Bags


15 Travel-Worthy Bags for Photographers and Filmmakers

February 5, 2019

By Greg Scoblete

Hex Ranger Clamshell DSLR Backpack

Hex Ranger Clamshell DSLR Backpack

The Ranger’s compression straps allow you to create three secure access points for your gear: the top, left side or right side. When closed, the straps prevent the bag’s zipper from traversing the entire length of the bag—though if you want that, simply keep all the compression straps open. The interior of the bag sports fully adjustable padded dividers that can be removed entirely if you want to use the bag for general storage. There’s enough room for a pair of camera bodies with lenses attached, plus three extra lenses and a flash. There are smaller interior and exterior pockets for accessories plus a side pocket for a water bottle. You’ll find a side-zippered compartment that can house a 15-inch laptop. There’s a pass-through strap on the back, behind the shoulder straps, so you can slip the Ranger over rolling luggage. A waterproof rain cover is included as well and sits in a hidden under-pocket when not in use.

PRICE: $200
INFO: www.hexbrand.com

Tamrac Bushwick 2

Tamrac Bushwick 2

Pavement pounders and street shooters in the market for a compact, budget-friendly shoulder bag should give the Bushwick 2 a look. The exterior is weather resistant with expandable side pockets and a pair of front access zippered pockets. The interior has customizable dividers with space for a camera body, up to two lenses, a flash and a variety of accessories.

PRICE: $70
INFO: www.tamrac.com

Shimoda Explore 30 Backpack

Shimoda Explore 30 Backpack

The Shimoda line of backpacks use optional Core camera holders so you can configure the bag precisely to your needs. Core units are sold in small and medium sizes and support over 10 different gear configurations in total. They include a removable skin that can wrap up your gear if you’re in very dusty conditions. There are several access points on the bag so you can free your camera from both the rear and sides of the backpack. The harness is height-adjustable so it can accommodate a range of human torso sizes. There’s a compartment for a 13-inch laptop, and the bag’s exterior is made from a weather-resistant, resin-coated nylon. The Shimoda 30 can fit in most airline carry-on compartments, provided you muscle those business travelers out of the way first. The bags also come with a removable shoulder strap that can be pulled from the backpack and used independently.

PRICE: $260
INFO: www.shimodadesigns.com

Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 V2.0

Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 V2.0

The Retrospective shoulder bag can hold a pair of gripped DSLRs plus a 70-200mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 16-35mm f/2.8 lens. There’s a pocket for laptops up to 15 inches in size. The exterior features a water-repellent polyurethane coating over a sand-washed cotton canvas. On the inside you’ll find closed cell foam and PE board reinforced dividers plus a rain cover.

PRICE: $200
INFO: www.thinktankphoto.com

Langly Multi Globetrotter

Langly Multi Globetrotter

Built for bulk, the Globetrotter can house a camera body, up to 10 lenses and a 15-inch laptop inside plus a tripod on the outside. The straps have chest and waist attachments to help distribute heavy loads, while air channels on the back and sweat-wicking mesh panels cool you off as you tote your stuff.

PRICE: $299
INFO: www.langly.co

Ona x Tutes Collection

Ona x Tutes Collection

This limited-edition version of Ona’s Bowery shoulder bag and Camps Bay backpack were designed in collaboration with photographer Jose “Tutes” Tutiven. The Bowery and Camps Bay have been outfitted in a green and orange color scheme inspired, Ona says, by Tutes’s personal style and Bronx roots. The Bowery can fit a camera body and up to two lenses. There are five exterior pockets for accessories, and the closed-cell camera dividers can be removed to open up more interior room. The Camps Bay is roomy enough for a camera body with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, up to seven additional lenses and a 17-inch laptop. The top of the bag features a divider which opens up to between 4 to 7 inches for personal storage.

PRICE: $179 (Bowery), $419 (Camps Bay)
INFO: www.onabags.com

Tenba Axis

Tenba Axis

The durable Axis bag sports a coated, hydrophobic exterior material with reinforced stitching and MOLLE webbing for attaching lens capsules, pouches and memory card wallets. The exterior thread is reflective too, so you’re less likely to be flattened by passing cars after sunset. The backpack’s harness is height-adjustable to fit a wide range of body types. There are three gear access points with interior space for two gripped camera bodies, up to nine lenses (including a 400mm f/2.8) and a 17-inch laptop.

PRICE: $250
INFO: www.tenba.com

Miggo Aqua Stormproof Action Pack

Miggo Aqua Stormproof Action Pack

If the forecast calls for rain—and lots of it—the Action Pack can keep your gear safe and dry. Built primarily for small compacts and action cameras, the Pack can fit up to six GoPros and their accessories. A built-in metal hook lets you hang the bag so you’re not dropping it on muddy ground. The bag can be worn around your waist or slung over your shoulder.

PRICE: $60
INFO: www.mymiggo.com

Mission Workshop The Integer

Mission Workshop The Integer

The weather-proof Integer has three access points: a zippered front panel, a zippered side panel or an expandable roll top. The interior has adjustable dividers that can be fully removed when you want to use the bag for general storage. The upper compartment, accessed through the roll top, is for food, clothes or other accessories. You’ll find a dedicated laptop sleeve, expandable water bottle pouch, luggage pass-through straps and exterior loops for holding a tripod.

PRICE: $485
INFO: www.missionworkshop.com

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T

Vanguard Alta Fly 55T

The ultra-versatile Alta Fly 55T has four wheels for gliding over hard surfaces and integrated backpack straps for when it’s time to go off road. It can carry two mirrorless cameras with up to six lenses or two DSLRs with about five lenses, including a 300mm f/4 plus a flash and accessories. There’s a pocket for laptops up to 14 inches in size plus the interior dividers are removable if you just want to use the case for general purpose storage. There’s a rain cover, external tripod harness and three-point security system to keep prying hands out of your stuff.

PRICE: $280
INFO: www.vanguardworld.us

Pelican 1557 Air Case

Pelican 1557 Air Case

The 1557 Air hard case is watertight, dust- and crush-proof. It earns the “Air” moniker for a new, lightweight resin that’s used in its construction to keep the overall weight down without sacrificing its rugged durability. The case ships with pre-scored foam and has interior dimensions of 17.3 x 13 x 43.9 inches.

PRICE: $200
INFO: www.pelican-case.com

SKB 3i-1510-6DL

SKB 3I-1510-6DL

This hard case is watertight and dust-proof with trigger latches and metal-reinforced locking loops to keep gear secure. The interior features dividers and organizers from Think Tank Photo. The Nylex-wrapped closed cell foam dividers can be bent at 90-degree angles and there are clear mesh pockets for accessories and smaller items. There’s a top-loading laptop sleeve large enough for 15-inch MacBook Pros. You’ll have enough room for a pair of camera bodies with lenses attached, four additional lenses, a flash and plenty of accessories.

PRICE: $153
INFO: www.skbcases.com

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

The first of a new line of travel bags from Peak Design, the 45L features multiple access points, and shoulder and back straps that can be tucked away in a magnetically sealed back pad. The bag can expand to a maximum capacity of 45L or be squeezed down to 35L using compression straps. At 45L, the bag fits most airline carry-on requirements. Camera gear is stowed in optional Packing Cubes, which are sold separately in small, medium or large sizes. Beyond camera cubes, there’s a tech pouch with 21 different pockets and external carrying handles; a wash pouch for toiletries and a shoe pouch for, you guessed it, shoes. You can access your gear through dual access side zippers in the backpack and there’s a laptop sleeve that can accommodate a 15-inch notebook. The interior has a zippered dividing panel that can be opened up to make one roomy interior. The exterior shell is made from recycled plastic and features pick-pocket deterrent zippers, hidden external carry straps and a stowable waist belt. Read more about the backpack here.

PRICE: $300
INFO: www.peakdesign.com

Manfrotto Manhattan Mover 30

Manfrotto Manhattan Mover 30

Sized for mirrorless cameras and smaller DSLRs, the Mover 30 has customizable dividers, a laptop compartment for 14-inch models and Manfrotto’s NeverLose exterior tripod holder. The interior dividers can be removed entirely. When inside, the Mover can hold a camera body with lens attached plus three additional lenses, including a 70-200mm f/4. The top of the bag is roomy enough for a Mavic-sized drone and extra batteries.

PRICE: $140
INFO: www.manfrotto.us

LowePro ProTactic BP 350 AW

LowePro ProTactic BP 350 AW

The ProTactic sports four access points so your gear is always accessible. Using the bag’s SlipLock loops, you can attach pouches, water bottles or your good luck Teddy Bear to the bag’s exterior. There’s also a removable utility belt and a tripod cup to slip your stabilizer into. A top-loading CradleFit compartment can hold laptops up to 13 inches in size. It’s roomy enough for two DSLRs, a 70-200mm lens plus two extra lenses, a flash unit and accessories.

PRICE: $220
INFO: www.lowepro.com

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