Hey there, fellow travelers and photographers!

Venturing into all corners of the world, hiking, and backpacking with a camera in tow is one of the most rewarding experiences. But it is not just about having a good camera; having a reliable backpack to carry your gear and personal belongings is crucial. I used to carry two backpacks, which was a pain, so I set off to find the perfect photography and travel combination backpack that meets all my needs. Today, I will share the results of my search to help you find the right pack for your camera lens backpack needs.

In the interest of full transparency, this blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase any of the products recommended here through my links. This helps support the blog which allows me to continue providing free content. Rest assured, I only recommend products I have personally used, that my friends have used or believe would be beneficial for my readers. Thank you for your support!

Understanding Your Needs When Choosing a Photography Backpack

Before we jump into the features and considerations, let’s first assess what you truly need for your camera and lens backpack. Are you a minimalist photographer with a single camera and lens, or do you carry multiple lenses, a drone, and other accessories? Your choice of a backpack will largely depend on the amount and type of gear you plan to carry.

Key Considerations:

• Capacity and Compartments – Look for backpacks that offer a good balance of compartments for camera equipment and personal belongings. It should have ample space to carry your camera bodies, lenses, laptop, and other accessories, plus compartments for personal items.
• Customizable Dividers – A well-organized bag can save you time and hassle. Customizable dividers allow you to create separate compartments for each piece of equipment, preventing them from bumping against each other and ensuring quick access to whatever you need.
• Comfort – Since you will be carrying it for extended periods, your backpack should have padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to distribute weight evenly. A ventilated back panel can also be a boon in hot weather or running through an airport!
• Security – As a photographer, you will be carrying expensive equipment. Look for backpacks with antitheft features and hidden compartments to keep your gear safe from theft.
• Tripod Holder – A tripod holder is a hand feature to look for, allowing you to easily carry a tripod without occupying the internal space of the backpack.

Quickview Recommendations and What I Currently Use

Based on my experience, here are a few personal recommendations based on my continued research and ones that have served me well. However, all the backpacks below I would highly recommend based on research and fellow photographers’ use.

I currently use the Shimoda Action X50 for longer trips and could not be happier with it. I have adventured through many countries, several long hikes and backpacking adventures and it has been a workhorse.

I use my Osprey Atmos AG65 with camera cubes when doing long backpacking adventures.

I use the WANDRD PRVKE 31L for day trips.

QUICK VIEW

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DETAILS

Shimoda Action X70 HD Starter Kit Overview

• Shimoda Action X50 Starter Kit
  • The Shimoda Action X50 backpack is a high-capacity and rugged backpack designed for photographers and videographers who are constantly on the move in outdoor environments. It makes a great travel and camping back for photographers chasing sunrises in remote locations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its key features and attributes:
  • Design and Construction
    • Material: Crafted with robust materials that are resilient to harsh weather conditions, offering durability and protection for your gear.
    • Weather Resistance: The backpack is designed to provide excellent weather resistance, safeguarding your equipment from elements like rain and dust, typically featuring a reliable rain cover.
    • Modular Design: The Action X50 HD Starter Kit comes with a modular core unit system which allows you to customize the interior of the bag to suit your specific gear setup.
  • Storage and Capacity
    • High Capacity: As indicated by its name, the X50 has a substantial capacity of 50 liters, making it suitable for storing a considerable amount of gear along with personal belongings for extended trips.
    • Versatile Compartments: The backpack features adjustable compartments that can comfortably house camera bodies, multiple lenses, and other accessories.
    • Expandable Roll-Top – The roll-top can expand with a volume range of 7 liters so the bag can be adjusted for your gear needs while maintaining a tight and compact fit.
    • Laptop Sleeve and Pocket: In addition to the rear laptop pocket, it also includes a padded front sleeve for a larger 16″ laptop.
  • Comfort and Usability
    • Comfortable Straps: Designed with adjustable padded shoulder straps and a supportive adjustable hip belt (removable) to distribute weight evenly, facilitating comfort during long hauls.
    • Breathable Back Panel: Features a back panel that promotes air circulation, preventing sweat accumulation and ensuring comfort during long treks.
    • Easy Access: The design prioritizes easy access to equipment, with multiple access points allowing you to quickly grab your camera or lens without having to take the backpack off.
  • Security
    • Secure Pockets: Includes pockets that are designed to secure smaller, valuable items, safeguarding them during travel.
    • Hidden Tracking Device Sleeve: A hidden sleeve holds a personal tracking device so you always know where your pack is.
  • Additional Features
    • Tripod Holder: A removable tripod pouch allows for easy transportation of your tripod, freeing up internal space for other equipment.
    • Hydration Reservoir Sleeve: Accommodates a hydration reservoir, making it a suitable companion for long hikes where staying hydrated is essential.
    • Expandable Pockets: Features expandable pockets that can accommodate additional items like water bottles or even a jacket, providing extra storage space when needed.
    • Other Good Stuff: Helmet holder, TPU ski straps, Ice Axe Loops, and 12 accessory mounting points.
  • Conclusion
    • The Shimoda Action X50 HD backpack is a reliable choice for outdoor photographers and videographers, offering an impressive blend of capacity, durability, and customization options. It stands as a rugged companion ready to endure the demands of adventurous photography expeditions.
    • Before making a purchase, ensure to align the features of this backpack with your personal needs and the nature of your photography expeditions.

Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 55L AW III Bag Overview

• The Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 55L AW III
  • The Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 55L AW III is a well-crafted backpack, combining substantial storage space with rugged durability, designed specifically for photographers who venture into wild and remote locations. Here is an in-depth look at its key features and attributes:
  • Design and Construction
    • Material: Built with high-quality, robust materials, this backpack is designed to endure the rigors of adventurous outdoor photography without succumbing to wear and tear. Bonus it is made of up to 85% recycled fabric.
    • Weather Resistance: Equipped with a built-in All Weather AW Cover™, the bag offers enhanced protection against harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and dust, keeping your gear safe and dry.
    • Streamlined Design: Despite its high capacity, the backpack maintains a streamlined design that doesn’t compromise on mobility and comfort.
  • Storage and Capacity
    • High Capacity: With a generous 55-liter capacity, this backpack can house a comprehensive photography kit alongside personal belongings, making it suitable for multi-day trips.
    • Customizable Interior: The interior of the bag features a customizable compartment system, allowing you to securely store and organize a variety of camera bodies, lenses, and accessories.
    • Dedicated Pockets: Incorporates a dedicated compartment for safely storing a laptop and tablet, offering easy access and additional protection against impacts.
  • Comfort and Usability
    • Comfortable Carry System: The backpack boasts a comfortable ActivLift™ harness system with torso length adjustment, built to provide a comfortable fit and weight distribution, minimizing strain during long hikes.
    • Breathable Back Panel: Features a back panel that offers targeted comfort and breathability, making it easier to carry the bag for extended periods without discomfort.
    • Multiple Access Points: Designed with multiple access points, facilitating quick and easy access to your gear without needing to remove the backpack entirely.
  • Additional Features
    • Hydration Reservoir Sleeve: Includes a provision to house a hydration reservoir, making it a suitable companion for long hikes where staying hydrated is essential.
    • Tripod Holder: Incorporates a tripod holder for easy transportation of your tripod, ensuring it doesn’t occupy vital internal space.
    • Expandable Pockets: Features expandable pockets that can hold additional items, offering flexibility and extra storage space when needed.
    • Sleeping Bag Compartment: Dedicated space for storing your sleeping bag.
    • Conclusion
      • The Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 70 AW III stands as a reliable and robust choice for outdoor photographers and adventurers, offering a remarkable amalgamation of capacity, durability, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended expedition, this backpack promises to be a trustworthy companion.
      • Before purchasing, evaluate its features against your personal needs and the nature of your photography excursions.

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 Overview

• Peak Design Travel Backpack 45
  • The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 is a versatile, high-quality backpack tailored for both photographers and regular travelers. This well-designed backpack adapts to your needs, whether you’re heading out for a photo shoot or traveling the world. You will need to buy separately the Peak Design Camera Cube for secure camera storage. Here is an insight into its features and specifications:
  • Design and Construction
    • Material: Built with high-quality, weatherproof materials, this backpack promises durability and protection for your equipment against various environmental conditions.
    • Expandable Design: Initially offering a 35L capacity, it can expand to 45L to accommodate more gear or personal items, making it a versatile choice for different kinds of trips.
    • Aesthetically Pleasing: Beyond functionality, the backpack boasts a modern and aesthetically pleasing design, making it a stylish companion for your travels.
  • Storage and Capacity
    • Flexible Capacity: The backpack provides a flexible capacity, with the ability to expand or contract depending on your storage needs, making it adaptable for both short and long trips.
    • Dividable Interior: The internal divider sleeve zips up to create two compartments when needed. Fits camera cubes in an un-expanded state, and allows quick side access to cameras and lenses.
    • Dedicated Laptop Sleeve: Houses a separate sleeve that can safely store up to a 15-inch laptop and a tablet, offering protection and easy access.
  • Comfort and Usability
    • Ergonomic Straps: Designed with ergonomic shoulder and waist straps that distribute weight evenly, ensuring comfort even during long journeys.
    • Breathable Back Panel: Incorporates a back panel that promotes ventilation, reducing sweat and discomfort during extended periods of wear.
    • Easy Access Compartments: Offers various access points, including a back panel that allows for quick retrieval of your gear without having to remove the backpack entirely.
  • Security
    • Secure Storage: Equipped with secure theft-deterrent zippers and two external zip pockets for cash, passport, etc.
  • Additional Features
    • External Carry Straps: Features external carry straps that can hold additional items.
    • Side Pockets: Hugely expandable for water bottles, tripods, and more.
  • Conclusion
    • The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 stands as an excellent choice for individuals who are looking for a flexible and stylish backpack that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Whether you are a photographer or a traveler, this backpack adapts to your needs, providing a reliable, comfortable, and secure storage solution.
    • Before making a purchase, align its features with your personal requirements and the kind of trips you usually undertake.

Shimoda Action Explore V2 35 Starter Kit Overview

• Shimoda Action Explore V2 35
  • The Shimoda Action Explore V2 35 is a part of Shimoda’s reputed line of adventure photography backpacks, designed to blend functionality with comfort for photographers on the move. Here’s a closer look at its key features and attributes:
  • Design and Construction
    • Material: Like its counterparts in the Shimoda range, the Explore V2 35 is crafted using durable materials that can withstand the harsh conditions often encountered during outdoor shoots.
    • Weather Resistance: This backpack offers superior weather resistance to protect your valuable gear from rain, dust, and other adverse environmental conditions. Its materials and zippers are designed to keep the elements out.
    • Improved Version: As a version 2 product, it incorporates feedback from the original model, enhancing both functionality and durability.
  • Storage and Capacity
    • Moderate Capacity: With a 35-liter capacity, it provides sufficient space to carry essential photography gear along with personal belongings for a day or a weekend trip.
    • Modular Core Units: The backpack houses a system of adjustable core units that allow for customization of the storage space to suit different configurations of camera bodies, lenses, and accessories.
    • Laptop and Tablet Sleeve: Includes a separate, padded compartment to store a laptop or tablet safely, protecting it from bumps and shocks.
  • Comfort and Usability
    • Ergonomic Straps: The backpack features adjustable shoulder straps that are padded for comfort, along with a hip belt that helps in evenly distributing the weight, making it easier to carry for extended periods.
    • Ventilated Back Panel: A breathable back panel helps to prevent excessive sweating during long hikes, offering a comfortable experience.
    • Quick Access Points: Designed with multiple access points to provide quick and convenient access to your gear without the need to remove the backpack completely.
  • Security
    • Secure Storage: The backpack offers secure storage with hidden compartments to safeguard your valuable documents from potential theft.
  • Additional Features
    • Tripod Holder: An integrated tripod holder allows you to carry a tripod conveniently without occupying precious internal space
    • Hydration Reservoir Sleeve: Like the X70, it also accommodates a hydration reservoir, ensuring that you can stay hydrated during long hikes or shoots.
    • Expandable Pockets: Features expandable pockets that can hold additional items, offering flexibility in storage and ensuring that you have everything you need within arm’s reach.
  • Conclusion
    • The Shimoda Action Explore V2 35 stands as a compact yet versatile choice for photographers who are looking for a blend of comfort and functionality. Its moderate capacity and customizable interior make it a suitable companion for both day trips and weekend adventures, ensuring your gear stays protected and organized throughout your journey.
    • Before making a purchase, ensure to align the features of this backpack with your personal needs and the nature of your photography expeditions.

Nomatic McKinnon 35L Camera Pack Overview

• Nomatic McKinnon 35L Camera Pack
  • The Nomatic McKinnon 35L Camera Pack, designed in collaboration with renowned photographer Peter McKinnon, is a versatile and feature-packed backpack specifically designed to meet the needs of photographers and videographers alike. Let’s get into its various attributes:
  • Design and Construction
    • Material: The backpack is crafted with durable, high-quality materials that offer excellent resistance against water and wear, safeguarding your gear in various environments.
    • Expandable Design: Initially providing a 35-liter capacity, it can expand to accommodate additional items, making it adaptable for trips of varying durations.
    • Modern Aesthetics: The pack sports a sleek, modern design that doesn’t just offer functionality but also complements the style of modern creatives.
  • Storage and Capacity
    • Versatile Capacity: With a base capacity of 35 liters, expandable to offer additional space, the pack suits both day trips and extended adventures, adapting to your storage needs.
    • Customizable Compartments: The interior of the pack features a modular design, with customizable compartments that can snugly house different sizes and types of camera gear.
    • Laptop and Tablet Sleeve: Equipped with a dedicated sleeve to hold a laptop (up to 16″) and a tablet securely, offering easy access and protection against bumps and knocks.
  • Comfort and Usability
    • Comfortable Straps: The backpack is fitted with ergonomic straps that offer excellent support and distribute weight evenly, minimizing strain during long journeys.
    • Breathable Back Panel: Features a back panel that is not only padded for comfort but also facilitates airflow, reducing sweat and discomfort during prolonged use.
    • Quick-Access Compartments: Designed with multiple quick-access compartments, allowing for swift retrieval of gear without the need to remove the backpack, enhancing your workflow in the field.
  • Security
    • RFID Safe Pocket: Includes an RFID safe pocket to securely store sensitive items like passports and credit cards, safeguarding them from unauthorized scans and potential identity theft.
  • Additional Features
    • External Attachment Points: Offers multiple external attachment points that can hold various items such as tripods, water bottles, or even a drone, enhancing the backpack’s versatility.
    • Tripod Holder: The backpack integrates a well-designed tripod holder that allows for convenient and secure transportation of your tripod without occupying interior space.
  • Conclusion
    • The Nomatic McKinnon 35L Camera Pack stands as a highly functional and stylish choice for photographers and videographers seeking a reliable companion for their adventures. Its blend of versatility, comfort, and security features make it a worthy investment for individuals looking to enhance their outdoor photography experience.
    • As always, before making a purchase, align the pack’s features with your personal requirements and the nature of your typical photography expeditions.

Wandrd PRVKE 31L Camera Pack Overview

• WANDRD PRVKE 31L Camera Pack
  • The WANDRD PRVKE 31L pack has been a favorite choice among photographers and travelers alike, renowned for its innovative design and functionality. Let’s get into the various features that make it a standout option:
  • Design and Construction
    • Material: The backpack is crafted using high-quality, water-resistant materials that offer durability and protection for your gear against different environmental conditions.
    • Aesthetically Pleasing: The PRVKE 31L boasts a modern, minimalistic design that is both stylish and functional, making it a great companion for both urban and wild landscapes.
    • Roll-Top Design: The unique roll-top design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also allows for variable storage capacity, expanding to accommodate extra gear when necessary.
  • Storage and Capacity
    • Spacious Interiors: With a base capacity of 31 liters, it offers ample space to carry a substantial amount of gear, including camera equipment and personal items.
    • Customizable Compartments: The backpack comes with customizable, padded compartments that can securely house various types of photography equipment, including lenses, camera bodies, and other accessories.
    • Laptop and Tablet Sleeve: Features a dedicated sleeve that can comfortably fit a laptop (up to 15 inches) and a tablet, providing protection and easy access during travels.
  • Comfort and Usability
    • Comfortable Harness System: The backpack features an ergonomic harness system with well-padded shoulder straps and a waist belt that helps to distribute weight evenly, ensuring comfort even during extended use.
    • Breathable Back Panel: It incorporates a breathable back panel that facilitates proper airflow, reducing the likelihood of sweat and discomfort during long journeys.
    • Quick Side Access: Designed with a quick side access point that allows for swift retrieval of camera gear, enhancing efficiency and workflow when on the move.
  • Security
    • Secure Storage: The backpack offers secure storage with a hidden larger pocket for things like passports, credit cards, cash, or other valuable documents.
  • Additional Features
    • Removable Camera Cube: Features a removable camera cube that offers the flexibility to use the backpack as a regular travel bag, adapting to your changing needs.
    • Water Bottle/Tripod Pocket: Includes a versatile pocket that can hold either a water bottle or a tripod, providing convenience and optimizing space utilization.
    • Accessory Straps: Comes with accessory straps that can be used to attach additional items to the exterior of the bag, enhancing its carrying capacity.
  • Conclusion
    • The WANDRD PRVKE 31L backpack emerges as a well-rounded choice for individuals seeking a combination of style, functionality, and reliability in a camera pack. Its versatile features and customizable storage solutions make it a worthy investment for photographers and travelers who require a pack that can adapt to a variety of situations.
    • Before making a purchase, ensure to evaluate its features against your requirements and the demands of your photography or travel ventures.

Conclusion

Selecting the right backpack is an integral part of your photography and travel journey. It needs to be a well-considered balance of functionality, durability, and security. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect companion for your travels. Stay tuned for more tips and happy shooting!

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Inside my Camera Bag – Over the years, my camera bag has evolved from a modest pouch to a backpack with some of the best tools of the trade. But remember, while I share the contents of my current camera bag, this isn’t about brand worship or the newest, shiniest gear. It’s about what works – in the field, in the moment, for the stories I need to tell.

The Gear Guide page provides my favorite gear for photography, travel, backpacking, hiking, and car camping!