USB port to charge devices out of the bag
If you are looking for a durable camera bag for travel, Domke F-2 is your choice. The cotton canvas is what makes this back durable. It might even look better with scuffing, as it has that slight vintage yet military feel. This is heavy-duty and a pleasure to use. It is a shoulder bag, giving you the photojournalist vibe. The adjustable strap allows you to get the fit you need for perfect comfort. That allows you to explore new locations with your camera at your side. The canvas isn’t waterproof, so you do have to be careful in wet weather. But you can apply paraffin wax to make the bag weather-resistant. It’s worth it if you’re traveling to countries with unpredictable weather. Here are the other top features:
Space for two DSLRs alongside multiple lenses up to 300mm, a flash unit, and a small tablet 12 compartments and pockets Patented padded, adjustable, and removable four-compartment insert system Adjustable non-slip Gripper Strap securing the bag to your shoulder comfortably
The Peak Design Everyday backpack is ideal for travel photographers. It’s comfortable to wear for long periods. It protects your gear on the inside and outside. And it’s spacious enough for all the equipment you need for a successful trip. The Peak Design backpack is a good choice if you want a camera bag with multiple access points. The front section can be unzipped, giving you full access to your camera and lens. This bag is smart, sleek, and very minimal. And the outer material is also water-resistant. While it won’t protect against the heaviest downpours, it keeps your gear safe in lighter showers. Here are some of its best features:
Space for a full frame DSLR and three to four Lenses Three FlexFold dividers protect gear Built-in expansion with a MagLatch system Waterproof, internal side and top pockets
You can also read our in-depth Peak Design Everyday backpack V2 review for more info. The best travel backpack to carry lots of weight is the Endurax extra-large camera backpack. It holds two different camera systems and all the gear associated with them. This travel camera bag is one of the biggest on the market. You can fill it up with all you need. It’s perfect for those who can’t decide what to carry in their luggage. You can attach a tripod to three places, making this a versatile camera bag system. The Endurex outdoor backpack is best for hikers and outdoor photographers. It’s comfortable when you’re on the trail. It protects your gear against exterior dangers. And you have the waterproof rain cover for when Mother Nature turns against you. The bottom compartment can be removed and worn around the waist. This allows for more storage and ease of access. It’s a great hiking backpack for traveling photographers. Here are some more features:
Space to hold two pro-sized mirrorless cameras, six to eight lenses, and two to three flashes Organizing compartments to store odds and ends Flip-out tripod holder for a full-size tripod A rain cover
Lowepro makes excellent outdoor gear for photographers. And their Tahoe BP 150 is ideal if you’re looking for a lightweight backpack for outdoor photography. It’s easy on your shoulders. And it has space for a large camera and a selection of lenses. The outside has some soft padding that protects against knocks. The interior dividers are also padded, keeping your gear safe when traveling. And it’s weather-resistant, so you don’t need to panic at first sight of rain. The backpack isn’t bulky. So you can travel discreetly. And there’s a surprising amount of storage space inside. Not only do you have enough space for a camera and lenses, but you can also pack a hard drive and plenty of extras. There’s even a special pouch for laptops or tablets. And the water bottle pouch is another feature thirsty travelers will appreciate. It even comes in blue and camoflauge. Versatility is the key for WANDRD’s Hexad carryall travel duffel bag. Whether you are using it for photography or not, this is the perfect travel bag for those who want a little more organization. You can use a quarter or half of this bag as a dedicated camera area. It’s perfect for all occasions because it’s made of weather-resistant materials. The rest of the bag is available for clothing, personal effects, or anything else you might need for the journey ahead. Here are a few other features:
Uses camera cubes to create camera sections Padded laptop sleeve Side camera access RFID secure, passport pocket
Pelican is the top name when it comes to hard cases for travel. And the Pelican Air 1525 carry case is the best for travel photographers. It has enough space for a couple of cameras and some lenses. And everything within is kept ultra-safe. The outer casing is made of thick, hard plastic. It gives you excellent protection against external dangers. And it’s a crushproof container. It’s also completely waterproof when sealed. And the purge valve equalizes the pressure for air travel. Pelican gives you a choice of interior. You can go for the foam, which you can cut to fit your gear. Or you can opt for the TrekPak dividers. Both options protect your gear when stowed away. It isn’t designed to be carried by hand for long distances. But the rubber handle does give you some comfort when carrying the case. You also have double-throw latches and stainless steel hasp protectors for extra security. It’s the most secure hard case on the market! The Lowepro Trekker BP 150 backpack is perfect for light travel. It’s a compact, lightweight backpack that gives you ample space for your gear. It doesn’t weigh you down or get in the way. But you can still take everything you need for a good photography trip. The bag has a casual-looking and stylish design. You can travel around cities without drawing attention to yourself. And it won’t be obvious that you’re carrying expensive equipment. The padded dividers are excellent at keeping your gear organized and protected. The front section of the bag zips all the way, giving you full access to your gear. So you don’t have to rummage around to find what you need. The front section also has a padded pouch for laptops and tablets. That means you can carry your entire photography setup in this handy backpack! The Vanguard Veo Range T45M is one of the best photography backpacks on the market. It’s a stylish backpack with a casual look. It doesn’t attract much attention, so you won’t be targeted by thieves when traveling. It also has plenty of pockets and pouches to house your gear. You have a side-access compartment for your camera and lens. It’s big enough for a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera. And the side opening is also discreet. It’s hidden from the unknowing eye. The top compartment is perfect for hard drives, memory card cases, and other bits and pieces. The laptop pouch has a good layer of padding to keep your computer safe. And the tripod strap is another handy feature for the serious travel photographer. The bag material is water-resistant. So you don’t need to worry when traveling in light rain and wet conditions. And there’s a waterproof rain cover for extra protection from heavy rain and tropical storms. The Pelican Air 1560 roller case is a heavy-duty travel bag for professional photographers. It’s a big case with plenty of storage room. So you can take all the necessary equipment on your next shoot, no matter where it is. And you won’t need to worry when it’s stowed away in an airplane hold. The case is dustproof and crushproof. And the sealing is watertight when you close it with the latches. It won’t let any water in, even when fully submerged. And the purge valve equalizes the pressure for air travel. The interior has Pick’n’Pluck foam. You can customize the foam to fit your gear exactly. That means nothing moves around when you’re traveling. Everything is kept safe in transit. So it’s an ideal hard case for traveling photographers and media creators. The MOSISO backpack gives you more protection than your average camera backpack. It’s comfortable with a casual-looking design. But it has a hard outer shell that protects against bumps, knocks, and shocks. And that shell also offers waterproof protection in bad weather. The bag interior has padded dividers that separate your gear, so you can keep everything organized. They also prevent your equipment from knocking against each other when you’re moving. They’re held in place with Velcro, which means you can change the layout. You can unzip the front section for full access to the main compartment. And the front pad has compartments for a tablet and extra accessories. The shoulder straps can be adjusted for comfort. And there’s a handle at the top if you need to carry it by hand. The Lowepro Format 160 II is a great shoulder bag for travel. It’s too small to be your main travel bag. But it’s ideal for touring a city on foot or seeing the sights. It’s lightweight and offers good protection. And it’s big enough for your camera and a couple of lenses. The main compartment has excellent padding. It keeps your camera safe as you explore a new location. And there’s a handy divider to keep your spare lens separated. You can adjust the shoulder strap so you get the perfect fit. So you can have your camera at your hip, ready for any photo opportunity. It’s a good-quality shoulder camera bag with an excellent price tag. For those hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, a comfortable bag with a camera compartment is a must. It also needs to carry enough weight and be weather protected. One of the best camera bags for outdoor and hiking is the Explore 60 from Shimoda. This bag carries camera gear, food, and clothing. And the bag compartments are fully customizable. The bag has a large storage capacity for clothes and personal belongings. That’s why it is such a great travel backpack. And the padded camera section makes it perfect for backpacking photographers. The Acro Video Dr. Bag 20 is a stylish camera bag and offers something different for your next photography trip. It’s a handsome camera case in the style of a doctor’s bag. But it also protects your camera and gear. It looks like a normal bag. But it has a hard outer shell. This protects your camera against external dangers. And the padded interior keeps everything safe on the inside. It’s also weather-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about rain showers. The main opening is nice and wide. It allows you to access any piece of equipment inside without much rummaging. And the side pockets give you more space for accessories and extras. Plus, it’s easy to transport by car or train. And it’s small enough for hand luggage.
Conclusion: The Best Travel Camera Bags
Finding the best camera travel bag is vital for anyone taking a camera on their next trip. It’s best if you have something that can carry your gear and keep it safe. But you also need something that suits the type of photography trip you’re taking. That’s why we provided a wide range of camera travel bags on our list. The Neewer rolling camera backpack is our overall favorite. With roller wheels and shoulder straps, it’s the ultimate all-in-one camera travel bag. But that might not be for everyone. As we’ve seen, there are camera travel bags for all globe-trotting photographers!