Best Camera Bags in 2023 – 8+ Fashionable and Functional Camera Backpacks That Are a Content Creator’s Dream
Top Small to Mid-Sized Camera Bags Perfect For Content Creators & Influencers
Capturing moments and bringing ideas to life are at the center of our hearts as content creators.
We can’t have anything holding us back to create.
When it comes to camera bags, there’s no question that they need to be super functional and practical.
But of course, we just looove when they look good as well.
Minimal aesthetics, high-quality materials, and balanced colors are a must.
Additional to functionality of course, not instead.
We are so lucky that more and more companies get that.
They design camera backpacks, dedicated camera bags, and sling bags which combine both: Functionality and a cute style.
Say goodbye to clunky and uninspiring bags; it’s time to embrace the new era of stylish camera bags.
If you’re on the search for a stylish camera bag, keep reading!
I’ve done the research for you so that the only thing you are left to do is scrol through this list and pick your favorites.
Here are the top small to mid-sized camera bags that will make your heart happy as a creative:
Best Camera Bags for Creators
Flexible Everyday Bag | Peak Design Everyday Totepack
Small Camera Backpack | ONA Bags The Monterey
City Camera Bag | Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack
Most Stylish Sling Bag | ONA Bags The Rockway
Top Camera Backpack in 2023 | WANDRD PRVKE
Small, for the City | Peak Design Everyday Sling
Best for a Mid-Sized Kit | Nomatic McKinnon
Large Volume | Langly Weekender Backpack
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.
The best camera gear backpacks and bags for creators in 2024
These dedicated camera bags offer so much more than functionality – they are highly practical and stylish at the same time!
By the way:
I love that the shown camera bags come in more than the typical black color. That’s why the photos in this article mostly show the lighter color options.
BUT
If you prefer black: Almost every of those bags is also available in black! 😉
Best Flexible Everyday Bag / Camera Bag: Peak Design Everyday Totepack
This bag is a true allrounder:
From everyday tote bag to travel backpack. With camera gear or without.
To organize camera gear, there are organizers (FlexFold dividers) that allow you to create compartments.
There’s a top and two side access zippers.
The bag comes in white with leather details, and in black.
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
What Fits
- 1 full-frame / DSLR camera, lens attached
- 1-3 additional lenses
- 15” laptop
- personal every day carry items
This video shows a detailed walk-through with a real-life example of what fits inside the Peak Design Everyday Totepack: Peak Design Everyday Totepack Review
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
Pros
- Flexible compartments: movable dividers
- Quick access to everything inside the bag (over the 2 side access zippers)
- Quick access compartment on the outside, with organizers inside, for smaller items
- Wear it as a backpack (with shoulder straps) or as a tote bag (shoulder straps tucked away)
- Thought-though practical details, such as looks and the additional mountable front straps
- Sleek and stylish, in neutral colors
Cons
- [This con counts for all side access bags in this list:] You will have to be aware of pickpockets in crowded places (downside of the practical side access and outside quick access compartment)
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
My opinion
I love how Peak Design think through every detail and make their camera bags so incredibly useful.
I would definitely use this bag in my every day, or as a carry-on / day pack on trips where I plan to shoot.
Best Small Dedicated Camera Backpack: ONA Bags The Monterey
This camera backpack by ONA brings vintage vibes!
The design with a mix of canvas and leather is classic and beautiful.
The Monterey backpack fits a small to mid-sized set of camera equipment, in the dedicated gear compartment.
photo credits: ONA Bags
What Fits
- 1-2 camera bodies, lens attached
- 1-6 additional lenses
- 14” Laptop
- personal every day carry items
This video shows what fits inside the ONA Monterey, based on a real-life example: ONA Monterey Review
photo credits: ONA Bags
Pros
- Dedicated gear compartment, with front access
- Flexible compartments: Movable dividers
- Sturdy photography equipment padding in the main compartment
- Make it a normal backpack: You can fold down the gear compartment dividers and use the backpack as an everyday backpack
- Compact size
Cons
- Doesn’t fully close and protect the camera compartment from the outside (not the right fit for rainy weather)
- Fixed-size: This bag doesn’t allow rolling up or add straps to the outside
- ONA is the most expensive brand on this list (one of the reasons for sure is the high-quality leather which comes at a cost)
photo credits: ONA Bags
My opinion
I appreciate the classic look of this bag and its beautiful materials – waxed canvas and leather. It’s definitely a refreshing design, compared to the alternatives in nylon, and will make a good accessory in front of the camera 😉
Best City Camera Bag: Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack
This is your perfect camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag!
It has a large camera compartment with front access.
Another cool fact about this stylish bag: It comes in so many color options.
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
What Fits
- 1-2 camera bodies, lens attached
- 2-4 additional lenses (or less + a drone)
- gear accessories
- tripod
- 16” laptop
- personal every day carry items
- up to 1 day’s worth of clothes
This video gives a real-life example from a content creator using the Brevite Jumper backpack: Brevite Jumper Review
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
Pros
- Dedicated gear compartment, with front access
- Sturdy photography gear padding in the main compartment
- Flexibility: Movable dividers
- Quick access to everything inside the bag (over the side access zippers)
- Quick access compartment on the outside, with organizers inside, for smaller items
- Bottle holder (can be used as a tripod holder)
- Straps to attach extra items (jacket / tripod / …) to the bottom
- Luggage pass-through
- Machine washable
- Many colors
Cons
- Not as sturdy and stiff as other backpacks and bags in this list
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
My opinion
The Brevite Jumper is one of the most mentioned option in best camera bags lists at the moment.
I love that it’s a full-on camera backpack for a mid-sized camera kit that looks like an everyday backpack, and I appreciate the many color options – very refreshing, especially if you’re looking for something different than black or grey!
Definitely a good camera bag option.
Most Stylish Sling Bag: ONA Bags The Rockway
This sling bag is made for on-the-go shooting:
You carry it across and can swing it to your back when shooting.
If you’re not into leather, there’s a waxed canvas option in grey.
photo credits: ONA Bags
What Fits
- 1 full-frame / DSLR camera body, small lens attached
- 1 additional lens
- essential everyday carry items (phone, wallet, keys. + Small water bottle if you have a small camera kit)
- Review video with a practical example of what fits inside the ONA Rockway: ONA Rockway Review
photo credits: ONA Bags
Pros
- Fast access to the camera
- Sturdy photo gear padding in the main compartment
- Flexible compartments: movable dividers
- Quick access compartment on the outside
- Small & lightweight kit
Cons
- The leather adds a bit of extra weight to this sling bag (go for the canvas option if you’re looking for the most lightweight option)
- ONA is the most expensive brand on this list (one of the reasons for sure is the high-quality leather which comes at a cost). So if you’re looking for the best-priced ONA bag, go for The Rockway in canvas rather than the leather version
-
photo credits: ONA Bags
My opinion
I love love love this bag layout!
Especially for city trips. For my first years of travel, I used a very similar bag.
It’s so easy to grab the camera on the go and put it back in.
And the small size forces you to be selective about what you bring – your shoulders and back will thank you 😉
The best-designed sling bags I’ve seen and the perfect camera bag for a very minimal kit.
Top Recommended Camera Backpack in 2024: WANDRD PRVKE Lite Camera Backpack
This is the top recommended camera bag out there at the moment!
Seriously, it’s on every best camera bags 2023 list 😉
This one’s the lite, smallest option of this backpack (11 liters) which will be best for everyday use with a small camera kit and some extra space for personal items.
But there’s 2 larger options if you’re looking for a full carry-on backpack for travels.
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
What Fits
- 1 camera, lens attached
- 3-6 lenses (or less + a drone)
- water bottle or small tripod
- gear accessories
- 14” laptop
- personal every day carry items
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
Pros
- Roll-top for additional space
- Duffle bag handles
- removable chest strap
- Flexible compartments: movable dividers
- Dedicated gear compartment
- Sturdy photography equipment padding in the main compartment
- Easy access to everything inside the bag (over the side access zipper)
- Make it a normal backpack: You can fold down the gear compartment dividers and use the backpack as an everyday backpack
- Thought-though practical details, such as the fast access fleece-lined compartment and the many pockets in the main compartment
- 7 color options
- 3 Additional size options
Cons
- No strap to secure a tripod inside the side bottle/tripod holder
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
My opinion
This backpack combines city vibes with everything you can dream of in a camera bag.
I love how thought-through the compartments are – everything you want to carry day to day will find its space.
Bonus points for the 3 size options, that’s just genius and makes the WANDRD PRVKE the perfect camera backpack!
Review video: WANDRD PRVKE review
Best Small Camera Bag for the City: Peak Design Everyday Sling
If you’re looking for an on-the-go case for a small to mid-sized camera, the Everyday Sling bag by Peak Design might be what you are looking for.
You wear it cross-body. This makes the camera accessible really easy and fast.
There are 3 different sizes; the smallest fitting only a camera and essential personal items, while the largest version stores a larger setup, including a small laptop (but is more like a normal laptop bag than a small sling).
photo credits: Moment
What Fits
The smallest size – Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag 3 liters
- 1 camera, lens attached
- essential everyday carry items (phone, wallet, keys, …)
- Here is a real-life example from a street photographer: Peak Design Everyday Sling review
The medium size – Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag 6 liters, additionally
- 1-2 lenses or drone
- tablet
- additional personal everyday carry items
The large size – Peak Design Everyday Sling Bag 10 liters, additionally
- 13′ laptop (instead of tablet)
- additional personal everyday carry items
photo credits: Moment
Pros
- compact size
- Flexible compartments: movable divider(s)
- Sturdy photography gear padding
- Quick access
- 3 size options
- straps to attach extra items (jacket / tripod / …) to the bottom
Cons
- small extra compartment for personal items
photo credits: Moment
My opinion
If you want to have a dedicated small camera bag that doesn’t scream camera bag from across the street, the peak design everyday sling bag is a good option.
It packs everything you need to get around the city to photograph. And it’s small enough to pack in a bigger backpack on a larger trip.
The Peak Design Everyday Sling bags are the top recommended photo gear sling bags that are out there at the moment.
PS:
The Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag is another good and slightly larger option and one of the coolest-looking messenger bags out there.
Best Camera Gear Backpack for Travels With a Mid-Sized Kit: Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack
This backpack is your go-to if you carry camera gear in your every day and of course a really good option for travels. Especially if you have a mid-size or larger-sized camera.
It’s designed in close collaboration with a photography / videography youtuber so it definitely has everything a content creator can wish for!
This video shows a walk-through of the backpack with Peter McKinnon, the creator who co-designed the bag (walk-through starts at 5:30): Nomatic MCKinnon Camera Pack walk-through
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
What Fits
- 1 camera body, lens attached
- 1-2 additional lenses (or less + a drone)
- water bottle
- small tripod
- gear accessories
- 16” laptop
- personal every day carry items
photo credits: Moment
Pros
- Thought-through details
- Flexible compartments: movable dividers
- Make it a normal backpack: You can fold down the gear compartment dividers (ladder system) to make the camera compartment smaller or use the backpack as an everyday backpack
- Sturdy photo gear padding in the main compartment
- Quick access to your camera (over the side access zipper)
- Quick access compartment on the outside, with organizers inside, for smaller items
- Sleek and clean design
- Perfect for travel with the luggage pass-through
- Dedicated gear compartments (numerous mesh pockets)
- 2 (!) Bottle holders (can be used as a tripod holder)
- There’s a larger option of this backpack if you have a larger gear set (35 liter)
Cons
- No side access
- Many review videos mention how the tripod straps are not 100% reliable and can get loose or un-hook
photo credits (photos in this collage): Moment
My opinion
I bought the larger version of this backpack (Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35 liter) in the Kickstarter campaign and find it too heavy and bulky to carry on my back while exploring. This smaller version is the answer to this feedback (I was definitely not the only one who found it too big) and it’s my absolute dream camera backpack!
It will still fit my camera gear set with ease and would be the perfect travel companion.
Best Camera Backpack With a Large Volume: Langly Weekender Backpack with Camera Cube
The Langly Weekender is the largest photography equipment-specific backpack on this list!
With its camera cube that fits a camera body with multiple lenses, it’s one of the best camera bags for a shooting day (in terms of spaciousness).
And without the camera cube, you have a spacious backpack for a weekend trip.
photo credits (photos in this collage): Langly
What Fits
- 1-2 Full Frame / DSLR camera bodies, lens attached
- 2-4 additional lenses (or less + a drone)
- camera accessories
- 13′ Laptop
- water bottle
- small tripod
- personal every day carry items
photo credits (photos in this collage): Langly
Pros
- Removable camera cube (can be fully closed outside the backpack)
- Sturdy photography gear padding in the camera cube
- Movable dividers inside the camera cube
- Front access to the main compartment (with camera cube)
- Make it a normal backpack: You can fold down the gear compartment dividers and use the backpack as an everyday backpack
- Quick access compartment on the outside
- Bottle holder (can be used as a tripod holder for small tripods)
- Roll-top
Cons
- No fast access to the camera (e.g. over side access pockets)
photo credits (photos in this collage): Langly
My opinion
For an everyday camera backpack, I think this backpack is not the most suitable. There is no fast access, and the camera cube takes quite a lot of space if you don’t max it out with gear.
BUT if you’re going on trips where you need a spacious backpack for carry-on and day trips, you might love this bag layout!
It gives you all the space and flexibility you will need.
I hope this list helps you to find the absolute best camera bag that you truly love for its functionality and style!
Questions to ask yourself
Camera Backpacks
What is my minimum and maximum camera gear kit?
Defining your minimal camera gear kit (maybe for the everyday) and your maximal camera kit (for a dedicated shoot) helps you think through the compartment distribution and check if everything fits.
Tip: Watch a few review videos where you see people filling their backpack with their gear. You can compare your kit to theirs and get a better understanding if it will fit.
What is important using my kit? How will I use it?
Are you on the go and need access to your camera fast?
Do you often travel and would like a pickpocket save backpack (meaning that side access will be your nightmare in crowded places)?
Will you want a jacket / sweater or any other items you need during the day in your backpack?
Do you often go out into nature and need a waist strap?
Consider all your activities and reflect what type of gear you like or don’t like that you currently use.
What do I need in the everyday?
In the everyday life you might need some totally different features than for a dedicated shoot on travels.
Do you need to fit a laptop, gym clothes and shoes, or your groceries a few times a week?
If you’re using your backpack as an everyday allrounder, think through your week and what backpacks / bags you usually use for your activities.
How do I travel? What will I need in a backpack?
Will you want to use this backpack on your travels?
If yes, think through how you usually travel:
Will this backpack double as a carry-on? Will you need to put it into your suitcase?
How are you getting around at destination? – A road trip with short stops will require a different setup than a city trip by train where you’re always carrying everything with you for the day.
Will I need 1 or more bags?
It’s possible that you will not find the perfect bag for your everyday and for hiking up a volcano.
Maybe you need 2 bags that fit 2 completely different scenarios better than an all-rounder trade off..?
Think through where it serves you to combine and where you might need different bags to best cover what you need and how you like to work.
Best camera bags in 2024 – fashionable and functional camera backpacks that are a content creator’s dream
by Corinne
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