Camera Backpacks and Sling Bags

A good camera backpack or sling bag is a photographer’s best friend. There’s a reason that these are some of the most popular camera bags around – backpacks and sling bags allow you carry a good-sized camera and extra lenses and accessories in a safe, comfortable bag that’s hardy and secure.

Whether you’re shooting on small mirrorless cameras or toting a large DSLR camera, backpacks and sling bags offer a reliable way to keep your kit safe in all conditions. On this page, we’ll give you a brief introduction to what you need to know about camera and lens backpacks and sling bags.

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Backpacks and Sling Bags

There are a number of things to consider when buying a sling-style camera bag or DSLR backpack. Do you need it to be weather-resistant? Many backpacks are made with water-repellent material, and some also come with a pull-out rain cover for protection against torrential downpours.

It’s also worth thinking about how much camera gear you need to carry, as different bags carry different amounts. Some also have extra slots like a laptop compartment or a tripod holder, so it’s worth looking for a bag that fits your precise setup. 

The top camera backpack brands

There are loads of fantastic photo/camera backpack brands – we don’t have space to list them all! So with that in mind, here are a few of the key players it’s worth knowing about if you’re shopping for sling-style camera bags and backpacks.

Makers of premium camera kit, Billingham produces stylish, high-quality camera rucksacks designed to carry plenty of gear and look good while doing it. The main compartment of the Billingham Rucksack 25 is padded with 2.5cm-thick closed-cell foam, protecting your digital camera from knocks and bumps.

Though perhaps best known for tripods, Gitzo also makes exceptional backpacks. The Gitzo Adventury 30L and 45L are fantastic backpacks for outdoor adventurers – constructed from water-resistant material, and equipped with adjustable shoulder straps for long-term comfort.

Lowepro is one of the most prolific manufacturers of camera backpacks and sling bags – there are absolutely loads to choose from! The Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II Backpack is made for those who need a high-performance bag – as well as a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it can also handle a drone and a 360-degree camera! We also really rate the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW, a grey camera backpack equipped with a tripod holder and all-weather cover.

Manfrotto makes top-quality photo accessories of pretty much all types, including a great selection of hardy backpacks and svelte sling bags. The Manfrotto Pro Light FastTrack-8 Sling Bag is about the size of a camera case, and is great for carrying a small mirrorless model. For heftier setups, the Manfrotto Pro Light Bumblebee-130 PL Backpack is an excellent choice, with enough room for a camera and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.

Specialising in backpacks for hikers and trekkers, MindShift Gear makes bags that can carry a huge amount of gear, but are also comfortable to wear for extended periods. Its larger backpacks like the MindShift Gear rotation180 Professional Deluxe can carry everything a pro photographer needs.

The Peak Design bags like the Everyday Sling and Everyday Backpack are designed for just that – everyday use. Comfortable, stylish and capacious, they’ll allow you to take your gear wherever it needs to go, in all sorts of conditions. Ideal for travellers.

The Tenba range of hefty backpacks includes loads of weather-resistant products that can keep camera gear safe even through a torrential downpour. The Tenba Axis Tactical backpacks are made with a specially designed hydrophobic exterior, which actively repels water to keep the interior dry.

ThinkTank specialises in bags for air travel – some of its backpacks even convert to rolling bags, making them easy to wheel through an airport. The ThinkTank Airport Accelerator is able to hold two full-size DSLRs with battery grips, but still meets the majority of airline carry-on restrictions.

The Vanguard backpack range includes lots of specialised bags that could be perfect for you if you have a particular setup! For instance, the Vanguard Alta Sky 66 is designed specifically for telephoto lenses of 600mm or more. And there’s also the Vanguard Alta Sky 51D, which allows users to customise how much of the interior is devoted to camera gear, and how much for personal items.

WANDRD bags echo the design of fashionable backpacks favoured by creatives, and are ideal for keeping your gear relatively anonymous. The WANDRD PRVKE 21 is made of water-resistant tarpaulin that keeps gear safe from rain, and still looks great into the bargain.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between shoulder bags and sling bags?

These two types of bags both have one strap that is worn across the shoulder – so it’s understandable to get them confused! The main difference is that sling bags are designed to be more mobile – while shoulder bags (also called messenger bags) hang down by the waist, sling bags can be moved up and down the body, allowing you to quickly access your gear.

What are the best camera backpacks?

It totally depends on how much gear you have to carry, where you want to take the bag, and your budget! Take a look through our brand rundown above to get a feel for some of the options and see what’s right for you.

Do I need a backpack for my camera?

Not necessarily. We really rate camera backpacks as versatile bags that would suit more or less anyone, but there are lots of different types of camera bag, and perhaps a small camera pouch or a larger hard case would suit you better. It’s worth doing your research before taking the plunge.

What should you carry in a camera backpack?

Aside from the obvious – here’s a list of things we think every camera bag should contain:

• Spare batteries
• Memory cards
• Water bottle
• Lens cleaning wipes
• Power bank (for your phone)