7 Best Travel Cases for Cameras, Tested by Experts
We asked travel enthusiasts and professional photographers to share the best bags to keep your camera safe and easily accessible on all your adventures.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or you want to snap some memorable photos on your upcoming family vacation, the first step is making sure your camera and lenses arrive at your destination safely. That means you'll want to avoid throwing your camera into your luggage and praying that it survives the journey.
To help you find the best travel cases for cameras to protect your gear, we turned to professional photographers, videographers and content creators for their go-to picks when taking their equipment on the road (or through busy airports). The picks below include travel backpacks with padding and dividers made to secure your camera despite bumpy roads and turbulence, as well as carry-on camera cases, purses and bags.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our team of experts has been testing travel and tech essentials for decades, from must-have travel gear to travel backpacks, portable tablets, smartphones and more. When selecting the best travel cases for cameras, we reviewed each pick for factors like design, materials, weight and extra features like easy access points and extra pockets.
Pros
- Huge capacity
- Constructed with waterproof bottom liner and waterproof nylon
- Expandable to 45 L or can be compressed to 30 L
- Features several access points, pockets and straps
Cons
- Expensive
Designed for trips four days or longer, this carry-on size 45-liter backpack is all you need on your next adventure. Not only is it roomy enough to store your camera equipment, but it has enough space for other essentials like clothing, tablets and much more thanks to tons of access points, pockets and straps.
"I carry a lot of differently sized cameras and films on any given trip,” said one photographer. “The inserts they sell for it are great for moving a variety of cameras while keeping them safe and it’s quick to open once you get to a location and start shooting.” Just keep in mind that accessories like the camera packing cube are sold separately, making it a bit of a splurge.
Our pros love that the backpack comes with a luggage pass-through so you can stack it on a carry-on suitcase, or you can store the padded shoulder and waist straps away if you plan on checking. For heavier loads, it even features an expansion zip so you can squeeze a bit more into your bag (45-liter capacity) or you can compress it down to 30 liters when needed.
But what we really love most is that the backpack's nylon material is weatherproof, according to the brand, and the bottom of the bag contains a waterproof liner so you don't have to fret too much about where you set it down or what weather comes your way.
| Dimensions | 22" x 13" x 9.5" |
| Capacity | 30L compressed or 45L expanded |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Material | Weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell with 900D waterproof bottom liner |
Pros
- Affordable
- Features dividers, pockets and a rain cover
- Sturdy, according to online reviewers
Cons
- Some online reviewers wish it were larger
Need something to store your new camera and need it quickly? Our pros like this super affordable backpack that you can get on Amazon for under $50. It features nearly 2,000 five-star reviews, but what makes it so great are its six removable dividers, a tripod strap (if needed) and a 13-inch laptop sleeve so you can carry everything in one spot. Plus, there are mesh pockets on the sides for quick access to umbrellas or water bottles, as well as zippered pockets for accessories.
A waterproof rain cover also comes included should you get stuck in a downpour. "It's large enough for a camera body and several lenses and other stuff!" said one online reviewer. "The sturdy sides make it a good choice to protect my equipment."
| Dimensions | 14.6" x 5.5" x 11.2" |
| Capacity | 13.3 L |
| Weight | 1.85 lbs |
| Materials | Polyester |
Pros
- Traditional backpack look
- Features five dividers and several pockets
- Compact and lightweight design that's available in two sizes
Cons
- Pricey
You’d never guess that this inconspicuous backpack is actually a travel case for cameras. Compact, lightweight and available in a variety of colors, our pros love that it comes with five dividers so you can configure it to your camera equipment. In addition to the zip-top closure, we also appreciate that a laptop pocket is included along with a quick access pocket so you can quickly snap a shot when needed — and that’s not to mention the passport pocket and hidden pocket.
For those who plan on traveling extensively with it, rest assured that it’s machine washable and even comes with a lifetime warranty. “I like that it has padded compartments that I can customize for my camera stuff but also looks like a normal backpack,” said one photographer. “It just looks good. It’s great when traveling internationally so I don’t draw attention to myself by looking like I have camera gear on me.” For those who need a bit more space, consider sizing up and option for the large model that’s 22 liters.
| Dimensions | 16.25" x 10.5" x 5.5" |
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs |
| Material | Polyester |
Pros
- Cute design
- Made of leather
Cons
- May not be large enough for some
Travel cases for cameras don’t have to be bulky, unattractive or blatantly obvious. Our experts absolutely love this stylish camera purse made from full grain leather that’s available in four shades. It’s designed to protect a DSLR camera as well as a small extra lens among other essentials like your wallet. (For more compatibility information, you can refer to the brand’s size and fit guide via the product page.)
While we haven’t yet tested this exact model, our fiber scientists like the brand’s oversized weekender bag and expect no less from this pick. We especially love that it’s built with two little pockets for SD cards and a handy zippered pocket to squeeze in a passport. Plus, the straps are adjustable so you can find the best length for your height.
| Dimensions | 10.5” x 5.5” x 8.5” |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Material | Leather |
Pros
- Large, rugged design with big capacity
- Made of water-resistant canvas
Cons
- Heavier than other alternatives
Bring this rugged backpack with you on all your outdoor adventures. Not only do our travel experts love its attractive design that comes in three shades, but we appreciate that it’s made from a water-resistant canvas material and features padding and insulation to keep your gear safe. You can store other essentials like wallets, cash and a phone in its many pockets, as well as a 15-inch laptop. We especially love the side pocket that opens up so you can quickly access your camera without having to take the entire backpack off.
| Dimensions | 11.8" x 7.4" x 16.5" |
| Capacity | 25-30 L |
| Weight | 2.68 lbs |
| Material | Batick waterproof canvas |
Pros
- Can fit up to two cameras and several lenses
- Carry-on size
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Equipment not as easy to access as in a backpack
One of our photographers, Philip Friedman, uses this carry-on camera bag for whenever he needs to travel with a lot of camera equipment. Unlike other backpacks or bags featured on this list, the Roadie Roller can fit two mirrorless or DSLR cameras and up to five to six lenses as well as a laptop. For those who need more space, you can also opt for the Roller 21, 24 or other sizes.
According to the brand, this camera case complies with most international and U.S. domestic carry-on regulations, meaning that you should be able to bring it onboard with you but always consult with your airline first. GH luggage experts appreciate the bag’s sleek look and like that a removable camera module is included so you can feel good about packing up your gear, though the bag itself is on the heavier side.
| Dimensions | 14 x 18 x 9" |
| Capactiy | 2 DSLR bodies, 5-6 lenses (up to 300mm 2.8), laptop up to 15 inches |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs |
| Material | Water-repellent 1680D ballistic nylon (exterior), 280g brushed tricot and ripstop nylon (interior) |
Pros
- Fits two cameras and extra lenses
- Customizable interior organization
- Weather cover included
Cons
- Doesn't feature laptop sleeve
Another Hearst staff favorite, we love this shoulder bag for those who don't like wearing backpacks or may already have one. Because of its design, it should be super easy to access your camera as well as any extra lenses (according to the brand, the bag can fit from three to five extra lenses and up to two DSLR cameras). Though it’s not made for storing many other bulky travel essentials like a laptop, we appreciate that the bag features several pockets, storage compartments and a weather cover plus padding to protect from the elements.
Also notable is that interior dividers are customizable so you can organize your gear however suits you best. "As everyone knows, inevitably the amount of gear we carry expands to immediately fill all available space," one online reviewer shares. "This bag met my goals nicely and it is a very nicely made bag. I love the rain cover feature and have already put it to work when we got caught out in a heavy downpour."
| Dimensions | 15.3" x 10.2" x 9.6” |
| Capacity | 25.4 L |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Material | Polyester |
How we chose the best travel cases for cameras
When narrowing down the best travel cases for cameras, the GH Institute product analysts and experts extensively research the most popular picks on the market. We then reached out to photographers, videographers and content creators to learn more about the travel camera cases they use and love and reviewed specs for at least 10 models. To make our final selections, we assessed each pick for factors such as design, materials, weight and extra features like easy access points, extra pockets and more.
What to look for when shopping for a travel case for cameras
Below you'll find tips from real photographers on what to look for when shopping for a travel camera case:
✔️ Material: As you shop for a camera case, make sure that you choose one made from sturdy, durable materials that will protect your equipment. If possible, our pros suggest opting for a water-resistant or waterproof case. "I like something waterproof or water-resistant because you never know what scenario you will be waking into while traveling," says Good Housekeeping's lead photographer, Mike Garten. "No one wanted expensive camera gear to become saturated with rain or spray from a pretty waterfall."
✔️ Type: You'll want to decide whether you prefer a backpack, shoulder bag or a rolling carry-on as your travel camera case. While backpacks tend to be more comfortable, a shoulder bag is a bit easier to access. Carry-ons are a great choice for anyone who needs to transport a lot of equipment at once.
✔️ Design: Pay careful attention to your camera case's design both inside and out. Not only do you want to be satisfied with how it looks on the outside, but the interior organizational features should be customizable and compatible with the gear you'll carry. Look for removable dividers so you can shift things around as necessary.
✔️Access points: Look for several access points if you want to be able to access your camera quickly. "A side access portal or panel is crucial so that you can swing the bag off one shoulder and access the camera quickly to get the shot," says Garten.
✔️ Extra features: Look for extra features that come with your camera case, like zippered or mesh pockets so you can squeeze other essentials in your bag like a water bottle or wallet. Tripod straps are handy as well if you plan on bringing one, and a rain cover can save the day should you get caught in bad weather. "A laptop pocket is great so that you have everything in one," suggests Garten. "If you’re out taking lots of pictures you will likely need to download images onto a computer to make space for more!"
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who evaluates must-have travel gear on all her adventures, including travel shoes, travel electronics and more.
Readers Also Read
90 Birthday Freebies Most People Forget About
Amazon Is Selling a Magical Igloo Tent
The Best Vacuum Cleaners
36 Most Clever Amazon Gadgets
