Last Updated on 08/23/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
These bags will make getting to your fave spots with all your gear as easy as can be.
Camera bags don’t seem to get the same amount of attention as other photography accessories, yet they are one of the most important tools photographers carry. There are many cameras bags on the market, and they each serve a specific purpose; choosing the right one for the job is more important than you might think. If you’re planning on hitting the trails to hike to your favorite landscape photography location this fall, make sure you have a camera bag that’s up to the job. In this roundup, we will take a quick look at five camera bags that get all of your favorite gear to your destination in style and comfort.
The camera bags listed here are just begging to be taken on outdoor adventures. These rugged backpacks are built for the great outdoors, and they can handle any weather condition. They are large enough to carry all the gear a landscape photographer could need, and they have enough space for a change of clothes, snacks, water bottles and more. Whether you’re going for a day trip, or planning on a couple of days away from civilization, these are the bags you’d want with you. They’re comfortable, very customizable, and will protect your gear well. Check out five of our favorite camera bags for hiking below.
Lowepro Flipside 500 AW Backpack
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Perfect for the photographer who needs to carry lots of gear (and we mean lots)
- Built to withstand insane weather, especially with the included waterproof cover
- The bag fits comfortably on your back even when fully loaded
- All of the exterior slots and pockets are easily reachable
Cons
- The bag weighs 4lbs before you even put gear in it
Buy now ($160): Adorama
WANDRD PRVKE 21 Backpack
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Weather sealed to the nines. You’ll have no problems with this bag out in the elements
- The bag is very comfortable to use for long periods
- The PRVKE is very versatile and can be arranged to fit lots of different equipment
- Perfect for those who like to travel a little lighter, or hit the trails for just an afternoon
Cons
- The interior padding could be a little thicker, but it was never problematic
Buy now ($184): Adorama
Pro Tip: We all know the fall can be a mixed bag when it comes to weather. You can set off on your journey in glorious sunlight, but by the time you have your camera set up to grab your shot, a storm may have moved in. One of the best things you can carry in your camera bags is a weatherproof cover for your camera and lenses. Not all cameras and lenses are weather-sealed, but if you use a cheap, yet incredibly effective cover like this one, you can shoot in any weather you like without having to worry about your gear.
The Tenba Solstice 24L
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Lots of storage space for all manner of gear, including a 13-inch laptop
- Expandable side pockets for oversized water bottles and tripods
- Adjustable padded dividers make it easy to reconfigure the bag based on your needs
- Rear opening door to your camera and lenses provides an extra layer of security
- Breathable mesh on the back of the bag helps keep you dry
- Water-resistant material keeps your gear safe in a light shower
- Included weatherproof cover will protect the bag and your gear in heavy downpours
- Soft-touch material is easy to wipe clean after a long hike
Cons
- Side waist straps are not removable
- Padding on the shoulder straps is a little thin
- The clasp on the waist strap is not sturdy enough to instill confidence when swinging the bag around to your front to access the rear door
- Although adjustable, the chest strap sits in an awkward position even at its lowest setting
Buy now ($199.95): Adorama
Shimoda Explore 40 Backpack
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Will quickly become an essential bag for any landscape photographer
- Endless amounts of ways to configure the internal compartments
- It survived both rain and snowstorms and all the gear inside was toasty and dry
- Well padded lumbar area
- The shoulder straps conform to your body for extra comfort
- There’s room for just about all you could ever need
Cons
- It’s overkill for anyone but for the most hardened of landscape photographers who will be out in nature for a while
Buy now ($279.95): Adorama
Pro Tip: Another photography accessory not talked about much, and definitely taken for granted, are memory cards. Without these little plastic marvels, we would be entirely lost. When you’re heading into the ‘great wide open’, make sure you take plenty with you. Not only do SD cards fill up quickly these days thanks to substantial RAW files, but they can also corrupt. Make sure that you have plenty of spares so you can keep on shooting regardless of what happens. These days SD cards are cheap and fast, so stock up while prices are low.
WANDRD HEXAD Access Duffel Bag
Here are the pros and cons from our full review:
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Probably the most comfortable backpack straps we’ve ever used
- Weatherproof construction keeps your clothes and gear dry during inclement weather
- Easily tucks into overhead compartments (or under seats if you’ve got the leg room) for photographers who fly often
- Highly customizable, especially when configured with WANDRD’s own camera cubes
- The clamshell design of the duffel allows the top and bottom halves to lay flat when opened, making packing less of a chore
Cons
- Price may be too high for some (the duffel alone is $259, and the medium camera cubes run $49 a pop)
- The zipper joining the two halves of the duffel together was pretty hard to zip up around the corners when the duffel isn’t fully packed
- Can get really heavy and unwieldy if you pack the duffel to the brim
- WANDRD’s divider system genuinely need a revamp to improve their stability
Buy now ($259): Adorama