we have tested a lot of camera bags. Here are a few others we really like but have been overshadowed by our top picks.
Morro convertible long weekend backpack for $150: I seriously considered replacing our top backpack pick, The Jumper by Brevite, with the Nose. They are very similar in style and organization, and the Morro offers an additional bag and, in my opinion, a nicer design (especially in moss). This is still a great backpack that doesn’t scream camera bag, and you have front and side access to your gear (be sure to add the Camera Cube package, which adds an extra backpack). $70 with your purchase). It’s lightweight, fits a 16-inch laptop, and is made of water-resistant materials with a two-layer waterproof coating. My only complaint is that the camera hub has an awkward fit and sticks out a little at the openings. If the company modified it slightly, this would be my favorite camera backpack under $200.
Nanuk N-PVD 30L backpack for $300: If you carry a drone, this is a nice backpack with a compartment on top that easily fits 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 put a tripod in the side pocket and hold it firmly with a strap. There is an easy-access side pocket for quick access to the camera, but I don’t love how the main compartment is accessed. It’s on the back of the bag and the shoulder and waist straps are constantly in the way, which is a bit annoying. Once inside, however, there are padded sleeves for laptops and tablets and zippered pockets for extras. The main area is cavernous, so you will have to do some Tetris With the included velcro dividers to arrange everything neatly.
Clever Supply Camera Sling for $224: I love the look of this waxed canvas bag and its full-grain leather trim. It is a classic and good tone design that makes me happy every time I walk out the door with my camera in tow. It’s comfortable and easy to adjust the shoulder strap, and there are three handles on the top and sides so you have plenty of carrying options. It fits my Nikon Z 6, two small lenses, and a compact tablet. (Less than 11 inches; didn’t fit the OnePlus Pad.) There is a zipper pocket inside for storing cards and a zipper pocket on the outside for cables. My main complaint is that opening the main compartment sometimes requires two hands: the zipper gets stuck in the corner, so I need my other hand to hold the bag in place. I wish the front pocket had more flexibility too; When the bag is full, it feels too tight to put anything in there.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack for $280: This is the slightly larger and more feature-rich version of the Everyday Zip we previously recommended. Instead of a full-length zipper, it has two zippers on each side and a flap at the top that you can use Peak Design’s MagLatch system to close if you don’t need extra space at the top. There are several pouches for organization, 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 might want to go for the 30 liter.
Peak Design Everyday Harness for $160: The Everyday Sling has long been one of my favorites for everyday carry or out and about shooting. It comes with flexible dividers that 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 it may be a little tight there. —Jaina Gray
Hex Backloader Backpack for $200: I usually prefer side access bags, but I’m pretty happy with the Hex Backloader. Yes, you must remove it from your back to access. all your gear, but an access point on top makes it easy to quickly pull out your camera. The main compartment in the back is really spacious and equipped with tons of Velcro dividers, so you have plenty of room to customize it. There are plenty of organizational mesh pouches and pockets, a padded section in the front that fits a 15-inch laptop, straps on one side for a tripod, and a pouch on the other for a bottle. It’s super comfortable to wear, sternum strap and all.
Shimoda Explore V2 25 Backpack for $373: I like this backpack, but it is a little expensive. It’s extremely comfortable to carry thanks to its ample padding, and it’s all waterproof to keep your gear safe. I was able to fill it with a surprising number of items despite its relatively slim size (all of which you can access from the back), including a tripod in its drop-down side pocket that you can adjust with a strap. There’s side camera access, tons of pockets for organization (I love the little pouch on the arm straps), and a padded sleeve for a 13-inch laptop.
Wotancraft Scout 9L Daily Camera Bag for $299: If you’re looking for a stylish messenger, I’ve always liked Wotancraft’s designs, and the Scout is no different. It is made of durable Cordura with some cowhide leather for the flap straps. The main compartment is spacious and separated by sturdy dividers, along with a padded laptop sleeve that barely fits a 13-inch MacBook Air. Two pouches in the front can loosely carry some small items, but there’s not much organization here. There’s a luggage compartment and a zippered back pocket, but there are no side pockets or an easy way to attach a tripod.
Ona The Bowery Compact Crossbody Bag For $209: I’ve had this bag (the black waxed canvas version) for seven years and it remains in excellent shape. It’s attractive and perfect for short outings, with plenty of padding and a divider to keep your gear protected. You can only place one camera and one additional lens. There’s a pouch in the back that I’ve used to store a Nintendo Switch or a Kindle, and I keep my cables, batteries, and SD cards in the pouch in the front. Unfortunately, the two side pockets are too tight to fit anything larger than a pen or microfiber cloth. A benefit? You can quickly remove the strap to convert the Bowery into a camera cube for a larger backpack. Comes in a variety of colors and materials.
Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack for $230: You can access your camera from the front of this bag and the compartment folds out easily, like a drawer. There’s enough room to fit a large camera and some lenses, but don’t forget the padded laptop compartment on the back, a roll-up lid that you can expand, and another zippered area for additional items. You can conveniently store a water bottle and a tripod in each side pocket. I took it with me on a trip to DC and the front already looks a little worn, but otherwise it’s a nice bag.
Manfrotto Pro Light Front Loading Backpack for $234: Unzip the main front compartment and you’ll be able to access all of your camera gear neatly separated by the included velcro divider system. This 25 liter bag is spacious, but that also makes it quite bloated in the back; You could bump into people in the crowd if you’re not careful. There’s side access for the camera, which is nice, but otherwise it’s a boring looking package.
Tenba Fulton V2 16-liter backpack for $140: I prefer bags that have some way to quickly grab the camera, and that’s why Fulton V2 It’s not higher up: the only way to get the camera out is to remove the bag and unzip 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 little bag that fits a good amount of gear, with an expandable roll top for storing lunch or spares. clothing, a stretch mesh side pocket for bottles, and a canvas side pocket that fits small tripods. Tenba says it fits a 16-inch laptop in the padded compartment in the front, but I could only fit a 13-inch. It is waterproof and comfortable to wear.
Lowepro PhotoSport III 15L Outdoor Backpack for $155: This backpack looks good on the trail and only fits a small DSLR or mirrorless camera in its removable cube (with side access!). It’ll pair well with your other hiking gear and there’s a good amount of room for snacks and anything else you might want on short hikes (including a 2-liter hydration bladder). It is made from 75 percent recycled fabrics.
