The Best Camera Bags, Straps, Inserts, and Backpacks
There is no such thing as the perfect camera bag. I once spent two hours inside a B&H trying to fit all my photo gear inside more than 20 bags the store had on sale, and I still left unsatisfied. Also, everyone's needs are different, and what works for me might not work for you.
We camera enthusiasts here on the WIRED Gear team have tested more than 40 bags to help whittle your search down. 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. Be sure to check out our Best Compact Cameras, Best Mirrorless Cameras, and Best Camera Accessories for Your Phone for more.
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WIRED reviewers Scott Gilbertson and Jess Grey contributed to this guide.
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- Photograph: Moment
Best Everyday Sling
Moment Rugged Camera SlingMoment's Rugged Sling is aimed at street photographers who trek around all day. It has a modular organization system inside, and its weather-proof fabric is made from recycled sails (technically it's recycled polyester fiber and film, made by Northsail). 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 (Jess) found the larger version perfect for carting around a drone.
- Photograph: Brevite
Best Everyday Backpack
Brevite The JumperOut of all the backpacks I've tested under $150, I often find myself coming back to The Jumper by Brevite. This 18-liter bag makes me feel good when it's on my back. That's probably because it's available in several bright, eye-catching colors, like Lemon Yellow and Poppy Red. It's stylish and doesn't look like a camera bag! Yet you get the side pocket common on camera bags that offers easy access to the camera inside, and you can unzip the front to grab additional lenses. There's a zippered pocket on the front with some mesh pouches for batteries, cables, or SD cards, and the main compartment is roomy enough to hold a sweater (or lunch). The rear-most compartment closes with a waterproof zipper to protect your laptop.
I like that there's no camera cube to take out when converting it to a normal bag. Just fold down the Velcro divider in the main compartment and take out any additional dividers. The Jumper is comfortable to carry, and there's a luggage passthrough strap, a roomy side pocket, and tripod attachment straps on the base. Seriously, it has it all. My worry? The 600-denier polyester material doesn't feel as durable as I'd like, and my Lemon Yellow model stains too easily.
- Photograph: Moment
A More Durable Backpack
Moment MTW BackpackMoment's attractive MTW Backpack comes in 17-liter or 21-liter sizes, and I recommend the latter. The main compartment kind of requires the MTW Camera Insert (sold separately for $80, though frequently on sale for less) so you can make the most of the backpack, and while it's not as easy as a traditional side pocket for accessing your gear, you can still grab your camera without taking the entire pack off. The smaller 17-liter bag's rear-most section can just barely fit a 16-inch laptop in its padded sleeve, but the stretchy side pouch can carry a mini tripod or a thick water bottle. The front vertical zippered pocket is great for storing smaller items like chargers, cables, and batteries.
One thing that irks me is how the MTW tends to puff up very quickly once you start filling it—it looks as though the contents could burst at any moment. That also means some areas feel really tight and can be annoying to access, but that's only an issue if you pack it to the brim. What sets this bag apart from its similarly priced peers is the material it's made of: a much more durable recycled Kodra fabric with a double-layer waterproof coating.
- Photograph: Peak Design
Another Great Sling
Peak Design Everyday Sling 10LThe Everyday Sling has long been one of my (Jess) personal favorites for everyday carry or heading out for a day of shooting. 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 13-inch 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 forego the MacBook; it can get a little tight in there.
- Photograph: Wandrd
Best Upgrade
Wandrd Prvke Camera Bag V2So you've gone through a few camera bags. Well, the Prvke V2 (pronounced “provoke”) is the one upgrade you'll be satisfied with for years. It's the closest a camera bag has ever come to perfection. It comes in green, blue, black, and tan, and you choose between 11, 21, 31, or 41 liters—I opted for the 31-liter version. I like it so much I wrote about it in greater detail here. All of the bag sizes come with an expandable handy roll-top that offers an additional 5 liters of space.
The improved padding is very cushiony, and the exterior waterproof tarpaulin and Robic 1680-denier ballistic nylon materials have held up extremely well. It fits everything I need to shoot a video in the field, including a tripod (which secures in place with a buckle). With the side-access pocket, grabbing the camera is a snappy affair, but you'll need to take the bag off to unzip the main compartment. There's a laptop sleeve big enough to house a 16-inch MacBook, plus another spot for a tablet, and there are lots of other pockets and pouches to store other gear. Additional attachment points on the exterior mean you can strap in just about anything else. Just make sure to buy the Photography Bundle (an additional $75) so you get the Essential Camera Cube.
- Photograph: ONA
A Compact Messenger
ONA The BoweryI've owned this bag (the black waxed-canvas version) for seven years, and it remains in great shape. It's attractive and perfect for short outings that span several hours, with plenty of padding and a divider to keep your gear protected—though you'll only be able to fit a camera with a lens attached and one additional lens. There's a pouch on the back I've used to stow a Nintendo Switch or a Kindle; I shove my cables, batteries, and SD cards in the pouch on the front. 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.
- Photograph: Manfrotto
A Very Slim Backpack
Manfrotto Street Slim Camera BackpackIt'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: This thing 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 take a camera out of the bag without swinging it forward and unzipping the front pouch. I also wouldn't have minded firmer padding on the base. But 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 passthrough and a few roomy pockets for housing various tchotchkes. All for under $100.
- Photograph: Lo & Sons
A High Fashion Bag
Lo & Sons Claremont CrossbodyThis is my (Jess) kind of camera bag. It doesn’t draw attention to itself. It’s stylish but doesn’t scream “camera bag.” It’s slick and round where so many camera bags are boxy and technical. Claremont doesn't sacrifice functionality in pursuit of a more elevated style either. The bag has numerous internal pockets for memory cards, batteries, and snacks. It’s roomy enough for a mirrorless camera and a couple of lenses plus additional everyday essentials.
- Photograph: Wandrd
Best Backpack for Travel
Wandrd Hexad Access Duffel BackpackThe Hexad Access Duffel is a big backpack. But it's perfect for carrying tons of camera gear and anything else you might want to bring on short or long trips. Depending on how much you pack inside, it probably won't count as your “personal item” on a plane, but instead as a carry-on. I took this bag with me to Iceland, along with two Essential Camera Cubes, and I couldn't imagine the trip with any other bag. I had quick access to both cubes through the side of the bag, allowing me to quickly reach for my camera and the 70-200mm zoom lens I rented, as well as my half-cage with an Atomos external monitor attached to it. There's a padded laptop sleeve, an expandable laundry pocket, and three other mini zippered pockets for everything else. I love that you can unzip the whole bag and lay it flat like a traditional carry-on—it made it really easy to organize and pack throughout the trip.
I lugged this thing around the entire island for 12 days—including a seven-hour hike on a nature reserve with constant mist—and nothing inside got wet. I can't find a single scratch on it either. As the name suggests, you can remove the backpack straps and convert the bag to a duffel (there's a spot to stow the straps too).
- Photograph: Manfrotto
A Tactical Messenger
Manfrotto Advanced Messenger M IIIWith 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 a very versatile bag. I love that I don't need to open the flap to reach inside the main compartment—there's a zipper up top that opens up to give you quick access. The bag is very spacious and can also hold a laptop in a padded compartment.
There aren't a ton of options for organization inside, but the few pockets and pouches you do get are more than enough for most essentials. A luggage pass-through strap means you can 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. There's also a rain fly for those sudden thunderstorms.
- Photograph: Billingham
The Classic Messenger
Billingham Hadley Pro 2020Billingham bags have a solid reputation among photographers. The bags are renowned for their durability, understated style, and lifetime warranties. As a camera bag, the Hadley Pro is not as fully featured as some of the others on this list, but it’s great for the basics and serves double duty as a solid overnight travel bag. Its weather-resistant finish and timeless style make it one of my favorite everyday bags.
- Photograph: Manfrotto
A Traditional Holster
Manfrotto Advanced III Holster BagHolsters have waned in popularity, and they're not particularly stylish, but I can see their appeal when there's nothing you want to bring besides your camera. This one from Manfrotto checks off many of the boxes. 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 of the front with a strap. 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.
Another Alternative: Frequently find yourself in heavy rain? Matador's Camera Base Layer ($75) has a waterproof mode that keeps your camera dry from the elements. Undoing the liner to pull the camera out doesn't take too long. Matador includes a carabiner, but you'll need to supply your own straps to carry it. It's well-insulated but not rigid, meaning it can be squished to fit into pretty much any backpack.
- Photograph: Wandrd
A Backpack for Hiking
Wandrd FernwehI haven't gone camping or backpacking with it, but I did use the Fernweh to transport a computer monitor from my partner's office back home via a bicycle. When our offices needed to be cleared out in the summer of 2020, it was my bag of choice to carry all the remaining items I had at my desk, including a full-sized keyboard, several phone-sized boxes, and … an unopened bottle of wine from the previous Christmas. This 50-liter bag is so spacious it can fit all your important photo gear in the removable camera cube, plus anything else you need to bring on a hiking trip. The back padding, shoulder straps, and waist straps are thick and soft, making the whole thing incredibly comfortable to wear.
The many compartments, straps, and zippers can get very confusing, but take it out on a trip once or twice and you'll get the hang of it. The quick-draw access on the side lets you grab your camera at a moment's notice, and there's also a water bladder routing so you can parch your thirst without reaching for a bottle.
Photograph: MomentTech Organizers
Tiny BagsTech organizers are for all those little bits and pieces that can easily get lost in the crevices of your backpack: the microfiber cloth, the SD card, the hex key. Keep 'em all in one spot with one of these.
Moment MTW Tech Organizer for $60: Moment has a few of these little bags you can choose from. This one includes the removable Mini Organizer ($30) inside. The larger bag will satisfy anyone who carries multiple spare batteries for various devices, several cables, neutral density filters, and solid state drives. The Mini is better suited for cables and adapters. I've been using these two, as well as the $50 battery organizer, in a variety of my bags for some time. The water-resistant 350-denier recycled nylon exterior has held up well, and it has a nice rigidity that gives it structure.
Manfrotto Street Tech Organizer for $30: 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 I also felt it was harder to organize my gear as neatly as in the tech organizer above.
Photograph: MomentHave You Considered a Camera Insert (Cube)?
You May Not Need a Camera BagIf you already own bags that you like, consider using 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 are well-padded to protect the jewels of your toolkit. While they're designed for bags made by their respective manufacturers, you can measure your current bag to make sure a cube made by somebody else will fit. Just getting a cube is one of the cheaper ways to tote around your gear without needing to shell out cash on a new bag.
★ Peak Design Camera Cube for $50: Peak Design's cubes come in small, medium, or large sizes. I tried the small, and it was roomy enough to carry my mirrorless camera, two lenses, and an array of supplemental items like batteries, card readers, mics, and filters. You get several thick dividers that keep your gear apart, and the velcro inner lining means you can customize placement. There's also a floating pocket you can attach to store smaller tchotchkes. The exterior is made of 100 percent recycled nylon, and it's weatherproof. There are various loops on the outside that let you keep it securely in place on backpacks that support such a system.
Moment MTW Camera Insert for $80: Moment's insert is one of the smallest I've used, but it's thin and won't take up a lot of room in your bag. Its frame is very stiff, and there's still a decent amount of padding. I really like how the interior is bright red, making it super easy to see what's inside if it's dark. You only get two dividers, but they have stretchy pockets so you can keep smaller items in them. There are aluminum anchors on the exterior to keep it secure, though it's best used with Moment's own backpacks.
Wandrd Essential Camera Cube for $59: 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 keep everything held down. There are Mini and Pro sizes, and each also has Plus or Deep variants if you need more room. Wandrd's website has a nice size guide that shows what each can fit.
Photograph: Peak DesignA Camera Strap May Also Work
Strap UpIf you're only carrying around your camera, you can skip the camera bag, but I strongly encourage you to use a strap. It's a safe way to keep your camera secure to your body, so if it fumbles through your fingers it won't hit the ground. But ditch the strap from your camera manufacturer. These alternatives are better.
★ Peak Design Leash for $40: This is the best camera strap I (Julian) have used. Attach one side 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 droop 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 seat-belt-style strap swiftly glides across any outfit.
Wandrd Wrist Strap for $29: This wrist strap can be taken on or off in seconds, and it automatically fastens if you drop your camera. The recycled soft-touch nylon isn't rough on the wrist, and the Hypalon loop can carry up to 75 pounds.
Peak Design Capture Clip for $70: 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 just slide this anchor onto the Capture clip and voilà, your camera is now securely resting on your strap, no hands or strap needed. Push a button to quickly slide it out. I've used this system at major trade shows like CES, and it makes it super easy to snap photos without constantly digging inside my backpack for my camera.
Photograph: WandrdHonorable Mentions
Other Good BagsWe've tested a lot of camera bags. Here are others that we really like but that have been eclipsed by our top picks.
Wandrd Roam 9L Sling for $149: Wandrd's new sling comes in three sizes: 3, 6, and 9 liters. I tried the latter, and it's become the pack I carry on all my bike and e-scooter rides. It can be carried as a sling, messenger, or waist pack, and because the soft padding conforms to my back, it's really nice to wear for long periods. The mix of 840-denier and 1680D ballistic nylon and water-resistant YKK zippers make it feel like it's worth twice its price too. There's also plenty of space for cameras, lenses, and other accessories. Need to carry a tripod? Cinch it to the bottom with the included straps. Need to bring a large tablet or laptop? Get Wandrd's laptop case ($46), which elegantly slots in vertically in the rear-most pocket. The only reason this pick isn't listed above as a full recommendation is because of shipping delays; it's not expected to arrive until the spring of 2022.
Domke F-832 Shoulder Bag for $162: This is the bag I (Julian) used to cover the 2014 December march on Washington, DC, (Domke bags are also the official camera bag of the White House News Photographer Association). Fair warning: 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. But I still like this bag because it's so roomy. Back when my photo kit consisted of my camera and a single extra battery, I was able to toss spare clothes, a laptop, and toiletries into this bag without needing to think much about organizing anything. The waxed canvas exterior doesn't immediately let on that you've got camera gear inside, which is an advantage while traveling.
Gitzo Legende Camera Backpack for $230: This Gitzo bag arguably has the best aesthetic of all the backpacks in this guide, as if you're Indiana Jones heading off on a new adventure. There's a side access pocket, but getting to anything else in the bottom camera cube is a chore. It's just not very intuitively designed. There's a separate section for your laptop, but many of the zippered pockets, side pockets, and pouches are very small and can only fit so much.
Lowepro PhotoSport Outdoor Backpack III 15L for $180: This pack only looks good on the trail and can only fit a small DSLR or mirrorless in its removable cube (with side access!). It'll mesh well with your other hiking gear, and there's a good amount of room for snacks and anything else you'd want on short hikes (including a 2-liter hydration bladder). It's made of 75 percent recycled fabrics.
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