The Photographer’s Guide to Camera Bags, Backpacks and Slings
Camera Bag, Backpack or Sling? How to Choose the Right Carry Setup
A camera bag should do more than hold your gear. The right setup keeps your camera protected, makes equipment easier to reach and carries comfortably whether you are shooting around Melbourne, travelling across Australia or heading outdoors for a full day with your camera.
Camera backpack, sling or shoulder bag: which should you choose?
Choose a camera sling or shoulder bag for a compact mirrorless setup and fast access. Choose a camera backpack when carrying multiple lenses, a laptop, tripod or larger photography kit. For outdoor shoots, travel or heavier equipment, prioritise a structured backpack with comfortable straps, weather protection and organised access.
Camera sling
Best for smaller camera kits, street photography, day trips and fast access while moving.
Camera backpack
Best for multiple lenses, laptops, larger accessories and longer photography or travel days.
Tactical or outdoor backpack
Best when protection, capacity, organisation and outdoor practicality matter most.
Start with how much camera gear you actually carry
The easiest way to choose a camera bag is to ignore capacity numbers for a moment and look at your real shooting kit.
If you usually carry one mirrorless camera, one or two lenses, batteries and a few small accessories, a compact camera sling may be all you need. If your setup includes several lenses, a laptop, filters, a tripod, lighting or video accessories, a camera backpack will usually be more comfortable and easier to organise.
Camera body, compact lens, spare battery, cards and everyday essentials.
Camera body, multiple lenses, accessories, personal items and often a laptop.
Multiple bodies or lenses, larger accessories and equipment for travel or location shoots.
Camera slings: best for quick access and lighter setups
Camera sling bags are popular because they sit between a small camera pouch and a full backpack. They work particularly well for street photography, travel, everyday shooting and mirrorless camera setups where you want your camera close without carrying a large bag.
The PGYTECH OneGo Solo V2 Camera Shoulder Bag is available in 4L, 6L and 10L sizes. That makes it easier to choose a size around the gear you actually carry rather than using the same bag for every setup.
Another option is the K&F 10L Camera Sling Bag, designed around camera bodies, lenses and smaller creator accessories.
Choose a camera sling if:
- You normally carry one camera body
- You use one or two lenses
- You want fast access while walking
- You shoot street, travel or everyday photography
- You prefer a lighter setup than a full camera backpack
Camera backpacks: better for larger photography kits
A camera backpack spreads weight across both shoulders, making it a more practical choice when your kit starts to grow. It is also easier to combine camera equipment with a laptop, personal items and accessories for longer trips.
The Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 Camera Backpack is available in 20L and 30L sizes and is designed for photographers who want a premium everyday carry system for cameras, lenses, accessories and work gear.
For photographers who also carry a computer, the K&F 20L Camera Backpack includes space for a laptop up to 15.6 inches, a rain cover and side and back access.
What about side-access camera backpacks?
Side access can be useful when you want to reach a camera without completely removing your backpack or opening the entire main compartment. For photographers moving between locations, this can make lens or camera access quicker while helping keep the rest of the bag organised.
Back access can also be useful because the main camera compartment sits against your body while the bag is being worn. The best access style depends on whether you value speed, security or a combination of both.
For outdoor photography, prioritise protection and comfort
If you are looking for a camera backpack for hiking, landscape photography or location work, capacity is only part of the decision. Comfort, weather resistance, a rain cover, secure closures and space for larger lenses can become much more important over a full day outdoors.
The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW Camera Backpack provides a larger structured option with a rain cover for photographers carrying more equipment.
The PGYTECH OneMo Tactical Camera Backpack is another option for outdoor and travel setups, with 25L and 35L variants available within the range.
Before choosing a hiking or outdoor camera backpack, consider:
- How long you will wear the bag
- The total weight of your camera and lenses
- Whether you need weather protection or a rain cover
- Whether your tripod needs to attach to the outside
- How quickly you need access to your camera
- Whether you need space for water, clothing or personal items
Premium camera carry does not always mean a backpack
Some photographers want a smaller bag that still feels refined enough for travel and everyday use. This is where premium sling systems can make sense, especially for compact mirrorless cameras.
CameraHUB carries a growing range of Peak Design camera bags and accessories, including everyday, outdoor and travel carry options for photographers and creators.
What size camera bag do you actually need?
There is no single ideal camera bag size because two photographers can use completely different kits. A compact APS-C or Micro Four Thirds camera with one lens takes up far less space than a full-frame body with several zoom lenses.
A simple approach is to place the gear you regularly carry together before shopping. Include the camera, lenses, batteries, charger, filters, memory cards and any personal items that genuinely travel with you. Then choose a bag with enough spare room to organise that setup without leaving large empty sections.
Street photographer
One body, one or two lenses and spare batteries: start with a compact camera sling.
Travel photographer
Camera, multiple lenses, personal gear and laptop: consider a 20L–30L camera backpack.
Hybrid photo + video
Camera, lenses, audio, support gear and accessories: allow extra space and structured organisation.
Do you need space for a tripod?
If a tripod regularly comes with you, check how it will be carried before choosing your bag. Some camera backpacks provide dedicated side or external attachment options, while smaller slings may require you to carry the tripod separately.
For travel and content creation, pairing your bag with a compact tripod can keep the overall setup easier to manage. Browse the CameraHUB Tripods & Monopods collection for portable options from brands including K&F, Ulanzi, JOBY and Peak Design.
Do not forget the smaller carry accessories
A camera bag handles storage, but a strap helps keep the camera secure and accessible once it leaves the bag. Depending on your shooting style, you may prefer a wrist strap, shoulder strap, neck strap or quick-release system.
Explore camera straps from Peak Design, PGYTECH, Ulanzi and other creator-focused brands to complete your everyday carry setup.
Camera backpack vs sling: the simple answer
Ideal for lighter mirrorless kits, street photography, short trips and quick camera access.
Better for multiple lenses, laptops, tripods, larger cameras and longer days.
Useful for outdoor shooting, larger setups and photographers who need structured organisation.
The best camera bag is ultimately the one that fits the gear you genuinely use and makes that equipment easier to carry. For many photographers, that means owning a compact sling for lighter shoots and a larger backpack for travel or more demanding setups.
Frequently asked questions about camera bags
What is the best camera bag for photography?
The best camera bag depends on your equipment and shooting style. A sling suits smaller camera kits and fast access, while a backpack is usually more comfortable for multiple lenses, laptops and longer shooting days.
Is a camera sling better than a backpack?
A sling is better for compact setups and quick access. A camera backpack is better when you need more capacity, balanced weight distribution and space for larger accessories.
What size camera backpack should I buy?
For a compact kit, around 10L to 15L may be enough. Photographers carrying multiple lenses, a laptop or travel gear may prefer approximately 20L to 30L or more depending on the equipment.
What should I look for in a camera backpack for hiking?
Prioritise comfortable straps, suitable capacity, weather protection, secure camera compartments and practical access. If you carry a tripod, check whether the backpack provides a suitable external attachment point.
Are camera backpacks waterproof?
Protection varies by model. Some camera backpacks use water-resistant materials or include a separate rain cover. Always check the individual product specifications before relying on a bag in wet conditions.
Can a camera backpack carry a laptop?
Many larger camera backpacks include a dedicated laptop compartment, but maximum laptop size varies by model. Check the listed dimensions and laptop compatibility before purchasing.
Which camera bag is best for travel?
For light travel, a sling can be easier to carry and access. For longer trips with several lenses, a laptop and accessories, a camera backpack generally provides better organisation and weight distribution.
Find the right camera bag for your setup
Explore camera backpacks, slings and travel carry from Peak Design, Lowepro, PGYTECH, K&F and more at CameraHUB Australia.