It’s time—a follow-up to one of our most popular posts, Gear We Love: Camera Bags (Part 1)! In our last post, we focused on shoulder bags only, so now we review backpack-style bags to fit different photographers’ needs. Enjoy!
Lowepro Traveler 150
This is a great standard photo backpack—inexpensive and surprisingly holds a lot of photo gear for such a deceptively small bag. It also doesn’t look much like a photo bag, which can be a good thing, especially when traveling.
Notable Features:
Built to fit a complete camera kit
Large enough to hold a small tripod
Not waterproof
Price:
$39.95
Lowepro M-Trekker BP150
A favorite here at the BPW. This one opens on the back so when you set your bag down on the ground to get that perfect shot, it won’t get you dirty when you put it back on. Pretty darn stylish for a camera bag, too.
Notable Features:
Can hold a tripod under the bag
On-the-back opening is great for anti-theft
Can double as a hiking backpack
Price:
$99.00
Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW
This one is for the gear head! This features three different compartments: one for your camera and 2-3 lenses/flashes, one for your laptop, and a large pouch for all of your miscellaneous *stuff*. You can easily access your camera from one side, and (because sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t) you can rejigger the backpack so it acts as a sling bag.
Notable Features:
Multiple pockets and space for organizing smartphone, cables, pens, keys, etc.
Can carry up to a 15” laptop
Built-in all weather cover
Price:
$99.00
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
For those with the financial means, this is a dream bag. It expands to hold more things and contracts to hold fewer. Waterproof, stylish, and functional. The perfect all-around bag (except for the price tag).
Notable Features:
Has customizable inserts to fit your various lens sizes
Can carry up to a 15” laptop
Part of a host of compatible Peak Design accessories, like camera clips, tripod holders, slider straps to go on other bags, etc. A great long-term investment because all Peak products go together.
Price:
$259.95
No matter which bag you end up with, try out your options in person at retail stores and/or camera shops, if possible. And remember, even if you buy your bag online, don’t hesitate to return it if you don’t like it. It will just end up sitting on your shelf and going unused, so make sure you feel like your money is well spent!
Happy shopping!