10 Best Camera Bags for Women in 2024
Whether you consider yourself an amateur photographer or a pro, a camera bag is a must-have on your travel packing list. Look for a camera bag that is durable, comfy to wear, and equipped with secure pockets for all your accessories. It doesn't hurt if it's stylish, too. These are the best travel camera bags for women on the go.
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10 best camera bags: our top picks for 2024
1. Best overall camera bag: Peak Design
Small, lightweight, and functional, the Everyday Sling from Peak Design is the fool-proof choice when it comes to shopping for a travel camera bag. Available in three different sizes (3L, 6L, and 10L), you can easily find the perfect match for your camera of choice. The crossbody, adjustable strap makes it comfy to sport this camera bag whether you're sightseeing downtown or hiking in the mountains. Best of all, it's made out of 100% recycled post-consumer material, complete with a FlexFold divider to organize all your accessories.
Price: starting at $160
2. Best camera bag with removable insert: Leftover Studio
Looking for a camera bag that can do double duty? Try the Camera Messenger Shoulder Bag from Leftover Studio. With a removable camera insert, this camera bag is perfect for a travel adventure where you’re juggling both work and play. Use the padded insert to carefully store and protect your camera, lens, and accessories when you’re out sightseeing. Then, when you need to head to a biz meeting, remove the insert to make room for your laptop and other work essentials. With a comfy shoulder strap, top-grain leather, and YKK zippers, this shoulder bag can easily transform from a camera bag to an everyday travel tote and back again for the traveling woman who needs it all.
Price: starting at $110
3. Best camera bag purse: meliae
Most camera bags are designed with a rugged, rustic flair. Not your thing? For a camera bag that gives you a bit more of a feminine touch, check out the DSLR Camera Purse from meliae. Unlike a big, clunky tote bag, this camera bag purse is as fashionable as it is functional. The soft, pebbled leather is not only elegant and classic (it’s even available in pink!), but it’s also scratch- and water-resistant. Inside, padded dividers and a shockproof inner basket protect your camera and accessories, while two interchangeable and removable straps give you options to wear this camera bag as a traditional purse or a sporty crossbody.
Price: starting at $154
4. Best sling camera bag: National Geographic
Ready to unleash your inner explorer? Turn your vacation style from tourist to adventurer with the Africa Camera Sling Bag from National Geographic. Made out of cotton, canvas, and leather, this sling bag was made to last so you can trek, climb, and explore for years to come with your trusty camera always at your side. A dual zipper-and-flap closure keeps your camera gear securely tucked away, while quick-access pockets on the strap let you grab what you need in a pinch. Ready to shoot your first cover shot?
Price: starting at $65
5. Best leather camera bag: MegaGear
Even if you're behind the camera, you still want to look fashionable. For a chic travel camera bag that won't cramp your style, turn to this option from MegaGear. The Torres Mini MG1328 Camera Messenger Bag is made out of high-quality Italian leather—and you get more options than just your basic black and brown. You can also shop this leather camera bag in Khaki Green, Blue, and Maroon. Plus, it's got more than just style going for it. This leather camera bag also gives you advanced shockproof lining and a removable insert with enough room to hold a mirrorless, instant, or DSLR camera, alongside 1-2 lenses and accessories.
Price: starting at $85
6. Best waterproof camera bag: RockCow Leather
When you're trying to get the best shot, sometimes you have to put up with the elements—that's when you need a waterproof camera bag. The Waterproof DSLR Camera Gadget Bag from RockCow Leather has got your back no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. Made out of vintage canvas material, this camera bag is waterproof and durable. Thick padding on the inside offers an extra layer of protection against bumps and shocks, while padded dividers separate your camera, lens, and accessories to keep them from jostling against one another. It even features cold- and heat-resistant hooks and alloy-metal zippers that won’t rust or break over time.
Price: starting at $54
7. Best hard-shell camera bag: Mosiso
If your camera is your precious baby and you wouldn’t dream of putting it in a flimsy fabric bag, then get extra peace of mind by traveling with a hard-shell camera bag. The HardShell Camera Case from MOSISO gives your camera gear next-level protection when you’re on the road. And there’s plenty to love on the inside, too. With padded removable modular inserts, you can customize the interior to fit different DSLR, SLR, or mirrorless cameras of different brands, as well as your flashes, lenses, and other accessories. It even has an external tripod holder and two comfy shoulder straps so you can pack it all up and travel hands-free, easy-peasy.
Price: starting at $69
8. Best budget camera bag: Bagsmart
For travelers who love taking pics on the road but haven’t yet invested in a pro-level camera, it might not make a lot of sense to splash out on an expensive camera bag. To protect your camera without forking over a big chunk of your paycheck, turn to the Canvas Camera Case from Bagsmart. We love this budget camera bag because it can really hold its own with the more expensive bags on the market. You’ll still get water-repellant canvas, padded dividers, and a comfortable shoulder strap—at a price you and your wallet will love. (Bonus: It even comes with a rain cover and a trolley sleeve!)
Price: starting at $30
9. Best camera bag backpack: Peak Design
If you’ll stop at nothing to get the best shot, then you don’t want a clunky camera bag weighing you down. To go completely hands-free so you can focus on the photo, try a camera bag backpack, like this pick from Peak Design. It’s already a crowd favorite (Hello, award wins from The Verge, Popular Photography, and ISPO!), and now it can be your favorite travel companion, too. Available in 20L or 30L, this camera bag backpack gives you a 100% recycled weatherproof shell, expandable side pockets for tripods and water bottles, configurable FlexFold interior dividers, and even dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves. Talk about having it all!
Price: starting at $280
10. Best small camera bag: Madewell
Sometimes, smaller is actually better—that’s certainly true when it comes to the Women's Transport Camera Bag from Madewell. If you consider yourself a casual photographer and you’re not interested in lugging around multiple lenses and a tripod, then a small camera bag is just what you need for your next trip. This pick from Madewell is lightweight, convenient, and just plain cute to sport around town. Made out of semi-vegetable-tanned leather that’s sourced from a Leather Working Group-certified tannery, this small camera bag proves that good things do come in small packages.
Price: starting at $128
Camera bags - common FAQs
Are camera bags necessary?
Yes, a camera bag is necessary when you travel—even if you don't consider yourself a pro photographer. Good-quality cameras don't come cheap, so you want to make sure you protect your camera gear on the road with a proper camera bag.
How do I choose a good camera bag?
The most important thing to consider when choosing a camera bag is the size. Clearly, you want to make sure the camera bag is the right fit for your gear. Next up, consider material and features. Look for durable, tear-resistant material, as well as comfy straps and zip pockets for accessories.
Should I pack or carry on my camera when traveling?
TSA lets you pack your digital camera in your carry-on bag or your checked suitcase—but you should definitely opt to put your camera in your carry-on bag when you travel. Cameras are fragile, and you don't want to worry about yours getting damaged mid-flight in the luggage hold.
