Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Award-winning camera bag with multiple storage options and useful design details. Keeps you gear organised and secure.Dedicated camera bags and hard cases can be expensive, but they’re a worthwhile investment for protecting your precious gear while travelling.
(Buying cheap camera bags from unknown brands may be tempting, but they usually have inferior quality and don’t last long.)
Stick to our recommendations below, and you’ll find the perfect camera bag for your needs which will last your lifetime as a photographer.
What are the Best Camera Bags & Cases in 2023?
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Peak Design Everyday BackpackOUR #1 CHOICE |
| |
 | Peak Design Everyday SlingBEST FOR EVERYDAY |
| |
 | Pgytech OneMoBEST VALUE |
| |
 | Wandrd PrvkeBEST FOR TRAVEL |
|
1. Peak Design Everyday Backpack | Best Everyday Camera Bag
Stunning capacity for cameras and gear
Durable
Compact FlexFold dividers
Waist strap not included
Capacity: 20L, 30L | Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 7.75 in. (51 x 33 x 20 cm) | Weight: 2.9 – 3.4 lb (1.35 – 1.5 kg)
The enormously popular Peak Design Everyday Backpack took the Internet by storm in a Kickstarter campaign some years ago and has gone on to win numerous awards as one of the most innovative carry products ever produced.
Peak Design has been wise in their choice of naming convention for their products – nowhere in any of the titles do they mention the words ‘camera bag’… and herein lies their strength – Peak Design bags are flexible enough to be used for everyday use, whether you plan to carry camera equipment or not.
It’s an everyday camera bag which wouldn’t look out of place in a college hall or an office.
As with all the products in the line, the Everyday Backpack features FlexFold dividers, which allow easy customisation of the interior space to suit your needs. Where other brands use a mixture of bulky, padded velcro dividers, Peak Design’s solution is more compact, elegant and versatile.
The dividers are just the start of a long list of innovative features on this bag – it really shows what’s capable when a talented design team puts their brains together on a project.
Credit: Tommy Williams
In terms of carrying capacity, the 30L version of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack (pictured above) can fit a helluva lot of gear – pro-size camera body with a lens attached, multiple lenses, flashes and more.
The 20L version is good, too for those with smaller frames, but I’d recommend the 30L just for the extra space.
Fans of organising gear so that everything has its place will love the multiple pockets and sleeves, which ensures everything can have its place.
If you want a stylish Sony alpha camera bag that is comfortable to carry and offers multiple organisation options, the Everyday Backpack is second to none. It’s innovative, stylish, functional, durable and customisable, with everything backed up by Peak Design’s lifetime warranty.
The only tough decision is choosing a colour – tan, ash and charcoal all look great, and there’s a new black version which is my personal favourite.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review2. Peak Design Everyday Sling | Best Small Camera Bag
Credit: Tommy Williams
Weatherproof
Ability to carry a tripod beneath it
Maximum carrying capacity for its compact size
No padding on bottom to cushion interior contents
Capacity: 3L, 6L, 10L | Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 5.5 in. (40 x 23 x 14 cm) | Weight: 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)
I came across the Peak Design Everyday Sling last year, and since then, it’s become my regular crossbody DSLR camera bag for small, everyday items and for engagement photography shoots when I require less gear than normal.
The great thing about camera sling bags is that they cover two bases – they allow you to keep both hands free like a backpack but also let you have fast access, like a messenger bag.
It’s the best small camera bag if you only need to carry a camera and a couple of lenses, or a drone and camera like in the photo below.
Thanks to its compact size, robustness, lightweight and unique organisational abilities (the pliable ‘FlexFold’ dividers are ingenious), the Everyday Sling 10L is perfect for all manner of equipment and is also the perfect size to fit the DJI Mavic Pro, with a controller and accessories.
Built from weatherproof 500D Kordra, the 10L version of the Everyday Sling can easily carry something like a gripped Fujifilm X-T4, plus 2-3 lenses, a 12” Macbook Retina or tablet, memory cards, cables, keys and even a tripod suspended from the bottom.
The Peak Design Everyday Sling also makes a great 35mm film camera bag. Simply throw in a few rolls of 35 and you can quickly sling the bag around to reload when you run out of frames!
Peak Design is still paving the way with some of the top products of the year. Their functional designs with truly innovative features have made them a firm favourite with photographers worldwide.
Credit: Tommy Williams
My advice would be to not overload this sling camera bag, when carried on one shoulder, it can quickly become tiring. Choose the 6L version if you’re usually tempted to bring too much!
We spent a few months testing each of the slings and came to the conclusion that all sizes are equally useful – since then, I’ve added the 3L cross body camera bag to my rotation and use it just as often as its bigger brother.
For maximum carry capacity and flexibility, our choice is still the 10L which can fit a surprising amount of camera gear.
If you’ve never tried a sling bag before, make sure the Everyday Sling is top of your list – there’s really no need to try anything else – it’s that good!
It’s affordably priced, available in several attractive colour ways, and in stock all year round right here on the official website. If you can’t decide on the size, pick up a couple as I did!
Peak Design Everyday Sling Review (5L)3. WANDRD Prvke Backpack | Best Camera Bag for Travel
Competitively priced
Multiple sizes available
Innovative and versatile design
Robust enough for rough travel
Not the most stylish bag on our list
Capacity: 31L Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 7.5 in. (48 x 31 x 19 cm) | Weight: 3.4 lb (1.5 kg)
WANDRD is another Kickstarter success story, having validated their products way before production with hundreds of thousands of dollars in backing funds.
I have to admit to being rather sceptical after watching the various hipster influencers heaping their praise on this hugely Instagrammable photographer accessory, but ironically, it was our very own review that made me really take notice.
WANDRD has since built a name for itself despite all the other camera bag brands for offering well-made, stylish carrying goods that are competitively priced, especially when you compare to their biggest rival (see above!)
With the PRVKE, they’ve flipped the regular backpack template on its head with something that resembles a giant tarpaulin tote bag… that just happens to sit on your back!
Available in 2 sizes (21L and 31L) and three great-looking colours (black, green and blue), it’s a hard decision choosing the right one for you – I opted for the 31L in blue, and frequently get compliments, even from non-photographers.
The biggest benefit of this backpack is arguable that it doesn’t resemble a camera bag at all. The branding is subtle, the colours are muted, and the design is innovative whilst being understated and minimal.
A removable camera cube sits at the heart of the PRVKE, allowing you to carry a selection of cameras and lenses. In addition, you can slip in up to a 16″ laptop with a charger, plus numerous clothing items and other camera accessories – the 31L version really is tardis-like.
Build quality is top-notch, with the heavy-duty tarp outer and water-proof zippers ensuring that this is one carry option you’ll be able to carry in any weather – if you have the roll-top done up tightly, I’m pretty confident that your gear would remain dry even if you submerged the bag… but don’t quote me on that!
The only downside to all this robustness is the weight – at 3.4 lb (1.5 kg), you’ll have to think carefully about your other gear choices, especially if you intend to fly carry-on only.
The grab handle at the top of the WANDRD PRVKE is magnetised to click together when you need to hold it – it’s a small touch, but something that works really well and is enormously useful when you’re in a hurry. I actually wish all camera bags had this feature.
There are a ton of other features on the PRVKE which make it such a popular bag for both photographers and non-photographers, who seem to love it as a regular everyday bag – if you intend to use it as a daypack and have a minimal setup, the 21L version is your number one bet.
Wandrd Prvke Review4. Brevite Jumper | Best Small Camera Bag for Travel
Quick access door for spur-of-the-moment shots
Machine washable
Dual tripod carrying capacity
Large compartments can easily be accessed by thieves
Capacity: 18L | Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 5.5 in. (40 x 23 x 14 cm) | Weight: 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)
If you’re looking for a customizable camera bag you can take practically anywhere, check out the Brevite Jumper. This small camera backpack may look like your normal backpack, but it’s much more than that.
Made from lightweight materials to stay compact and yet functional, the Brevite Jumper is available in numerous colors, from poppy red, nimbus gray, and boulder tan to lemon yellow, pine green, and moonlit blue.
It’s been a favourite of CNET, IGN, and Wired users, earning the Good Design Award for 2023.
The simple design of the best toploader camera bag may fool you into thinking it doesn’t have a lot of capacity, but don’t be tricked! You can easily fit several camera accessories in it, from the smaller front pocket to the large main pocket that zips open.
Credit: Greg Cromie
As you can see, the Brevite Jumper camera bag can accommodate multiple camera bodies, as well as lenses, batteries, water bottles, and whatever else you can get to fit into it.
It also has loops on the bottom to secure a tripod so you can capture images hands-free if the moment strikes you.
The outer material on this Nikon z6 camera bag is both weather-resistant and machine-washable. It also has a lifetime warranty should anything happen to it. Due to its size and attractive styling, the Brevite is also a really popular camera bag for women.
Additional storage compartments in this camera bag with an iPad compartment includes a hybrid camera compartment divider, an organizational pocket, an expandable water bottle pocket, a phone pocket, and a hidden internal pocket.
With so many compartments for your gear and accessories, it would be hard to run out of space in this camera bag!
If you’re someone who likes to bring their laptop along, there is a laptop compartment that’s separate from the rest of the camera bag contents. It’s sealed with a water-resistant zipper making this an ideal camera and computer bag.
Due to its light weight, non-flashy styling and surprisingly large carrying capacity (despite its carry on dimensions), it’s our pick as best small camera bag for travel when you need the weight distributed over both shoulders (as opposed to a sling.)
Brevite Jumper Review5. Think Tank Retrospective | Best Professional Camera Bag
Credit: Athol Hill
Second generation (though it keeps all the good stuff intact)
Understated styling for a professional look
Comfortable shoulder strap that’s also grippy
Styling can be somewhat dull for more creative photographers
Dimensions: 16 x 10.5 x 7.5 in. (40.6 x 26.7 x 19 cm) | Weight: 3.8 lb (1.7 kg)
The Think Tank Retrospective is the most popular shoulder bag among all the professional photographers featured on Shotkit.
It’s also been updated to a second generation, although thankfully, it’s relatively unchanged from the hugely popular original.
Durable and rugged but soft enough to be stuffed into tight spaces when necessary (I store mine under my scooter saddle!), the Retrospective 30 allows me to carry 2 pro DSLR bodies with lenses attached, 4 lenses, 2 flashes and numerous other small accessories.
(If you’re looking for smaller style mirrorless carry options, the Retrospective 7 is popular too.)
The silencing tabs are a welcome addition (particularly for wedding photography during the ceremony), allowing the bag to be opened without noise.
Credit: Bhagi Siva
The strap is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever come across. It’s also strong and very grippy on the shoulder – essential when carrying the bag for long periods.
The Retrospective is available in several sizes and colours, and recently a leather version has also been released. This new leather satchel camera bag not only holds all of your gear, but also has a high-end feel!
Whichever style you choose, every product in the Retrospective series features minimal branding for an understated appearance that won’t attract thieves.
Whilst many other products focus on innovative features and quirky aesthetics, the Think Tank Retrospective 30 is a classic, no-nonsense design that just works. It’s a professional camera bag with everying needed to get the job done, and nothing superfluous.
As with all Think Tank products, the Retrospective 30 is built to last a lifetime – I’ve had mine for over 7 years now, and it still looks as good as new.
Think Tank Retrospective Review6. MindShift BackLight | Best Camera Bag for Hiking
Credit: Teryani Riggs
Large zipper pulls for quick access
Back panel access point improves security
Deceivingly large storage compartment
Can be heavy and hard to carry once loaded up
Dimensions: 13.8 x 22.4 x 10.2 in. (35 x 57 x 26 cm) | Weight: 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)
Mindshift is the sibling company to Think Tank, so you can expect top quality and innovative features from their range.
The MindShift BackLight is rugged but elegantly designed, looking more like a regular backpack that may be concealing thousands of dollars of camera gear. This combination of rugged utility and forward-thinking design makes the MindShift BackLight the best travel videographer backpack.
Whether you opt for the 27-litre or 36-litre version of the BackLight, the bag is designed to have ample room for your regular daypack gear too – extra layers, food, books, etc. whilst still being to fit in a surprising amount of cameras/lenses and other photography equipment.
You’ll be able to squeeze in 6 lenses, two camera bodies, flashes, spare batteries, filters and even a 15″ laptop inside this spacious hiking camera backpack.
Credit: Teryani Riggs
Back-panel access on the BackLight means that you can get to all your stuff without taking the bag off, allowing you to work out of the bag without getting the bag dirty.
You can change lenses or just snap a quick photo simply by spinning the bag around to the front of your body while the waist belt is still secured.
Rear-panel access on the MindShift BackLight also adds security when travelling since your gear is protected behind your back.
Outer attachments include large zipper pulls, ice axe loops, daisy chains, a water bottle holder, a tripod holder and various other additional lash points, meaning you can easily expand the carrying capacity.
Another nice touch is the built-in seam-sealed rain cover for when the outdoor elements are against you. The MindShift BackLight is backed by a lifetime limited warranty giving you additional peace of mind. Available in green or black.
Mindshift Backlight Review7. LowePro ProTactic 450 AW II | Best Large Camera Bag
Removable waist belt
Superior ventilation and comfort
Dual hip pockets
Military styling can be offputting for some
Dimensions: 13.70 x 10.63 x 19.21 in (34.8 x 27 x 48.79 cm) | Weight: 5.72 lbs (2.59 kg)
If it weren’t for the LowePro branding on the LowePro PROTactic 450 AW II, you’d be forgiven for thinking this good-looking bag was made for the military.
Both on the inside and out, the Pro Tactic 450 AW II features unique functionality which makes this high-performance professional backpack one of LowePro’s most popular ever.
Thanks to a recent update, this version II model features several updates, including:
a more adaptive interior, multiple access pointsmodular exterior attachment capabilities
convertible utility belt
utility pouch, water bottle holder, tripod cup and two Quick Straps.
If you work frequently in warmer climates, you’ll appreciate the ActivZone back panel and harness, which provides ventilation and comfort for support on the move.
Make no mistake – this is a large camera bag that becomes heavy when full loaded. Credit: Jared Gant
Then there’s the waist belt which is removable to reduce the profile of the ProTactic 450 AW II for packing or travel.
In addition, two zippered hip pockets are handily placed, offering space for quick-grab items.
Get versatile with your carry options with 5 modular packing accessories: a water bottle pouch, accessory case, tripod cup and 2 cinch straps, which are all included with this backpack.
What’s really unique about the LoweProPro Tactic 450 AW II is the 4-way access – you can grab your gear from the right, the left, the top and the back, basically allowing every access point to be opened quickly and easily.
Our favourite is the 450 AW model, which can fit 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with up to a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached, plus a spare flash and a couple of small lenses – it’s a large camera bag that’s built to protect all your gear from every knock you encounter.
LowePro Pro Tactic 450 AW II Review8. PGYTECH OneMo Camera Backpack
Credit: Tommy Williams
Well-built and durable
Unlimited customization of internal compartment
Practical and useful features, from the field to travel between jobs
Not the best camera bag for carrying on a daily basis
Dimensions: 18.9 x 12.6 x 9.05 in (48 x 32 x 23 cm) | Weight: 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg)
The PGYTECH OneMo Camera Backpack is an ultra-durable and customizable camera backpack designed to make the most of the space on your back. Plus, it’s sleek and waterproof, with a water-resistant outer layer included to keep you and your camera gear dry.
As the best camera bag you can invest in for the biggest return in regards to capacity, the PGYTECH OneMo includes 11 dividers you can use to customize the interior of this backpack. No matter what you plan on carrying in terms of camera gear, this bag will swallow it all.
The fabric remains scratch and tear-resistant as well, which is nice for shooting on location. You won’t have to worry about tree branches snagging your bag if you have to run through the woods fast to capture that perfect image.
Credit: Tommy Williams
Plus, the seams are also reinforced to ensure your camera gear stays contained. Really, this camera bag from PGYTECH is built for carrying as much as you can possibly fit into a backpack without it busting at the seams!
Speaking of shoulder straps, you can also carry it across your back or over your shoulder, depending on how much gear you have packed into it. You can also attach it to your belt and carry it that way.
PGYTECH OneMo Backpack Review9. Camera Sling by Clever Supply Co. | Best Mirrorless Camera Bag
Credit: Tommy Williams
Stylish and comfortable
Feels higher capacity than it is
Stays upright on your body
Durable Weather Resistant Materials throughout
It’s so nice I’m scared to get it marked and damaged!
Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 x 4 in) | Weight: 1.5lbs
Beautifully designed wax-canvas camera sling bags are few and far between, but Clever Supply Co. has nailed it with this one.
Currently only available on Kickstarter (with retail expected for later this year), the Camera Sling is a portable, lightweight and robust way to carry a camera, lens, flash, and other accessories.
It also makes a great everyday carry bag if you’re into that whole outdoor/camping/hipster look that’s so popular right now.
You can adjust internal dividers to suit your main gear, then use the zippered pocket, elastic loops and clipped sleeve to carry a surprisingly large amount of gear.
Premium-priced, the Camera Sling’s exterior will patina over time to make it well and truly unique. Something you’re likely to own forever, then pass down to the next generation.
Due to its compact size, light weight, good looks and overall durability, it’s our pick of best mirrorless camera bag, perfectly matched with a retro-inspired Fujifilm XPro-3 and selection of prime lenses.
Clever Supply sling review10. Lowepro Dashpoint Camera Pouch | Small Pouch for Compact Camera
EVA padding
Multi-functional use
Wide-mouth opening for easy access
May not hold larger cameras
Dimensions: 3.66 x 2.36 x 5.28 in | Weight: 0.1325lb
The Lowepro Dashpoint Camera Pouch comes in slate grey, pepper red, and galaxy blue. It is a camera bag you can easily clip to your belt loop for quick access to your camera. This is easily the smallest DSLR camera bag on today’s list!
This camera bag features the T-lock attachment system that incorporated both vertical webbing and horizontal flaps. You can easily attach accessories to these points if need be.
With a wide-mouth opening and reverse zippers, the Lowepro Dashpoint Camera Pouch is both lightweight and rugged. The multi-functional design allows you to use it for any storage you’d like, from a camera bag to a snack holder (in case you get hungry).
EVA padding keeps the contents of this camera bag safe. There is also a built-in SD card pocket so you can easily store your memory card, even in the field.
The Lowepro Dashpoint Camera Pouch also features a removable shoulder strap that can be adjusted as well. Plus, rotating snap-hooks help you keep everything in its place.
9. Camera Sling by Clever Supply Co. | Best Mirrorless Camera Bag
Credit: Tommy Williams
Stylish and comfortable
Feels higher capacity than it is
Stays upright on your body
Durable Weather Resistant Materials throughout
It’s so nice I’m scared to get it marked and damaged!
Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 x 4 in) | Weight: 1.5lbs
Beautifully designed wax-canvas camera sling bags are few and far between, but Clever Supply Co. has nailed it with this one.
Currently only available on Kickstarter (with retail expected for later this year), the Camera Sling is a portable, lightweight and robust way to carry a camera, lens, flash, and other accessories.
It also makes a great everyday carry bag if you’re into that whole outdoor/camping/hipster look that’s so popular right now.
You can adjust internal dividers to suit your main gear, then use the zippered pocket, elastic loops and clipped sleeve to carry a surprisingly large amount of gear.
Premium-priced, the Camera Sling’s exterior will patina over time to make it well and truly unique. Something you’re likely to own forever, then pass down to the next generation.
Due to its compact size, light weight, good looks and overall durability, it’s our pick of best mirrorless camera bag, perfectly matched with a retro-inspired Fujifilm XPro-3 and selection of prime lenses.
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