Whether you’re navigating bustling city streets, trekking through misty hills, or covering a grand wedding, your camera gear is your most precious asset. But even the best camera is useless if it’s inaccessible or, worse, damaged. The unsung hero in every photographer’s kit is the carrier—the bag, sling, strap, or backpack that protects your equipment and keeps it ready for action.
We’ve spent months testing, packing, and putting the latest camera-carrying solutions through their paces. As we look to 2025, the trends are clear: sustainability, modular design, and a blend of high-tech function with urban style are paramount. After countless hours in the field, we’ve whittled down the list to the absolute best.
Best Camera Backpacks for Travel and Adventure
For photographers who carry it all—multiple lenses, a drone, a laptop, and accessories—a backpack is non-negotiable. The best ones offer a balance of cavernous space, intelligent access, and all-day comfort.
1. Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2
* Best for: The All-Rounder
* Its genius lies in the details: a MagLatch closure for quick, one-handed access, origami-inspired FlexFold dividers, and full side-access zippers. It’s the gold standard for a reason.
* Pros: Infinitely customizable, weatherproof, sleek design.
* Cons: Premium price point.
2. Lowepro PhotoSport PRO 70L
* Best for: Multi-Day Hiking
* Built with recycled fabrics and a modular design, this pack is for serious adventures. The removable camera insert can be used as a separate shoulder bag for short excursions from base camp.
* Pros: Lightweight for its size, excellent support system, sustainable materials.
* Cons: Can be too large for casual use.
3. WANDRD PRVKE
* Best for: The Urban Explorer
* With its roll-top design, weatherproof materials, and quick side access, the PRVKE is a stylish and incredibly durable choice that blends in perfectly in an urban environment.
* Pros: Extremely durable, highly weather-resistant, versatile.
* Cons: Can get heavy when fully packed.
4. Shimoda Action X50 V2
* Best for: Action Sports Photographers
* Designed for photographers in extreme environments, the Shimoda offers an adjustable harness for a perfect fit and rear access to keep your straps out of the snow or mud.
* Pros: Unmatched comfort, rugged build, highly modular.
* Cons: Core units (camera inserts) are often sold separately.
5. Manfrotto PRO Light Flexloader
* Best for: The Working Professional
* This bag is a mobile studio. It’s designed to carry a pro DSLR or mirrorless setup plus lenses, a gimbal, a laptop, and more, with superb protection and organization for working videographers and photographers.
* Pros: Incredible capacity, high level of protection, professional look.
* Cons: Bulky and heavy.
Best Camera Slings and Messenger Bags for Quick Access
When speed is everything, a sling or messenger bag is your best friend. They keep your camera at your hip, ready to be drawn at a moment’s notice—ideal for street, event, and travel photographers.
6. Bellroy Venture Camera Sling 10L
* Best for: Stylish Street Photography
* This sling doesn’t scream “expensive camera inside.” Its minimalist aesthetic, weatherproof zippers, and clever organization make it a trusted companion for a day in the city.
* Pros: Discreet and stylish, comfortable to wear, uses recycled fabrics.
* Cons: Limited space for longer lenses.
7. Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L
* Best for: Versatile Daily Carry
* The champion of versatility. It easily fits a mirrorless body with a couple of lenses and can be worn as a sling or a waist pack. The FlexFold dividers provide excellent customization.
* Pros: Great organization, comfortable, can be compressed.
* Cons: The strap can be stiff initially.
8. Moment Rugged Camera Sling
* Best for: Minimalist Mirrorless Setups
* Made from recycled, waterproof materials, this tough little sling is perfect for carrying a body and one or two small lenses. It’s built to withstand the elements without weighing you down.
* Pros: Extremely durable, low-profile design, weatherproof.
* Cons: Best for smaller camera kits only.
9. Think Tank Photo Retrospective 7 V2.0
* Best for: The Classic Messenger
* A timeless canvas messenger bag with modern internals. It features sound silencers on the main flap for discreet shooting and plenty of pockets for organization.
* Pros: Classic look, durable build, highly functional.
* Cons: Not as weatherproof as modern synthetic bags.
10. Wotancraft Pilot 7L
* Best for: The Heritage Look
* For those who value craftsmanship, this bag from Wotancraft combines waxed canvas and leather for a rugged, vintage look that ages beautifully. Its interior is surprisingly modern and protective.
* Pros: Beautiful craftsmanship, durable materials, unique style.
* Cons: Heavier than nylon alternatives.
Best Camera Straps for Comfort and Security
Ditch the flimsy, branded strap that came with your camera. A quality strap is one of the most affordable and impactful upgrades you can make, reducing neck strain and adding security.
11. Peak Design Slide Lite
* Best for: All-Around Versatility
* Our top recommendation. Its unique Anchor Link system lets you securely attach or detach the strap in seconds. It can be instantly configured as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap.
* Pros: Quick-release system, very strong, easily adjustable.
* Cons: Anchor cords are a wear item (but easily replaced).
12. BlackRapid Sport X
* Best for: Heavy DSLR Setups
* This ergonomic sling strap is designed to carry heavy gear comfortably for hours. The camera glides up the strap for quick shots, keeping the weight off your neck.
* Pros: Excellent for heavy cameras, secure locking mechanism, comfortable.
* Cons: Can be bulky.
13. Urth Leather Camera Strap
* Best for: Timeless Style and Comfort
* Made from sustainable, full-grain leather, these straps offer a classic look that molds to your body over time. They combine rugged durability with timeless style.
* Pros: Stylish and comfortable, durable materials, lifetime warranty.
* Cons: Requires some break-in time.
Best Inserts and Other Carriers
Sometimes you just need to turn your favorite non-camera bag into a camera bag. That’s where inserts and specialized carriers come in.
14. Peak Design Camera Cube V2
* Best for: Modular Packing
* Turn any bag into a protective camera bag. These cubes offer best-in-class protection and organization and are designed to integrate perfectly with Peak Design’s travel bags.
* Pros: Great protection, multiple sizes, can be used as a standalone bag.
* Cons: A bit boxy for unstructured bags.
15. Peak Design Capture Clip V3
* Best for: Instant Access
* Not a bag, but a revolutionary way to carry your camera. This metal clip attaches to any backpack strap or belt, letting you securely lock your camera in place for hands-free carrying.
* Pros: Unbeatable access speed, very secure, frees up your hands.
* Cons: Leaves camera exposed to the elements.
16. Tenba BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) 10
* Best for: Bag-in-Bag Simplicity
* A simple, well-padded, and affordable insert to protect your gear inside a larger backpack, suitcase, or tote. The “Bring Your Own Bag” concept at its best.
* Pros: Lightweight, flexible shape, great value.
* Cons: Offers less rigid protection than a cube.
How to Choose Your Perfect Camera Carrier
Choosing the right carrier is as personal as choosing a lens. Consider these factors:
- Capacity & Gear: Take stock of what you carry on a typical shoot. Do you need space for one body and one lens, or multiple bodies, a tripod, and a drone?
- Access: How quickly do you need to get to your gear? Street and event photographers need instant access (slings), while landscape photographers can prioritize comfort and capacity (backpacks).
- Comfort: If you’re carrying gear all day, padded shoulder straps, a supportive hip belt, and a ventilated back panel are non-negotiable.
- Durability & Weatherproofing: Look for high-quality materials like Cordura or ripstop nylon, DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings, and sealed zippers if you often shoot in unpredictable weather.
The best solution for a wildlife photographer will be vastly different from what a food blogger needs. The great news for 2025 is that you no longer have to choose between function, style, and sustainability. The best brands offer it all.
