Photographers should always have their photographic equipment with them since you never know when you’ll need it.

But carrying these large pieces of gear is no laughing matter. A DSLR body typically weighs 1.70 lbs. Your lenses, extra batteries, tripod, and other necessary gear are not included.

Although the other equipment is minor compared to the tripod, camera body, and lenses, it will still seem like a burden you have to carry with you.

The finest camera backpack enables you to carry all your equipment for every shooting situation, including portrait, landscape, animal, urban, street, and even a little trip.

What to Check When Purchasing a Camera Backpack

Since it would depend on the kind of photographer you are, there is no such thing as a camera backpack that suits everyone. If you are a trip photographer, a camera bag that fits the overhead storage bin should be considered. Consider purchasing a camera bag that is very light and weatherproof if you like trekking.

When selecting a camera backpack that meets your demands and lifestyle, there are several things to consider. We will examine each of these aspects individually in this section.

Resistance to weather

Imagine you go on a lot of hikes or photograph in various settings. The bag’s weather resilience is a crucial consideration in such circumstances. Since your luggage will often be exposed to various elements, we’re not only talking about resilience to rain but also to excessive heat.

Check the bag’s composition. A very robust material that is often used in weather-resistant bags is Cordura cloth.

You may choose a rain cover if the backpack’s material is not weather-resistant or if you currently own a favourite that is not. The decision to use a rain cover has benefits and drawbacks. Its benefit is that it protects the equipment kept outside the bag. On the other side, using the cover would entail additional work, which might be extremely inconvenient.

Trekking pole or tripod slot

Consider purchasing a backpack with a tripod or trekking pole slot if you often carry a tripod or trekking pole. Although accommodating both would be ideal, having one is still beneficial.

Can You Go Hiking There?

A camera backpack is available in various sizes to suit various requirements. If you walk often, you should consider obtaining a backpack that is both comfortable to carry and large enough to hold your supplies.

While some backpacks are not very large yet may hold a lot, others are. It all boils down to the backpack’s inner layout and the material’s thickness. If you want to use your backpack for trekking, a weather-resistant one is a must.

Can It Fit in a Carry-On?

Verify that the camera bag fits in a carry-on. This is a key issue to take into account if you travel often. In most circumstances, it is not a good idea to inspect your camera equipment since it might be damaged in transportation. Therefore, carrying-on baggage is the ideal choice when travelling with photographic equipment.

Most airlines, if not all, adhere to standard hand-carry dimensions of 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm. You should be OK if your bag fits within these parameters.

How Much Can Equipment Fit in a Camera Backpack?

Typically, a backpack’s capacity for cameras and lenses is inversely proportional to its size. Few cameras and lenses can fit in a tiny backpack than a big one.

Look at the number of cameras and lenses you presently own. Think about the number of cameras and lenses you plan to add to your collection over the next year or two. Select a bag that can hold the number of cameras and lenses you want to bring along.

Is Room Provided for a Water Bottle, Water Bladder, or Other Unusual Items?

Some people don’t need a place for a water bottle or bladder. But there are plenty of backpacks with one if you need one. We advise using a pocket with a garter so that your water bottle may be safely stored within.

Small exterior pockets are helpful for things that need to be accessible for other goods. These pockets can hold your keys, some cash, and other items.

Laptop storage

Are you planning to bring a laptop? You should be certain that it will never happen before you say no. In case you are unsure, it is best to get a bag with a laptop compartment so it will be available.

The padding in a laptop compartment should be very good to protect your laptop from bumps. Some backpacks feature a completely separate zipper for the laptop compartment, while others include the laptop compartment within the main zipper. Which one you favour depends on what works best for you.

The Top 14 Camera Bags Under $100

Here is a list of the top 14 camera backpacks we’ve hand-picked for under $100.

1. DSLR Camera Backpack from USA GEAR

Considering the bag’s size, the USA GEAR DSLR Camera Backpack weighs just 2.47 pounds and measures 18 x 12 x 8 inches.

This photography bag features several pockets and storage space for your lenses, cameras, laptop, cables, chargers, and other supplies. The backpack’s proportions may seem large, but its form factor is ideal and provides plenty of room.

Depending on how much stuff you bring, you may add, remove, and rearrange the cushioned dividers to customise the bag’s contents. Your camera is accessible via a zippered side door.

The USA GEAR DSLR Camera Backpack has a cushioned laptop section that can hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop if you carry one. The reinforced zippers include gentle rubber pulls that make it easy to get to your things. The shoulder straps are simple to fold away, allowing you to carry the backpack on one shoulder.

The USA GEAR DSLR Camera Backpack contains a foot compartment and straps just for attaching a tripod or water bottle. The backpack includes a top handle for carrying it and a baggage handle slot for attaching it to the top of travel bags.

2. The TARION Pro 2-Bag Camera Backpack

The 12.2 x 7.48 x 19.69-inch TARION Pro Bags 2 in 1 Camera Backpack is an extra-large backpack. If you’re searching for a small camera backpack, this is not your bag. However, if you want a backpack with a lot of equipment, this is the one for you.

The backpack’s top compartment can accommodate up to five lenses and one camera, while the bottom can accommodate up to four lenses and one camera at most. Two lenses and one camera may be stored in the additional shoulder bag with the main backpack. There are three cameras and 11 lenses if you add everything together

This large backpack weighs a hefty 6.61 lbs. It will be rather heavy when all the cameras, lenses, and accessories you take are added together. Fortunately, the TARION Pro Backpack boasts lightly cushioned waist and shoulder straps that aid in lightening the burden. For ultimate comfort, the straps’ length may be changed.

Up to a 15.6-inch laptop may fit in the cushioned laptop compartment of this backpack. You may utilise the side zipper on the laptop compartment to reach it from the side. The TARION Pro backpack is made of premium, tear-resistant nylon, which gives it strength and durability. Additionally, it has a waterproof rain cover that you may use to shield your backpack from snow and rain.

3. Lowepro BP 250 AW II Fastpack.

The Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II camera backpack includes three primary storage areas to help you manage your stuff. It is the perfect camera backpack for travelling because of its exterior measurements of 12.20 x 10.24 x 19.69 inches and interior dimensions of 11.42 x 6.10 x 10.83 inches.

It contains compartments for your cameras, lenses, and accessories, a laptop compartment that can accommodate devices up to 15.6 inches in screen size, and a tablet compartment that is 9.4 x 0.59 x 12 inches. A tripod or water bottle may be stored in the outside pocket.

When travelling with a trolley bag, compression straps may be used to attach the backpack to the trolley bag. The Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II employs 600D nylon for ultimate durability.

4. TARION Waterproof Camera Bag Backpack

The TARION Camera Backpack is an IPX5-rated camera backpack for individuals who like an adventure. This camera bag is made of durable, water-resistant fabric. Your gear gains an additional layer of water resistance thanks to the rain cover.

Externally measuring 11.42 x 6.3 x 17.91 inches, this backpack offers a total capacity of 17 L for goods. The inner top drawstring is extendable and may offer an extra 10% space for your stuff in case you need it.

The TARION Camera Backpack may be configured in various ways thanks to its detachable inside sections. Remove the inside compartments to create a place for other items if you don’t wish to carry your photography equipment. The backpack’s anti-theft rear entrance further secures your belongings.

One DSLR camera, one compact camera, three lenses, a tablet, a tripod, a drone, and several accessories may all fit within the backpack. If you’re just taking your travel camera on a carry-on flight, it’s a fantastic alternative.

5. Moiso camera bag

The MOSISO Photographic Backpack provides great protection for camera gear if you run into any hiccups while travelling. This bag includes a hardshell cover and a cushioned inside the modular system to arrange your things in any way you choose.

Two DSLR camera bodies, lenses, a tablet, and a 16-inch laptop may all fit in the camera backpack. A couple more mirrorless cameras or a small drone may fit within, depending on how the divider system is configured. Additionally, there are two accessory mesh pockets where you may keep your SD cards, cables, batteries, and external hard drives, as well as an outside tripod holder.

This camera bag contains a water bottle compartment for trip photographers and hooks on the shoulder straps to hang sunglasses or a small towel. For your belongings, a handy anti-theft compartment is built-in.

Comfortable treks and hikes are made possible with the cushioned back and shoulder straps. Additionally, the straps include a clasp for additional ergonomic support. However, better hiking camera backpacks offer greater support, albeit at a higher price range, if you’re going on extended excursions in challenging terrain.

6. CADeN Laptop Compartment Camera Backpack Bag

With dimensions of 17.32 x 12.6 x 6.3 inches and a weight of about 2.5 lbs, the CADeN Camera Backpack Bag is small, light, and perfect for travel and day outings. One camera body, four lenses, a laptop with a screen up to 15.6 inches, plus peripherals may all fit in one camera backpack.

On both sides of the backpack are strong mesh storage compartments, and the bottom pocket may hold a tripod or hiking pole. The 900D nylon used in the CADeN Camera Backpack Bag offers exceptional durability and water resistance, shielding your equipment from various factors.

7. SLR/DSLR Camera Backpack from AmazonBasics

A straightforward bag for your fundamental photographic requirements is the AmazonBasics Backpack. This backpack is small, measuring 11.75 x 8.75 x 14.5 inches and only 1.96 pounds.

This backpack’s adjustable and cushioned sections provide the highest protection and adjustability. In addition to the cushioned pockets, the shoulder straps also include thick padding.

A holder on the outside of the backpack can accommodate a trekking pole or a tripod. You may utilise the flaps on the side pockets to store your smartphone, keys, and other small things.

8. Case Logic 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack and DSLR Camera

The Case Logic DLSR Camera Backpack is ideal if you’re seeking a bag that can hold a DSLR with the lens attached. With an exterior size of 12.50 x 8.00 x 17.00 inches, it is small yet can hold most of your equipment.

The DSLR is suspended above the bottom of the bag by the hammock system of the Case Logic DSLR Camera Backpack, protecting it from drops and impacts.

This bag can stand on its own if that’s what you’re searching for. The backpack stands upright thanks to the weather-resistant EVA base. Additionally, this bag contains a cushioned laptop section that can accommodate devices with screens up to 17 inches in size. To store personal belongings, you may remove the inside partitions.

The side of the backpack has a loop strap that can accommodate a tripod. Hanging straps are eliminated with an inventive strap management system, making the area seem cleaner.

9. Neewer Professional Camera Bag

The Neewer Pro Camera Backpack incorporates waterproof polyester and robust nylon for optimal dependability and longevity. Its outside measurements are 13.4 x 10.2 x 20.5 inches, and it can accommodate a DSLR camera, normal zoom lenses, cables, batteries, and other equipment.

The sensitive LCD screen is protected by memory foam within the backpack lid if you want to travel. The backpack’s contents may be easily modified and adjusted thanks to the detachable cushioned partitions. With this function, you may expand or decrease the partition size to suit smaller or larger objects.

There are two buckles on each side of the backpack’s exterior. These hold a trekking pole, a tripod, or an umbrella. This bag is perfect in a range of circumstances. You may use it for shopping as well as for hiking and trekking. Thanks to the detachable internal cushioning, it functions as both a camera and a casual bag.

10. Abonnyc Camera Bag

The Abonnyc Camera Backpack is huge in capacity and measures 11.8 x 16.5 x 6.3 inches on the outside. Even though it is big, it only weighs 2.67 lbs, which is ideal for those who need to carry a lot of heavy equipment. One camera, three lenses, a tripod, a laptop with a screen up to 13.3 inches, and some clothing may all be stored in one bag at once.

Because of its retro appearance, you won’t immediately recognise it as a camera backpack. High-quality Batik Canvas is used in this backpack’s construction to ensure durability and weather resistance. This backpack’s inside contains three detachable Velcro-taped cushions, making it simple to tailor to your requirements. The paddings are made of a seven-layer drop- and shock-resistant polymer for ultimate shock and drop protection.

One of the three quick-access zippers allows you to quickly reach your items. Quickly reach into your bag to get your camera. Tiny items like spare change, keys, a ballpoint pen, and a small notepad are perfect for the front pocket. The Velcro cushions on this camera backpack are simply removable, making it simple to change from a camera backpack to a lifestyle bag.

11. Altura Photo Camera Bag

The Altura Photo Camera Backpack is made of strong, water-resistant nylon for optimal durability. To increase dependability, it is stitched reinforced. The outer measurements of this bag are 12 x 6.5 x 17 inches, making it ideal for most photographers.

This backpack has replaceable cushioned inserts on the inside that you may adjust to your preferences. Instead of a prime lens, the paddings may be readily changed to suit a conventional zoom lens.

A side compartment on this backpack is specifically designed to safely store a tripod, monopod, or trekking pole. One camera with a connected lens, four to five additional lenses, a tripod or monopod, and accessories may all be stored and transported. You may manage accessories like cables, lens filters, chargers, memory cards, cleaning supplies, and batteries using the bag’s many compartments.

You can fit a laptop with a screen up to 14 inches in the cushioned laptop compartment. Additionally, it has a combination lock, which increases the security of your equipment.

12. BP 150 LowePro Tahoe

For people who lead busy lifestyles, the Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 Camera Backpack is a great option. Your photographic equipment will fit comfortably in its cushioned, reversible main compartment. You may stow your tiny accessories in the wide front pocket for easy access.

The quilted cushioning and weather-resistant fabrics shield your equipment from the elements. It sports a main compartment with an UltraFlex panel that conveniently folds down to provide more room for personal items rather than more for photographic equipment.

This camera bag is very small, with exterior measurements of 11.02 x 6.10 x 17.48 inches. The drawback is that, at 3.96 lbs, it is quite weighty compared to other, bigger backpacks that weigh less. Up to an 11-inch laptop screen is supported by the cushioned laptop compartment.

13. Endura Waterproof Camera Backpack

The Endura Waterproof Camera Backpack boasts a unique convertible design with a bottom section that looks like a drawer and holds a camera shoulder bag. The camera shoulder bag may be used alone or with the backpack.

If you wish to carry one, you may modify the backpack to fit a laptop with a screen size up to 15.6 inches. The main section of the backpack includes a detachable divider that you can quickly take out and reattach as necessary.

The main compartment is separated into two halves when the detachable divider is attached, making organisation simple. Three mesh pockets in the top compartment may be used to store clothing or photographic gear.

One camera, two lenses, one flash, and a few photographic accessories may all fit inside of this bag at once. Its outside measurements are 12 x 7.5 x 17 inches, and its weight is merely 3 lbs.

14. GOgroove’s Full-Size DSLR Camera Backpack

The exterior measurements and weight of the GOgroove Full-Size DSLR Photography Backpack are 17 x 12 x 7 inches and 2.77 pounds, respectively. You can reach your equipment from the side thanks to its side opening. The rain cover included with this backpack helps shield your goods from the weather.

The cushioned laptop compartment on this computer can accommodate devices with screens up to 15.6 inches. A smartphone, charger, and other items may be stored in the top section of this bag. The cushioned straps may be adjusted for the highest level of comfort.

This backpack features a designated slot outside the bag that may safely store a tripod or monopod if you like carrying one. You may slip the backpack into your trolley bag using the baggage handle slot when travelling.

Conclusion

Any of the aforementioned top camera backpacks under $100 will effectively store and safeguard your photography equipment. The decision of which has the additional features you will value the most rests with you, the user.

Choose a backpack with removable paddings that isn’t too bulky if you require a camera backpack that can quickly transform into a lifestyle bag. Choose one that is water-resistant or has a rain cover if you are the sort of person who often goes hiking or trekking. While moving, a camera back with side access is fantastic for easy gear access.

To make choosing a backpack simpler, you must determine which aspects are crucial to you. There may be a wonderful camera backpack for you, even if there isn’t one finest camera backpack for everyone.