11 Camera Bags Any Photographer Would be Happy to Own
It doesn't matter if you're an amateur or professional, anyone with a nice camera needs a bag to protect their lenses — and it helps if it looks good, too. There are now so many quality bags on the market, it's hard to choose. Whether you want customizable organization, extra protection, or the kind of features that help you get that pro-level shot with your DSLR, you can get it. Sure, you still might need some practice on that end, but these 11 bags are a good place to start.
Thule Covert DSLR Messenger
From the makers of some of the smartest-designed car racks on the market comes a line of sleek camera bags parallel in design ingenuity.? The durable and water-resistant Covert series — which comes in four sizes from a four-lens sling to a roll top backpack — has a smart feature: padded origami-inspired removable dividers that customize to protect either the smallest piece of gear or largest lens and DSLR combination. Measuring 21.5 x 11 x 8.3 inches, their DSLR Messenger fits everything you need for a long trip, and its SafeZone interior section can be taken out of the bag, which makes packing faster and easier.
[$150; thule.com]
Pro Light Camera Backpack: 3N1-35 PL
This camera carrier works three-fold: carry it on your right shoulder, your left, or as a backpack. It comes equipped with an outer cover to protect from inclement weather when you're on assignment, or if you're just out on an intense photo-walk. And while it's little more than 4 pounds, it still has tons of space, including a side pocket to stash your camera or get to it quicker, spots for your wallet, laptop, and tripod.
[$220-$265; manfrotto.us]
Crumper's Haven Camera Pouch
The smallest Haven camera pouch (just under 8 x 9 x 4 inches) from Crumpler is made for the minimalist photographer, with a padded nylon interior that can still hold a DSLR and a lens, exterior pockets for your phone and memory cards, and a drawstring that eliminates any hassle. Its size makes it easy to store in a bag without worrying about any damage or pieces moving too much.
[$30; crumpler.com]
The Montgomery Street Backpack
This camera-carrying backpack comes straight out of Acme Made's Montgomery Street Collection, a simple and stylish line of cases and bags. The backpack can hold both a 13-inch laptop and a compact or DSLR camera. But its biggest selling points are the zipped side pocket for easier grab-and-snap access and the pack's FlexFold System, which allows you to push the interior compartments to the side to free up space.
[$100; acmemade.com]
Filson McCurry Sportsman
Made from durable, weather-resistant cotton with army-inspired aesthetics, Filson's Magnum Collection is a foursome of bags that are each as stylish as a camera bag can get. While they look good, these bags function, thanks to being designed in conjunction with two of Magnum's most adventurous shooters, National Geographic contributor Steve McCurry and migration photographer David Alan Harvey. From a pocket-flanked tote to a throw-back backpack, all four bags come equipped with smart camera-lugging features including protective modular storage systems and extra-long pocket flaps to deflect rain. Our favorite? The McCurry Sportsman, with eight spots and enough pockets to store all your gear.
[$245-$425; filson.com]
Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter e-Cubes
Eagle Creek have long been the experts on modular organization, making removable, soft-sided cubes dedicated to finding a spot for just about everything in your suitcase. In July, they launched the same type of system, but for your electronics, with their water-resistant, featherweight nylon ripstop fabric wrapped around padded cubbies. Stick your lenses or camera in your suitcase with less worry — or turn any backpack you already own into a camera hauler. Bonus: The fabric is translucent, so it’s easy to spot exactly what you need on the fly.
[$20-$38; eaglecreek.com]
Mountainsmith Descent Pack
What happens when you pair veteran outdoor pack makers with one of National Geographic’s top photographers? Five bags that are ready to hit any peak, any time, with your best equipment. Thanks to NG’s Andy Mann, Mountainsmith was able to create a line that more ergonomically disperses your heavy load and wraps it in highly abrasion-resistant, weather-ready fabric. We espeically like the one-strapped Descent pack, which makes it easy to swing the bag around to your chest for capturing those pesky, fleeting wildlife shots. There are even two spots to separate charged batteries from the dead ones.
[$100-$270; mountainsmith.com]
Timbuk2's Snoop Camera Messenger
Timbuk2's Snoop bag is a two-for-one steal: The 2.6-pound messenger has all the important separate storage for your lenses, cameras, and accessories, but it also includes some extra perks. The San-Francisco-based company created straps for a tripod on the bottom of the bag and a front pocket with a side zipper for your phone or another device that's protected from the elements, but still accessible without opening everything up again. Best of all, the interior compartment comes out, so it can easily switch into a classic messenger when you're off-duty.
[$169; timbuk2.com]
Ghurka's Rangefinder No. 57 Khaki Twill Camera Bag
Ghurka's leather and twill camera carrier looks just as classic as its well-known leather briefcases and luggage — and it gets the job done, too. The company's founder, Marley Hodgson, created the Rangefinder to store a Leica M camera. Today, you can store all of your gear, from lenses to batteries, in the organized interior or in one of the pockets surrounding the outside of the bag.
[$1,950; ghurka.com]
Zero Halliburton's Large Aluminum Camera Case
The aluminum cases from Zero Halliburton are built to withstand your most rugged trips. With an anodized aluminum shell, the case is built with foam to cushion your camera and gear on the inside. The large size measures 21 x 17 x 8 inches, and at 11 pounds, it's not the lightest camera case you'll find, but it'll feel like you're on a secret mission.
[$495; zerohalliburton.com]
