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10 Best Photography Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Thule EnRoute Camera DSLR Backpack

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,436
Size and Capacity
Compartments and Organization
Durability and Material

Most important from
315 reviews

Size and Capacity
The convenience of this bag is unmatched, with ample space for a camera body, a few lenses, a flash, a laptop, and cords.
Compartments and Organization
The laptop compartment fits a 15-inch laptop perfectly, providing additional versatility.
Durability and Material
The build quality is impressive, promising durability that can last many years.
Accessibility
Perfect for traveling with electronics and personal items, ensuring easy access during TSA inspections.

The Thule Enroute Camera Backpack 25L stands out with its customizable storage options, thanks to adjustable, origami-inspired dividers that can securely hold a DSLR or mirrorless camera. This feature ensures that your camera gear can be organized to fit your specific needs. The side zippered entry allows for quick access to your camera, making it convenient for on-the-go photography. Additionally, the protective camera pod can be removed, offering the flexibility to use the backpack for other purposes or to carry the camera separately in another bag.

For those who need to carry a laptop and tablet, this backpack includes a padded compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 10.5 inches, providing added protection for your electronics. The magnetic roll-top closure is a handy feature that lets you adjust the size of the pack based on your load, making it suitable for a variety of situations. However, at a weight of 1380 grams (or just over 3 pounds), it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially when fully loaded.

The build quality is robust, but because it's made for unisex adults, it might not cater to everyone's ergonomic preferences perfectly. It is ideal for photographers who need a versatile and well-organized bag with quick access to their gear, but it might not be the best fit for those looking for a lighter or more ergonomically specialized option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,436
Size and Capacity
Compartments and Organization
Durability and Material

Most important from
315 reviews

Size and Capacity
The convenience of this bag is unmatched, with ample space for a camera body, a few lenses, a flash, a laptop, and cords.
Compartments and Organization
The laptop compartment fits a 15-inch laptop perfectly, providing additional versatility.
Durability and Material
The build quality is impressive, promising durability that can last many years.
Accessibility
Perfect for traveling with electronics and personal items, ensuring easy access during TSA inspections.
#2

f-stop - Shinn 80L Bundle - Adventure Camera Backpack for DSLR, Cinematographer, Outdoor - includes Cine Master ICU and Gatekeepers…

Rating
9.4
Size and Capacity
Comfort and Ergonomics

Most important from
2 reviews

Size and Capacity
The backpack offers an enormous amount of space, easily accommodating large lenses and multiple camera bodies along with extra gear.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The shoulder straps are notably hard and uncomfortable, making it difficult to carry the bag for long periods without pain.

The f-stop Shinn 80L Bundle is a large, adventure-ready camera backpack designed for photographers and cinematographers who need to carry a lot of gear, especially in outdoor or rugged environments. With its 80-liter capacity, it offers plenty of space to hold a DSLR, multiple lenses, and accessories, making it a good fit for serious enthusiasts and professionals on extended trips. The inclusion of the Cine Master ICU (Internal Camera Unit) and Gatekeepers helps keep your equipment well-organized and protected, which is key when you have expensive and delicate gear.

The backpack weighs about 15 pounds, which is on the heavier side, but this is partly due to its robust construction and the extensive storage it provides. Speaking of build, f-stop is known for durable materials, so you can expect the Shinn to handle rough conditions fairly well, including outdoor adventures. Comfort-wise, the backpack is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring padded straps and support to help carry the load more comfortably over long periods. Accessibility is good, with multiple compartments allowing quick access to your camera gear without unpacking everything.

The size and weight might be a drawback if you’re looking for something more lightweight or compact for casual use or short trips. This backpack is best suited for serious photographers or videographers who need a spacious, rugged, and well-organized backpack for carrying a large amount of gear on outdoor or adventure shoots.

Rating
9.4
Size and Capacity
Comfort and Ergonomics

Most important from
2 reviews

Size and Capacity
The backpack offers an enormous amount of space, easily accommodating large lenses and multiple camera bodies along with extra gear.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The shoulder straps are notably hard and uncomfortable, making it difficult to carry the bag for long periods without pain.
#3

f-stop Tilopa Modular Photography Pack with Pro Large ICU (Anthracite)

Rating
8.2
Durability and Material
Compartments and Organization
Comfort and Ergonomics

Most important from
17 reviews

Durability and Material
The backpack offers exceptional durability and design, standing up to heavy use in the field.
Compartments and Organization
Its internal organization system keeps all camera gear secure and easily accessible.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is outstanding, making it ideal for long days carrying heavy equipment.
Additional Features
The modular design with a removable Pro Large ICU allows flexible and efficient gear management.
Size and Capacity
It provides ample space for both camera gear and personal items, perfect for extended trips.

The f-stop Tilopa Modular Photography Pack with Pro Large ICU is designed for photographers who need a spacious and organized backpack. With a total capacity of 50 liters, it offers plenty of room not only for camera gear but also for additional personal items, making it suitable for longer trips or hikes. The removable Pro Large ICU is a standout feature, allowing you to securely carry and protect DSLR or mirrorless camera kits. This modular design makes organizing your equipment easier and more flexible. Comfort is addressed with a well-padded, internal frame structure that helps distribute weight evenly, which is important when carrying heavy gear over time. The materials used are durable and built to withstand typical outdoor conditions, though at 4.4 pounds, it’s not the lightest option available.

Accessibility is good, with multiple compartments to keep your gear within easy reach, though the size might feel bulky in tighter or urban settings. Additional features include adjustable straps and a unisex design, which adds to the backpack’s versatility. Photographers carrying minimal gear might find the pack a bit large, but for those wanting a reliable, adaptable backpack that can handle both camera equipment and other essentials, the Tilopa is a strong option.

Rating
8.2
Durability and Material
Compartments and Organization
Comfort and Ergonomics

Most important from
17 reviews

Durability and Material
The backpack offers exceptional durability and design, standing up to heavy use in the field.
Compartments and Organization
Its internal organization system keeps all camera gear secure and easily accessible.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is outstanding, making it ideal for long days carrying heavy equipment.
Additional Features
The modular design with a removable Pro Large ICU allows flexible and efficient gear management.
Size and Capacity
It provides ample space for both camera gear and personal items, perfect for extended trips.

Buying Guide for the Best Photography Backpacks

Choosing the right photography backpack is crucial for any photographer, whether you're a professional or an enthusiast. A good backpack will protect your gear, provide easy access, and be comfortable to carry. When selecting a photography backpack, consider your specific needs, such as the type of photography you do, the amount of gear you carry, and the environments you shoot in. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a photography backpack.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to how much gear the backpack can hold. This is important because you need a backpack that can accommodate all your equipment without being too bulky or heavy. Backpacks come in various sizes, from small ones that hold a camera and a couple of lenses to large ones that can carry multiple cameras, lenses, and accessories. If you often carry a lot of gear, opt for a larger capacity. For casual or travel photography, a smaller, more compact backpack might be sufficient.
Compartments and OrganizationCompartments and organization refer to the internal layout of the backpack and how it helps you organize your gear. This is important because a well-organized backpack allows you to quickly access your equipment and keeps everything in place. Look for backpacks with adjustable dividers, multiple pockets, and dedicated compartments for cameras, lenses, and accessories. If you have a lot of small items, consider a backpack with plenty of pockets and pouches.
Comfort and ErgonomicsComfort and ergonomics refer to how the backpack feels when you wear it and how it distributes weight. This is important because you'll likely be carrying your gear for extended periods, and a comfortable backpack can prevent strain and fatigue. Look for backpacks with padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a waist or chest strap for added support. If you often hike or walk long distances, prioritize comfort and ergonomic features.
Durability and MaterialDurability and material refer to the construction quality and the type of materials used in the backpack. This is important because a durable backpack will protect your gear and last longer. Look for backpacks made from high-quality, water-resistant materials like nylon or polyester. Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers are also indicators of a durable backpack. If you shoot in harsh environments, consider a backpack with extra protection features like a rain cover or reinforced bottom.
AccessibilityAccessibility refers to how easily you can access your gear while wearing the backpack. This is important because quick access can be crucial in capturing spontaneous moments. Look for backpacks with side or front access panels, which allow you to reach your camera without taking off the backpack. Some backpacks also have top access for quick lens changes. If you often need to change gear quickly, prioritize backpacks with multiple access points.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features refer to any extra functionalities that the backpack offers. This is important because these features can enhance your overall experience. Some backpacks come with built-in tripod holders, laptop compartments, or even hydration bladder pockets. Consider what additional features are important to you based on your photography style. For example, if you often carry a laptop for editing on the go, look for a backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment.

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