The best camera bag for travel can mean a bag for hikers, for air-travel, for city-breaks, or a whole lot more. Ideally, a good travel camera bag should let you carry a decent amount of gear, without adding too much weight itself. It should have decent weatherproofing, some padding for the kit inside, and well padded straps and handles that make it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
So, quite a tall order, then! Fortunately, manufacturers have proven themselves to be up to the task, and there are loads of fantastic camera bags out there. So much so that it can be hard to know where to start, which is why we’ve divided our guide up into sections for the different types of camera bag out there, with options for holsters, messenger bags, backpacks, roller bags and hard cases.
Like we said, there’s a lot of choice out there. So, let’s dive straight into the best camera bags for travel you can buy!
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he’s in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He’s also the team’s man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he’s a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
It’s only roomy enough for a small setup, but this bag packs a lot in, including a waterproof cover you can pull out whenever you need. Read more below…
What we like about this sling bag is its ability to add interior space simply by opening a zip, giving you plenty of flexibility on your travels. Read more below…
If you treat travel as a bit of indulgence, you’ll appreciate this bag, which marries hand-crafted luxury with gear-stowing pragmatism. Read more below…
This can take a lot of gear yet still count as carry-on luggage on most airlines – and it’s robust enough to reassure busy travelers. Read more below…
The best camera bag for travel
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Best holster bag overall for travel
(Image credit: Jamie Carter)
A clever, minimalist holster for protecting a camera from bad weather
Specifications
External size: 28 x 22.9 x 2cm
Weight: 0.155kg
Reasons to buy
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Highly packable
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Clever waterproof cover
Reasons to avoid
–
No impact protection
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No slots for accessories
This clever holster from Matador is ideal for those who like to head out for wet-weather hikes. It packs in a clever waterproof cover, which scrunches down so small you may not notice it, but it can be pulled out at a moment’s notice to cover the entire shell, making for a double waterproof cover for your gear.
Capacity-wise, the Matador Camera Base Layer is about average for a holster – as we noted in our review, it’s not going to hold a full-frame DSLR with a telephoto lens, but it can stretch pretty well, and most lightweight mirrorless and compact setups should be fine.
The Matador Camera Base Layer is more about weather protection than impact protection, and isn’t really padded to any great extent. It’s therefore an excellent choice for hikers and country-walkers – perhaps less so for city explorers who might want some padding against knocks and bumps.
A unique sling bag that can be expanded to suit your carrying needs
Specifications
External size: 26.5 × 20 × 45 cm
Weight: 1.2kg
Reasons to buy
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Useful expansion system
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Complete rain cover
Vanguard is known for its innovative photo accessories, such as its tri-footed monopods (it makes sense when you see it), and this bag is another fine example.
The Vanguard Alta Rise 43 Sling features a useful expansion system, using a single zip to add 6cm of storage width to the interior in a single motion. It’s capable of fitting a camera of pretty much any size, up to pro DSLR specs, as well as 4-5 lenses and other accessories.
All this does make it pretty bulky, especially for a sling bag, but if you don’t mind the size and weight, it’s one of the most versatile bags for travel out there.
Best small sling bag for travel
(Image credit: George Cairns)
Stylish bag that is also compact and lightweight
Specifications
Type: Sling bag
Camera: DSLR/CSC
Tripod attachment: Yes
Additional compartments: 1
External dimensions: 14 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm
Weight: 730g
Reasons to buy
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Compact and portable
+
Water-resistant
+
Adjustable interior panels
+
Molle straps for attaching accessories
Reasons to avoid
–
Small gap at bottom of compartment when unzipped
Designed in conjunction with the photographer Peter McKinnon, the McKinnon 8L Camera Sling is an ideal size for casual use of a smartphone, a mirrorless camera or a small DSLR. Inside, you’ll find a generous allocation of pockets, pouches, and dividers for organizing your gear.
The sling strap is ideal for wearing the bag across your back while you’re on the move – you can easily swing it round and bring your camera out without having to take the bag off. You could also wear it across your chest in crowded situations, keeping your gear safer.
A dazzling messenger bag for those who don’t mind premium pricing
Specifications
External size: 37 x 14 x 28cm
Weight: 1.38kg
Reasons to buy
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Gorgeous, hand-crafted finish
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Easy to use
Reasons to avoid
–
Not vegan
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Very expensive
Let’s get this out of the way now: if you’re on a strict budget, Billingham camera bags aren’t for you. They’re premium products, hand-crafted and finished with fine materials, and they come with a price tag that reflects that. They’re also made using real leather – so if you avoid animal products, best look elsewhere.
If neither of those criteria apply to you, the Billingham Eventer MKII is a top-tier camera bag. We were hugely impressed with the bag when it came in for a full review; it’s superbly designed, with smooth dividers that keep your gear safe while allowing it to slide smoothly in and out. The two expanding front pockets are also amazing – they just swallow up gear, and keep swallowing it up with space to spare.
An outstanding camera backpack from the makers of 3 Legged Thing tripods
Specifications
External size: 44 x 33 x 19cm
Weight: 1.6kg
Reasons to buy
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Multitude of access points
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Tough, stylish design
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Environmentally responsible
Camera backpacks have got a bit samey over the years, and we can all admit that the boxy black designs, while functional, are not the most exciting. The Morally Toxic range, a spin-off from tripod manufacturers 3 Legged Thing, is an attempt to blow some of the dust out and rethink what camera bags can look like – and its backpack, the Morally Toxic Valkyrie, is a triumph.
The smart design gives you access to your gear from all angles, without compromising security or weatherproofing thanks to the tough zips. Also, the “Morally” in the name refers to the fact that the bags are manufactured responsibly, with minimal plastic, and recycled ocean plastics used where possible.
A modular backpack that’s perfect for airline cabins too
Specifications
Dimensions: 30x18x47cm
Weight: 2.2kg
Lenses: 4
Raincover: Yes
Padded hip belt: Yes
Tripod storage: Yes
Laptop compartment: 13in
Tablet compartment: No
Reasons to buy
+
Modular design
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Loads of accessories
+
Accepts a drone
Reasons to avoid
–
Accessories can look messy
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Accessories are expensive
The ProTactic BP uses a clever modular system that’s particularly well-suited to travelers. Need to travel light for a city shoot? Just use the basic backpack. Need more space to pack extra gear the next day? Just add whatever you need: a flash holder and tripod straps, say, plus a phone case. The SlipLock loops on the ProTactic BP enable you to add or remove modules at will, so you can tailor your system precisely for the needs of the day.
The interior is equally adaptable, with Velcro dividers you can reconfigure or remove, plus a separate compartment for a small laptop.
A backpack and roller case in one – it’s the ultimate travel companion for larger camera kits
Specifications
Exterior dimensions: 55 x 35.5 x 23cm
Weight: 4kg
Reasons to buy
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Great quailty
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Practical size
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Backpack conversion
Reasons to avoid
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Backpack conversion a little slow
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A serious investment
When you need to travel with multiple cameras and lenses, even carrying it all in a camera backpack could become a burden. Transporting everything in a wheeled roller bag and letting the ground take the strain may therefore be a better option.
At first glance Manfrotto‘s Reloader Switch-55 looks like a typical roller bag. Its external 55 x 35.5 x 23cm dimensions meet most airline cabin baggage requirements, and this translates to an equally practical 47 x 32 x 18cm interior – enough for a decent selection of full-frame cameras and lenses in a variety of configurations. A large, top-loading slot on the front panel can accommodate a 17” laptop, and there’s a tripod attachment on one side.
The Reloader Switch-55 is also beautifully made and feels reassuringly rugged. Its internal skeleton resists hard knocks and abuse, while generously thick internal padding cossets your gear.
But the standout feature of this bag is that it can also be worn as a backpack – ideal if some parts of your journey will be over terrain too rough for the bag’s wheels. Discreetly stowed in a concealed front pocket are two wide shoulder straps that pack impressively flat. The conversion isn’t the quickest, but the end result is surprisingly comfortable.
Despite the straps and quality build, the bag still weighs a reasonable 4kg.
Best premium roller bag for travel
(Image credit: Think Tank)
8. Think Tank Airport International V3
Specifically designed for frequent flyers
Specifications
Exterior dimensions: 53.3 x 35.6 x 20.3cm
Weight: 5.2kg
Reasons to buy
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Stunning build
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Extremely robust
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Space for pro gear
Reasons to avoid
–
Relatively heavy
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Not cheap
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Slightly thicker than advertised
This may be one of the priciest camera roller bags you can buy, but it’s one of those times when you get what you pay for. It’s built for pro photographers, and the interior is cleverly shaped to fit a pair of gripped DSLR bodies and lenses as large as a 500mm f/4. There’s also space for a 15” laptop and 10” tablet, plus a tripod on the side. It’s carry-on suitable at 53.3 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm, though we measured the external thickness at 23cm.
Although all of the bags in this guide are built to last, the Airport International V3 exudes supreme quality at every point, from the handle down to the zippers. It lacks the sheer rigidity of a full-blown hard case, but zipped shut it still manages to retain its shape when stood on, partly thanks to the excellent, well-padded rigid interior dividers.
Smart touches include a four-stage extending handle that only intrudes halfway down the bag when stowed, generously-sized underside scuff panels, a stout zipper lock, and even a coated cable and combination lock to tie the bag to an immovable object.
Best hard case overall for travel
(Image credit: Peli)
A super-solid yet surprisingly portable hard case
Specifications
Exterior dimensions: 55.8 x 35.5 x 22.8cm
Weight: 3.95kg (empty)
Reasons to buy
+
Very light for its size and toughness
+
Optional TrekPak insert works well
+
Wheeled and cabin-friendly
Reasons to avoid
–
Optional divider inserts can be costly
–
Not quite as tough-feeling as heavier cases
Hard cases for cameras offer the best possible protection for your gear, short of locking it in a safe, and they’re still fairly portable for travelling. Peli’s Air cases are more portable than most rivals, having been designed to be as much as 40% lighter than a regular Peli hard case.
With external dimensions of 55.8 x 35.5 x 22.8cm, this case has been designed to stay compliant with most airline cabin luggage rules. But if it does have to go in the hold, you needn’t worry, as your gear will stay unharmed even if it encounters the most careless baggage handler. We did our best to burst the Air Case 1535, and while it does flex slightly more when crushed than some heavier hard cases, the difference is reassuringly small. This case is also fully waterproof in addition to being crushproof – your camera gear will stay dry even in a monsoon downpour.
The default interior option is diced foam, but you can also buy Velcro dividers or use Peli’s own TrekPak system, which is what we sampled when we tested this system. TrekPak is based around sheets of corrugated plastic; using the cutter provided, you can shape a sheet to fit around your specific equipment, linking pieces together with hopped pins. If you don’t mind the initial work, you end up with inserts that fit your gear perfectly, in a way you’d never achieve with dividers.
When you need to carry serious gear to seriously tough places, this no-compromise hard case has you covered
Specifications
Exterior dimensions: 63 x 52 x 24cm
Weight: 11.2kg (with divider insert)
Reasons to buy
+
Huge carrying capacity
+
Excellent toughness
+
Divider insert doesn’t add much cost
Reasons to avoid
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Very heavy, even when empty
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Will have to fly as hold luggage
We love a camera bag/case that can fit in airline hand luggage, but sometimes you just have to travel with too much camera gear for that, so checking it into the hold is your only option.
In this case, you may as well go large, and at 63 x 52 x 24cm on the outside, the Supreme 53D hard case from Vanguard certainly is that. The payoff is a 56 x 45 x 20cm interior that can accommodate even the most ambitious travel photography plans. You wouldn’t expect something this size to be very light, and the case weight adds 10kg to whatever you place inside. Good job it has wheels.
You can choose between the 53D here, which includes padded dividers, and the 53F, which uses foam. We prefer the versatility of the 53D system, although the divider insert doesn’t fit inside the case as snugly as we’d like: there’s some room for it to wobble around.
We wouldn’t claim that the 53D is indestructible, but it’s clearly built to withstand some highly rigorous demands, including tolerating 120kg of crushing weight or going underwater down to five meters.
How to choose the best camera bag for travel
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a holster bag?
A typical camera holster bag goes round your waist, perhaps clipping to your belt. They’re comfortable to wear and walk around in, to easy access to your gear, but they’re usually quite small, so don’t expect to be able to take much out with you.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a sling bag?
Sling bags have a single strap, like a shoulder bag, but their design makes them more comfortable to wear on your back, like a backpack. Their biggest benefit is that you can bring them to your front easily, and without taking them off, so they’re great for rapid access.
The penalty for this convenience is size: there’s a limit to how big this design can comfortatbly scale, and therefore how much you can carry. But if you just to take a camera and a couple of lenses you can bring out quickly, sling bags are well worth trying out.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a shoulder or messenger bag?
Both shoulder and messenger bags use a cross-body design, with a single strap that you take over your head and rest on the shoulder opposite the bag itself, which helps the load feel balanced. The technical distinction between shoulder and messenger bags is that the latter have shorter straps and sit higher on the body – think of a messenger on a bike.
Shoulder and messenger bags are convenient, with easy access to your camera gear, and are available in many sizes. Their main drawback is that they’re not ideal if you’re out all day or simply have a lot to carry: bearing the load on one shoulder can become tiring. But they’re great for shorter shooting assignments where you perhaps have one or two extra lenses you want to be able to access quickly.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of a camera backpack?
Backpacks have a strap for each shoulder, centering the load behind you for a comfortable feel. This means you can carry more at once, so backpacks are typically bigger than other designs. They are a great option when you plan to be outside for a long time or have a lot to carry. A typical camera backpack offers internal dividers to organize your gear and stop things from getting mixed up.
The main drawback of backpacks is access: you often have to take the backpack off and set it down to access its contents comfortably, so they don’t suit spontaneous shooting. But when you have a lot you need to take with you, this is the workhorse bag you need.
What are the main factors I should expect from a roller bag?
Is it flight-friendly? A bag measuring 55 x 35 x 23cm will see you through most airline check-ins – but many airlines won’t allow more than 10kg in weight. Always check your flight’s carry-on restrictions when you book.
Is it built to last? Roller bags can take a lot of abuse. Wheels should be replaceable, while reinforced outer corners and undersides add longevity.
Is the interior adaptable? Interior width is critical when packing larger lenses. Well-designed dividers can adapt to super-telephotos.
How we test camera bags
At DCW, we thoroughly test the camera gear that comes our way. With camera bags, we look at build quality, capacity, weatherproofing, ease of use, and any other features that feel relevant to the photographers and videographers who will be using the kit. We have a team of in-house experts who take bags out into the field to see how they perform in real-world shooting scenarios, and we use their findings and opinions to inform our comments in buying guides.
