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.
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 2025
Top Picks
- Weight: 2.9 lbs.
- Outside dimensions: 15.75" x 12" x 7.5"
- Inside dimensions: 14.75"x 11.5" x 6"
- Materials: TPU-coated material (waterproof) with YKK zippers.
Pros
- Exclusive Whisper Hook closure, flap
- Quick-access top zipper
- Waterproof
- Big padded computer slot
- Lots of inside room
- Inserts foldover top
- Whole insert comes out
- Plentiful pockets
Cons
- Fits so much that it can get heavy for a shoulder bag
- May be a little too bulky for short and smaller framed photographers
- Weight: 0.64 lbs.
- Outside dimensions: 7.3” x 5.3” x 8.25”
- Inside dimensions: 6.5” x 4.5” x 7.0”
- Materials: Water-repellent exterior and smooth polyester lining, mesh pocket
Pros
- Quick-release buckle
- Adjustable, removable shoulder strap
- Weather resistant
- Card slots so you never run out of memory
- Front zipper pocket keeps accessories organized
- Very padded
Cons
- Plastic clips may break
- Only fits crop sensors and smaller cameras
- The mesh side pocket isn’t very thick
- Weight: 1.74 lbs.
- Outside dimensions: 8.5"X 13.5" X 7"
- Inside dimensions: 7.75” X 13" X 5"
- Materials: 840D Jr. Ballistic nylon with 5PM coating, weather-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon, weather-resistant YKK zippers
Pros
- Does not fall forward when you reach into it
- Three ways to carry
- Weather resistant
- Three grab handles and key clip
- Tripod straps work well
- Fits 16" laptop
- Comes in a variety of sizes for different needs (3L, 6L, and 9L)
Cons
- When using the laptop pocket, the laptop hangs out, unprotected
- Sides aren’t very well padded
- Weight: 1.72 lbs.
- Outside dimensions: 13.39-10.63” x 5.12-4.33” x 9.45”
- Inside dimensions: 11-9”x 4.33-3.5” x 8.27”
- Materials: 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell. 100% recycled post-consumer material, nylon interior. Hardware is anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon (weatherproof)
Pros
- Dedicated tablet sleeve with magnetic closure
- Divider shelves aid in organization & increase versatility
- Shell is 100% recycled
- Inside stretchy pockets increase storage and organization
- Top of the dividers fold over for added protection
- Tripod and external carry clips allow for extra gear
- Weatherproof
- Comes in 3L, 6L, and 10L for varying needs
Cons
- Rigid dividers
- The inside side pouches are too small for anything
- Inner zipper pocket fits only small things
- Front zipper pocket is very flat
- Weight: 2.4 lbs.
- Outer dimensions: 15.35” x 11.02” x 7.68”
- Inner dimensions: 14.17” x 10.24” x 5.12”
- Materials: Water-resistant materials, high-density EVA foam (M-Guard), viscoelastic memory foam
Pros
- Water resistant
- Rain cover included
- Easy access zipper
- Customizable “shelf” inserts
- 14” computer or laptop compartment
- Water bottle pocket
- Shock absorbing materials
- Attached, external suitcase strap
- Easily adjustable strap clip
Cons
- Tripod holder is just two small, internal bungee cords
Other Camera Bags We Tested
- Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
- Outer Dimensions: 14.5” x 8.25” x 5.5"
- Inner Dimensions: 14.2” x 7.9” x 5.1"
- Materials: Waterproof NPX, recycled polyester sailcloth, laminated sailcloth
Pros
- Tripod can be attached to bottom
- Customizable inserts
- Stabilizer strap included and removable – Can switch sides for right or left arm dominant
- Fits 11” iPad or Tablet pocket
- Contains no harmful PU, TPU, PVC, or DWR coatings
- Quick snap magnetic clips
- “Wing” features
- Waterproof and durable YKK zippers
- Comes in 6L and 10L
Cons
- Inside fabric will get dirty easily
- Sailcloth is noisy
- Pricey for a bag of its size
- Front pouch is a little small
- Weight: 1.56 lbs.
- Outer dimensions: 15” x 7.9” x 11.8”
- Inner dimensions: 11” x 6.5” x 7.5”
- Materials: Polyester, nylon, Velcro
Pros
- Slot for a small tablet
- Room for a full frame camera and extra lens
- Lots of side pockets
- Rubber feet on bottom
Cons
- Access to gear is a bit cumbersome
- Plastic clasps seem flimsy
- Weight: 0.58 lbs.
- Outer dimensions: 7.8” x 5.9” x 4.3”
- Inner dimensions: 7” x 5.1” x 3.9”
- Materials: Nylon, mesh pocket
Pros
- Adjustable and comfortable strap
- Water-resistant bag is equipped with extra rain cover
- Padded anti-shock interior
- Quick-release buckle
Cons
- Cannot go into water or heavy downpour
- Not a lot of extra space
- Plastic clips could break
- Weight: 1.87 lbs.
- Outside dimensions: 16” x 8”x 9.5”
- Inside dimensions: 11.81” x 5.12”x 7.87”
- Materials: Canvas fabric, polyester, waterproof faux leather straps
Pros
- A tripod can be attached at the bottom
- Waterproof canvas
- Removable inserts can be used to make a small duffle bag
- Stylish design
Cons
- No padding on the outside
- Formless
- Not a lot of organization in the pockets
- Snaps aren’t the best
- Not super comfortable to carry
- Weight: 2.5 lbs.
- Outer Dimensions: 15” x 11.75” x 6"
- Inner Dimensions: 14.5” x 10.5” x 5”
- Materials: Ballistic Cordura eco fabric, nylon, tarpaulin, waterproof zippers, faux fur lining, and mesh.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Water resistant zippers
- Tripod can be attached to bottom
- Customizable inserts
- Fits 13” computer in outer pocket
- Carries lots of gear
- Rain cover included
- Two hidden “stash” pockets on strap
- Water bottle pocket
Cons
- Can only open whole bag/not a “quick grab” bag
- Not a lot of padding on the side walls
- Shoulder strap is not padded
- Computer compartment not as padded
Camera Bags Comparison Chart
Camera Bag | Price | Weight | Inner Dimensions | Materials |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tenba DNA 16 PRO Messenger Bag | $200 | 2.9 lbs. | 14.75″x 11.5″ x 6″ | TPU-coated material (waterproof) with YKK zippers. |
Ruggard Hunter 35 DSLR Holster | $16 | 0.64 lbs. | 7.3” x 5.3” x 8.25” | Water-repellent exterior and smooth polyester lining, mesh pocket |
WANDRD Rogue Sling 9L | $159 | 1.74 lbs. | 7.75” X 13″ X 5″ | 840D Jr. ballistic nylon with 5PM coating, (weather resistant) 1680D ballistic nylon Weather-resistant YKK zipper |
Peak Design Everyday Sling V2 6L | $120 | 1.72 lbs. | 11-9”x 4.33-3.5” x 8.27” | 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell. 100% recycled post-consumer material, nylon interior. Hardware is anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon (weatherproof) |
Manfrotto Advanced Messenger Camera Bag M III | $125 | 2.4 lbs. | 14.17” x 10.24” x 5.12” | Water-resistant materials, high-density EVA foam (M-Guard), viscoelastic memory foam |
Moment Rugged Camera Sling 10L | $160 | 1 lb. 12 oz. | 14.2” x 7.9” x 5.1″ | Waterproof NPX, recycled polyester sailcloth, laminated sailcloth |
Amazon Basics Large DSLR Gadget Bag | $43 | 1.56 lbs. | 11” x 6.5” x 7.5” | Polyester, nylon, Velcro |
Fosoto Anti-shock Waterproof Camera Bag | $21 | 0.58 lbs. | 7” x 5.1” x 3.9” | Nylon, mesh pocket |
CADeN Canvas Camera Bag | $55 | 1.87 lbs. | 11.81” x 5.12”x 7.87” | Canvas fabric, polyester, waterproof faux leather straps |
Hex Ranger DSLR Sling XL | $150 | 2.5 lbs. | 14.5” x 10.5” x 5” | Ballistic Cordura eco fabric, nylon, tarpaulin, waterproof zippers, faux fur lining, and mesh. |

How We Tested Camera Bags
Our Expert Testers
Our Testing Process and Grounds

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Camera Bag
Material

Size

Comfort


Accessibility

Special Features

Price & Value
Budget

Mid-Tier

Premium
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.


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