Best Products Style Travel Accessories The 13 Best Travel Camera Cases of 2023, Tested and Reviewed We love the Peak Design Everyday Backpack in 20L for its functional compartments and stylish design. By Lauren Breedlove Lauren Breedlove Instagram Twitter Website Lauren Breedlove is a New York-based travel writer, photographer, and content creator who focuses on off-the-beaten-path outdoor adventures. Her work has been featured in Afar, Time magazine, TravelPulse, Popsugar, Travel + Leisure, Elite Daily, and Thrillist. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 10, 2023 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews Other Cases We Liked Our Testing Process Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Travel and Leisure / Alli Waataja A great camera bag doesn’t just keep gear protected during your travels. It also enhances your overall experience by adding comfort, ease, and storage solutions on the go. You don’t want to risk liquid damage or have expensive cameras and lenses get banged up during transit in a bag that doesn’t have water-resistant materials or shock-absorbing dividers. It’s also important to factor in whether you need a backpack style that can hack it in the outdoors, or if you want a heavy-duty case that can be rolled to your gate and stored in the overhead bin. Because narrowing down a search can be tricky, we evaluated 21 camera bags on design, durability, capacity, portability, and value to see which ones go the distance. While some are better than others for specific types of photography, all 13 that made our list are perfect for anyone looking to up their game. And, as a travel photographer and writer myself, I’ve included my expertise and personal experience traveling around the world with various gear, plus spoke with professional photographer and blogger Renee Hahnel for expert insights about what to look for when shopping for a camera case, too. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L at Amazon Jump to Review Best for the Outdoors: Shimoda Adventure Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Organization: Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Rolling: Think Tank Photo Airport Security at Amazon Jump to Review Best Messenger: Tenba DNA Messenger Bag at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sling: Peak Design Everyday Sling at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Multiple Lenses: Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW at Amazon Jump to Review Best Durable: Thule Camera Bag Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Modular: Boundary Prima System at B&H Photo Video Jump to Review Best Style: Lo & Sons Claremont at Loandsons.com Jump to Review Best Overall Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L 5 Peak Design View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Peakdesign.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It has an impressive capacity and fits under the seat when flying.What to Consider: It doesn’t stand up on its own when placed on the ground. We love the sleek design of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L, as well as its all-around functionality and portability. It’s versatile enough to use as an overnight pack or strictly a camera bag on a longer trip, with both padded laptop and tablet slots, a separate camera compartment with dividers, and top space for accessories like chargers, snacks, keys, an ID, or even a small clothing item. Three foldable dividers allow you to configure them how you prefer, fitting one or two camera bodies (DSLR or mirrorless), depending upon the lenses you’d like to include inside as well. One mirrorless camera body with three lenses can fit nicely, with room for chargers and accessories, and add another body or small point-and-shoot in the upper area with its magnetic flap-and-hook closure. Our tester also noticed that the Everyday Backpack is smartly designed with features that work well in the field. We especially like the deep side pockets, which fit a tripod or water bottle nicely, keeping it tight to the pack with added straps, and the dual side zippers for on-body access so you don’t miss getting the shot while wrangling your camera out of a bag. The bag’s weather resistance works effectively, and the bottom panel is waterproof, so you can rest it on a wet surface without worrying either. The side flaps double as interior zippered storage as well, where batteries, lens cloths, and backup SD cards have individual pockets for keeping them secure. "The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L is not only sleek in its aesthetic, but it's super practical for traveling with a small to mid-size camera set up and other tech gear, like a laptop and headphones,” Hahnel said. “Then the 30L version is a great option for those with additional gear to carry. I personally really love Peak Design's MagLatch hardware and UltraZips.” Price at time of publish: $280 for 20 liters Dimensions: 22.24 x 11.81 x 8.27 inches (exterior), 21.65 x 11.22 x 6.3 inches (interior) | Capacity: 20 liters (also sold in 30 liters) | Weight: 3.75 pounds | Dividers: 3 Best for the Outdoors Shimoda Explore V2 30 Liter Adventure Backpack 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Shimodadesigns.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It’s spacious and loaded with accessory pouches and pockets.What to Consider: If you’re using the removable main compartment, you’ll actually have less space. The carry-on-friendly Shimoda Explore V2 30 Liter Adventure Backpack is our top pick for photographers who spend a lot of time outdoors when traveling. Ideal for landscape photographers who hike or enjoy other wilderness-based endeavors, this pack has padded shoulder and hip straps for enhanced carrying comfort. Our tester noticed that the interior is very secure with plenty of options to customize padded Velcro walls for your desired configuration of your individual camera, lens, and more. The small core unit holds a mirrorless camera and a lens but additional lenses and accessories can be stored in the other main compartment, with the ability to hold up to approximately three lenses. A padded sleeve on the backside holds a 13-inch laptop and a 3-liter bladder sleeve on the front will keep you hydrated during your outing. Water-resistant with a lightweight rain cover included, you’ll be fairly protected should you get caught in the rain or snow as well. Side and rear camera access are major highlights of this pack, so you can access your gear quickly in the event of a surprise rainbow or wildlife sighting. Price at time of publish: $385 for 30 liters Dimensions: 11.6 x 20.3 x 6.6 inches (exterior), 11.2 x 19.8 x 6.2 inches (interior) | Capacity: 30 liters (also sold in 25 and 35 liters) | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Dividers: various customizable Velcro dividers, small and large Best Organization Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Nomatic.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: Rigid dividers keep camera equipment secure while on the go.What to Consider: It’s a little heavier than other camera backpacks on the market. Organization is key when shooting on the move and we think the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L is at the top of its game in that department. A plethora of storage for camera bodies, lenses, SD cards, and hard drives, as well as an external slot for a laptop up to 16 inches makes this a great travel companion. Between the zippered pockets, dividers, and a designated clothing area, you’ll have no problem staying organized. With 35 liters to work with, you can easily fit more than one camera body and multiple lenses, and, from our tests, we determined that it's possible to accommodate a camera body with a lens attached to it, if needed. The clothing/ gear compartment expands by an extra 7 liters, topping the capacity out at 42 liters for trips where you need an extra T-shirt or pair of socks. The bag is water-resistant, has waterproof zippers, and keeps gear dry in moderate rain, according to our tests. Several pockets for everything from your passport to charging cables and filters means everything will have its own place and exterior pockets are perfect for a tripod and water bottle. Side access makes grabbing your camera on the go an easy feat as well. For multi-day trips, this pack is a solid choice. Price at time of publish: $400 Dimensions: Exterior: 22 x 13.5 x 9 inches (exterior), 21 x 12.5 x 5.25 inches (interior) | Capacity: 42 liters | Weight: 5.75 pounds | Dividers: 4 long, 5 short Best Rolling Think Tank Photo Airport Security V3.0 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Thinktankphoto.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: The rugged design and ample padding keeps gear extremely safe for travel.What to Consider: It lacks a quick access point; the whole bag has to be unzipped to access camera gear. Give your back a break and enjoy the benefits of a rolling camera case. We love the Think Tank Photo Airport Security V3.0 for its tough, high-quality design and protective padding. Our tester noticed the materials both looked and felt secure, promoting confidence when transporting their gear. Customizable compartments came in handy to tailor-fit a wide array of camera bodies, lenses, hard drives, batteries, and more within the roomy interior. Pack up to two DSLRs or mirrorless model cameras, as well as 4-6 additional lenses and accessories, including a large 600mm lens (detached from camera body). There’s also a slot for a 10-inch tablet and up to 15-inch laptop, and a spot for your tripod and a water bottle, if needed. Although it doesn’t have spinner wheels, it’s still a relief to roll through the airport when packed with heavy equipment versus carrying a pack. The Think Tank meets most carry-on requirements for both domestic and international flights and we noticed that it fit nicely almost anywhere, from airplane or car to the photo studio. The water-repellent treatment worked well, according to our tester, even in heavy rain. Price at time of publish: $450 Dimensions: 14 x 22 x 9 inches (exterior), 13 x 21 x 7-8 inches (interior) | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 11.1 pounds | Dividers: 10-12 The 10 Best Compact Cameras of 2023 Best Messenger Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger Bag 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Tenba.com Our Ratings Design 4.8/5 Capacity 4.5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It fits more than your typical messenger bag.What to Consider: It’s a bit bulkier than most bags of this style. We love the ease of carrying with messenger style bags, and the comfy Tenba DNA 16 Pro offers a spacious interior with easily customizable compartments, too. It’s ideal for photographers looking to only carry a limited set-up as well as a laptop and some accessories. Although it can fit a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera and up to six lenses, we noticed that it gets to be a bit bulky to carry when stuffed. A separate padded sleeve on the backside of the interior holds a laptop up to 16 inches or an 11-inch tablet. Zippered pockets and other mesh storage spots offer plenty of additional areas to keep items like passports, keys, SD cards, cords, and more secure. The weather-resistant material with additional boot protection on the bottom is fantastic for when you need to rest it on the ground. Quick access to your gear is through the top zipper, though our tester felt the slide clips made it trickier for one-handed access. Price at time of publish: $200 Dimensions: 15.75 x 12 x 7.5 inches (exterior), 14.75 x 11.5 x 6 inches (interior) | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Dividers: 3 medium Best Sling Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L 4.9 Peak Design View On Amazon View On REI View On Peakdesign.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It’s durable and sturdy, made with high-quality materials.What to Consider: Adding a tripod using the extra straps makes it awkward and heavy to carry. If you’re in search of a minimalist-style camera bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L is a top-notch choice. It can be worn as a crossbody bag or waist bag, and features a reversible strap and quick-access zipper for grabbing your gear. Despite being small, there are numerous areas for storage, and it can fit a mirrorless camera or a small DSLR with 2-3 lenses, depending on their size. The removable main compartment has customizable dividers that can fold down, ideal for stacking lenses. A tablet up to 11 inches in size can fit in the included sleeve, and there are various pockets and zippered areas for other accessories like batteries, SD cards, and lens wipes. Our tester noticed that every part of the bag seemed well-made, and it repelled water when sprayed. It was comfortable and lightweight to wear, easy to adjust, and can pack down to easily fit inside a larger suitcase for travel. Additional external straps on the bottom can hold a jacket, clothing, or a tripod, though it’s not the best bag for heavier items like the latter. Price at time of publish: $120 for 6 liters Dimensions: 13.8 x 9.3 x 4.7 inches | Capacity: 6 liters (also sold in 3 and 10 liters) | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Dividers: 2 medium Best for Multiple Lenses Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Lowepro.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It’s very spacious and has 4 access points.What to Consider: It’s a bit heavier than other camera backpacks. The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is our top pick for photographers looking to carry multiple lenses and/or bodies. Its hiking-pack design adds padded shoulder and waist straps, while your gear will stay secure in the sturdy customizable internal compartments. While our tester noticed that the harder shell of the bag made it a bit bulky and difficult to store, they also noted that it’s extremely spacious and holds most of the camera gear you’ll need including a laptop up to 15 inches and a tripod attached using the exterior tripod cup or straps. The 25-liter capacity is designed to hold two full-frame cameras, and up to eight lenses. The included all-weather cover will keep your bag and the gear inside protected from the elements as well. With multiple quick-access points, your photo missions will run a little smoother without having to stop and open the whole bag. We think this bag is worth the price for its durability, functionality, and abundant features. Price at time of publish: $371 Dimensions: 14.1 x 8.6, x 20.5 inches (exterior), 11.8 x 6.3 x 17.3 inches (interior) | Capacity: 25 liters | Weight: 6.25 pounds | Dividers: 10+, all sizes Best Durable Thule Aspect DSLR Camera Bag Backpack 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It performs like a hiking backpack that’s comfortable to wear.What to Consider: It doesn’t store very easily due to its bulkiness. The Thule Aspect DSLR Camera Bag Backpack is our most durable pick, with thick interior padding and ample protection for your gear. Our tester determined the bag’s weather-resistant exterior can hold up in drizzling rain, too. It also functions well as a hiking backpack with padded shoulder straps, removable hip belt, and an air mesh back panel for ventilation. Customize your gear configuration with the Velcro dividers and store your 15-inch laptop and a tablet in the back padded compartments. The main camera section can fit a full-frame camera and two lenses and the top pack compartment is great for another compact camera, accessories, or personal gear. A tripod can be stashed in the exterior side pocket with a strap to hold it tight and a small front pocket is great for snacks or keys. Since this bag prioritizes durability, we noticed that it doesn’t compress easily like a regular backpack, making it a little more difficult to store. Price at time of publish: $180 Dimensions: 20.5 x 11.8 x 8.7 inches | Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Dividers: 3 The 15 Best Underwater Cameras of 2023 Best Modular Boundary Prima System 4.7 Boundary View On B&H Photo Video View On Boundarysupply.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 3.8/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: The modular design allows for extra tailoring to your preference and gear set-up.What to Consider: Quick access is for just one camera and lens, everything else has to be accessed by taking it off and unzipping the whole bag. We love the customizable modular design of the Boundary Prima System pack, suitable for everyday use or 2-3 day trips. A large packing cube that can be expanded with a zipper is designed for storing your camera gear, and can fit through the top or side compartments. (One body and one lens fits in this particular cube.) For those with more camera equipment, it would need to be stored in other spots within the bag, making them more difficult to access on the go. This main module can be transformed into a separate shoulder sling bag with an included strap for when you want to explore without your entire backpack. A padded slot in the main bag fits up to a 17-inch laptop and a separate folder section can store a tablet, notebook, or other flat items. Additional storage pockets can fit chargers, batteries, cords, and SD cards. Our tester noticed that the bag kept everything inside dry even after getting caught in the rain. Price at time of publish: $289 Dimensions: 53 x 31 x 17 inches | Capacity: 30 liters | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Dividers: 3 modular components, 2 dividers in the camera packing cube Best Style Lo & Sons Claremont 4.2 Lo & Sons View On Loandsons.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 3.5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: It could easily pass for a stylish purse, yet inconspicuously holds a camera and lens.What to Consider: It doesn’t fit a ton of gear and the divider pops out easily due to lack of Velcro to hold it down inside. If you’re looking for a camera bag that doesn’t scream “camera bag” then the Lo & Sons Claremont might be for you. Made from high-quality leather, we noticed that it felt thick and durable while also looking very stylish. The bag can be worn crossbody or on your shoulder by adjusting the length of the strap, making it comfortable to wear. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a smaller lens (like a fixed 35mm or 50mm), plus an additional lens can fit nicely inside, separated by a movable divider. Two small front pockets are designed to hold SD cards and other storage spots like the discreet back zippered pocket can easily fit a wallet, passport, snacks, keys, and more. If you’re looking to travel with a lightweight personal item that also stores your camera — and you don’t need to bring a laptop or tablet — this bag is a win. Our tester determined that it doesn’t seem to have shock absorbent capabilities, making it better suited to hold your camera while exploring instead of using it as a carrying case for travel. The bag lacks a zip enclosure, so if water were to get under the flap with twist latch closure, it’s possible your gear could get wet as well. This camera bag is perfect for city explorations, and bringing your camera out to lunch or dinner when you want to look chic without a big backpack in tow. Price at time of publish: $368 Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches | Capacity: 1 camera body, small lens, and additional small lens or flash | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Dividers: 1 small Best Colors Brevite The Jumper Camera Backpack 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On B&H Photo Video View On Brevite.co Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It’s a multi-purpose bag in a wide array of great colors.What to Consider: The dividers aren’t as sturdy as those in other bags. The Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack is our top pick for best colors, and with 10 hues to choose from, it's easy to see why. Although hip and stylish, this pack offers more than just its looks; with a lightweight profile and ample compartments, this is a great personal carry-on item or everyday bag. The main camera compartment can fit a full-frame camera with a lens up to 200mm, as well as smaller accessories like chargers, batteries, or small fixed lens. The top storage area is great for snacks, small clothing pieces, or other personal items, and a rear, padded sleeve fits a laptop up to 16 inches in size. A tripod can be carried either in the side pocket or on the bottom using the external straps, and access to your gear is quick through the side zipper. Our tester noticed that while the material repels water at first, there was some residual wetness afterwards, so a rain cover might be a good idea. They also determined that it’s a great quality bag that works for work or pleasure travel. As a major bonus, it’s machine washable. Price at time of publish: $170 Dimensions: 16.25 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: 18 liters | Weight: 1.9 pounds | Dividers: 5 Best Leather ONA The Bowery Messenger Bag 4.5 ONA View On Amazon View On Onabags.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 4/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 Why We Love It: It’s very stylish and doesn’t look like a regular camera bag.What to Consider: It’s more suitable for carrying a smaller camera kit. A classic style that’s as beautiful as it is functional, ONA’s The Bowery Messenger Bag is our top choice for a buttery soft leather camera bag. Crafted from Italian-tanned leather, this high-quality bag is perfect for toting a DSLR or mirrorless camera and additional lens, slung over your shoulder or worn cross-body. The padded strap makes it comfortable to wear while shooting, exploring, or commuting. The main compartment can be tailored to your camera size and preference with the movable Velcro divider, fitting a full-frame camera with a fixed 35mm or 50mm lens attached, as well as another smaller lens, or a camera body and detached additional lens, likely up to 100mm. Another slot compartment on the backside and two smaller front storage spaces can hold smaller accessories like cords, SD cards, and lens cloths as well as a wallet or passport. Alternatively, a small tablet could fit in that back slot but would take up the entire space. Our tester determined that the gear fit snugly; it was not too tight to pull out, but secure and safe inside. For days where you just want one camera body and a lens or two, this fashionable bag is the answer to that call, though at a heftier price tag. Price at time of publish: $329 Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.9 x 5.4 inches | Capacity: 1 camera body and up to 2 small lenses | Weight: 2 pounds | Dividers: 1 small The 7 Best Travel Photo Book Makers of 2023 Best Budget Bagsmart Photo Camera Backpack 4.6 Bagsmart View On Bagsmart.com Our Ratings Design 5/5 Capacity 5/5 Portability 5/5 Durability 3.5/5 Value 5/5 Why We Love It: It’s a great value for its features and space.What to Consider: It’s more of a starter bag as the durability may not last for the long-haul. The Bagsmart Photo Camera Backpack is a top pick for both beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly camera bag. Crafted from canvas, this pack has ample storage space, fitting a full-frame camera body, two lenses, external flash and a laptop up to 15 inches in size within the padded back slot. The interior compartment is customizable to your kit, with movable dividers, and the top compartment is spacious for personal items, though our tester had noticed that it might be beneficial for some of the top compartment space to be used in the camera gear section instead. We also determined that with two camera bodies or more than 2-3 lenses, it would be fairly tight. The side pockets accommodate both a tripod and a water bottle, and the included rain cover does a solid job at keeping things dry. Quick side access allows you to grab your camera easily, and our tester noticed it was very comfortable to wear as a casual backpack. This bag offers solid value for the features, and is best suited for an amateur photographer looking to get started. Price at time of publish: $74 Dimensions: 17.3 x 11.5 x 7 inches | Capacity: 25 liters | Weight: 3 pounds | Dividers: 2 small, 2 medium Other Travel Camera Cases We Liked Four camera cases we tested didn’t quite make the cut on our list, but they did have some notable features that may be a fit for some photographers who travel. Neewer 2-in-1 Rolling Camera Backpack: With spacious storage compartments that are adequately padded, and room for multiple camera bodies, lenses, a tripod, and a laptop, we loved how easy this pack was to pull when using the wheels. Unfortunately, it fell short in the storage department as it would be too large to fit in overhead bins of smaller airplanes and didn’t have removable shoulder straps to help with this issue. Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator Backpack: We loved the impressive storage capacity of this backpack, and the high-quality features like a theft lock, durable padding and support, and an included rain cover. Although it fits a ton of gear, it’s likely too large for most photographers who don’t carry as much on a regular basis, and the rain cover only covers three out of the four sides of the pack, leaving one section exposed. Manfrotto MB MA2-BP-GM Advanced² Gear M Camera and Laptop Backpack: We really liked how lightweight this backpack remained despite being packed full of camera gear, including a tripod and laptop. It can hold plenty of equipment within the customizable padded dividers, but it doesn’t leave much room for personal items like snacks or an e-reader, leaving it off our top picks list for travel. Bellroy Venture Sling 10L: We love this sling’s sleek design, user-friendly features, sturdy hardware, folding padded dividers, and water resistance. It fits more than you’d think, with room for a camera and plenty of accessories, but the 10-liter size is a bit bulky to carry, and the internal dividers aren’t removable. Our Testing Process Our team of photographers tested 21 camera bags and cases for travel. A range of tests were performed in everyday shooting situations for a wide array of photography types, from landscape to portrait and everything in between. All of the bags were packed with typical photography gear, including different types of camera bodies, various lenses, batteries, SD cards, laptops, and personal items to see how they’d perform in real-world travel situations. We assessed how easy it was to access the camera gear on-the-move, how comfortable it was to wear or roll the case, how much can actually fit inside, and how weather-resistant the material was as well. We also took note if a laptop and tripod could fit. Additionally, all zippers, fasteners, pockets, storage compartments, and customizable divider configurations were tested. Tips for Buying Travel Camera Cases Prioritize durable materials and padding The bottom line to consider when shopping for a travel case or bag for your camera is safety. Evaluate what features the bag has in place to keep your expensive gear protected from drops, moisture, and anything else travel might throw at you. A camera bag that’s durable and rugged enough to withstand some wetness — or at the very least includes a rain cover and padding in the main compartment — will make all the difference. You want to be able to put your bag in the overhead bin without worrying about your gear shifting too much as well. "When buying a travel camera bag or case, you definitely want to prioritize durable materials and a high-quality build,” Hahnel said. “You will likely have this bag for a long time and it will house your expensive camera equipment, so it's worth investing in something with adequate padding, durability, and weather resistance. That includes weather-sealed zips and pockets." Consider pockets, dividers, and other organizational features Organization is paramount for photographers that have a lot of moving parts, so a bag that can help with this is already a winner. You don’t want to be pawing through charging cords, your passport, or snacks when attempting to quickly grab your camera for a once-in-a-lifetime shot. “[Organizational features] include things like pockets, dividers, and drink bottle or tripod side holders,” Hahnel said. “Some bags even have hidden areas to safely store your passport away from opportunistic thieves. I personally find it much easier to access gear in my bag when it's stored in a practical way. Being able to get your camera gear out quickly could be the difference between getting and missing an incredible shot.” Look for multiple access points and carrying options A good camera bag allows easy and efficient access to your gear. Additionally, it’s difficult to carry a super heavy bag — and camera gear typically isn’t light. It’s important to consider how much gear you plan to carry, and how else you plan to use the bag: will you be hiking with it? Will you be storing it in an overhead compartment? In those cases, it’s nice to have a durable side handle to grab it. "I cannot stress [enough] the importance of having a camera bag with hip and sternum straps,” Hahnel said. “Even if you don't think your bag is that heavy, it will be after you load it with gear and stand for hours on end with it on your back. Look for a bag with multiple carrying options, including an external strap to attach it to a wheeled luggage case. This will save your back on airport days! It's also important to consider how you would like to access your camera gear. Are you someone who likes to access gear from a side zip or from the top of your bag? This may depend on what type of photography you focus on, like street photography versus landscape.” Frequently Asked Questions What items should I pack in a travel camera case? It’s really up to your preference and camera kit. But whether you have a smaller gear setup with one camera and a few lenses or a more involved setup, you’ll want to prioritize space, customizable dividers, and accessories that make sense for your shoot. Additionally, a tripod is helpful in situations where you want to take low-light, long-exposure, nighttime, or self-timer images. If you find yourself in a situation where you have a great bag but just need a cube to keep your camera safe, you can buy just a removable cube as an insert into a backpack or tote bag that you already own."You should pack your camera body, lenses, lens wipes, SD cards, batteries, battery charger, and a tripod if you use one,” Hahnel said. “Some people also choose to carry additional accessories such as a camera strap, circular polarizer filters, ND filters, a Rocket Blower, and portable lights. You also might want to pack your passport, ID, phone, portable charging bank, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, a snack, and a pair of headphones.” Can a travel camera case be a carry-on or personal item? Yes. It’s important to check the requirements for each airline, but there are many camera bag and case options that fit within these specifications."[Camera bags] typically fit within the suggested airline dimensions for carry-on items,” Hahnel said. “In most cases, a camera case will be over the weight limit for an airline's personal item allowance, but check the limitations before you fly.” Why Trust Travel + Leisure T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove scoured our testing insights to find the best camera bags and cases for various gear set-ups. A travel photographer herself, she also used her personal experience finding the right products to suit shooting conditions around the world, including some of the recommendations on this list. Lastly, she interviewed professional photographer Renee Hahnel for more real world suggestions and tips. The 11 Best Cameras for Travel of 2023, According to Professional Photographers Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit