Camera bags are a sweet spot for me (Brent). I have owned at least twenty of them over the years and have learned exactly what I love and how to spot the best quality and best features for easy use and travel. My favorite bags are typically Think Tank and Mindshift Gear because of their excellent quality, but there are a view other brands that I really like as well.
My Two Favorite Camera Backpacks
Over the years, two specific camera backpacks have really set themselves apart as my favorites. Taking the top spot is the Think Tank StreetWalker HardDrive V.20 (available on Amazon or get a free gift with our link at Think Tank). There is so much I love about this bag. The quality is outstanding. It is very comfortable and holds a ton of gear. You can check out my full review of the backpack to get more information.
My other favorite camera backpack is the Tamrac Anvil Slim 15. This bag may be just a tad below the HardDrive in terms of quality, but its functionality is awesome. This bag fits a ton into a relatively small package due to its many well-designed pockets and straps. The bag is also incredibly comfortable and I prefer it for hiking trips. You can check out my full review of the Tamrac or find it on Amazon.
My Favorite Large Camera Backpack
My favorite large camera backpack is the Mindshift Gear Backlight 36L. This is my go-to backpack when I am travelling with a lot of gear or when I want to carry all my non-photography gear with me. Because this is a bigger backpack, it will not work as a personal item on a plane, but it makes an awesome carry-on bag. I will have a full review coming up soon, but in the mean time, you can check it out on Amazon or get a free gift using our link at Mindshift Gear.
My Favorite Messenger Bags
A good messenger bag designed for cameras can be a great commodity for many shooters. I love using mine when I am travelling for business or doing street photography. I have three favorite messenger bags, all of which are great options that I personally use all the time.
The first is the very popular Everyday Messenger from Peak Design. I love the design of this bag, the great quality and the sleek look. It is a really fun and convenient bag to use. My only problem is the laptop compartment is a bit too tight for my 15 inch laptop so I opt for one of the other two bags when I am carrying my laptop. You can read my full review of the Everyday Messenger or check it out on .
My other two favorite messenger bags come from Think Tank and Mindshift Gear and are very similar messenger bags with a few key differences. I love both bags because they are comfortable, convenient to use, can carry a good amount of gear, and have the rare, for a messenger bag, tripod holder. I use the Think Tank Spectral 15 when am on business and the Mindshift Gear Exposure 15 when I am going to be outdoors. My full reviews will be published soon, but you can check out the Spectral 15 on Amazon, or get a free gift with our , and check out the Exposure 15 on Amazon, or get a free gift with our link.
My Favorite Holster and Sling Bags
I also have three favorite bags in this category. I use all of these bags somewhat often when I am just taking my camera on a family outing or somewhere where I don’t need a bunch of gear or a tripod with me.
The first holster bag I recommend is very useful because it can also attach to a backpack so you can use it to add space to your backpack and remove for smaller outings during a trip. It is also awesome for use on its own as it is very comfortable and can fit a little bit of extra gear like batteries and such with your camera easily. It is the Multi Mount Holster from Mindshift Gear. We have a full review of the Multi Mount Holster coming soon. In the meantime, check it out on Amazon or get a free gift with our link to Mindshift Gear.
For my favorite sling bag, we go back to Peak Design. Their Everyday Sling is seriously awesome, but it is a bit pricey. It is high quality, sleek, comfortable and packs a fair bit in a small size. The full review will be coming soon. In the mean time, check out the Everyday Sling on Amazon or use .
My final favorite holster bag is one I use when I am going out with a chance of rain. The Miggo Agua Stormproof Holster is pretty awesome. It is storm proof so you don’t have to worry about rain, sand or anything else getting into your camera. I love the slim fit so it is comfortable against the body and has some spare room for extras. Check out our full review on the Miggo Agua Holster or head over to Amazon to buy it now.