Your camera is probably the most valuable travel accessory you carry around with you–and we don’t just mean money-wise.
Sure, you’ve invested quite a bit into buying a nice DSLR body and at least a couple of lenses to make sure you are always prepared to take the perfect shot, and that’s all great. But the real value in your camera is that it holds snippets of your dream vacation, turned into memories you can enjoy long after you’re back home.
So if you’re going to be spending hours walking around with expensive gear, why not do it in style? (Without sacrificing solid protection, of course.) Here’s the problem with some camera bags nowadays: they all look the same. And honestly, dark nylon fabrics in cuboid shapes do not look remotely chic.
So instead, consider a bag that matches your outfit and personal style. There are a lot of great options on the market—from high-quality leather messenger bags that will fit pretty much all of your photo equipment to smaller crossbody purses perfect for carrying point-and-shoot or instant cameras.
And although their exteriors will catch your eye, what they offer inside will equally impress. Expect easily-accessible pockets and compartments that will make sure your gear stays securely in place while you’re on the go as well as sturdy construction and padding for added protection. You can also choose from a variety of price points to match your budget.
Here, we rounded up the chicest camera bags for both men and women to take on your next trip.
ONA The Palma Satchel
This bag is proof that less is more. A simple yet stylish exterior hand crafted with high-quality leather gives way to a fully padded, customizable interior that fits a lot more than just a camera. Bonus: there’s an additional front pocket for your tablet.
To buy: $329
Purple Relic
Want to add a pop of color to your outfit? This canary yellow handbag will do that and then some. The removable, multi-compartment, padded insert provides protection for your photo gear when you need it. You can carry the bag by the handles, or over the shoulder for extra comfort.
To buy: $78
CaiulBasic Instax Mini Bag
How cute is this mini leather purse? Created with Fujifilm Instax cameras in mind, it also fits most Polaroid instant cameras. The two outside zipped pockets are perfect to hold your personal belongings or an extra pack of instant film.
To buy: $24
See by Chloe ‘Patti” camera Bag
This boho-inspired camera bag is the ultimate cool girl accessory. Made from sheepskin leather, the Patti has an adjustable crossbody strap and will fit most point-and-shoot cameras. Even though it comes in black, too, we love the bold colors of this version in Passito.
To buy: $420
Rebecca Minkoff MAB Camera Bag
We fell in love with this metallic leather bag the second we saw it. The design is both elegant and fun thanks to the tassel accents on the wraparound top zipper. The bag’s interior is fully lined and the flat base provides a stable structure for your point-and-shoot camera.
To buy: $123
Sakroots Seni Camera Bag
The stud details and the colorful strap on this bag give it a fun, casual look. The two roomy inside pockets will fit a lot more than just a camera, so you won’t need to bring an additional purse with you for the rest of your belongings.
To buy: $78
KutiLeather Camera Bag
This “doctor bag” handmade from vegetable leather is all you need for your next trip to Europe. Check out the cool strap detailing on the side. It was designed with compact mirrorless cameras in mind and can fit an extra lens or two. The padded interior will make sure your valuable gear is always protected.
To buy: $175
Topixdeals camera Bag
This waterproof over-the-shoulder bag will make sure your camera stays dry from the elements while keeping you looking stylish. The padded compartment fits a standard size camera body plus a lens while the magnetic snap closure ensures easy and fast access to your gear.
To buy: $22
Kelly Moore Austin Camera bag
The Austin bag is crafted from abrasion- and water-resistant vegan leather and comes with two removable shoulder straps. One is 15-inches-long and the second one is 46 inches and can be adjusted. A removable, padded basket with two dividers will ensure your photo equipment stays securely in place, while the additional inside pockets protect your personal belongings.
To buy: $199
Portage Supply Co Camera Bag
This leather and wool felt camera bag oozes a vintage vibe that’s also so chic. The padded, felt interior will keep your camera protected, and there’s an inside pocket for your phone or a passport. This bag may be on the smaller side (it’s 7-inches-wide and 6-inches-deep), but it fits most SLR and point-and-shoot cameras.
To buy: $79
ZLYC camera bag
Simple design and clean lines go a long way. You can pair this bag with pretty much any outfit and it will look just as sleek. Its features are also impressive—it is handmade from high quality leather so each bag is unique, a removable and adjustable 50-inch strap guarantees comfort, and even with the padded insert there’s still room left for your belongings.
To buy: $79
BUILT Camera Bag
Headed to a rainy destination? Opt for this navy blue, neoprene bag to make sure your valuables stay dry. It is water- and stain-resistant and provides you with plenty of room for your gear: it comes with adjustable dividers and has six interior pockets, plus a padded shoulder strap.
To buy: $75
Poler Wildwood Pack
Just because you’re headed for a weekend in the mountains doesn’t mean you can’t look nice, right? This backpack from Poler will amp up the cool factor on your hiking outfit while protecting your photo equipment. The customizable, padded camera inserts in the bottom half can be adjusted to meet your needs while the roomy upper compartment will fit all of your personal essentials.
To buy: $53
