After thorough testing, we’ve explored numerous camera bags. Below are some other options we find appealing but have been overshadowed by our top choices.
Long Weekend Morro Convertible Backpack priced at $150: There was a strong temptation to replace our leading backpack choice, Brevite’s The Jumper, with the Morro. These two share similar aesthetics and organization, but the Morro adds an extra pouch and, in my opinion, boasts a more appealing design (especially in the moss hue). It’s a superb backpack that doesn’t overtly appear as a camera bag, offering front and side accessibility to your camera gear (ensure to include the Camera Cube bundle, costing an additional $70 towards your purchase). It’s featherweight, can accommodate a 16-inch laptop, and is crafted from water-resistant materials with a dual-layer waterproof coating. My only minor complaint is that the camera cube fits awkwardly, slightly protruding at the openings. With a bit of adjustment by the manufacturer, this could easily become my preferred camera backpack in the sub-$200 range.
Nanuk N-PVD 30L Backpack for $300: If you need to carry a drone, this backpack comes with a top compartment perfectly suited for your drone kit. It’s a well-cushioned, sturdy bag available in various sizes (I tested the 30-liter version
Clever Supply Camera Sling priced at $224: The waxed canvas material and full-grain leather detailing give this bag a delightful and elegant appearance. Sporting a timeless and sophisticated design, it brings me joy each time I step out with my camera in hand. The adjustable shoulder strap ensures comfort, while the bag features three grab handles on the top and sides, offering versatile carrying choices. It accommodates my Nikon Z 6, two compact lenses, and a small tablet (under 11 inches; unfortunately, it didn’t fit the OnePlus Pad). Inside, there’s a zippered pouch for storing memory cards and an external zippered pocket for cables. My primary concern lies in the challenge of opening the main compartment, sometimes requiring both hands due to the zipper snagging at the corner, necessitating the use of the other hand to hold the bag in place. I also wish the front pocket had more flexibility; when the bag is filled, it feels too restrictive to store anything there. Peak Design Everyday Backpack for $280: This backpack is a larger and more feature-rich version of the Everyday Zip we previously recommended. Instead of a single zipper that encircles the bag, it features two zippers on each side and a top flap with Peak Design’s MagLatch system, allowing you to secure the top flap when additional space isn’t required.At the very zenith, find an assortment of pockets for order inside the bag, along with lateral compartments suitable for a small tripod. I experimented with the 20-liter variation, but for a substantial amount of equipment, you might consider investing in the 30-liter option. Peak Design Everyday Sling priced at $160: The Everyday Sling has always been a preferred choice of mine for daily use or when heading out for a photography session. It features adaptable partitions that can be customized or removed based on your organizational or storage needs. It is available in 3, 6, and 10-liter sizes. The 10-liter variant has enough space for a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a charger, and my FujiFilm X-Pro 2 camera. In case you require additional room for extra lenses or a larger camera body, you might need to forego the MacBook as it could become a bit cramped in there. —Jaina Grey Hex Backloader Backpack available at $200: Typically, my preference lies with bags offering side entry, but I’ve been quite content with the Hex Backloader. Though you need to remove it from your back to access all your equipment, a top access point allows for swift retrieval of the camera. The principal compartment at the back is remarkably spacious and comes equipped with numerous Velcro dividers, providing ample room for personalization. It includes mesh organizational pouches and multiple pockets, a cushioned segment at the front suitable for a 15-inch laptop, straps on one side for a tripod, and a pocket on the other for a water bottle. Carrying it is exceptionally comfortable, especially with the sternum strap. Shimoda Explore V2 25 Backpack with a price tag of $373: I admire this backpack, although it leans slightly towards the pricier side. It offers supreme comfort for portability, thanks to its significant padding, and the whole pack is built to resist water, ensuring your gear remains secure. Despite its relatively compact size, I managed to pack it with a surprisingly large number of items, all accessible from the rear section, including a tripod in its expandable side pocket that can be secured with a strap. It facilitates lateral access to the camera, plenty of pockets for organization (I particularly appreciate the small pouches on the arm straps), and a padded compartment for a 13-inch laptop. Wotancraft Scout Daily Camera Bag available for $299: If you seek a fashionable messenger option, I have always been fond of the designs from Wotancraft, and the Scout maintains this admiration. Constructed with durable Cordura material, complemented by cowhide leather straps on the flap, this bag offers an ample main compartment divided by robust separators, along with a softly padded sleeve suitable for a 13-inch MacBook Air. Two front pouches can loosely accommodate some small items, however, it lacks substantial organization features. It includes a pass-through for luggage and a zippered pocket on the back, but lacks side pockets and a convenient way to attach a tripod. Ona The Bowery Compact Messenger Bag priced at $209: I’ve possessed this bag (the black waxed canvas version) for seven years, and it has sustained its condition remarkably well. It exudes charm and is ideal for quick trips, featuring abundant padding and a divider to shield your gear. The capacity is limited to a camera and an extra lens only. A rear pouch proved useful for storing a Nintendo Switch or a Kindle, while I designated the front pouch for cables, batteries, and SD cards. Regrettably, the two side pockets are restrictive, accommodating items no larger than a pen or a microfiber cloth. A noteworthy advantage is the ability to swiftly detach the strap to transform the Bowery into a camera cube for a larger backpack. The bag is available in various colors and materials. Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack offered at $230: Have the capability to access your camera upfront with this bag, where the compartment smoothly unfolds like a drawer. Ample room is available to accommodate a large camera along with a few lenses. Don’t overlook the cushioned laptop section at the rear, an expandable roll-top, and an extra zippered section for more belongings. Each side pocket can easily hold a water bottle and a tripod simultaneously. I brought it along on a journey to DC, and the front has acquired some minor marks, but overall, it remains a splendid bag. Manfrotto Pro Light Frontloader Backpack for $234: Unzipping the primary front compartment gives you access to all your camera equipment neatly separated by the included Velcro divider system. This 25-liter bag offers plenty of space, which also makes it quite bulky on your back—be mindful of bumping into others in crowded spaces. The side entry for the camera is a nice touch, yet the overall appearance of the bag is dull. Tenba Fulton V2 16L Backpack for $140: I have a preference for bags that provide a quick way to grab the camera, which is why the option to pull out the camera quickly is important to me. In the case of the Fulton V2 mentioned above, the only way to extract the camera is by removing the bag and unzipping the rear compartment. Although it’s technically possible to access this section from the roll-top, it involves detaching a considerable amount of Velcro. However, it remains a nice compact bag capable of holding a substantial amount of equipment, featuring an expandable roll-top for storing lunch or spare clothing, a flexible mesh side pocket to accommodate bottles, and a canvas side pocket suitable for small tripods. According to Tenba, it can house a 16-inch laptop in the front padded compartment, but I could only manage to fit a 13-inch one. Additionally, it is water-resistant and easy to carry around. Lowepro PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack III 15L for $155: This backpack presents an appealing look on the hiking trail and is designed to accommodate a small DSLR or mirrorless camera in its detachable cube (with side access!). It seamlessly complements your other hiking equipment, featuring ample space for snacks and any other necessities for short hikes (including a 2-liter hydration bladder). Constructed from 75 percent recycled materials.
