I often receive inquiries about selecting a good camera bag for travel trips.
A well-designed camera bag not only protects your gear but also ensures you can travel comfortably.
I chose a shoulder bag because it allows me to quickly shift it to the front and access my gear in seconds. I find that backpacks take too long to operate.
The bag I’m still using was designed by Incase in collaboration with photographer and filmmaker Ari Marcopoulos.
It really comes down to personal preferences and habits, but there are a few things you might want to consider.
Material
Durable material with a water-repellent coating offers optimal protection against dirt and dusty conditions.
Is the material breathable? Or does it trap moisture and is hard to clean?
You probably won’t throw your camera bag into the washing machine, right?
This shoulder bag doesn’t stick to my back as tightly as a backpack. So there’s no sweat on my bag, and it won’t smell or have yellow stains on it.
Zipper and Strap
The zippers and straps are the most breakable parts, and that’s why people get a new one. So make sure they are durable.
Compartments
Padded compartment dividers are important, so the lens and camera body don’t bump into each other. Inside pockets for cleaning kit, cloth, wipes, air-blower, and ND filters are necessary. I usually carry 2 lenses with me, and a bottle of water for a full day of shooting. Extra room for batteries, phone charger and sunglasses is essential.
When I’m not taking pictures, I use it as a computer bag for freelance jobs. It can fit my 15” laptop or iPad with a couple of external hard drives and a card reader.
Tripod
One of my favorite features is the ability to strap my tripod to the bottom. It keeps everything organized and together, allowing me to keep my hands free.
Rain Cover
I enjoy taking photos in all types of weather. This bag includes a rain cover, which is my second favorite feature!
I use it about 50% of the time, and it’s incredibly useful. When I can’t carry an umbrella and only have a hat, I can still take photos without worrying about my gear getting wet.
Room for Changing Lenses
One of the most underrated features is the space for changing lenses. I can perform the entire lens-changing process inside the bag, which is essential for maintaining a dust-free environment, especially on busy streets.
Pads
The extra-thick shoulder pads effectively reduce the strain on my shoulders. I can easily adjust the straps to bring the bag closer to my body, which makes it feel lighter and more comfortable.
This ensures I don’t feel fatigued even after an entire day of shooting.
Handle
The top handle serves as a secondary option if the strap breaks and also makes it convenient to carry on a plane.
Shape
The bag has a slim design, which I appreciate. I prefer it not to shout “I’m a camera bag,” especially while traveling, as it can attract unwanted attention. This low-profile look helps keep my gear discreet.
Color
Most camera bags are black, which is typical in video productions, but it makes it difficult to quickly locate items like lens caps since everything blends in!
One of the interesting features is that an 18% gray card is printed on the inside, allowing you to use it as a exposure metering. Plus, it looks pretty cool!
Budget
Budget is certainly a key consideration as it ultimately depends on what you can afford. I purchased this bag in 2014 for $250 USD.
I strongly advise against opting for flimsy options. Don’t skimp on quality; investing in a durable, high-quality bag will save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
Security
You may have heard that theft is a common concern for photographers in cities like San Francisco and various locations in Italy. Having a reliable camera bag allows you to focus on photography without the constant worry of random people snatching your gear from behind you.
Choosing a camera bag that is both reliable and comfortable is essential. I don’t want to feel bulky or restricted during handheld shots.
Honestly, one of the main reasons I still use this bag is that I haven’t found a better alternative—it’s that good!