16 Best Camera Bags, Slings, Straps, and Backpacks (2026), Tested and Reviewed

The Best camera bag doesn't exist.

I once spent two hours at B&H in New York City trying to fit all my photo gear inside more than 20 bags at the store, and I still left unsatisfied.

Everyone's needs are different, and what works for me might not work for you.

But to make your search easier, the camera enthusiasts on the WIRED Gear team have tested more than 100 bags to help whittle down the choices.

We’ve shoved our equipment into slings, messenger bags, backpacks, and cubes—we've even gone bag-free—all in search of a convenient way to carry everything while keeping it protected and lightweight.

These are our favorite picks.

Check out our other buying guides, like Best Laptop Bags , Best Travel Cameras , and Best Mirrorless Cameras .

We also have a handy explainer on what “liters” mean in backpacks and advice on buying a camera .

Updated March 2026: We've added new camera bags from Hershel and WaterField Designs.

Out of the dozens of camera bags I've tried over the last 5 years, Wandrd's Prvke (pronounced “provoke”) is still the backpack I gravitate toward when I'm going somewhere and need most of my essential gear.

The company updated the bag in 2025 (V4) with some small touches to make the Prvke even better.

There's now zippered access to the rolltop, a larger side-access opening with U-pullers for the zippers, and better internal organization.

I've taken this backpack on multiple trips, and even after stuffing it to the brim, it never feels too cramped or tight, unlike other camera bags.

You'll need to pair it with Wandrd's Essential Camera Cube (Photo Bundle) to get the most out of it; there are attachment points inside to affix the cube.

I tested the 31L model, which is the sweet spot for me.

I can fit my Nikon Z6 III with a 50-mm lens, a spare 85-mm lens, and a Godox V1 flash in the cube.

On the back panel, my 16-inch MacBook Pro fits just fine, and a portable monitor or tablet in the second sleeve.

The new zippered pouches are also great for storing chargers, cables, and spare batteries.

The side-access pocket, which is my favorite, also has storage for memory cards.

I've been able to fit Peak Design's Pro Tripod in the water bottle holder and cinch it tight with the strap.

And there's a roomy front pocket for another tablet or other tchotchkes.

At the top, I like to store my sunglasses and earbuds in the zippered pocket, and my passport in the small side pocket.

The straps and back have nice padding, and it's very comfy to carry for hours, though I also liberally use the luggage passthrough strap to keep it tied to my carry-on .

The Prvke V4 is made from a mix of P900-denier tarpaulin, ballistic nylon, and YKK zippers.

While it's not waterproof, I haven't noticed my gear getting wet after walking through a few rainstorms.

You can buy a rainfly if you're worried and store it in the zippered pocket on the bottom.

If you like the look of this backpack but you don't need the camera storage features, I also tested and like Wandrd's Prvke EDC , which has a cavernous center for storing anything that isn't fragile.

Sizes: 15 liters , 21 liters , 31 liters , 41 liters
Surprise, surprise, Wandrd also makes my favorite sling, which was also updated to version 2 (V2) in 2025.

I tested the 9L version, and it's what I usually carry when I don't need all my gear but just the essentials.

I can fit my Nikon Z6 III and its 50-mm lens, an 85-mm lens, and my Godox V1 flash.

The flap has a zippered pocket that opens to reveal elastic pouches for chargers and cables, and there are more pouches on the vertical compartment next to the camera storage.

I usually store filters there.

The caveat is the laptop sleeve, which can easily fit a tablet or Nintendo Switch, but it's designed to be used in tandem with Wandrd's Laptop Case ($59) .

You can get it in 14- or 16-inch sizes, and once your laptop is in the case, you store it vertically in the Rogue.

That means it pops out awkwardly, but that's by design, and there's a hook so it doesn't fly out of the bag.

I've gotten used to this, and it makes grabbing my laptop out of the bag a cinch, but it's not for everyone.

I brought this sling to cover an Apple event as well as Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked , and it performed flawlessly.

I especially love being able to store a tripod with the accessory straps underneath the bag.

It's also nice to have multiple ways to carry the bag: as a shoulder bag, a sling, or a waistpack.

Just configure the strap to make it work for you.

Sizes: 4 liters , 6 liters , 9 liters
When you're trying to be nimble, dashing through crowds snapping photos, the last thing you want on your back is a burly bag.

I very much like PolarPro's RoadRunner series, and this backpack is especially great because it's narrow and fairly compact.

You can swing it to the front and access your gear from one of the two side pockets.

The inside is fairly simple, with Velcro dividers that you can adjust to fit your gear.

I can fit my mirrorless camera with a lens, an extra lens, and a speedlight, though your mileage may vary.

The side panels have pouches for storing SD cards and batteries, and I like the integrated microfiber cloth to clean your lenses.

You can store a small tripod or water bottle on those sides as well, and there's a strap to prevent them from falling out.

On the front, there's a zippered pocket with organizational pouches and a snug pocket up top for wireless earbuds or a slim wallet.

The only catch is that while there's a padded laptop sleeve, you won't really be able to fit a laptop (at least on the 8-liter version).

An 11-inch tablet won't be any issue, though.

Perfect for editing your photos on the go.

The Prvke V4 may be a bit much to use every day, especially if you don't have much gear.

Something like Wandrd's Stratus Photo 18L might be the better option, and there's no need to buy a separate camera cube—everything is integrated.

The laptop sleeve is a bit tight, but it can fit a 16-inch laptop.

At the top, there's a sunglasses pocket (or for earbuds or keys), and a larger section that can fit a small drone or a lunchbox.

There are two zippered pouches here for storing cables, batteries, and chargers.

The dual side-access pockets are how you get into the main compartment of the backpack, and it's roomy enough to fit my full-frame mirrorless camera with a lens, additional lenses, and a speedlight.

The side panels have their own zippered pouches and also double as water bottle holders or tripod pockets.

You can cinch a tripod on either side with a strap.

It's not the most stylish bag, but it's functional, no-nonsense, and at least it comes in a pretty purple.

A Stylish and Functional Messenger
A backpack is better for your back, but in terms of style, nothing beats a messenger, especially one in brown waxed canvas like this Wotancraft.

I received many compliments while wearing this bag, and it's a bonus that it's comfortable, even when fully loaded.

The 500-denier nylon canvas features a water-repellent coating, and Wotancraft employs YKK zippers plus a strip of distressed cowhide leather for added flair.

On the front, you can attach extra modules (separate purchases) to pack additional gear, and they stay put.

The 10 liters of space might not sound like much, but it's fairly roomy.

Make sure you add the Quick-Draw Camera Insert ($50) to your cart, though.

With it, I can fit my Nikon Z6 III with a 50-mm lens attached, an extra 80-mm lens, and even a speedlight; I use the included Velcro dividers to keep them separated.

There's a padded laptop sleeve, and while I was able to fit my 14-inch laptop, your mileage may vary.

It's best suited for tablets under 13 inches, though I was able to fit the 13-inch iPad Pro (it sticks out a tiny bit, but the zippers can still slide over the slate).

There's a zippered pocket on the back that can fit a few documents, and another in the front that I use to store sunglasses, keys, and other bits and pieces of gear.

In front of the laptop padding, there's a pouch and another zippered pocket, both of which are great for memory cards, batteries, or cables.

All in all, I was able to carry everything I needed for a shoot, and the Easy Rider V2 never felt like I packed it so tightly that it'd explode.

You can cinch it down tightly and use the three-point strap to keep the bag from dangling on your back.

While the Wandrd Rogue V2 feels sleek and modern, this Wotancraft messenger has a bit of that old-world charm that begs for an adventure.

You can wear this sling bag as a cross-body or a fanny pack, and it's comfy either way.

The rad design will turn eyes—a stranger asked where I got it—but know that its 2-liter capacity means this is meant for carrying a slim point-and-shoot, phone, or very compact mirrorless camera.

Its main compartment has a thin sleeve to store an item alongside your camera, and over on the front are two pockets for spare batteries or keys.

It's made of recycled 500-denier nylon and 210-denier ripstop with YKK zippers.

OK, I have to say that the Wandrd Transit looks far better in real life than online, where it seems overly bloated and way too shiny.

It's a smart-looking 35-liter backpack IRL and doesn't make it known that you're carrying expensive camera equipment.

I've taken the Transit on a weekend trip to Montreal and a short trek to cover Google I/O , and I've been able to fit my camera and spare lenses into the Essential Camera Cube ( not included ), which is cinched down with two Velcro straps, along with a spare set of clothes into the area above.

Oh, and a 16-inch laptop and portable monitor in the padded laptop compartment, though taking the laptop out is a two-handed affair as things are tight.

The main compartment opens like a traditional carry-on, and there are large zippered pouches—where I stowed cables, chargers, and batteries.

On the front, you'll find more of these, and I was happily able to fit wireless lav microphones and a shotgun mic.

I especially love the two small zippered pockets at the top for storing my sunglasses and spare phone.

A hidden water bottle pocket rests on one side, and I usually have my Peak Design Travel Tripod in the opposite side pocket, cinching it with the strap.

I love that you can access the main compartment from both sides, though reaching for it without taking the pack off is tougher than other bags since the zipper sits higher up.

Still, since the camera cube has a sideways opening, it means you can grab your camera without much fuss.

It's comfortable to carry, handled the rain in Montreal just fine without my equipment getting wet, and adheres to most airline carry-on rules (it was fine on Delta!).

But the best part?

You can add 5 liters by undoing the wrap-around expansion zipper, much like a traditional carry-on roller.

It gives you breathing room if you have a lot of stuff in there.

My only issue?

The zippers can get a bit sticky.

A Compact Sling for Full-Frame Cameras
Compact shoulder bags are great for those lazy days when you want to bring your camera but don't want much else.

I've tested several of these compact slings, and my full-frame mirrorless usually doesn't fit all that well, but it's not a problem for PolarPro's RoadRunner 6L bag.

I can fit my camera and an attached lens, plus an additional lens.

There are Velcro dividers to keep things separated, plus attached microfiber cloths to clean your equipment.

There's a main zippered compartment at the front with several pouches for chargers, cables, power banks, and sunglasses, plus a smaller one at the front that's good for a wallet or earbuds.

You can fit an 11-inch tablet in the rear drop pocket, and I also love that you can store a small tripod on the bottom with the straps.

The padding isn't the thickest, but the bag is made from 600-denier ripstop nylon with a microfiber interior and YKK zippers.

It's very lightweight and I quite like the boxy shape.

A Compact Sling for APS-C Cameras
This handsome Moment sling is comfy, and the 4-liter size is deceptive—you can hold more than you think.

I can technically fit my Nikon Z6 III with a 50 mm lens attached, but it makes the whole thing bulky and a little hard to close.

I recommend it for smaller camera bodies, particularly those with APS-C sensors.

It's made of 420-denier ripstop nylon with a double-layer waterproof coating along with YKK zippers.

There's decent padding, but a drop would worry me.

There's a divider in the main compartment and several zippered pockets on the outside.

There's not much in the way of actual organization (no mesh pouches or anything like that), but it's a great everyday sling to toss in sunglasses, a phone, a wallet, and your precious camera.

It also comes in a 2-liter size , which might be better suited for smartphones or compact cameras .

The Everyday Backpack Zip doesn't immediately give itself away as a camera bag, and I like that I can access my camera by slinging the backpack around my shoulder to the front—though it's not as simple as a camera bag with a traditional side access pocket.

I tested the 20-liter model, and it had plenty of room for my Nikon Z6, three lenses, and my external monitor recorder.

I also had no trouble storing my Peak Design Travel Tripod in the side pocket and using the included straps to keep it secure.

There's another pocket on the other side that can fit a water bottle.

There's yet another zippered pocket for storing up to a 16-inch laptop (the 15-liter model is limited to 13-inch laptops), plus an extra sleeve for a tablet.

This compartment has some organization and pouches for storing spare batteries, storage cards, chargers, and cables.

I wish it opened up a little more—it's a bit of a tight squeeze.

The bag itself is well constructed, with a 400-denier water-repellent nylon canvas shell made of 100 percent recycled post-consumer material that protected my gear from a sudden downpour one evening.

I like that there are grab handles on three sides, and most importantly, it's pretty comfy on my back.

It's a good blend of features for the money.

It's shocking just how much you can pack into this 12-liter backpack.

I filled it with my Nikon Z6, a strobe light, a Peak Design Travel Tripod, a tech organizer with spare batteries, wireless mics, an external video monitor, a half cage with a handle, charging cables, adapters, and a laptop.

Pretty much everything I needed for an all-day shoot.

It remains true to its name and stays slim .

The synthetic fabric Manfrotto uses doesn't feel as durable as the fabric on our pricier picks, and there's no way to grab a camera from the bag without swinging it forward and unzipping the front pouch.

I also wouldn't have minded firmer padding on the base.

On the plus side, you can take out the camera cube and convert the Street Slim into a regular backpack with a dedicated laptop sleeve.

The side pockets are expandable, and there's a luggage pass-through and a few roomy pockets for housing various gizmos.

I take this Everything Tech Tote bag to the beach every summer, and it's perfect.

Using the included divider, I can store my camera and a spare lens.

I can also fit two water bottles, towels, sunscreen, my dog's food, and extra clothes.

It's roomy, though you might have to dig through some items to access the camera if you fill it up.

I don't love carrying tote bags because the shoulder strap is usually too short, but that wasn't a problem here.

I used the extra crossbody strap more often because it's comfortable to wear for a long period.

There are several pouches for organizing other accessories inside, including a zippered pouch, and you can keep them all protected by zipping up the top.

Each side of the tote has a small pouch, one of which is magnetized, where I store my sunglasses for easy access.

The strap fabric is nice and soft, but I wouldn't have minded a shoulder pad for extra comfort.

With a bag named the Manfrotto Advanced Messenger M III, it's hard not to feel like Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Premium Rush while wearing this thing.

This messenger has an inconspicuous look, but it's versatile.

I love that I don't need to open the flap to reach the spacious main compartment—there's a top zipper for quick access.

You can fit a 14-inch laptop in a padded pouch, though you only get a few pockets and pouches for some basic organization.

A luggage pass-through strap lets you set it on top of your carry-on roller, and you can even stow a compact tripod under the main flap with the included attachment straps.

The polyester nylon has been treated with a water-resistant coating, so it should keep your goods dry, but the included rain fly will help when there's a surprise storm.

Holsters have waned in popularity—they're not particularly stylish—but I can see the appeal when you want to bring nothing but your camera.

This one from Manfrotto checks off many boxes.

I tested the medium size, and it can fit a camera with a medium-sized lens.

There are two small pouches on the inside, and you can attach a small tripod to the exterior with a strap.

(There are small and large sizes as well.) You can either swing it from your shoulder or attach it to your waist with the belt loop.

The design is very rigid, so it'll keep whatever's inside intact.

Sizes: 2 liters , 3 liters , 4.5 liters
Nanuk 935 Wheeled Waterproof Hard Case Pro Photo/Video Kit
The Nanuk 935 is a slick-looking hardcase camera roller.

It can fit a lot of gear.

There's the Lid Organizer, which stays put via adhesives in the top section of the carry-on when you open it; the zippered pouches can store batteries, cables, chargers, and SD cards, and I've managed to fit a 13-inch laptop into the sleeve inside, though it's a bit tricky pulling it out.

The bottom side is spacious enough to fit your camera, several lenses of varying sizes, and other equipment, all of which can be organized via dividers.

All of this stays inside thanks to the latching system, which ensures the bag stays closed.

It rolls well thanks to the polyurethane wheels and is airline-approved as a carry-on.

The resin shell feels tough—it has endured a move and a trip, and it looks unchanged.

Nanuk says it's waterproof (with an IPX7 rating ), and I poured water over the gaps and nothing seeped through.

This is a solid option for anyone who travels with a lot of camera gear, especially to rugged areas, and needs the extra protection.

Peak Design's Everyday Tote is a nice option for photographers and videographers alike.

I like carrying it by the handles at the top most of the time, but when your arm gets tired, you can pull out the hidden straps to pop the bag on your back.

The top access is magnetic (there's also a zipper), so it's easy to grab the 13- or 16-inch laptop out of the sleeve.

For everything else, you can use the side pockets.

The built-in dividers make it easy to organize the pack to fit a telephoto or tiny pancake lens (or lunch).

As for your tiny gear, you can stuff it into the front zippered pouch.

Sadly, there is no water bottle or tripod pouch, so you'll have to store 'em inside with the rest of your goods and use the dividers to keep things protected.

Cases for Your Filters and Memory Cards
What good is protecting your camera if your memory cards and filters get ruined?

You won't be able to take the shot you want!

I like these protective cases.

Wandrd Memory Card Case for $34 : This Wandrd case also uses a harder EVA foam shell to protect your precious memory cards.

It's still slim but will take up more room in a backpack.

You can fit eight memory cards and two SSDs.

I could fit my SD and XQD cards with their plastic cover, but the XQD was a much tighter squeeze.

I'd probably forgo the plastic cover at that point, and if you do, everything is easy to insert and take out.

Lowepro GearUp Memory Wallet for $45 : Lowepro's version is a softshell case that will be easier to stow in a backpack, though it's a little less protective.

Also, while my SD cards fit perfectly with their plastic covers, my XQD cards did not—I had to remove them from their plastic covers, and that's probably fine anyway.

It's made of up to 55 percent recycled fabric, and I also love the high-visibility orange interior.

Tech organizers are for all those little bits and pieces that can easily get lost in the crevices of your backpack: a microfiber cloth, an SD card, and spare batteries.

Keep 'em all in one spot with one of these.

Nanuk N-Cubik T3 Storage Pouch for $65 : Nanuk's tech pouch will take up a bit of room in your backpack, but it's the sturdiest pouch on this list.

The foam padding makes it almost like a hard case, with good protection from everything else in your bag.

Inside, there are zippered pouches and pockets galore—plenty to organize cables, batteries, chargers, and more.

Peak Design Tech Pouch for $50 : Peak Design's revamped Tech Pouch is my favorite way to store all the extra stuff I carry—batteries, chargers, cords, SD cards, filters, etc.

I fit it all neatly in the subdivided compartments of the tech pouch, then throw the pouch in whichever bag I am taking with me that day.

There are plenty of pockets and some nice elastic accessory loops to organize all your bits and bobs.

There's even a cable pass-through so you can charge without having to pull out your portable battery.

The 400D recycled nylon is weatherproof with a nice, clean design.

— Scott Gilbertson
Moment MTW Tech Organizer for $60 : This bag will satisfy anyone who carries multiple spare batteries for various devices, several cables, neutral density filters, and solid-state drives.

I've been using it, and the $50 battery organizer , in my bags for some time.

The water-resistant 350-denier recycled nylon exterior has held up well, with a nice rigidity that offers structure.

Manfrotto Street Tech Organizer for $45 : This one is flimsier, with a thinner synthetic fabric that doesn't feel as nice as the Moment.

It's roomy, with space for a large battery pack, filters, camera batteries, and Rode wireless mics, but it's not as easy to neatly organize the gear.

If you already own bags you like, consider a packing cube (also called an “insert”) instead of springing for a new camera bag.

All you need to do is put your gear into the cube and insert it into an existing bag.

These cubes are made for delicate camera gear, so they're well-padded to protect the jewels of your toolkit.

They're designed for bags made by their respective manufacturers, but you can measure your bag to see if a third-party cube will fit.

Peak Design Camera Cube V2 for $50 : Peak Design redesigned its classic camera cube, which now comes in extra small, small, smedium , medium, and large.

I tested the smedium size, and there's ample room to fit my mirrorless camera, a speedlight, and two lenses.

There's good padding and customizable Velcro dividers, and the weatherproof zippered opening folds back enough that you can keep the cube open for easy access to your gear.

It's not a cube I would use as a standalone, but it does the job almost perfectly, and the various sizes make it a good option for a variety of bags.

I'm not a huge fan of the 360-degree handle, however, because it's quite tight and can be difficult to grab.

Moment MTW Camera Insert for $60 : Moment's insert is one of the smallest I've used; it's thin and won't take up much room in your bag.

Its frame is very stiff, and there's still a decent amount of padding.

I like the bright red interior as it's super easy to see what's inside if it's dark.

You only get two dividers, but they have stretchy pockets to store smaller items.

There are aluminum anchors on the exterior to keep it secure, though it's best used with Moment's backpacks.

Lowepro GearUp Creator Box XL II for $67 : More camera bags need bright interiors.

The LowePro's orange liner makes things easier in the dark.

You can fit a DSLR with two to three lenses in this 8-liter bag, and use the rear and inner pouches, plus the front zippered pocket, for some smaller items.

The padding is pretty decent all around.

Toss it in a carry-on or backpack, or grab an accessory strap and carry it as a standalone.

The nylon material it's made of makes it decently water-resistant, though I'd limit your excursions to light rain.

Wandrd Camera Cube for $74 : This cube is better for backpacks with side access.

It's made of 420-denier Robic nylon and has a weather-resistant coating.

You get five thick dividers you can customize via the Velcro lining to fit around your equipment, and three straps to hold everything down.

The Essential lineup comes in three sizes, but Wandrd sells Essential and Pro sizes , and each also has Plus or Deep variants if you need more room.

Evergoods Civic Access Pouch for $75 : I often use different bags and move my camera gear between them.

This was cumbersome until I discovered the Evergoods Civic Access Pouch, which fits all but my longest lens.

My preferred lens setup is pretty simple: two primes, a Nikkor 28 and 50 mm, and a Sony 16-35 mm for video and ultrawide shots.

All of that fits neatly in the Civic Access pouch.

The top zippered compartment holds stuff like cleaning tools, extra memory cards, a card reader, filters, and half a dozen batteries (because Sony's A7 series cameras chew through batteries like a 2-year-old with a Popsicle box).

There's also an extra zippered pouch in the main compartment that I don't use, but that could hold relatively flat stuff.

The Civic Access is well-padded, though I keep my prime lenses in koozies for additional protection.

The outer 420D nylon with PU coating is weather-resistant, keeping water at bay in light rain.

The top handle means it's easy to carry and move between backpacks, and the bright interior nylon (210D HT) makes it simple to find what you're looking for, even at twilight.

— Scott Gilbertson
If you're only carrying your camera, skip the camera bag!

Get a strap instead.

It's a safe way to keep your camera secured to your body, so if it fumbles through your fingers, it won't hit the ground.

Ditch the strap from your camera manufacturer; these alternatives are better.

Peak Design Leash for $50 : This is the best camera strap I've used.

Attach one end of the Leash to where you usually attach a camera strap, then stick the other end to the bottom tripod mount via the included anchor mount.

This allows the camera to swing the lens down on your body, meaning the grip is the first thing you'll grab when reaching for it.

It doesn't feel awkward, and the seatbelt-style strap swiftly glides across any outfit.

Hex Ranger Camera Wrist Strap for $30 : This is my favorite wrist strap .

It's made of nylon, and there's EVA foam padding that's comfy on the wrist and doesn't feel constricting.

It's easy to attach and detach from the camera via the Hypalon connector, which is rated to hold 80 pounds.

But the best feature?

If you let go of the camera, the strap automatically fastens; grab the camera again, and it automatically loosens; no need to fiddle around with fasteners.

Peak Design Slide Lite for $70 : Peak Design's smaller camera strap is just as comfortable and well-made as the Leash, and it can be worn as a sling around your neck or over your shoulder.

It's two-sided with a textured grip that keeps it from sliding around when you're walking.

Peak Design Capture Clip for $80 : OK, this isn't a strap, and it requires a backpack, but it's one of my favorite ways to carry a camera when I'm covering an event.

Attach the clip to your backpack's shoulder strap and attach the anchor to the bottom of your camera.

Then slide this anchor onto the Capture clip and voilà, your camera is now securely resting on your backpack arm strap, hands-free.

Push a button to slide it out quickly.

I've used this system at major trade shows like CES, and it makes it super easy to snap photos without digging inside my backpack for my camera.

Other Good Slings and Messengers
WaterField Designs Hudson Leather Crossbody for $329 : I have been testing Sigma's BF camera recently, which is the kind of camera you'll want to store inside WaterField's Hudson crossbody.

The full-grain leather feels great, and it's very easy to snap off the magnetic clasp to open the bag.

The main compartment is kept closed by magnets, and it comfortably fits compact cameras like the Sigma BF with its 50 mm lens.

There's no divider in the middle, but there's room for another lens.

Inside, there's a sleeve for your passport or wallet, and a zippered pouch for glasses or earbuds.

There's one additional pouch on the back of the crossbody.

It's comfy, stylish, and compact, and the only thing that's hard to swallow is the price.

Freitag F11 Lassie for $300 : OK, Freitag's bags aren't specifically camera bags.

But I've always admired the striking designs.

More importantly, these bags are made from reused truck tarps, which are cleaned and prepared before being molded into backpacks.

That comes with the caveat that it's made from PVC, so as Freitag says on its site, “Don't chew, don't suck, don't eat.” It's not intended for kids under 12.

The 5-liter Lassie feels like a holster; I've popped my Nikon Z6 III with its lens straight into it, and while there isn't much padding, the material is thick and tough.

There's a small compartment at the back of the inside for storing a compact tablet, and a Velcro pouch on the front, but there's not much else in the way of organization.

Again, it's not designed as a camera bag, plus the price is unreasonably high, but if you like the aesthetic enough, it's a stylish way to tote around your gear.

Evergreen Legacy Camera Sling 2L for $120 : I've tested so many camera slings with a similar look to this Evergreen bag.

That's not a bad thing, just a trend.

It looks great, especially over time as the full-grain leather picks up scuffs and scratches.

However, it's better suited to smaller camera bodies, like those with APS-C sensors or other compact cameras .

I had trouble with my Nikon Z6 III.

The strap is comfy across the body, and there are two zippered pouches: one on the back and one on the front, though neither has any additional organization.

Hex Ranger DSLR XL Camera Sling for $125 : This bag has decent padding, and its 10-liter size is large enough to pack most everyday essentials for photo and video shoots—including a 13-inch laptop in the rear zippered compartment.

There are two roomy pockets on the front, one with lots of pouches for chargers, SD cards, and batteries, and the other is lined with faux fur and is great for more delicate items like sunglasses.

The bottom straps make it easy to stow a small tripod, and the Cordura and ballistic nylon exterior did a great job protecting my gear in the rain.

I wish the top zipper moved more smoothly.

(I also tested and like the 8-liter version for lighter days .)
Billingham Hadley Pro Camera Bag for $330 : Billingham bags have a solid reputation among photographers.

They're renowned for their durability, understated style, and lifetime warranties.

As a camera bag, the Hadley Pro isn't as fully featured as some others on this list, but it’s great for the basics and is a solid overnight travel bag.

Its weather-resistant finish and timeless style make it one of my favorites.

Clever Supply Camera Sling for $198 : I love the look of this waxed canvas bag and its flourishes of full-grain leather (it resembles the Evergreen sling!).

It's a classic and classy design that makes me happy whenever I head out the door with my camera in tow.

It's comfy and easy to adjust the shoulder strap, and there are three grab handles on the top and sides, so you have a lot of carrying options.

It can fit my Nikon Z 6, two small lenses, and a compact tablet.

(Smaller than 11 inches; it didn't fit the OnePlus Pad .) There's a zippered pouch inside to store storage cards and a zippered pocket on the exterior for cables.

My main gripe is that opening the main compartment sometimes requires two hands—the zipper gets stuck on the corner, so I need my other hand to keep the bag in place.

I wish the front pocket also had more give; when the bag is full, it feels too tight to put anything in there.

Tenba Solstice V2 Sling Bag 16L for $150 : The Tenba Solstice V2 is very similar to the PolarPro RoadRunner 6L Sling, except you can only access your gear from one side.

When you lower it to the ground, it'll fall on almost every side because of its wedge shape, except if you place it on the side with the water bottle pocket.

Weirdly, there's no handle to grab it from the top in this orientation.

Organizational pouches and pockets are a little thin here—not as much as the PolarPro—but it's otherwise well-made and fits several lenses, a mirrorless camera, and a few accessories.

Tenba DNA 13 DSLR Messenger Bag for $180 : This Tenba is shockingly similar to the Manfrotto messenger I recommend above, but its higher price puts it a rung below.

The water-repellent cover flap uses Velcro to stay attached, but pull it down and out, and you'll magically open it up almost silently.

It's ingenious.

Or you can use the top zipper to access the main compartment without fuss.

You can fit a slim 13-inch laptop and a tablet in two pouches, and a DSLR with several stacked lenses because the bag is quite deep.

(The camera insert is removable, adding some versatility.) There are mesh side pockets, a luggage pass-through, a front zippered pocket with pouches for smaller gear, and hooks at the bottom to attach straps for carrying a tripod.

Moment Rugged Camera Sling for $150 : Moment's Rugged Sling is aimed at street photographers who trek around all day.

It has a modular organization system inside, and its weatherproof fabric is made from recycled sails (technically, it's recycled polyester fiber and film, made by North Sails ).

There's a large zippered front pocket that makes it easy to get to your gear, and the “winged” rear padding design makes it super comfortable on your back.

The best part is the ingenious magnetic clip system, which works very well.

It comes in two sizes, 6 liters and 10 liters.

I found the larger version perfect for carting around a drone.

Peak Design Everyday Sling for $170 : The Everyday Sling has long been great for everyday carry.

It comes with flexible dividers you can adjust or remove, depending on how much organization or storage space you need.

It comes in 3-, 6-, and 10-liter sizes.

The 10-liter version has room for a MacBook Pro, a charger, and my FujiFilm X-Pro 2 camera.

If you need room for additional lenses or a larger camera body, you might want to forgo the MacBook; it can get a little tight in there.

Wotancraft Scout Daily Camera Bag 9L for $299 : If you're after a stylish messenger, I've always liked the designs from Wotancraft, and the Scout is no different.

It's made of durable Cordura with some cowhide leather thrown in for the straps on the flap.

The main compartment is spacious and separated by sturdy dividers, along with a padded laptop pouch that can barely fit a 13-inch MacBook Air.

Two pouches in the front can loosely carry some small items, but there's not much in the way of organization here.

There is a luggage pass-through and a rear zippered pocket, but no side pockets and no easy way to attach a tripod.

Ona The Bowery Compact Messenger Bag for $229 : I've owned this bag (the black waxed canvas version) for 7 years, and it remains in great shape.

It's attractive and perfect for short outings, with plenty of padding and a divider to keep your gear protected.

You'll only be able to fit a camera and one extra lens.

There's a pouch on the back I've used to stow a Nintendo Switch or a Kindle, and I shove my cables, batteries, and SD cards in the pouch on the front.

Unfortunately, the two side pockets are too tight to fit anything bigger than a pen or a microfiber cloth.

One perk?

You can quickly detach the strap to turn the Bowery into a camera cube for a bigger backpack.

It comes in an array of colors and materials.

We've tested a lot of camera bags.

Here are others we really like but have been eclipsed by our top picks.

Hershel Kaslo Camera Bag for $230 : This is quite a big and bulky bag, but it's incredibly spacious.

Inside the main compartment is a grid of dividers that let you store a lot of camera gear.

I really like that there's a way to access this compartment through the very top of the bag.

However, the dividers aren't strong enough to hold my heavy mirrorless camera (especially if the bag isn't filled to the brim with other gear); it kept falling deeper into the bag, and I frequently had to readjust the Velcro divider.

Barring this, there are tons of organization options, a padded laptop sleeve, and side pouches with straps to secure a tripod.

The all-black design is elegant, too.

This isn't a camera bag I'd use as an everyday bag, but it's good for when you need a hefty amount of gear on a shoot or project.

Brevitē The Jumper (2026 Edition) for $200 : Brevitē updated its classic Jumper backpack recently with better padding.

While this is still a soft fabric (recycled 640-denier polyester) backpack that won't completely protect your gear if you drop the bag several feet, it's a nice, fairly lightweight, and inconspicuous camera bag that can store everything you need.

There's a side access pocket to quickly grab your camera, but you can also open a compartment on the front for full access.

I can store a compact tripod in the side water bottle pocket, and can fit a 16-inch laptop in the padded sleeve at the back.

There's a stealthy zippered pocket on the back that can fit a passport, a roomy main compartment at the top (with an additional zippered pocket), plus several elastic mesh pouches in the front zippered compartment.

You can technically even stow a tripod via the straps at the bottom.

It's a light, stylish backpack, but I'd advise you to choose a darker color option, because it can easily show scuffs and dirt in lighter tones.

Long Weekend Morro Convertible Backpack
Brevitē The Runner Camera Backpack for $170 : I like The Runner a little more than The Jumper.

The Runner has a classier look and still doesn't resemble a camera bag.

It's quite soft, so I wouldn't expect the best protection from the 600-denier polyester fabric, but this also makes it a light and roomy bag.

There's a side access pocket, front access, and you can undo the clasp at the front to open the top compartment.

It can fit up to a 16-inch laptop in the dedicated laptop compartment.

It's comfy, lightweight, and looks very stylish.

Moment Everything Backpack for $150 : This is effectively a revamp of Moment's original MTW Backpack, an already great camera bag.

It comes in 17-, 21-, and 28-liter sizes , though I prefer the first two.

This new iteration fixes the gripes I had with the original—it no longer feels like it's about to pop if you fill it up with gear, thanks to its increased depth.

The luggage passthrough sleeve also keeps the bag vertical instead of sideways on your carry-on, the backpack does a better job of sitting upright by itself, and there's increased padding where the bag meets your back.

All great improvements.

The 21-liter bag I tested can fit a 16-inch laptop, though the 17-liter is better suited to carrying a 14-inch machine.

There's space to store a tablet, with pouches for other accessories, but that's just the laptop compartment.

Open up the main section, and you get a wide open space to stash Moment's 4-liter camera cube (not included) and more.

(You can affix the cube to the hooks in the bag to keep it in place.) I can store my Nikon Z 6 and a spare lens in the cube, plus a gimbal, video light, and other tchotchkes.

At the front is a zippered compartment with extra pockets and pouches.

It's comfy to carry, and the 420-denier Nylon fabric has a durable water-repellent coating that has kept my gear dry.

My only complaint?

I wish there were a strap above the water bottle side pocket to secure my Peak Design Travel tripod.

It's not very tripod-friendly; anything heavier than a mobile tripod flops over and falls out.

Nanuk Backpack N-PVD 30L for $300 : If you carry around a drone , this is a nice backpack with a compartment at the very top that can easily fit your drone kit.

It's a well-padded and structured bag that comes in several sizes (I tried the 30-liter version ), and you can fit a tripod in the side pocket and hold it securely with a strap.

There's an easy-to-reach side pocket for quick camera access, but I don't love how you access the main compartment.

It's on the rear of the bag, and the shoulder straps and waist straps constantly get in the way, which is just a bit annoying.

Once inside, though, there are padded sleeves for laptops and tablets and zippered pouches for extras.

The main area is cavernous, so you'll have to do some Tetris with the included Velcro dividers to lay everything out neatly.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack for $280 : This is the slightly bigger and more feature-packed version of the Everyday Zip we recommend above.

Instead of a zipper that goes all the way around, you have two zippers for each side and a flap at the top that you can use Peak Design's MagLatch system to cinch up if you don't need the extra space up top.

There are various pouches for organization throughout, as well as side pockets that can hold a compact tripod.

I tried the 20-liter model, but if you have a lot of gear, you may want to spring for the 30-liter.

Shimoda Urban Explore 20 for $280 : Shimoda's Urban Explore feels like something is trying to bust out of it, and that's before you fill it with gear.

I think it just might be the rigidity of the bag's frame that makes me feel that way.

It can hold a surprising number of items, considering its relatively small size, with side or rear access to your gear.

Shimoda says you can fit a 14-inch laptop, but my 14-inch HP didn't fit in the 20-liter version (maybe try one of the other sizes).

Shimoda Explore V2 25 Backpack for $373 : I like this backpack, but it's a touch too expensive.

It's supremely comfortable to carry, thanks to its extensive padding, and the whole thing is water-resistant to keep your gear safe.

I was able to stuff it with a surprising number of items despite its relatively slim size (all of which you can access from the rear), including a tripod in its side deployable pocket that you can cinch tight with a strap.

There's side access to the camera, tons of pockets for organization (I love the little pouch on the arm straps), and a padded sleeve for a 13-inch laptop.

Hex Backloader Backpack for $200 : I usually prefer bags with side access, but I've been quite happy with the Hex Backloader.

Yes, you need to take it off your back to access all your gear, but an access point at the very top makes it easy to quickly pull out the camera.

The main compartment in the back is really spacious and is outfitted with tons of Velcro dividers, so you have lots of room for customization.

There are organizational mesh pouches and pockets galore, a padded section in the front that can fit a 15-inch laptop, straps on one side for a tripod, and a pouch on the other for a bottle.

It's super comfy to carry around, sternum strap and all.

Manfrotto Pro Light Frontloader Backpack for $248 : Unzip the main front compartment, and you can access all your camera gear neatly sectioned apart by the included Velcro divider system.

This 25-liter bag is roomy, but that also makes it quite puffy on your back—you might bump into folks in crowds if you're not careful.

There's side access for the camera, which is nice, but it's an otherwise dreary-looking pack.

Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack for $230 : You can access your camera from the front of this bag, and the compartment cooly folds out, like a drawer.

There's enough space to fit a big camera and a few lenses, but don't forget the padded laptop compartment in the back, a roll-top you can expand, and another zippered area for additional items.

You can comfortably put a water bottle and a tripod into each side pocket.

I took it with me on a trip to DC, and the front looks a bit scuffed up already, but it's an otherwise fine bag.

Tenba Fulton V2 16L Backpack for $140 : I prefer bags that have some way to quickly grab the camera, and that's why the Fulton V2 isn't higher above: The only way to pull out the camera is by taking the bag off and unzipping the back compartment.

(Technically, you can access this compartment from the roll top, but that requires undoing a lot of Velcro.) Otherwise, it's a nice, small bag that can fit a good amount of gear, with an expandable roll top to store lunch or spare clothes, a stretchable mesh side pocket for bottles, and a canvas side pocket that can fit small tripods.

Tenba says this can fit a 16-inch laptop in the padded compartment on the front, but I could only squeeze in a 13-incher.

It's water-resistant and comfy to tote around.

There are a lot of bags that aren't quite worth your time and money.

There are just so many better options.

We've listed them here so you can steer clear.

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Tech Organizer : It feels like this little tech bag was designed for a very specific set of small gear and not much else.

I was able to fit a ton more cables, power banks, charging adapters, card readers, and spare batteries into our favorite camera tech organizers above, but had trouble stuffing them into this bag.

It's sturdy and doesn't crumple up, but that's about the only thing it has going for it.

Domke F-832 Shoulder Bag : I used this bag to cover the December 2014 march on Washington, DC .

It's fine.

The padding at the bottom isn't thick, and the included inserts are flimsily attached via a single line of Velcro on the bag's interior.

It's roomy, and you can use it to carry spare clothes, a laptop, and toiletries.

Unless you just want to toss your gear into what is essentially a large pouch, you're better off with one of the messengers above.

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