10 Best Camera Bags in 2022 (Concert & Travel Photographer-Reviewed)

Melissa Castor is a concert photographer who enjoys traveling for the music, and taking photographs of the sights along the way. We asked her for some expert insight on how to choose the best camera bag for you. You can check out her Flickr to see some of her work!

Keep your precious gear safe and organized with a bag specifically made to transport cameras and gear. You're likely spent a lot of money on your gear, so it's worth spending just a little more to keep it safe in a bag meant for cameras."

We selected our 10 best camera bags based on the following criteria:

• Style and durability 
• The inner and outer material of the bag
• Extra features such as dust- and waterproofing, strong zippers, and more
• Whether the bag had removable inserts for better organization
• The size and strength of the bag

For more information on why these points are important, check out our Buying Guide below the product list. 

Below is our list of the best camera bags that you can find online. We did extensive research so you don't have to! Each product was selected based on the safety and durability of the camera bag and the overall comfort and experience of the photographer. 

*Please note that these products were chosen through extensive research and by combing through customer reviews by our staff at mybest. They are not necessarily affiliated with Melissa Castor.

The right camera bag for you will depend both on your camera and on your own personal needs. Here are some things to consider when you're shopping. 

Whether you have one camera and lens or are a professional with a whole set of equipment will influence your choice greatly! It's also important to consider where you want to bring your camera and how you want to use it.

Holster bags are only large enough to carry your camera and a single lens. There’s no space for an extra lens or accessories with these bags, but that also means that they're small and lightweight enough to be carried long distances with ease. 

Due to the lack of extra space available in a holster case, it's vital that you know your camera's dimensions as you shop for this type of bag. You want to be able to slip your camera in and out of its holster with ease, while still ensuring that the holster fits well enough to prevent any jostling. Measure your camera with your lens of choice already attached for the most accurate results. 

There are holsters made to suit both mirrorless cameras and DSLR cameras. Some holster bags utilize a shoulder strap, while others are designed to be worn around the waist like a belt. The best holster bags offer both options, meaning you'll be able to maneuver your camera around your body for even better mobility. 

Sling bags combine the lightweight nature and extra mobility of holsters with a bit of extra space for larger lenses and small tools. A sling bag will feature a single-shoulder strap that crosses your body, and will either have a single, deeper pocket for your camera and its lens or a camera space and one or two extra spots for tools. 

The downside of sling bags is that they're designed for one specific shoulder. This means it can be harder for left-handed people to find a sling bag that works for them, and it can also lead to your shoulder getting tired or even strained if you have a particularly heavy camera. 

Still, these camera bags are a great option if you want to travel light with a larger lens. They offer quick access to your camera and fit snugly against your body to prevent jostling. 

Shoulder bags, also called messenger bags, are held by a single, adjustable strap that goes over one shoulder. Many do also have handles on the bag itself. These camera bags offer fast access to your camera and enough space for multiple lenses and even a few other tools, depending on the size you buy. 

Camera messenger bags and shoulder bags are definitely very practical. With many compartments and zippers, these messenger bags provide fast access to your camera and room to hold extra lenses. 

Carrying your laptop, lunch, and a water bottle makes messenger bags multi-functional. Most designs feature comfortable straps, rain flaps, and sturdy zippers. There are also quite a few styles of fashionable shoulder bags designed to look like a purse or fancy work satchel. These can double as bags for formal events or even just for a dressy day out.

Camera backpacks are popular for those with a lot of extra gear. They're shaped like regular backpacks, but almost always have separate compartments for your camera, lenses, and other tools. This prevents the different parts from smacking into each other and creating damage and also keeps your hands free while you're moving between shooting spots.

Camera backpacks provide more protection than smaller bags. If you're hiking through the elements for an outdoor shoot, you'll need a bag that's up to the task. Hunt for something that’s not just waterproof, but is also crush-proof and designed for travel. 

Backpacks are made to hold camera gear and items like your phone, keys, or a snack. When traveling, you'll want a backpack that fits your equipment, but also fits your body so you don't get a strained shoulder or neck. Be sure either to get your torso's measurements or try the backpack on if you can. You don't want a bag that's too big, because that can also cause physical discomfort. 

Camera roller bags are great for transporting huge amounts of heavy camera gear without having to hold it all on your back. They're especially popular when traveling since you can take all your gear with you. 

The inside of the roller bag is broken up into a variety of protective compartments to hold lenses, laptops, and tablets. Studio lights, flashes, and gimbals are no longer going to be as hard to pack with this sort of bag. 

While roller bags are handy for traveling to your destination, they may be less convenient when you're moving between different shooting locations. They also aren't as suited for outdoor travel. Still, if you pack a smaller camera bag in a roller bag, you can easily use it for these shorter trips while still benefitting from the size of your roller bag. 

Since camera bags are used to protect your camera and accessories, it's important to look for one made from materials that can withstand the weight of your equipment. Leather and faux leather offer some natural water resistance in addition to style. Real leather in particular can also last a long time. 

If you tend to travel often or shoot in the elements, synthetic materials like nylon mixes or breathable canvas may better suit your needs. As these are manmade, they often have extra resistance to water and other elements. They can also be incredibly strong and hold more weight. Unlike leather, however, synthetic materials won't last you decades, so you'll have to buy a new bag more often. 

Whichever type of material you choose, it's best not to cut corners in terms of price. Cameras and camera gear are expensive, so you'll want well-made material protecting these valuable tools. 

Many bags have specific features that will keep your camera in one piece and safe from the elements. Others make it even easier for you to access your camera when the perfect shot is all lined up. Here are some extra specs to consider that service safety and accessibility. 

Most larger camera bags have separate compartments for your camera and your gear. However, if you have a lot of extra tools or if your cameras vary in size, you may want a bag with removable inserts. This will help you arrange the inside of your camera bag to fit your specific needs.

If you're worried that removable inserts might come undone and let your gear get cluttered or damaged, that usually isn't a problem. Most brands create their removable inserts to be extra padded and shock-proof, and they're usually attached by strong velcro or even hooks. 

Most bags will offer inserts in various sizes per set, so you don't have to worry about fitting everything into your bag. A camera bag with removable inserts can be especially useful if you have smaller, mirrorless cameras in addition to larger DSLR cameras. The inserts can also help you pack multiple lenses if you're doing complex indoor and outdoor shoots. 

You'll probably want a bag that's waterproof, even if you don't plan to shoot outdoors that often. It can always rain when you travel, and water in the wrong places can cause rust and long-term damage to your camera. 

If you plan to travel outside with your bag, it's best to invest in waterproof materials. Leather bags offer natural water resistance, but you may want a synthetic option like coated nylon with polyurethane lining if you're shooting out of doors. Thermoplastic polyurethane fabrics are available as well if you want something even sturdier than polyurethane. 

In addition, be sure to check whether your waterproof bag is also dustproof. Dust can cause just as much damage as moisture, but it's something many people tend to forget about. If the camera bag has flaps to provide an extra guard against the elements, all the better!

Zippers ensure that your gear stays in the bag while providing easy access to your camera when you need it. However, not all zippers are created equal. If you can test the bag's zipper before you buy it, ensure that the zipper moves smoothly across the teeth, as this ensures longevity. 

If you're buying online, keep an eye out for reviews that say the zipper broke early. Aim for nylon coil zippers if you want a sturdy and flexible zipper. Metal zippers are also incredibly strong, but they're a little more resistant to being unzipped horizontally. 

You should also consider how your zipper opens the bag. A full photo backpack opens the entire bag with one zipper, while a half photo bag opens halfway to give you access to the lower half of the bag. Small bags benefit from full photo zipping styles, while half photo is good for larger bags. Make sure that both outer and inner zippers are of good quality. 

When buying a large camera backpack, remember that the more storage capacity that’s available, the more weight you will have to lug around. Opt for small bags or for bags designed to distribute weight evenly across your shoulders and back if you plan on walking long distances. 

If you have to travel often by air, remember that there may be luggage size limits that may affect your choice of bag. On the other hand, if you're a wedding photographer or have a need for multiple lenses and tools, a larger bag is probably better. 

Should you decide on a large bag, invest in some padded straps. This is especially important if you're using a shoulder bag, but even backpacks can cause bruising and discomfort if they're too heavy. A padded strap relieves the pressure on your shoulders and ensures the bag's weight won't snap the straps. Go for wide designs and plenty of padding for the best results.

Melissa has been on a trek or two throughout her photographer career, so she has some important advice especially for the ladies: "If you're a female, you might want to consider a camera bag that looks like a purse. They are inconspicuous, especially if you're traveling alone. 

Nobody will know you have valuable camera gear inside if it looks like a standard purse. These are often small, but generally have room for at least one camera body and lens, and space for your wallet, keys, phone, and more."

If you prefer a DIY approach, or simply want to save a bit of money on your camera bag, it's possible to make a camera bag using only inserts and any bag you have on hand! Check out this video from DSLR Photo Shooter for the full process. 

There's more to photography than a camera bag. Check out these other products you may need as you travel with your camera. 

If you need a little more inspiration for your shopping, check out Amazon's most popular camera bags and accessories. 

Author: Mart-Mari Jansen van Vuren

Updated by: Erin Himeno and Samantha Castro, 11/15/2021

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