Whether you use your camera equipment for a pastime or as a source of income, it is an investment you should protect. Waterproof camera cases will keep your equipment dry and in working condition even if you find yourself caught off guard in an unexpected downpour.
We’ve compiled a list of the top waterproof camera bags available on the market in this post. Continue reading to learn more about our favourite, the Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack, and what makes it so special.
A Quick Overview of Our Top Waterproof Camera Bags
• Backpack Lowepro DryZone 200
• Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
• S-ZONE Waterproof Canvas Leather Camera Bag
• Pelican 1200 Case With Foam
• Endurax Waterproof Camera Backpack
• MOSISO Mirrorless Photography Camera Bag
• Manfrotto MB PL-MTP-120 Backpack
Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack
Brand: Lowepro
Interior Dimensions: 12 x 5.9 x 16.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 14.6 x 11.4 x 19.1 inches
Number of Compartments: 8
Weight: 6.94 pounds
The Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack bills itself as the world’s first soft-sided, waterproof camera backpack. No matter how much water is present, the waterproof construction keeps everything entirely dry. Additional safeguards against moisture damage to your equipment include an inner tripod and proprietary zipper technology.
There are various storage spaces for your camera, lenses, flash, batteries, and other equipment you’ll need for capturing nighttime pictures within the inner tripod. There is a zipped bag available for products that don’t need as much security but still need to stay dry.
For essentials you need to grab fast, the Lowepro DryZone 200 incorporates two mesh pockets on the pack’s exterior. The mesh pattern serves as a drain for any water that accumulates within the pockets while allowing you to see what you’re grabbing.
Additionally, this bag incorporates a “tuck-away” tripod holder that protrudes from the bottom. This holder aids in relieving some of the tripod’s weight off your back. The tripod may then be secured in position using bungee cords.
The Lowepro DryZone 200 also offers adjustable straps and lumbar support for the best possible wearing comfort. The downside of this support is that it makes the backpack rather hefty.
Pros include a completely waterproof design, several storage compartments inside, patented zipper technology, two mesh easy-access pockets, and a tripod holder.
Endurax Waterproof Camera Backpack
Brand: Endurax
Interior Dimensions: 10.5 x 6 x 6 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 12 x 7.5 x 17 inches
Number of Compartments: 4
Weight: 2.86 pounds
The Endura Waterproof Camera Backpack is a unique camera backpack thanks to its many amazing features.
The backpack’s main compartment has multiple compartments for storing necessary equipment. There are places to store vital papers, a slot for a laptop, mesh pockets for a phone and tablet, and even a spot to store a water bottle in case you become dehydrated while photographing starscapes.
A detachable shoulder bag made exclusively for your camera and accessories is hidden behind all that storage. Thanks to the zipper that secures this rectangle bag, everything may be transported as a single unit. The camera bag alone may be carried as well.
To safely store your camera, lenses, batteries, wires, and other items you need to carry, the camera shoulder bag has partitions that you may customise.
The whole backpack is waterproof polyester to protect your belongings from the weather. Strong zippers keep moisture out at opening areas, strengthening the fabric to be resilient.
Additionally, the backpack has straps on the outside that may be used to secure a tripod to one side. Even though it’s doubtful that you can put a tripod inside, you won’t have to carry one separately because of this.
Cons: Limited possibilities for expanding the backpack to fit on your back; removable camera shoulder bag with adjustable partitions; storage for necessities like a phone, tablet, and personal belongings; waterproof polyester; external adapter for a tripod.
Pelican 1200 Case With Foam
Brand: Pelican
Interior Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.12 x 4.12 inches
Number of Compartments: 1
Exterior Dimensions: 10.62 x 9.68 x 4.87 inches
Weight: 2.87 pounds
For individuals that want a camera case that can withstand the abuse, there is the Pelican 1200 Case. Along with being waterproof, the robust shell is also crushproof and dustproof. The Pelican 1200 ought to be capable of handling anything.
O-rings are used in the casing to seal off the inside from dust and moisture. A pressure equalisation valve that automatically balances internal and outside pressure to prevent water infiltration is included. This is useful when looking for picture opportunities on rainy and foggy evenings.
When the case is closed, a latch on each side of the handle maintains the seal. These locks are simple to open, allowing you to rapidly access your stuff. They have a double-throw design that locks everything tightly when not in use.
The Pelican 1200 has a substantial layer of foam inside that fills the case’s capacity. You’ll need to cut off a few pieces of foam to create room for your camera and accessories. Your equipment will stay in place within the case thanks to foam covering the lid.
The case can accommodate a camera and one or two lenses while compacting enough to not be cumbersome. The Pelican 1200 is undoubtedly a lightweight solution to safeguard your equipment with an empty weight of under three pounds.
Cons: Must cut off the foam by hand; Slightly on the tiny side; Extremely sturdy; Waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof; Double-throw latches and O-rings for a firm seal
S-ZONE Waterproof Canvas Leather Camera Bag
Brand: S-Zone
Interior Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 9 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 10 inches
Number of Compartments: 3
Weight: 1 pound
When devoid of equipment, the exceptionally thin S-ZONE Waterproof Canvas Leather Camera Bag weighs barely one pound. As a result, the S-ZONE backpack is adaptable and ideal for using your camera on short journeys or at less significant events.
The camera bag is wearable by both men and women and is highly fashionable. It may be worn over the shoulder and is portable because of its tiny size.
This camera bag is made of waterproof canvas to keep your stuff dry and secure. The fake leather trim and durable stitching further improve this item’s look.
A camera and an additional lens may fit within two compartments. You may keep batteries, cables, memory cards, or a mobile phone in the front pocket to quickly check the constellations.
Your components are protected in these compartments by soft cotton padding. The cotton is also intended to cushion vibrations and shocks from drops that may otherwise damage your equipment.
Two quick-snap buckles keep the camera bag closed until you need it. The canvas material folds down over the zipped entrance to prevent water from entering.
A bigger model can accommodate more (or larger) goods if the smaller one won’t fit your stuff.
Advantages
• Stylish design
• Can be used as a shoulder bag for daily usage
• Soft, long-lasting cotton lining
• Available in two sizes.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Brand: Peak Design
Interior Dimensions: 16.5 x 11 x 5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 6.75 inches
Number of Compartments: 3
Weight: 4 pounds
As a backpack for any purpose, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack stands true to its name. Although it’s great for astrophotography, don’t be hesitant to use it on trips or in regular life.
The Peak Design bag has flex-fold dividers for a seemingly limitless number of combinations for carrying the equipment you’ll need to capture that celestial vista. In addition to aiding in compartmentalization, these dividers keep equipment accessible and off the bottom of your suitcase.
The side pockets provide extra storage space on each side of the backpack for items like cables or a phone. To keep items dry, these side pockets are as waterproof as the rest of the backpack.
A 400D nylon shell that is completely waterproof covers the whole backpack. High-quality external zippers keep water out of bag holes by sealing them.
When you just need to carry a small number of goods, this backpack can be compressed down to 12 litres from its maximum capacity of 20 litres. Keeping the volume down prevents the backpack from appearing and feeling overly large while worn.
Another consideration for the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is comfort. Straps with padding take the weight off your shoulders. The backpack’s weight is more evenly distributed over your body thanks to the sternum and waist straps.
Pros include:
- The waterproof 400D nylon shell.
- The adaptable flex-fold partitions.
- The expandable design.
- The many straps for a snug fit.
Cons: Consumers report that the backpack is uncomfortable, and some people have trouble opening the zippers.
MOSISO Mirrorless Photography Camera Bag
Brand: Mosiso
Interior Dimensions: 16.54 x 11.42 x 5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 17.5 x 11.7 x 8.2 inches
Number of Compartments: 11
Weight: 3.39 pounds
The MOSISO Mirrorless Photography Camera Bag boasts a tough, waterproof, and shockproof outer shell. The MOSISO Mirrorless Photography Camera Bag should hold up whether you drop it in a stream or on the pavement.
The bag’s front zips up to show the whole contents within. Doing this allows you to easily reach all of your stuff, which is neatly arranged in several compartments. A camera, lenses, a remote shutter, and other equipment required for long exposures may all be stored in the available space.
You may put cords, batteries, or cellphones in the two extra pockets on the inner cover.
The MOSISO Mirrorless Photography Camera Bag includes a handle on top that makes it simple to carry by your side, but it also has two shoulder straps if you choose to do so.
If you want to connect a tripod, there is a tripod holder on one side of the backpack to assist balance the weight. A strap additionally secures the tripod on top of the rucksack. A pocket for a water bottle is located on the other side of the bag.
Advantages: Shockproof and waterproof external shell; rigid, sturdy exterior shell; simple access to all of your belongings within the bag; tripod holder
Manfrotto MB PL-MTP-120 Backpack
Brand: Manfrotto
Interior Dimensions: 11.42 x 6.69 x 15.75 inches
Exterior Dimensions: 12.99 x 10.63 x 17.32 inches
Number of Compartments: 9
Weight: 3.92 pounds
You may arrange your setup in any way you choose with the help of the several removable dividers included in the Manfrotto MB PL-MTP-120 Backpack. This backpack is not restricted to a certain camera or lens size.
You can quickly access your equipment thanks to several entry points. You don’t have to rummage through or move layers of delicate machinery to get to the needed parts. Additionally, the bag has a dedicated space for a laptop or other electrical equipment.
Even while the backpack has a particular water-resistant covering, it also has a rain cover that unfolds to keep rain from entering. A silver lining that provides UV protection on hot days is located on the other side of the rain protector.
There are external connectors on the rucksack that a tripod may be fastened to. By doing this, you may avoid carrying your tripod or bringing a second suitcase.
The Manfrotto MB PL-MTP-120 Backpack weighs just four pounds, making it easy to carry about while being spacious enough for most cameras and your favourite accessories. It also complies with all criteria for usage as a carry-on item.
Pros include many access points for gear, an external tripod adapter, removable dividers for unique organising, and rain and sun protection.
Cons: They tend to be heavier than average and are not waterproof without a shell.
What to consider when buying a waterproof backpack
How much equipment do you need to carry?
This is the most important question you must ask yourself while choosing a waterproof camera bag. Build your bag based on the equipment you’ll need to carry on an astrophotography excursion.
Be sure to account for the camera, lenses, batteries, smartphone, and other equipment you need to take amazing pictures. Don’t forget to think about how you may connect your tripod to avoid carrying it separately.
Remember to account for the length of your camera’s connected and detached lenses. To reduce the size of the bag you require, you want to be efficient with the area your gear occupies.
How will you transport your equipment?
Remember that you still need to carry your bag to where you’ll take shots. As a result, there are several varieties of camera backpacks. Small pouches and waist belts are suitable for point-and-shoot cameras, but they are insufficient for carrying a DSLR and your additional equipment.
Shoulder bags, backpacks, and hard cases are the finest bags for astrophotographers. Hard cases should only be utilised in more difficult situations when it is imperative to avoid causing device damage.
The fundamental distinction between shoulder bags and backpacks is how you carry them: over one shoulder instead of both shoulders. The capacity of a backpack tends to be somewhat greater.
Functionality vs Form
The Pelican 1200 and other waterproof camera cases are all about performance. They are excellent at safeguarding your electronics but fall short in the style department.
Who knows? Maybe if you’re out alone at night taking pictures of the sky, fashion isn’t a selling point. Many waterproof backpacks are created from aesthetically attractive canvas or imitation leather.
Durability
If your camera bag can’t withstand the circumstances, you’ll be shooting in, and it isn’t much use to be waterproof. A protective shell on your backpack may make the difference between your gear functioning and breaking on difficult or rough excursions.
Lighter city strolls don’t need something quite so severe, and a canvas or nylon design would probably suffice. These bags will still shield your belongings from the weather, but they won’t hold up as well if you drop them or trip over them.
Special Features
An excellent waterproof camera bag will keep your belongings dry and provide additional features that simplify your life when photographing starscapes late at night.
It could be a good idea to acquire a backpack with a tripod holder that helps disperse the weight of that tripod as a tripod is unlikely to fit within your bag. A tripod is necessary for long exposures, so tying it to your backpack frees up your arms for other tasks.
Reduce lag while that photo is in view by using quick access points to get to the things you need. Although they are not always waterproof, these points may save your life if you suddenly require a torch.
Conclusion
We see the Lowepro DryZone 200 Backpack as the greatest all-around waterproof camera bag due to its features.
This backpack floats on water due to its extreme waterproofness (not that we suggest doing this). This pack can fit a lot of stuff in its many compartments once it is sealed within the tripod. No matter where you are while looking for the ideal shot, your equipment will remain securely in place.
With the DryZone 200, mounting a tripod or other bulky equipment to the bag’s exterior is simple. Although it is a little hefty, the adjustable straps and lumbar support will enable you to carry the pack for whatever length is necessary.
If this waterproof camera bag isn’t your cup of tea, one of these other models will offer everything you need.