I much prefer backpacks to side or messenger bags, they provide the best balance of support and capacity for me and all of my gadgets, including my camera. But another key consideration for me is security – how safely can I carry my goods around without having to worry about the weather or pickpockets. Here are five camera backpacks that do a great job for tech lovers and photographers.
Top Camera Backpacks – Manfrotto Pro Light 3N1-36
Buy the Manfrotto Pro Light 3N1-36 here for £159
- Internal dimensions 31 x 17 x 46.5 cm
- Max external dimensions 35 x 28 x 49 cm
- 2000g
- Tripod storage
- Nylon, RipStop Synthetic Fabric
A highly versatile camera backpack from Manfrotto, the Pro Light offers padded protection for everything from a DSLR, to a cine Camera, to a DJI Phantom drone. In typical Manfrotto fashion, this bag is covered in zip pockets and loops to secure accessories, such as tripods, monopods and filters, while also providing easy access to kit via its side compartments.
Removable and flexible dividers make it easy to arrange the bag to securely fit a range of kit as described above and it also has some great small, netted pockets for memory cards and valuables, as well as a 15″ laptop sleeve space.
There’s a trolley connector for slipping the backpack onto airport strollers and Manfrotto’s trademark rain protector is also included, with UV protection silver lining to deflect sunlight and protect gear from overheating.
I like the water-repellent and abrasion resistant finish of this backpack, but it’s very obviously a camera bag, which may put some off.
Top camera backpacks – RiutBag X25
Buy the RiutBag X25 here for £149
- Max external dimensions 55 x 20 x 35 cm
- 1280g
- Tripod and accessory loops
- Waterproof, abrasion resistant Cordura
Now this isn’t technically designed for cameras but I’ve found the RiutBag X25 has often been one of my go-to camera backpacks when travelling over the past couple of months.
Designed as a “convertible” slim day pack and travel pack, the X25 can be expanded to fit a great amount of kit in it. For example, I’ve packed it for a long weekend trip to include a DJI Mavic Pro, two mirrorless cameras, three lenses, all of my chargers, clothes and a 15″ laptop. The thing I enjoy most about this bag is the fact that it doesn’t scream “camera bag”. Its subtle design is focused on keeping your goods secure, with its suitcase-style opening, meaning nothing can be accessed unless you take it off and put it down. There’s two handy compartments for storing essentials and accessories at the bottom (D-pocket) and top of the backpack as well. I typically keep my liquids in the top zip pocket and my passport and keys in the D-pocket.
Inside the backpack’s main compartment there are large mesh pockets and a mesh divider keeping its contents even more secure. The laptop section zips as well, meaning it stays secure when not needed. There’s also a second sleeve area in this section for tablets or papers. Top quality, water and abrasion resistant materials are used for the body of the backpack and the straps and rear are covered in thick meshed foam for breathability and comfort. Attaching to an airport stroller is also easy, thanks to its strap on the rear.
Top camera backpacks – Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Buy the Peak Design Everyday Backpack for £229
- Max external dimensions 46 x 30 x 54 cm
- 2000g
- Numerous pockets and external anchoring points for connecting additional accessories
- Secure Maglatch system for quick expansion of bag capacity
- Rugged water-resistant material
Peak Design make some of my favourite bags and accessories and the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is no exception. Packed with smart security and photographer-centric features, this bag is the most technically advanced of the selection, providing innovative solutions to common niggles that you may have with your current camera backpack.
Made from Kodra fabric – the Korean version of Cordura – this backpack is both water and abrasion resistant, which makes it ideal for carrying your camera gear whatever the conditions are. There’s space inside for at least one DSLR + 3-4 lenses and possibly an additional compact system camera if you like to dual wield. But you won’t get much else in there, so you may need a separate bag if you want to carry clothes too. But there is a dedicated padded space for a laptop up to 15″ in size.
The bag’s unique Maglatch system is one of my favourite features as it allows you to securely increase the space in the bag for heavier loadouts and it clips in as well as being magnetised so that cannot be easily opened by a would-be thief. There are also foldable dividers and plenty of pockets for customising the interior and storing accessories. On the outside, Peak Design has placed four configurable straps, with anodised tension hooks and 10 discrete anchoring points, that allow you to attach heavier items, such as a tripod or another bag to the outside of the backpack. It also comes with a waist strap for extra support.
