The Best Travel Camera Cases of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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We love a protective camera case for travel, especially when it includes functional compartments and a stylish design.

In This Article

Travel + Leisure / Grant Webster

A great camera bag doesn’t just keep gear protected during your travels. It also enhances your overall experience by adding comfort, ease, and storage solutions on the go. You don’t want to risk liquid damage or have expensive cameras and lenses get banged up during transit in a bag that doesn’t have water-resistant materials or shock-absorbing dividers. It’s also important to factor in whether you need a backpack style that can hack it in the outdoors, or if you want a heavy-duty case that you can roll to your gate and store in the overhead bin.

Because narrowing down a search can be tricky, we evaluated 21 camera bags on design, durability, capacity, portability, and value to see which ones go the distance. While some are better than others for specific types of photography, all 13 that made our list are perfect for anyone looking to up their game. And, as a travel photographer and writer myself, I’ve included my expertise and personal experience traveling around the world with various gear, plus spoke with professional photographer and blogger Renee Hahnel for expert insights about what to look for when shopping for a camera case, too.

It has an impressive capacity and fits under the seat when flying.

It doesn’t stand up on its own when placed on the ground.

We love the sleek design of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L, as well as its all-around functionality and portability. It’s versatile enough to use as an overnight pack or strictly a camera bag on a longer trip, with both padded laptop and tablet slots; a separate camera compartment with dividers; and top space for accessories like chargers, snacks, keys, an ID, or even a small clothing item. Three foldable dividers allow you to configure them how you prefer, fitting one or two camera bodies (DSLR or mirrorless), depending upon the lenses you’d like to include inside as well. One mirrorless camera body with three lenses can fit nicely, with room for chargers and accessories, and add another body or small point-and-shoot in the upper area with its magnetic flap-and-hook closure.

The Everyday Backpack is smartly designed with features that work well in the field. It's durability has exceeded all expectations and after six months of use, it shows no signs of wear. We love the deep side pockets, which fit a tripod or water bottle nicely, keeping it tight to the pack with added straps, and the dual side zippers for on-body access so you don’t miss getting the shot while wrangling your camera out of a bag. The bag’s weather resistance works effectively, and the bottom panel is waterproof, so you can rest it on a wet surface without worrying either. The side flaps double as interior zippered storage as well, where batteries, lens cloths, and backup SD cards have individual pockets for keeping them secure.

​​"The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L is not only sleek in its aesthetic, but it's super practical for traveling with a small to mid-size camera set up and other tech gear, like a laptop and headphones,” Hahnel says. “Then the 30L version is a great option for those with additional gear to carry. I personally really love Peak Design's MagLatch hardware and UltraZips.”

The Details: 18 x 13 x 8 inches (exterior), 16 x 11 x 7 inches (interior) | 20 liters (also sold in 30 liters) | 3.75 pounds | 400D double poly-coated nylon canvas shell; 900D waterproof bottom liner; nylon interior; leather accents | 3 dividers

This water-resistant case holds up to the elements and even comes with a rain cover if you're using it outdoors.

If you’re using the removable main compartment, you’ll actually have less space.

The carry-on-friendly Shimoda Explore V2 30 Liter Adventure Backpack is our top pick for photographers who spend a lot of time outdoors when traveling. Ideal for landscape photographers who hike or enjoy other wilderness-based endeavors, this pack has padded shoulder and hip straps for enhanced carrying comfort. The interior is very secure with plenty of options to customize padded Velcro walls for your desired configuration of your individual camera, lens, and more. The small core unit holds a mirrorless camera and a lens but you can store additional lenses and accessories in the other main compartment, which can hold up to approximately three lenses.

A padded sleeve on the backside holds a 13-inch laptop and a three-liter bladder sleeve on the front will keep you hydrated during your outing. Water-resistant with a lightweight rain cover included, you’ll be fairly protected should you get caught in the rain or snow as well. The bag itself also holds up to the elements and, after six months of use, still looks brand new, Side and rear camera access are major highlights of this pack, so you can access your gear quickly in the event of a surprise rainbow or wildlife sighting. It also features lockable, water-resistant YKK zippers to protect your gear.

The Details: 11.6 x 20.3 x 6.6 inches (exterior), 11.2 x 19.8 x 6.2 inches (interior) | 30 liters (also sold in 25 and 35 liters) | 4.8 pounds | Ripstop nylon shell with Carbonate Ether polyurethane coating | Various customizable Velcro dividers, small and large

Rigid dividers keep camera equipment secure while on the go.

It’s a little heavier than other camera backpacks on the market.

Organization is key when shooting on the move and we think the Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L is at the top of its game in that department. A plethora of storage for camera bodies, lenses, SD cards, and hard drives, as well as an external slot for a laptop up to 16 inches makes this a great travel companion. Between the zippered pockets, dividers, and a designated clothing area, you’ll have no problem staying organized.

With 35 liters to work with, you can easily fit more than one camera body and multiple lenses, and, from our tests, we determined that it's possible to accommodate a camera body with a lens attached to it, if needed. The clothing/gear compartment expands by an extra seven liters, topping the capacity out at 42 liters for trips where you need an extra T-shirt or pair of socks. Even when packed full, it's comfortable to carry thanks to added straps we loved more and more after regularly using them for six months. The bag is water-resistant, has waterproof zippers, and keeps gear dry in moderate rain. Several pockets for everything from your passport to charging cables and filters means everything will have its own place and exterior pockets are perfect for a tripod and water bottle. Side access makes grabbing your camera on the go an easy feat as well. For multi-day trips, this pack is a solid choice.

The Details: 22 x 13.5 x 9 inches (exterior), 21 x 12.5 x 5.25 inches (interior) | 42 liters | 5.75 pounds | N900D square ripstop with 0.20mm film-laminated TPU65 coating; N420D square ripstop with with 5PM coating; compression-molded EVA back panel; interior Velux hook-and-loop compatible fabric; nylon 210D liner fabric and mesh | 4 long, 5 short dividers

The rugged design and ample padding keeps gear extremely safe for travel.

It lacks a quick access point; the whole bag has to be unzipped to access camera gear.

Give your back a break and enjoy the benefits of a rolling camera case. We love the Think Tank Photo Airport Security V3.0 for its tough, high-quality design and protective padding. The materials both looked and felt secure, promoting confidence when transporting their gear. It even protected all of the items from water during our six-month testing period. Customizable compartments came in handy to tailor-fit a wide array of camera bodies, lenses, hard drives, batteries, and more within the roomy interior. Pack up to two DSLRs or mirrorless model cameras, as well as 4-6 additional lenses and accessories, including a large 600mm lens (detached from camera body). There’s also a slot for a 10-inch tablet and up to 15-inch laptop, and a spot for your tripod and a water bottle, if needed.

Although it doesn’t have spinner wheels, it’s still a relief to roll through the airport when packed with heavy equipment versus carrying a pack. The Think Tank meets most carry-on requirements for both domestic and international flights and we noticed that it fit nicely almost anywhere, from airplane or car to the photo studio. The water-repellent treatment worked well, even in heavy rain.

The Details: 14 x 22 x 9 inches (exterior), 13 x 21 x 7–8 inches (interior) | 11.1 pounds | Exterior: 1680D ballistic nylon, water-repellent (DWR) coating, polyurethane coating, nylon webbing; interior: 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane backed velex liner and dividers, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, closed cell foam and PE board reinforced dividers, clear mesh pockets | 10-12 dividers

Travel + Leisure / Victor Protasio

It fits more than your typical messenger bag.

It’s a bit bulkier than most bags of this style.

We love the ease of carrying that messenger bags offer, and the comfy Tenba DNA 16 Pro features a spacious interior with easily customizable compartments, too. It’s ideal for photographers looking to only carry a limited set-up as well as a laptop and some accessories. Although it can fit a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera and up to six lenses, we noticed that it gets to be a bit bulky to carry when stuffed.

A separate padded sleeve on the backside of the interior holds a laptop up to 16 inches or an 11-inch tablet. Zippered pockets and other mesh storage spots offer plenty of additional areas to keep items like passports, keys, SD cards, cords, and more secure. The weather-resistant material with additional boot protection on the bottom is fantastic for when you need to rest it on the ground. Quick access to your gear is through the top zipper, though it felt like the slide clips made it trickier for one-handed access.

The Details: 15.75 x 12 x 7.5 inches (exterior), 14.75 x 11.5 x 6 inches (interior) | 2.9 pounds | 70D shadow ripstop nylon interior with two layers of polyurethane coatings and soft brushed-tricot lining, Helix all-weather polyurethane-coated nylon exterior, TPU-coated and seam-sealed base | 3 medium dividers

It’s durable and sturdy, made with high-quality materials.

The bag remained a bit stiff, even after six months of regular use.

If you’re in search of a minimalist-style camera bag, the Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L is a top-notch choice. It can be worn as a crossbody bag or waist bag and features a reversible strap and quick-access zipper for grabbing your gear. Despite being small, there are numerous areas for storage, and it can fit a mirrorless camera or a small DSLR with 2-3 lenses, depending on their size. The removable main compartment has customizable dividers that can fold down, ideal for stacking lenses.

A tablet up to 11 inches in size can fit in the included sleeve, and there are various pockets and zippered areas for other accessories like batteries, SD cards, and lens wipes. Every part of the bag seemed well-made, and it repelled water when sprayed. It was comfortable and lightweight to wear, easy to adjust, and can pack down to easily fit inside a larger suitcase for travel. Additional external straps on the bottom can hold a jacket, clothing, or a tripod, though it’s not the best bag for heavier items like the latter.

The Details: 13.8 x 9.3 x 4.7 inches | 6 liters (also sold in 3 and 10 liters) | 1.7 pounds | 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell, nylon interior, leather accents | 2 medium dividers

It has customizable internal pockets that will keep all your lenses secure.

It’s a bit heavier than other camera backpacks.

The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is our top pick for photographers looking to carry multiple lenses and/or bodies. Its hiking-pack design adds padded shoulder and waist straps, while your gear will stay secure in the sturdy customizable internal compartments. While we noticed that the harder shell of the bag made it a bit bulky and difficult to store, they also noted that it’s extremely spacious and holds most of the camera gear you’ll need including a laptop up to 15 inches and a tripod attached using the exterior tripod cup or straps.

The 25-liter capacity is designed to hold two full-frame cameras, and up to eight lenses. The included all-weather cover will keep your bag and the gear inside protected from the elements as well. With multiple quick-access points, your photo missions will run a little smoother without having to stop and open the whole bag. We think this bag is worth the price for its durability, functionality, and abundant features.

The Details: 14.1 x 8.6, x 20.5 inches (exterior), 11.8 x 6.3 x 17.3 inches (interior) | 25 liters | 6.25 pounds | Exterior: 1680D ballistic polyester, 900D polyester, 420D nylon recycled; interior: velex nylon | 10+ dividers, all sizes

The bag is made with a weather-resistant exterior and has thick padding that's sturdy and supportive.

It doesn’t store very easily due to its bulkiness.

The Thule Aspect DSLR Camera Bag Backpack is our most durable pick, with thick interior padding that remained stiff and supportive even after six months of regular use. The bag’s weather-resistant exterior can hold up in drizzling rain, too. It also functions well as a hiking backpack with padded shoulder straps, removable hip belt, and an air mesh back panel for ventilation. Customize your gear configuration with the Velcro dividers and store your 15-inch laptop and a tablet in the back padded compartments.

The main camera section can fit a full-frame camera and two lenses and the top pack compartment is great for another compact camera, accessories, or personal gear. A tripod can be stashed in the exterior side pocket with a strap to hold it tight and a small front pocket is great for snacks or keys. Since this bag prioritizes durability, we noticed that it doesn’t compress easily like a regular backpack, making it a little more difficult to store.

The Details: 20.5 x 11.8 x 8.7 inches | 3.2 pounds | 3 dividers

Travel + Leisure / Debbie Wolfe

The modular design allows for extra tailoring to your preference and gear set-up.

Quick access is for just one camera and lens, everything else has to be accessed by taking it off and unzipping the whole bag.

We love the customizable modular design of the Boundary Prima System pack, suitable for everyday use or two- or three-day trips. There is a large packing cube that you can expand with a zipper, designed for storing your camera gear, and it can fit through the top or side compartments. (One body and one lens fits in this particular cube.) Those with more camera equipment would need to store it in other spots within the bag, making it more difficult to access on the go.

You can transform this main module into a separate shoulder sling bag with an included strap for when you want to explore without your entire backpack. A padded slot in the main bag fits up to a 17-inch laptop and a separate folder section can store a tablet, notebook, or other flat items. Additional storage pockets can fit chargers, batteries, cords, and SD cards. The bag kept everything inside dry even after getting caught in the rain. After six months of regular use, this bag has held up to all the elements and protected gear time after time.

The Details: 53 x 31 x 17 inches | 30 liters | 4.9 pounds | 3 modular components, 2 dividers in the camera packing cube

It could easily pass for a stylish purse, yet inconspicuously holds a camera and lens.

It doesn’t fit a ton of gear and the divider pops out easily due to lack of Velcro to hold it down inside.

If you’re looking for a camera bag that doesn’t scream “camera bag” then the Lo & Sons Claremont might be for you. Made from high-quality leather, we noticed that it felt thick and durable while also looking very stylish. You can wear this bag as a crossbody or on your shoulder by adjusting the length of the strap, making it comfortable to wear. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a smaller lens (like a fixed 35mm or 50mm), plus an additional lens can fit nicely inside, separated by a movable divider. Two small front pockets are designed to hold SD cards and other storage spots like the discreet back zippered pocket can easily fit a wallet, passport, snacks, keys, and more. If you’re looking to travel with a lightweight personal item that also stores your camera — and you don’t need to bring a laptop or tablet — this bag is a win.

It doesn’t seem to have shock-absorbent capabilities, making it better suited to hold your camera while exploring instead of using it as a carrying case for travel. The bag lacks a zip enclosure, so if water were to get under the flap with twist latch closure, it’s possible your gear could get wet as well. This camera bag is perfect for city explorations, and bringing your camera out to lunch or dinner when you want to look chic without a big backpack in tow.

The Details: 10.5 x 5.5 x 8.5 inches | 1 camera body, small lens, and additional small lens or flash | 1.5 pounds | Full-grain leather exterior, polyester interior | 1 small divider

It’s a multi-purpose bag in a wide array of great colors.

The dividers aren’t as sturdy as those in other bags.

The Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack is our top pick for best colors, and with 10 hues to choose from, it's easy to see why. Although hip and stylish, this pack offers more than just its looks; with a lightweight profile and ample compartments, this is a great personal carry-on item or everyday bag. After six months of regular use, it remains incredibly durable with very secure zippers that are easy to use. The main camera compartment can fit a full-frame camera with a lens up to 200mm, as well as smaller accessories like chargers, batteries, or small fixed lens. The top storage area is great for snacks, small clothing pieces, or other personal items, and a rear, padded sleeve fits a laptop up to 16 inches in size. You can carry a tripod either in the side pocket or on the bottom using the external straps, and access to your gear is quick through the side zipper.

While the material repels water at first, there was some residual wetness afterwards, so a rain cover might be a good idea. They also determined that it’s a great quality bag that works for work or pleasure travel. As a major bonus, it’s machine washable.

The Details: 16.25 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches | 18 liters | 1.9 pounds | 5 dividers

It’s very stylish and doesn’t look like a regular camera bag.

It’s more suitable for carrying a smaller camera kit.

A classic style that’s as beautiful as it is functional, ONA’s The Bowery Messenger Bag is our top choice for a buttery soft leather camera bag. Crafted from Italian-tanned leather, this high-quality bag is perfect for toting a DSLR or mirrorless camera and additional lens, slung over your shoulder or worn cross-body. After six months of use, we love how much the bag is able to store, making it the perfect option for daily use. The padded strap makes it comfortable to wear while shooting, exploring, or commuting. The main compartment can be tailored to your camera size and preference with the movable Velcro divider, fitting a full-frame camera with a fixed 35mm or 50mm lens attached, as well as another smaller lens, or a camera body and detached additional lens, likely up to 100mm.

Another slot compartment on the backside and two smaller front storage spaces can hold smaller accessories like cords, SD cards, and lens cloths as well as a wallet or passport. Alternatively, a small tablet could fit in that back slot but would take up the entire space. The gear fit snugly; it was not too tight to pull out, but secure and safe inside. For days where you just want one camera body and a lens or two, this fashionable bag is the answer to that call, though at a heftier price tag.

The Details: 11.8 x 8.9 x 5.4 inches | 1 camera body and up to 2 small lenses | 2 pounds | Available in leather or canvas | 1 small divider

It’s a great value for its features and space.

It’s more of a starter bag as the durability may not last for the long-haul.

The Bagsmart Photo Camera Backpack is a top pick for both beginners and those looking for a budget-friendly camera bag. Crafted from canvas, this pack has ample storage space, fitting a full-frame camera body, two lenses, external flash and a laptop up to 15 inches in size within the padded back slot. The interior compartment is customizable to your kit, with movable dividers, and the top compartment is spacious for personal items, though it might be beneficial for some of the top compartment space to be used in the camera gear section instead. We also determined that with two camera bodies or more than 2-3 lenses, it would be fairly tight.

The side pockets accommodate both a tripod and a water bottle, and the included rain cover does a solid job at keeping things dry. Quick side access allows you to grab your camera easily, and it was very comfortable to wear as a casual backpack. This bag offers solid value for the features, and is best suited for an amateur photographer looking to get started.

The Details: 17.3 x 11.5 x 7 inches | 25 liters | 3 pounds | Water-resistant canvas | 2 small, 2 medium dividers

Our team of photographers tested 21 camera bags and cases for travel. A range of tests were performed in everyday shooting situations for a wide array of photography types, from landscape to portrait and everything in between. All of the bags were packed with typical photography gear, including different types of camera bodies, various lenses, batteries, SD cards, laptops, and personal items to see how they’d perform in real-world travel situations.

We assessed how easy it was to access the camera gear on-the-move, how comfortable it was to wear or roll the case, how much can actually fit inside, and how weather-resistant the material was as well. We also took note if a laptop and tripod could fit. Additionally, all zippers, fasteners, pockets, storage compartments, and customizable divider configurations were tested.

Some of the camera cases we tested didn’t quite make the cut on our list, but they did have some notable features that may be a fit for some photographers who travel.

Neewer 2-in-1 Rolling Camera Backpack: With spacious storage compartments that are adequately padded, and room for multiple camera bodies, lenses, a tripod, and a laptop, we loved how easy this pack was to pull when using the wheels. Unfortunately, it fell short in the storage department as it would be too large to fit in overhead bins of smaller airplanes and didn’t have removable shoulder straps to help with this issue.

Travel + Leisure / Jacob Fox

Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator Backpack: We loved the impressive storage capacity of this backpack, and the high-quality features like a theft lock, durable padding and support, and an included rain cover. Although it fits a ton of gear, it’s likely too large for most photographers who don’t carry as much on a regular basis, and the rain cover only covers three out of the four sides of the pack, leaving one section exposed.

Travel + Leisure / Fred Hardy

Bellroy Venture Sling 10L: We love this sling’s sleek design, user-friendly features, sturdy hardware, folding padded dividers, and water resistance. It fits more than you’d think, with room for a camera and plenty of accessories, but the 10-liter size is a bit bulky to carry, and the internal dividers aren’t removable.

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wojczyk Wang

The bottom line to consider when shopping for a travel case or bag for your camera is safety. Evaluate what features the bag has in place to keep your expensive gear protected from drops, moisture, and anything else travel might throw at you. A camera bag that’s durable and rugged enough to withstand some wetness — or at the very least includes a rain cover and padding in the main compartment — will make all the difference. You want to be able to put your bag in the overhead bin without worrying about your gear shifting too much as well.

"When buying a travel camera bag or case, you definitely want to prioritize durable materials and a high-quality build,” Hahnel says. “You will likely have this bag for a long time and it will house your expensive camera equipment, so it's worth investing in something with adequate padding, durability, and weather resistance. That includes weather-sealed zips and pockets."

Organization is paramount for photographers that have a lot of moving parts, so a bag that can help with this is already a winner. You don’t want to be pawing through charging cords, your passport, or snacks when attempting to quickly grab your camera for a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

“[Organizational features] include things like pockets, dividers, and drink bottle or tripod side holders,” Hahnel says. “Some bags even have hidden areas to safely store your passport away from opportunistic thieves. I personally find it much easier to access gear in my bag when it's stored in a practical way. Being able to get your camera gear out quickly could be the difference between getting and missing an incredible shot.”

A good camera bag allows easy and efficient access to your gear. Additionally, it’s difficult to carry a super heavy bag — and camera gear typically isn’t light. It’s important to consider how much gear you plan to carry, and how else you plan to use the bag: will you be hiking with it? Will you be storing it in an overhead compartment? In those cases, it’s nice to have a durable side handle to grab it.

"I cannot stress [enough] the importance of having a camera bag with hip and sternum straps,” Hahnel says. “Even if you don't think your bag is that heavy, it will be after you load it with gear and stand for hours on end with it on your back. Look for a bag with multiple carrying options, including an external strap to attach it to a wheeled luggage case. This will save your back on airport days! It's also important to consider how you would like to access your camera gear. Are you someone who likes to access gear from a side zip or from the top of your bag? This may depend on what type of photography you focus on, like street photography versus landscape.”

It’s really up to your preference and camera kit. But whether you have a smaller gear setup with one camera and a few lenses or a more involved setup, you’ll want to prioritize space, customizable dividers, and accessories that make sense for your shoot. Additionally, a tripod is helpful in situations where you want to take low-light, long-exposure, nighttime, or self-timer images. If you find yourself in a situation where you have a great bag but just need a cube to keep your camera safe, you can buy just a removable cube as an insert into a backpack or tote bag that you already own.

"You should pack your camera body, lenses, lens wipes, SD cards, batteries, battery charger, and a tripod if you use one,” Hahnel says. “Some people also choose to carry additional accessories such as a camera strap, circular polarizer filters, ND filters, a Rocket Blower, and portable lights. You also might want to pack your passport, ID, phone, portable charging bank, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, a snack, and a pair of headphones.”

Yes, a camera case can be either depending on the dimensions and how heavy it is after you pack it full of gear. It’s important to check the requirements for each airline, but there are many camera bag and case options that fit within these specifications. “In most cases, a camera case will be over the weight limit for an airline's personal item allowance, but check the limitations before you fly," Hahnel says.

How you clean your camera case will depend on the materials it is made of, and you should always check the manufacturer's recommendation first. For leather bags, you should spot clean them by gently applying a small amount of water with a soft cloth (test it on a hidden portion of the bag first). You can try cleaning suede with a soft brush or a rubber eraser.

Lo & Sons cautions against using polishes, baby wipes, and other types of cleaners with chemicals in them as it could damage the leather. Shimoda suggests regularly reapplying water repellents and airing out your gear after use. The Brevite backpack on this list is machine washable. Always follow the manufacturer's suggestion because they can all vary.

Great travel photos require more than a good camera bag. Consider these other accessories the next time you want to splash your trip all over the 'gram.

Canon EOS Rebel T7: This budget-friendly DSLR camera has features perfect for someone ready to branch out and learn the ins and outs of DSLRs. It's easy to use and great for anyone who wants to improve their photography game without investing thousands of dollars into gear.

Moment Bluetooth Remote: Compatible with both iOS and Android, the Moment Bluetooth Remote is our top pick when it comes to remote shutters for smartphone photography.

Apexel 10-in-1 Phone Lens Kit: Amp up your smartphone photography game with the Apexel 10-in-1 Phone Lens Kit, featuring 10 awesome attachable lenses as well as a mounting system.

T+L contributor Lauren Breedlove scoured our testing insights to find the best camera bags and cases for various gear set-ups. A travel photographer herself, she also used her personal experience finding the right products to suit shooting conditions around the world, including some of the recommendations on this list. Lastly, she interviewed professional photographer Renee Hahnel for more real world suggestions and tips.

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