The Finest Digicam Baggage of 2024

From hikes to crowded events and everything in between — you need the best camera bag to protect your precious and pricey equipment. We’ve put the top bags available through their paces to bring you our favorites of the year.

Tester Katelyn Clement, who has photographed several large concert events, video shoots, and outdoor excursions over her 8-year professional career, tested 10 camera bags varying in size, protection level, and features. She has shimmied through tight crowds and trekked up muddy trails enough to know that a reliable camera bag is necessary to keep camera gear safe and her worries about that expensive gear in check.

Whether you’re an amateur who loves shooting on nature walks and needs something for your single camera, like the Ruggard Hunter 35 DSLR Holster, or a professional with back-to-back events who requires a bag like the Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag, this list has something for everyone.

Scroll through to see all of our recommended models. Check out our buyer’s guide, comparison chart, and price and value section to learn more.

Editor’s Note: We updated this guide on October 11, 2024, by adding a price and value section, information to our buyer’s guide, and 3 new products: our value pick, the Manfrotto Advanced Messenger Camera Bag M III, and two other popular bags, the Hex Ranger DSLR Sling XL and the Moment Rugged Camera Sling 10L.

The Best Camera Bags of 2024-2025

Camera Bags Comparison Chart

How We Tested Camera Bags

Our Expert Testers

The best way to test a camera bag is to fill it with the gear you need and put it to use “in the wild.” So, that’s exactly what our tester, Katelyn Clement, and her partner, Ethan Weise (also a professional photographer), did. With 20 years of photography experience between them, this dynamic duo made the ideal team to determine each bag’s performance.  

Through her 8-year photography career, Clement has photographed large concert events, video shoots, and outdoor excursions. She and her camera have been through it all, so she knows what makes a camera bag good enough to protect your expensive gear from bumps, spills, drops, and more. Ethan is a Midwest photographer, videographer, and creative director based in South Dakota, documenting candid moments and authentic glamour for portraits, live music, events, and commercial work. Together, they tested about a dozen camera bags to bring you their favorites.

Our Testing Process and Grounds

Clement’s first goal was to test whether manufacturer claims for materials between “water resistant” and completely “weatherproof” held up. Cameras, lenses, and associated equipment are never cheap. And you don’t want something as simple as a fabric to damage an expensive lens.  

In addition to photography experience, Clement and her partner have almost 30 years of outdoor experience. They hike, camp, and raft in every free moment. They hiked these bags through forests and along muddy creeks for over 6 months. They set them down in wet gravel and used them in snow, rain, and sunshine.

Their discovery? Practically all manufacturers were honest when they claimed materials were water-resistant or weatherproof. A few of the less durable bags may show signs of wear sooner (we’ll report on this in our next update), but they survived our initial outdoor test.

The next test came when they were hired for photo events. Some of these bags are geared toward professional photographers, so our testers knew they needed to be compared against one another. At crowded events, bumps and spilled or sloshed drinks are inevitable. Thus, they offered a great opportunity to test durability and protection.

Of course, comfort is key for any type of camera bag. They also made sure to wear each bag for at least a few hours at a time without a break.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camera Backpack

The best way to choose a camera bag is to first look at how and where you will be using your bag. Are you a hobbyist who loves going on nature hikes with your DSLR and taking bird photos? Do you just do one-on-one shoots like engagements or family portraits? Or do you work large-scale events that require multiple full-frame camera bodies and several lenses? These answers will guide you in choosing the best bag that fits your needs.  

You’ll want to consider various factors including bag size, amount of protection, comfortability, aesthetics, durability, accessibility, and storage. Knowing how and where you will use your camera bag will guide you to the right bag for your needs. 

All the bags above that our team has tested will first and foremost protect your camera. These are over-the-shoulder and messenger-style bags that will serve you whether you are on a nature hike or working a wedding. If you prefer a backpack-style camera bag to protect your precious cargo, check out our guide to the Best Camera Backpacks. 

Material

It’s important to find a bag that will protect your gear and last a long time. Bags with water-resistant or waterproof outer shells will keep your equipment dry and moisture-free. Materials like polyurethane laminate (PUL), vinyl, polyester, nylon, or Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), like those in the Tenba DNA16 PRO Messenger Bag, are commonly used in water-resistant or weatherproof bags.

Seams, bases, and zippers are weak spots where moisture can get in even if the materials are waterproof. YKK zippers are high quality and are often found on the best camera bags. So, choose a bag with a seam-sealed base and solid zippers. The Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag and the WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L have these important features.

Size

Finding a camera bag that’s the right size for every situation is challenging. But, choosing a bag that meets your needs most of the time is essential. You don’t want a bag that is too small to hold the number of lenses you need, but you also don’t want a giant bag that requires digging to find what you need. The wrong size bag will be inconvenient and could potentially damage your gear.  

Photographers with single point-and-shoot cameras will want a compact bag like the FOSOTO Waterproof Anti-Shock Bag with padding and protection. An event photographer will need space for two camera bodies and several lenses, SD cards, and a tripod. 

Camera bags often come in a range of sizes measured in liters. For example, the WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L comes in 3, 6, and 9L sizes. Some bags, like the Peak Design Everyday V2 6L Sling, have a 10L option. A 3L bag works best for a small camera with one lens while a 6-liter bag fits a few more lenses. A 9L to 10L bag is perfect for multiple full-frame cameras, lenses, and accessories. 

Comfort

A comfortable bag is important, especially considering how much gear will be crammed into it and how long you will be on your feet. An adjustable, padded strap allows you to move the bag according to your height. Padding keeps the strap from digging into your neck. We found that the WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L and the Moment Rugged Camera Sling 10L offered the most comfort because they had adjustable straps, a strap pad, and extra padding in strategic places. The “stabilizer” strap on the Moment and Manfrotto Advanced Messenger Camera Bag M III bags adds even more stability and comfort while on the move. The Moment bag also offered a special “wing” feature that allows the weight of the bag to be distributed while not forcing gear to form to the shape of the receptacle or wearer

Bags that provide two or three different ways to wear them are a plus. Over-the-shoulder will give you quick access to your gear. Making your bag into a cross-body will keep your shoulder and neck from knotting up. A bag with a hip holster-style carry will keep your arms free while giving fast access. If your body is sore after a long shoot, cruise over to our guide to the Best Foam Rollers. Hopefully, you’ll find some relief.

Accessibility

Another important thing to consider when choosing a camera bag is accessibility to your camera and equipment. If you are out for a stroll and you see a bird you want to capture, or you are at a wedding and the groom does something spontaneous, you need to be able to reach into your bag and quickly grab your camera. 

Enter the easy-access zipper. These zippers allow you to reach into the bag instead of opening the main flap. The Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag and the Manfrotto Advanced Messenger Camera Bag M III have these zippers at the top of the bags. They have a smooth glide and allow the bag to open wide enough so you can fit your whole arm.  

Another easy-access feature is when the flap or top of the bag is designed to open away from your body. The Ruggard Hunter 35 DSLR Holster Bag has such a feature. A top that opens toward your body creates one more obstacle for getting to your camera, while a flap that opens away makes for a quick grab.

Special Features

Bags’ special features will vary, but small details make the best camera bags. The Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag includes their exclusive Whisper Hook, a clasp that easily slides undone and snaps back together magnetically. 

Good-quality bags have YKK zippers, as mentioned in the materials section above. The easy-access zipper on the Tenba and Manfrotto bags makes quick grabs more efficient and manageable.

Sometimes, we find special features in the oddest of places. The WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L has a “secret” pouch at the bottom of the bag that could hold a light rain jacket, poncho, water bottle, or small tripod. The small pocket at the bottom of this sling hides an excess strap, which can be used to secure items tethered to the outside of the bag.  The Hex Ranger DSLR Sling XL has faux fur lining in the compartments that would fit screened or glass gear like a phone, computer, tablet, and lens filters to prevent them from scratching if they were loose in the main part of a bag. 

Price & Value

Your budget plays a role in which bag you choose. But, considering the cost of the equipment you’re trying to protect, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality bag made from the best materials. These can range between $150-400.

Budget

Sometimes, the $20-$50 range has the protection you need without all the bells and whistles. Protection within a bag’s interior is one important example. Some brands claim to offer the best inserts, foam, or even outer shell and make this the reason to tack on a couple hundred dollars to the overall cost. But a lot of more budget-friendly bags offer the same things or better.

The budget bag that fits the most gear is the Amazon Basics Large DSLR Gadget Bag ($43). It can fit a full-frame camera body, two to three lenses, and a decent amount of accessories. The inside is surprisingly roomy for how small the bag first seems, and the extra pockets stretch out a small amount. The Ruggard Hunter 35 DSLR Holster Bag ($16) is much cheaper than that and offers the same amount of protection, but it is only for a single camera body and lens with small accessories. Both bags are high-quality and would be great for amateur photographers or photographers doing small to medium events.

Mid-Tier

Getting into the $100-$130 range can be tricky when it comes to what you need versus what is offered. Bags in this price range offer several different sizes, amounts of protection, and special features. The first question you have to ask yourself is, “How much gear do I need to pack?” Do you need something for a full-frame camera and a lens or two? Or do you need a bag that has all the pockets and compartments it can offer?

The Peak Design Everyday V2 6L Sling ($120) is a cleverly designed and sleek sling that provides enough padding and safety for your camera and two to three lenses. Its hard shell offers shock protection and offers weatherproof durability. But with just a $5 difference, the Manfrotto Advanced Messenger Camera Bag M III is a much larger bag with a quick-access zipper and many more incredible features for its price.

Premium

Sometimes, a photography job requires just a couple more lenses or a spare camera body to get the right shot. That means more expensive gear needs to be carried, and who can put a price on safety? Arguably, $150-$200 is still a good deal compared to certain name-brand prices. It is also almost nothing compared to the cost of most camera lenses alone.

The WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L ($159) is an extremely comfortable bag with several unique qualities and many forms of protection. It allows a generous amount of gear to be carried while still being more “compact” in size compared to larger, more expensive bags. But, if you need just a few more lenses and accessories with double the protection, then our best overall pick, the Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag ($200), is the best option. Compared to several other messenger camera bags, this one has the most protection and the best special features and is great for large events because of that “quick-access” zipper.

We don’t have any on this list yet, but some camera bags fall into the $300-$400 range. Most of the time, bags that are half the price of the most expensive ones still offer the same amount of protection for your gear so be sure to do your research if you’re considering a pricier bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose the bag based on how you will use it.

Will you be hiking? Pick a camera backpack.

Will you be using it for travel? Pick something lightweight that fits carry-on regulations.

Will you be shooting big events with lots of people? Pick a well-padded bag with shock resistance so that if someone runs into you, you won’t feel panicked about checking your bag for broken gear.

Will you be out all day or constantly need to change cameras and lenses? Choose a larger bag that easily holds a camera body or two, the appropriate accompanying lenses, and pockets with spare batteries and backup cards. 

The number of cameras and lenses you want to carry will determine the type of camera bag you choose. If all you have is a simple point-and-shoot, the Ruggard Hunter 35 DSLR Holster Bag would be best. If you have a DSLR, a bag at least an inch or two larger than the body will give it room. If you need to bring multiple camera bodies and lenses to an event, a larger bag with many pockets, like the Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag, is ideal. 

Short answer: No. If you feel like risking it, you can keep your camera in a regular bag. But the likelihood that your camera will be damaged is increased. And if you’re attached to your bag, you can always buy a padded camera cube and then place it in the bag.

However, a patented camera bag is safer for your camera and will also keep your peripherals organized. This ensures you have access to everything you need when you need it.

Whether you are working an event outside or indoors, your camera bag should at least be water resistant. If it rains, the bag will keep your gear dry while you seek shelter or slip on a rain sleeve. If you’re shooting an indoor event, chances are you will sweat from running around and being in a crowded room.

If your equipment is on your hip or back all night, you’ll want your bag to keep it dry. Sweat will soak through as easily as water. A weatherproof bag is ideal, but anything that is water—or weather-resistant will also work by offering some protection.