Best Camera Bag for Travel 2020- Top Camera Bags for Traveling Photographers

Cameras are the most expensive and valuable collections of a photographer. These collections of expensive cameras, lenses, and drones need to be secured and protected at all times. These can only be achieved by having the best camera travel bag. There are different factors to consider while shopping for a camera travel bag. As a traveling photographer, you will need to consider factors such as budget, style of shooting, security, accessibility, and durability.

Today, there are specially designed camera bags that come as backpacks, holsters, and slings that put all these factors into consideration and make the work of a traveling photographer easier and enjoyable. These travel bags ensure your cameras and accessories are well protected from harsh weather conditions like heavy rains and scorching sun. They also protect the cameras from theft, dents, knocks, and damage that comes with a lot of movements. They are of different sizes with different compartments to suit DSLR cameras with more than 3 lenses and straps to hold on tripods comfortably.  To find the best camera travel bag suited for your style and personality we have compiled top factors to consider to ensure you get the best for your cameras.

 

Top 5 Camera Bags for Travel

[ninja_tables id=”1790″]

 

1. AmazonBasics Large DSLR Camera Bag

[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2wCGp2V” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef672d” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ center=”yes” radius=”round” icon=”icon: external-link”]Check Price on Amazon[/su_button]

Amazon basic is a premium quality DSLR for basic DSLR accessories. The bag comes in shades of black and has an orange-colored inner lining. This lining comes with a foam padding that is soft yet very good in shock absorbing. The bag also has extra squares of this lining to keep your accessories organized. It divides the bag into four small and one large compartment. You can easily use the bag to store flash, kit lenses, telelens, camera body, battery, and chargers. 

The bag also presents a small slit-like pocket of 7 inches and a front pocket. You can use the inner pocket for storing tablets and the front part to hold miscellaneous items like memory cards, phones, power banks, and more. There’s also a netted pocket on the inner side of the closing flap and side pockets for extra storage.

The whole thing comes with very sturdy dual locks to close the bag and a high-quality strap to hold it. You won’t have any problem holding or carrying it, even during prolonged usage. The only problem here is that this kit won’t work for an advanced camera set and cannot hold more than one camera body.

[su_tabs style=”default” active=”1″ vertical=”no” mobile=”stack” class=””] [su_tab title=”Specifications” disabled=”no” class=””]

  • External Size: 12*7*9 inch
  • Internal Size: 10*5*7 inch
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Interior Color: Orange
  • Exterior Color: Black

[/su_tab] [/su_tabs]

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#32cd32″ radius=”0″]

  • Decent padding
  • Partition padding to keep everything Organized
  • Plenty of space for extra accessories
  • Straps to hold a tripod

[/su_box] [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#dc143c” radius=”0″]

  • Cannot hold more than three lenses or more than one DSLR body

[/su_box] [/su_column][/su_row]

 

2. Neewer Camera Case

[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2U3GepB” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef672d” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ center=”yes” radius=”round” icon=”icon: external-link”]Check Price on Amazon[/su_button]

For the photographer who needs to carry a lot of lenses and multiple bodies with them, the Neewer camera case is a great choice. The camera bag looks like a standard kit bag but with a much firmer structure, almost like armor. It also has a layer of foamed inner lining on the inner side. This lining not only prevents the camera kit from damage but also keeps it organized during your tour. The best thing about it is that it’s not entirely fixed with the bag. You can easily make adjustments to it for fitting your preferred quantity of accessories and cameras.

The bag also has space for storing tripod. You can strap it inside the side mesh pocket using the provided strap. There is also a net pocket inside the bag. This pocket sits on the inner front side of the bag and has enough space to store multiple gadgets. You can use it for extra cards, chargers, tablet, or any other accessories. The solid layer of the bag will ensure that nothing gets damaged even under mild pressure or shock.

The zip locking of the bag is YKK. They ensure that the bag doesn’t open by itself and compliments its waterproofing. The one downside you will find is with the padding. The pad that holds your camera in place can bend if there is nothing under it.

[su_tabs style=”default” active=”1″ vertical=”no” mobile=”stack” class=””] [su_tab title=”Specifications” disabled=”no” class=””]

  • Size: 15*10.6*6.3 inch
  • Weight: 1.54 pounds
  • Interior Color: Orange
  • Exterior Color: Black
  • Material: Polyester/nylon

[/su_tab] [/su_tabs]

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#32cd32″ radius=”0″]

  • Excellent padding and space
  • Can store up to 6 accessories
  • Adjustable for two camera bodies, one flash, and six lenses
  • Waterproof nylon build
  • Lightweight yet durable

[/su_box] [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#dc143c” radius=”0″]

  • Cannot hold more than three lenses or more than one DSLR body

[/su_box] [/su_column][/su_row]

 

3. eCostConnection Medium Camera Bag

[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2Q0WUwC” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef672d” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ center=”yes” radius=”round” icon=”icon: external-link”]Check Price on Amazon[/su_button]

The eCostConnection camera bag is a medium-sized camera kit that is fantastic for light travels. The kit is very compact, yet maintains a decent space for basic camera accessories you might need. It has one main pocket and two secondary pockets. The main pocket has enough space to hold up to one camera body and accessories (one lens and one flash). It also has dividers that you can adjust or remove according to your requirements.

As for the side pockets, they are free for any kind of use. You can use them to store the charger, cards, power banks, cables, or anything with ease. Each of these pockets has a rugged quality zip that ensures nothing falls out during your travel. These zips also prevent minor water leaks during rains.

The bag is small enough to carry using the handle on the top side, but if you want, there are also holders for a strap. You can easily attach the strap and use it as a shoulder bag. One problem that you may face here is the storage limit. The bag cannot store multiple telelenses or camera bodies. 

[su_tabs style=”default” active=”1″ vertical=”no” mobile=”stack” class=””] [su_tab title=”Specifications” disabled=”no” class=””]

  • External Size: 7*5*5.5 inch
  • Inner Size: 7.5* 5.5* 6 inch
  • Weight: 0.45 pounds
  • Interior Color: Black
  • Exterior Color: Black

[/su_tab] [/su_tabs]

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#32cd32″ radius=”0″]

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Comes with detachable strap
  • Enough for one camera, flash and lens
  • Water-resistant build

[/su_box] [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#dc143c” radius=”0″]

  • Small storage capacity

[/su_box] [/su_column][/su_row]

 

4. Beschoi DSLR Bag

[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/33axDWc” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef672d” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ center=”yes” radius=”round” icon=”icon: external-link”]Check Price on Amazon[/su_button]

For those who are seriously into photography and carry a lot of accessories, Beschoi DSLR bag is a great choice. The kit bag comes with a nylon build, double strap, and very spacy inside. It can easily hold multiple camera bodies, lenses, and flashes. It has an armored-like exterior structure and a very thick foam lining to prevent your valuables from damage.

The best thing about it is that the bag doesn’t just hold cameras but also offers space for a laptop. There is a pocket on the inner front side of the bag that can contain a laptop of up to 14 inches. Next to it is a mesh pocket for keeping the small accessories.

There is also a side pocket and a front pocket for extra storage. You can use it, go for chargers, batteries, cables or anything you want. The bag is waterproof, and the zip is sturdy, so everything will be safe inside. This bag is the best of its type and doesn’t have any serious flaws. The only drawback here will be its slightly bulky size and cost.

[su_tabs style=”default” active=”1″ vertical=”no” mobile=”stack” class=””] [su_tab title=”Specifications” disabled=”no” class=””]

  • Interior Dimensions: 10.6*5.3*16.1 inches
  • Exterior Dimensions: 11*5.5*17.3 inches 
  • Weight: 0.68kg
  • Interior Color: Grey and red
  • Exterior Color: Black

[/su_tab] [/su_tabs]

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#32cd32″ radius=”0″]

  • Heavily reinforced stitching and anti theft zippers
  • Water repellant
  • Superb capacity
  • Padded strap for extra comfort and breathability
  • Special straps for tripod or monopod

[/su_box] [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#dc143c” radius=”0″]

  • Not ideal for a laptop of more than 14 inches

[/su_box] [/su_column][/su_row]

 

5. Caden Camera Bag

[su_button url=”https://amzn.to/2Tynwal” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#ef672d” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ center=”yes” radius=”round” icon=”icon: external-link”]Check Price on Amazon[/su_button]

The Caden camera bag is a multi-functional camera kit with a very advanced and unique design. The bag comes in a triangular shape and has a single cross strap to hold it. The camera bag, like most bags, has one main and two secondary storage pockets. The main pocket can store one camera with up to three lenses, while the secondary pockets are ideal for miscellaneous accessories. However, the unique part of the bag is that here you will get pre-built pockets for cards and small accessories inside each side pocket.

Its overall build quality is also exceptional. It has a 7-layer build with multiple layers of cotton, foam, and polypropylene fiber that ensure your camera’s safety. There are also a few detachable foam pads to organize the camera inside the bag. With it, you can rest assured with minor drops and shocks on the way. 

The camera bag is also excellent in its waterproofing quality. The nylon exterior doesn’t allow it to stay while the zip prevents them from entering. However, you will get a cover to prevent any issue. 

[su_tabs style=”default” active=”1″ vertical=”no” mobile=”stack” class=””] [su_tab title=”Specifications” disabled=”no” class=””]

  • Size: 2.2*9.45*4.72inches
  • Weight: 0.68kg
  • Interior Color: Black and red
  • Exterior Color: Black

[/su_tab] [/su_tabs]

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#32cd32″ radius=”0″]

  • Pre-built straps for tripod
  • Comes with waterproof cover for extra safety
  • Strap adjustable for a length of 45 to 53 inches
  • Three-buckle design to prevent theft or falling of bag
  • 1-year warranty of the bag

[/su_box] [/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] [su_box title=”Cons” box_color=”#dc143c” radius=”0″]

  • None

[/su_box] [/su_column][/su_row]

 

 

Buying Guide: Camera Bag for Travel

There are quite a number of camera travel bags sellers both online and physical shops who claim they sell the best bags. It can be frustrating to shop for a bag with all the information that emphasizes too much on the products instead of solving your problems. We have created this camera travel bag buyers guide with factors to consider to help you find the best bag for your needs and style.

Size/ Capacity

Different cameras have different sizes and different accessories. When buying a camera travel bag you will need to consider the items you carry for your travel. Cameras come with accessories such as lenses, batteries, SD cards and supporting gear. As a traveling photographer you will need a bag big enough to fit in all your equipment. Ensure the bag is the right size to comfortably hold your camera items without squeezing the delicate and expensive items like the lenses. To get the right size while shopping for a bag, have a list of all your items with their correct sizes. This will guide you on which size of bag to buy. If you still have a small collection of camera and its accessories, you can still consider buying a bigger bag to have space for future use. This is because camera gear collection grows, photographers add stronger lenses and may need external speed light in the future.

Accessibility/ Ease of use

As a photographer, you know the importance of timing and how priceless it is to capture the best moments at the right time. This will depend on how fast you grab your camera from the camera travel bag to use it.  Different types of camera travel bag give different vital extra seconds to grab that perfect shot. Shoulder bags offer easy access to your camera compared to the backpack. Bags with different side compartments also ensures everything is in place hence fast access instead of looking all over the bag. You might prefer a waist bag as it offers a good option leaving your hands free to access a camera anytime and faster, so you can shoot with good vibes.  

Material and Durability

Photographers are not limited to indoor activities, this means your travel camera bag will be on the move most of the time. Weather conditions such as heavy rains and scorching sun are a constant consideration when packing camera equipment. While shopping for a camera bag consider the material used. Choose camera travel bags made from strong hi-tech materials like ballistic nylon. These materials are highly water-resistant and will ensure your cameras and their accessories are well protected.

Camera travel bags that are made from 100 percent cotton canvas are long-lasting and waterproof too. Bag handlers are a factor to consider too. Choose bags with strong handlers and are well built on the bag. This will ensure the stability of the bag and protection from falling unknowingly. Today, there are travel bags made of fabrics that are lightweight with steel mesh-cut resistance to offer maximum security for your cameras. Most of them have impact-resistant materials to safeguard cameras from constant hits along the journey.

Customization

The best camera bag for travel should be able to be transformed into the perfect space for all your camera and accessories. High-end camera bags should consist of compartments that can be rearranged to fit bigger lenses of larger cameras. A traveling photographer can opt for internal organizers just in case the camera bag does not have compartments. These organizers ensure you can carry a number of lens kits hence very important.

Changing the way it is carried also offers a great level of customization. Changing the straps from the back to the shoulders or from shoulders to the waist gives the photographer some change hence space for rest. Therefore an ideal camera travel bag is one that is easily converted between backpack and sling easily as one changes task and traverse different terrains.

Security provision to the camera

Due to the expensive nature of cameras and lenses used by traveling photographers, security and discreteness are one of the important factors to consider while buying a camera bag for travel. The camera bags need to offer maximum protection from human threats such as thieves and malicious destruction.

Simple travel camera bags with sturdy zippers offer both security and simplicity. Modern high camera bags come with a combination of locks that enables a photographer to secure it to a stationary object like a tree or a pole. This is very important especially if a photographer needs to move swiftly closer to an object or person to capture an excellent shot. 

Portability

We all need bags that are easy to carry and move around. Traveling photographers mostly do long travels to international countries and climb difficult terrains looking for the best shot. Comfort is key. If you are a minimalist and do not require a lot of equipment a holster bag attached to the suitcase is ideal.

For photographers who love to carry everything, a backpack camera bag with adjustable straps will be the most comfortable to carry around for long periods of time.

Tripod carrier

Tripods, though bulky equipment are an ideal item to capture the best shots, which you can post social media, complete with relevant hashtags. They are used to support cameras in the best position for as long as you want without shaking. They are best for nature photography and for holding the telephoto lens. When looking for the best camera travel bag consider one that has tripod carriers. There are camera bags that have adjustable tripod holders on the sides and on the bottom. This enables you to adjust the straps according to your comfort. Other bags come with fitted side pockets that are strong enough to hold the tripods.

Safety precautions on the use of camera travel bag

Use sufficient padding- camera and its accessories are very fragile items. Ensure you buy a bag that is padded enough to protect the lenses and your laptop. You can always buy extra pads to fit in your camera travel bag.

Do not overpack your camera bag- as you plan to travel, take as little items as your bag can hold. Do not overcrowd your bag trying to carry extra lenses and batteries. Carry items that the bag can hold comfortably.

Clean your camera bags frequently- lenses need to be kept clean in order to capture the best images. This cannot be achieved through the use of dirty bags. Although lenses can always be cleaned using lens wipes and cleaning supplies, they need to be kept in a clean and dry place at all times.

Advantages of camera bags over ordinary bags

 Camera bags for travel are specifically used for protecting your investment. Cameras and lenses cost a thousand dollars and storing them in ordinary bags without padded compartments and lockable zippers can lead to a great loss.

Camera travel bags come in all sorts of different sizes, colors, and styles. Whether you are a fan of backpacks, shoulder bags, suitcases or waist packs you will always find a camera bag that suits your style and you will enjoy carrying all the time. 

Having a camera bag instead of an ordinary bag saves you the money and hustle of buying padded compartments as they come already padded and with compartments for every equipment such as a laptop, lenses, chargers, and SD cards.

Unlike ordinary bags, they are waterproof and made of ballistic nylon that is water-resistant and protects the camera gears from harsh temperatures experienced during extreme winter periods and summertime.

Camera Bag Maintenance

Like taking care of your camera, it’s important to also clean and maintain your camera bag to accomplish its job of protecting your camera.

Take a look at the following camera bag maintenance tips:

  • Don’t Use Too Much Cleaning Liquid: When cleaning your camera, avoid using excessive cleaning liquid. Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean smudges on the lens. If a cleaning liquid is really needed, you can place a few drops of cleaning liquid on the cloth instead of applying it directly to the camera to also avoid causing spill on the camera bag.
  • Vacuum: Vacuum the camera bag regularly because sand and dirt inside the camera bag might damage your camera.
  • Avoid Harsh Temperatures: While some cameras can survive harsh temperatures, you shouldn’t leave your digital camera in areas with high temperatures, exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, like in a sunny car. Even if the camera has a camera bag, direct sunlight can cause damage both to the camera bag and the camera itself. Also, avoid extreme cold because it could cause damage to the LCD.

Wash Instructions: Place the camera bag on a clean draining board. Wash the camera bag using warm soapy water. Use a nail brush to clean stubborn areas. Never submerge your camera bag in the water. Make sure to wash all soap residues away and allow it to dry naturally in an airing cupboard, without too much heat.

Expert Tip

As you shop for a camera travel bag, ensure to go for a high quality that provides adequate protection. Ensure it has a USB port to allow you to charge your cameras and phones out of the bag as you move. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many camera bag options you can choose from. Now that you know the best features of a high-quality camera bag, you’re ready to choose one that’s best for your photography needs and your budget. Apply the expert tips and don’t forget the important reminders shared above to make your photography experience a lot more enjoyable and meaningful.

Leave a Comment