The 3 Best Everyday Camera Bags for More Than Just Photo Gear

Getting the right camera bag is sometimes a confusing thing, but we’ve got it figured out.

Fact: no one is making the perfect camera bag. Many bags come very close to being perfect. And there are only a few that we regularly take out with us. These everyday camera bags are made very well, can accommodate lots of gear, and are very comfortable. Even better, they find ways to work for both men and women, which is kind of a rarity. We’ve reviewed more camera bags than any other photo publication out there. So we dove into our Reviews Index to pick some of the best. Here’s our selection.

The Phoblographer’s various product round-up features are done in-house by the staff. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldn’t read a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldn’t get photography advice from someone who doesn’t touch the products. We only recommend gear we’ve fully reviewed. If you’re wondering why your favorite product didn’t make the cut, there’s a chance it’s on another list. If we haven’t reviewed it, we won’t recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge.

Pro Tips on Organizing Your Everyday Camera Bags

Here are some tips on organizing your everyday camera bag, whether it’s a backpack or a messenger bag.

  • Traveling? Well, a rolltop camera bag is honestly your best friend. It’s expandable. So if you’re out and about, you can pick up more things as you go about your travels. But you can also stuff your camera accessories, clothing, shoes, toiletries, and more in there.
  • If you’re carrying a tripod, try placing it on the bottom of the bag. If you have to put it in a side pocket, balance that out with something else like a thermos.
  • All of these everyday camera bags have ample space for a computer, cables, and hard drives. We’ve tested them, trust us. We’ve also brought them all on many trips and work events.
  • Mother Nature can be unpredictable. All these everyday camera bags were chosen because of their weather resistance. 
  • Place all your camera gear in the most stable part of the bag. Usually, that’s the main compartment – all the way at the bottom of it.
  • Don’t be afraid to stack lenses. It’s the best way to make use of space.

Tenba DNA 15 Backpack: A Near Perfect Everyday Camera Bag

In our review, we said:

Pros

  • Solid build quality
  • Weather sealing
  • Roll-top design lets you accommodate a lot of clothing, gear, etc.
  • It can become very compact
  • Straps that go around your chest and waist
  • Survives the snow
  • Stores away well in an airplane’s travel compartments overhead

Cons

  • Sometimes the zippers can be finicky

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Billingham Hadley Pro: The Best Messenger Style Everyday Camera Bag

In our review, we said:

Pros

  • Weather sealed
  • Beautiful
  • Leather and canvas
  • Expandable pockets
  • Incredibly comfortable
  • Can pack a whole lot of gear, laptops, cords, and more.
  • Very well built

Cons

  • Nothing really, to be honest

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WANDRD PRVKE Backpack: The Traveling Everyday Camera Bag

In our review, we said:

Pros

  • A surprisingly comfortable backpack, it can pack loads of gear and help you organize it with ease.
  • Loads of pockets help with the organization
  • The passport pocket is ingenious
  • Expandability to work like a RuckSack lets you store loads of clothing, toiletries, etc., almost as if it’s a whole nother backpack inside the PRVKE pack.
  • Decent enough amount of padding
  • Tripod holder straps that work very well
  • Fairly quick access to gear
  • Stylish enough
  • Pretty low profile despite its giant, boxy appearance
  • Even at its most packed, it’s TSA approved
  • The integrated camera sling strap is excellent for those who go on hikes.
  • New dividers

Cons

  • You only have quick access to maybe two pieces of your kit at most. Actual quick access is still given to the messenger bags and sling bags.
  • Tote handles are supposed to be magnetic and barely hold together magnetically.
  • It is complicated to set up at first, and I genuinely think it should come all set up for you.

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Editor’s Note: You’re probably wondering why Peak Design didn’t make this list. We stopped working with them years ago for ethical reasons that they’ve yet to address.