When you bought your camera, you believed that a bag would be enough to carry it: you were wrong, and now you find yourself having to look for more or less practical solutions to transport your lenses. I would say just what you need is one photographic backpack, where you can store the bulky telephoto lenses, the tripod, the filters, and everything you need for your photography sessions.
It is a particularly coveted solution among professional photographers, especially for those who like to have a dedicated lens for every situation, rather than relying on a zoom. The best lenses, in fact, can be large and heavy and it is precisely for this reason that the best solution for their transport (in total safety and protection) is a backpack.
Don't worry: whether you like taking shots in the streets of a city or in more "hostile" environments, such as trekking routes, there are photographic backpacks that can meet all your needs. But how do you choose the best photo backpack for you? I'll explain it to you right away: keep reading and you will get all the information you need.
How to choose photographic backpack
How to choose one photographic backpack and, above all, why do it? If you are asking yourself these questions, I will give you a short answer immediately: it is the best solution if you have important equipment, more or less expensive, and you have different lenses for each specific photographic activity. Some photographers argue that the best zoom is represented by… the photographer's feet. In other words, it is better to physically get closer to the subject than to use the zoom.
It is therefore a fairly common idea to provide oneself with a rather complex lens park, instead of a single all-round lens, especially when approaching artistic, quality photography or, in other words, professional or semi-professional. You will certainly have seen those sports photographers yawing with even three or four cameras: that is an extreme case, of course, but rather than using a handyman they even prefer to use two or three lenses installed, for a matter of speed, on three different camera bodies.
If a sports photographer can afford to attach the various cameras to the body with a shoulder strap, because he is often sedentary in one place, for other types of photography this is not enough: street photography, nature, or other types of photography sometimes require long interspersed treks. to several patient waiting sessions. That's where a good model comes to the rescue camera backpack o camera backpack for mirrorless: not only to transport the camera bodies and accessories, but to protect them from the introduction of dust, earth, liquids, inside the delicate and expensive components present in the equipment.
Sizes
Le dimensions of a photographic backpack are of fundamental importance for a myriad of different reasons. First of all you have to identify which style of photography you like the most and intend to perform: if you are a nature photographer, for example, you need different lenses and accessories than those of those who take portraits or urban shots. Evaluate the size of your backpack also based on how far you intend to walk with your equipment on your shoulders.
Furthermore, a light and comfortable backpack may not always be suitable for long trekking sessions. Some models, in fact, have a completely separate pocket compared to those used for photographic equipment, which allows you to bring some additional clothing or drinks and food such as sandwiches or snacks if you intend to take very long shooting sessions. A larger backpack definitely offers one capacity superior (often expressed in liters, with the symbol l), but it is less comfortable to carry and is useless in some circumstances.
If you prefer a small backpack because your lens park consists of one or two additional models, consider purchasing one as well one-shoulder photographic backpack, easier to carry around and able to offer you a much higher speed of interaction with stored accessories. Some backpacks also are modular: You can then break them down into smaller parts to use only what you need.
Pockets and adjustments
If size is of paramount importance, the pockets they are probably even more so. Again, of course, you need to know what your photographic habits are: do you take your tablet with you for on-the-fly post-processing of RAW photos? Do you even prefer to take your computer with you? Know, then, that there are gods photo backpacks with laptop pocket, or - as I told you a moment ago - photographic backpacks with specific pockets for bottles, water bottles or even food.
What I recommend is to consider models that have one customizable internal structure e adjustable pockets in size. What does it mean? That you can move the position of each single “wall” of the internal structure of the photographic backpack as you wish: if you need to house a large telephoto lens, you can enlarge the pocket; if, on the other hand, you have a pancake lens, you can make it smaller by leaving room for other accessories.
In addition to a laptop or a lens, one photographic backpack it can carry accessories of all kinds: chargers, cables, filters, memory cards, hard drives or - if you are a videomaker - microphones and other accessories. Another tip? If you can, check the level of padding pockets to prevent very expensive disasters from happening: often a cheap photographic backpack is equivalent to putting components that can be worth hundreds or even thousands of euros at risk.
Materials and waterproofing
I materials the photographic backpack they are one of the key components in choosing a more expensive model, compared to a cheaper model that on paper seems more advantageous. On paper, in fact. Even the best photo backpack it can use, for example, nylon or other technical materials for the external structure, however the more expensive models are made with more reliable production systems and often guarantee a longer duration over time.
They also offer superior transport comfort and a significantly higher level of protection for the integrated components thanks to a more effective padding both towards the outside and towards the inside of the accessories packed into the backpack. In addition, the materials used in the best photographic backpacks can guarantee an excellent level of impermeability, often promoted but not always guaranteed on the cheapest photographic backpacks. Some models come with a coverage additional supplied, in order to maximize resistance to liquids, dust, sand and other potentially harmful agents.
We always go back to the same discourse: would you ever entrust components worth hundreds or thousands of euros to a backpack that cannot guarantee you sufficient reliability?
Easel holder
The internal volume of a photographic backpack rarely allows you to easily carry a tripod, and that is why several photographic backpacks on the market today have the external solutions for transporting the tripod. The latter is an accessory that in some photographic fields, and also in videomaking, becomes fundamental, so why not take it with you?
If you need it in your shooting sessions, consider the models they have hooks o Cavi suitable for the tripod. I assure you that it is a much more comfortable solution, especially for long walks with the backpack on your shoulder, compared to simply inserting it in the best way inside the backpack among the other components.
Other characteristics
Before launching into the purchase phase of your new photographic backpack, I ask you for another moment of patience: there are a few other features to consider. Some backpacks, especially the larger ones, may have a waist belt, which allows you to better distribute the weights. Some backpacks also favor theaccess to components from the rear, useful to reduce to the minimum terms of interaction with the components present in the backpack for a snap on the fly.
Not all photographic backpacks are designed for drones, but only for reflex and mirrorless cameras, so if you need this feature check if the compatibility with drones, and which models are actually transportable. Each backpack can have different specifications in this regard, however manufacturers usually offer a list of models compatible with each individual backpack on sale.
Which photographic backpacks to buy
Now that I've explained the basics to know for buying a new one photographic backpack let's move on to the choice of models, divided between cheap photo backpacks e high-end. Always remember, before making the purchase, to check if your camera body and your lenses are compatible with the backpack!
Best cheap photo backpacks (less than 80 €)
Neewer Type I
If you are looking for an extremely economical solution to combine with photographic accessories of not too high value, I suggest you orient yourself on zaini Neewer. Here I propose the cheapest, but if you need more advanced solutions there are also slightly more expensive models. The materials are decent (polyester / nylon) and the internal compartments (red) are removable and adjustable. It can hold a reflex, several lenses and even a tripod through the side buckles. It can also carry a water bottle. The dimensions are extremely compact.
AmazonBasics Series Trekker
Available in different colors, theAmazonBasics Series Trekker is an excellent photographic backpack, compact and light, designed for those who love outdoor excursions. It comes with a rain cover and can contain a camera body, both reflex and mirrorless, with up to three lenses, plus any additional accessories. Present: rear access, padded back and shoulder straps and chest strap for better weight distribution.
Case-Logic TBC-410
Another photographic backpack economic, characterized by the presence of a single shoulder strap. This one-shoulder backpack can hold a camera, lens, flash, and also offers side access for the fastest possible action speed. The backrest is padded and breathable, and we also have a proprietary system for impact protection.
Tarion TB-02
Il Tarion TB-02 is a black backpack with orange interior, pockets that can be customized in size and position, and an integrated solution for carrying the tripod. It can hold a maximum of one camera and six full-size lenses, plus a flash light (plus tripod). There is also a special space for carrying a laptop or tablet, while in terms of materials we have high-strength nylon and an external cover for waterproofing.
Beschoi camera backpack
Lo Beschoi camera backpack it is characterized by white interiors with red stitching, it can contain a compact SLR or a mirrorless, along with up to 6 lenses, flash and tripod through a dedicated solution. The internal pockets are customizable, while the back and shoulder straps are padded and breathable for maximum comfort. The dimensions are quite small and there is the possibility to carry a laptop or a tablet.
Neewer 2-in-1 Camera Backpack
Certainly a particular solution is it Neewer 2-in-1 Camera Backpack, which can be carried on the back and contains a handle and two wheels for transporting like a trolley. It is a useful solution for travelers, waterproof and with hooks for carrying a tripod. Inside there is also room for a medium-sized laptop and a good level of padding.
AmazonBasics Serie Hiker
AmazonBasics Serie Hiker is an excellent value for money backpack for out-of-town hikers. Inside it can hold different types of accessories, cameras, a laptop, and has solutions for carrying tripods and trekking poles. Quick access to the camera is ensured by a side pocket. There is also coverage for waterproofing.
Inateck photographic backpack
Lo Inateck photographic backpack it is one of the most versatile models among the cheapest models that I recommend on this page. In addition to the very nice aesthetics, this product allows you to carry your camera, several lenses, some clothing (actually not too much) and a laptop. All with a 15mm protection as regards the padding between transported accessories. The interior can be organized as you prefer.
Manfrotto MB NX-BP
Manfrotto is among the best companies in the field of photographic accessories, and also in the field of backpacks it is no less. The price is a bit high compared to the industry average, however the level of reliability is at the top. This model offers a proprietary protection system, can accommodate an SLR with a standard size lens already mounted, two additional lenses and several accessories. Do not miss the external connection for the tripod and a compartment for transporting the laptop.
Case-Logic SLRC-206
Il Case-Logic SLRC-206 is a semi-professional photographic backpack, capable of transporting cameras (even with zoom already mounted), laptops and various types of accessories in an appropriate manner and with an excellent degree of protection. It has a safe solution for transporting the tripod and high quality materials. The base is also waterproof. A great solution before moving on to the more expensive models from Manfrotto and Lowepro.
Inateck photographic backpack
Lo Inateck photographic backpack it is another excellent alternative to the more expensive products of the most famous brands. In fact, we have a linear aesthetic and the possibility of carrying reflex and mirrorless cameras of each brand, two lenses and even drones like the foldable models of DJI. We have 15mm padding to protect the accessories being carried, while the bottom and front are padded with an 8mm layer of cotton. A rain cover is supplied.
Best high-end photo backpacks (over 80 €)
Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW II
With Lowepro we move on to a choice for professionals, in this case at a still quite low price. The Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW II it can contain, in addition to a reflex and two or maximum three lenses, also a laptop or a tablet of up to 13 ". Among the exclusive solutions we have two access options, one of which on the side, padded and super safe compartments, waterproof cover, trolley fastening system and waist strap.
Manfrotto MB MS-BP
A compact backpack, comfortable to carry and with separate compartments, one for photography, the other for any other type of object. It can carry a camera body with a standard lens attached, two additional lenses and various accessories. We obviously also have a solution dedicated to the tripod (external) and a compartment for transporting the laptop. The quality is at the top, as per practice Manfrotto.
Manfrotto Redbee 310
Il Manfrotto MB PL-BP Redbee 310 is a professional backpack, containing a customizable interior space and access also from the back. We have a tripod holder system, waterproof rain cover, it can even carry two reflex cameras and a large lens (up to 400mm, roughly).
Manfrotto Pro Light 3N1
Il Manfrotto Pro Light 3N1 is a practically definitive professional photographic backpack. It offers three modes of transport (even single shoulder), and has flexible internal separators for maximum versatility. It can also carry very bulky and heavy equipment, including videos and drones of different types. It is 100% reliable and offers special compartments for accessories of all kinds. It has a maximum level of protection against liquids and sun
Lowepro Pro Runner 450 AW II
A compact and extremely modular photographic backpack, designed for the professional. It can protect and carry up to two SLRs or mirrorless cameras with attached lenses, up to five or six lenses, various accessories, and even three devices in the laptop compartment. The transported equipment is safe from liquids and shocks even in the lower part, for a product that offers a huge internal capacity.
Tarion Pro PB-01
Tarion Pro PB-01 is another professional-level photographic backpack, which makes versatility its strong point. It can contain: two cameras, seven lenses, a laptop, a tripod and various accessories. It can also be carried in a single-shoulder bag or fanny pack, if sometimes needed in limited mode, and offers anti-theft and anti-fall systems for some accessories. This is a very high quality backpack at a price not even that exaggerated.
Manfrotto Manhattan Mover 30
Manfrotto Mover 30 is a high-end photographic backpack, designed for those who need to move quickly and easily. Characterized by very small dimensions, it implements the Flexy Camera Shell system which still allows you to protect the camera and the three (maximum) lenses carried. Among these it can also carry a 200mm telephoto lens, various accessories, and even a DJI Mavic drone with two spare batteries (at the top). All compartments are padded, and there is also the possibility to carry a 14 "laptop and a 9,7" tablet maximum.
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II
Similar to the Manfrotto model I just suggested is the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II, a compact but at the same time very versatile backpack. Offers four access points, waist strap, impact resistant reinforced frame and carrying system for the kickstand. It can also carry two SLRs, one with a 70-200mm lens attached. It can also hold a DJI drone and various types of accessories. Comes with waterproof, dustproof cover.
Manfrotto Bumblebee 230
I recommend the Manfrotto Bumblebee 230 if you have to carry a large laptop, with a maximum 17 "display. This photographic backpack is aimed at the professional, can carry a tripod and protects the camera (with large lens already mounted) through extremely good padding. A complete and comfortable model to carry around, despite its quite important dimensions.
Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 450 AW II
Il Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 450 AW II is an extremely important photographic backpack in terms of size, designed for the photographer who travels often. It offers two separate sections, a retractable pocket for the tripod, the possibility of carrying two camera bodies, one with a large lens already mounted, and up to 5 lenses with dedicated accessories. It can also contain a 15 "laptop, 10" tablet, a Wacom tablet, all with an optimal organization also guaranteed by the linear structure. There are also more advanced models of the same family on the market
