We have tested numerous camera bags and have found some that we really like, although they have been overshadowed by our top picks.
Long Weekend Morro Convertible Backpack priced at $150: I was tempted to replace our top pick, Brevite’s The Jumper, with the Morro. They are quite similar in style and organization, but the Morro comes with an extra pouch and, in my opinion, a more appealing design (especially in the moss color). This backpack is excellent and does not look like a typical camera bag. It provides front and side access to your gear, and you can purchase the Camera Cube bundle for an additional $70. The backpack is lightweight, can accommodate a 16-inch laptop, and is made of water-resistant materials with a two-layer waterproof coating. My only issue is that the camera cube may protrude slightly at the openings. If the company made some adjustments, this would easily become my favorite camera backpack under $200.
Nanuk Backpack N-PVD 30L priced at $300: This backpack is great for carrying a drone, as it has a compartment at the top that can comfortably fit your drone kit. It is well-padded and structured, coming in various sizes (I tested the 30-liter version). You can also store a tripod in the side pocket and secure it with a strap. There is a convenient side pocket for quick camera access, although I am not a fan of how the main compartment is accessed from the rear. The shoulder straps and waist straps tend to get in the way, which can be a bit frustrating. However, once inside, there are padded sleeves for laptops and tablets, as well as zippered pouches for other accessories. The main area is spacious, but you may need to do some rearranging with the included Velcro dividers to organize everything neatly.
Clever Supply Camera Sling priced at $224: I adore the aesthetic of this waxed canvas bag with its full-grain leather accents. It has a classic and sophisticated design that I love taking out with my camera. The shoulder strap is comfortable and easy to adjust, and there are three grab handles on the top and sides for versatile carrying options. The bag can hold my Nikon Z 6, two small lenses, and a compact tablet (up to 11 inches; the OnePlus Pad did not fit). There is a zippered pouch inside for storage cards and a zippered pocket on the exterior for cables. My only complaint is that opening the main compartment can sometimes require two hands, as the zipper may get stuck on the corner. I also wish the front pocket had more flexibility, as it feels too tight when the bag is full.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack priced at $280: This backpack is a larger and more feature-rich version of the Everyday Zip model we recommended earlier. Instead of a zipper that goes all the way around, it has two zippers on each side and a flap at the top that can be secured with Peak Design’s MagLatch system. There are multiple pouches for organization throughout the bag, as well as side pockets that can accommodate a compact tripod. I tested the 20-liter model, but if you have a lot of gear, you may want to opt for the 30-liter version.
Peak Design Everyday Sling priced at $160: The Everyday Sling has always been one of my personal favorites for everyday carry or photo outings. It comes with adjustable dividers that can be removed depending on your organizational needs. The sling is available in 3-, 6-, and 10-liter sizes, with the 10-liter version being able to hold a 13-inch MacBook Pro, a charger, and my FujiFilm X-Pro 2 camera. If you need more space for additional lenses or a larger camera body, you may need to forgo the MacBook, as it can get a bit cramped.
Hex Backloader Backpack priced at $200: While I typically prefer bags with side access, the Hex Backloader has impressed me. Although you need to remove the backpack to access all your gear, there is a convenient access point at the top for quickly retrieving your camera. The main compartment is spacious and equipped with numerous Velcro dividers for customization. There are mesh pouches for organization, a padded section in the front for a 15-inch laptop, straps on one side for a tripod, and a pouch on the other side for a bottle. The backpack is comfortable to carry around, with a sternum strap for added support.
Shimoda Explore V2 25 Backpack priced at $373: While I like this backpack, I find it to be a bit pricey. It is extremely comfortable to carry due to its extensive padding, and the bag is water-resistant to protect your gear. Despite its slim size, I was able to pack a surprising amount of items inside, including a tripod in the side deployable pocket. There is side access to the camera, plenty of pockets for organization, and a padded sleeve for a 13-inch laptop.
Wotancraft Scout Daily Camera Bag 9L priced at $299: If you are looking for a stylish messenger bag, the Wotancraft Scout is a great option. Made of durable Cordura with cowhide leather straps on the flap, this bag has a spacious main compartment separated by sturdy dividers. There is also a padded laptop pouch that can accommodate a 13-inch MacBook Air. While there are two pouches in the front for small items, there is limited organization overall. The bag features a luggage pass-through and a rear zippered pocket, but there are no side pockets or easy way to attach a tripod.
Ona The Bowery Compact Messenger Bag priced at $209: I have owned the black waxed canvas version of this bag for seven years, and it has held up well. It is stylish and perfect for short outings, offering ample padding and a divider to protect your gear. The bag can fit a camera and an extra lens, with a pouch on the back for storing a Nintendo Switch or Kindle, and a front pouch for cables, batteries, and SD cards. Unfortunately, the side pockets are too small to hold anything larger than a pen or microfiber cloth. One advantage of this bag is that you can detach the strap to convert the Bowery into a camera cube for a larger backpack. It comes in various colors and materials.
Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack priced at $230: This bag allows you to access your camera from the front, with the compartment folding out like a drawer. There is enough space for a large camera and a few lenses, along with a padded laptop compartment at the back, an expandable roll-top, and an additional zippered area for extra items. Each side pocket can comfortably hold a water bottle and a tripod. While the front of the bag may show signs of wear after some use, it is otherwise a reliable choice.
Manfrotto Pro Light Frontloader Backpack priced at $234: This 25-liter bag features a main front compartment where you can neatly organize your camera gear with the included Velcro divider system. While spacious, the bag may feel bulky on your back, potentially causing you to bump into others in crowded areas. The bag offers side access to the camera but has an overall uninspiring appearance.
Tenba Fulton V2 16L Backpack priced at $140: This compact bag is nice but falls lower on the list due to the lack of quick camera access. The only way to retrieve the camera is by removing the bag and unzipping the back compartment. The bag can hold a good amount of gear, with an expandable roll-top for additional space.