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Best Camera Backbacks for Travelling

Travel well without overspending.

What "budget" should mean for a camera backpack

The least-expensive bag is not always the best value. A travel camera backpack earns its place when it protects your gear, carries comfortably through airports and city days, and has room for the non-camera essentials that make a trip work. We focused on accessible options from Lowepro, Vanguard, and Think Tank that do exactly that.

Every bag below is currently sold by Camera Canada. Capacities and feature sets vary, so select the one that fits your actual kit - especially your laptop, longest lens, and whether you like to carry a tripod or personal items.

Our quickest recommendations

Best lowest-cost pick

Lowepro Adventura BP 150 III

A straightforward, protective backpack with a 10-inch tablet sleeve, side pockets, and an approachable price.

Best expandable value

Vanguard ALTA RISE 45

A roomy, expandable camera backpack with a 14-inch laptop space, tripod carry, side access, waist belt, and rain cover.

Best for larger photo kits

Think Tank Walker Pro 24L

More carrying comfort and serious organizer features for travellers who bring multiple bodies, lenses, and a larger laptop.

Five smart camera backpacks for travel

Prices and promotions change; the recommendations below are based on capabilities and value, not a promise of a particular sale price. Follow each link for current price and availability.

Entry-level valueLowepro Adventura BP 150 III

Lowepro Adventura BP 150 III

Best budget backpack for a light camera kit

The Adventura BP 150 III is a practical starting point for travellers who want real camera protection without carrying a large, expensive bag. It uses an adjustable-divider insert for the main camera compartment, has a dedicated space for a tablet up to 10 inches, and adds a front pocket for everyday essentials. Double side pockets can take a water bottle and compact tripod.

Its compact footprint is a genuine advantage for travellers with a small mirrorless kit or point-and-shoot system. The collection is made with up to 88% recycled and solution-dyed fabrics, and Lowepro includes a lifetime warranty. It is the right choice when your priority is simple, organized protection - not carrying a large laptop or an extensive multi-lens system.

Best forSmall mirrorless or compact-camera kit
Tablet spaceUp to 10-inch tablet
Gear layoutAdjustable-divider camera insert + tech panel
Tripod / bottleDouble side pockets
Exterior size16.5×10.2×7.1 in
MaterialsUp to 88% recycled / solution-dyed fabric
Why it is a value pick
It covers the essentials - padded camera storage, tablet space, accessories, water bottle, and compact-tripod carrying - at a very accessible level.
Consider before buying
The tablet sleeve is not a laptop compartment. Choose a larger pack if you travel with a 13-inch or 14-inch computer.
View Lowepro Adventura BP 150 III
Expandable travel valueVanguard ALTA RISE 45

Vanguard ALTA RISE 45 Backpack

Best expandable value backpack for a larger travel kit

The ALTA RISE 45 brings unusually generous capacity and travel-friendly features to an accessible price point. It accommodates a pro DSLR, four to five lenses up to a 24-70mm f/2.8, a flash, accessories, and a laptop or tablet up to 14 inches. Its +6 Revolution expansion lets you add or reduce storage with a zipper around the exterior - useful when a flight day and a shooting day call for different loads.

A padded air-mesh back panel, shoulder straps, connector, and waist belt help manage a heavier kit. The bag also offers side access, a side tripod attachment, a concealed rear valuables pocket, a bright interior for easier visibility, and a full rain cover. It is a compelling choice for travellers who need more room than a compact daypack without stepping into premium-priced luggage.

Best forLarger kit, laptop, and travel essentials
Camera capacityPro DSLR + 4-5 lenses + flash
Laptop sleeveUp to 14-inch laptop / tablet
Expansion+6 Revolution adjustable storage
AccessSide access + quick-access exterior pocket
WeatherFull rain cover included
Why it is a value pick
It delivers laptop storage, expandable capacity, tripod carry, a waist belt, side access, and rain protection at a price that is difficult to ignore for a larger travel kit.
Consider before buying
It is larger than a personal-daypack style bag. Confirm the exterior dimensions against your airline's current carry-on rules before flying.
View Vanguard ALTA RISE 45
Smart city travelVanguard VEO City B37

Vanguard VEO City B37 Camera Backpack

Best value for stylish city travel and organised gear

The 12L VEO City B37 is a smart choice for the traveller who wants a camera bag that looks at home in a city, train station, or cafe. It holds a standard camera body with up to four lenses - including a 70-200mm f/2.8 - plus accessories, a 10.9-inch tablet, and a tripod. Its removable top compartment gives you extra flexibility when the trip calls for more personal storage.

Travel details are thoughtfully covered: a trolley sleeve, RFID-protected pocket, expandable side pockets for a water bottle or tripod, water-resistant material and zippers, plus a separate rain cover. It is not the lightest bag here, but its feature set is unusually strong for travellers who value organization and a more understated profile.

Best forCity breaks and organised mirrorless kits
Camera capacityStandard body + 4 lenses, up to 70-200mm f/2.8
Tablet spaceUp to 10.9-inch tablet
Travel featureTrolley sleeve + RFID-protected pocket
Volume12L
WeatherWater-resistant zips/material + rain cover
Why it is a value pick
The combination of removable storage, travel-security details, tripod carrying, and weather protection makes it far more than a simple daypack.
Consider before buying
It fits a tablet rather than a full-size laptop. Its 1.6kg weight is worth considering if you pack very light.
View Vanguard VEO City B37
Mirrorless travelThink Tank Mirrorless Mover 18L

Think Tank Mirrorless Mover Backpack 18L

Best budget Think Tank option for a mirrorless travel system

The Mirrorless Mover 18L takes Think Tank's photographer-first approach and applies it to a compact travel bag. Its divider set includes a horizontal split, so you can set it up as a full photo compartment or reserve space for personal items. A large 5L front pocket is designed for a light jacket and day-to-day essentials, while a foam-protected sleeve fits most 14-inch laptops.

Full front-panel access makes the camera section easy to organize. Expandable side pockets and compression straps can carry a water bottle or travel tripod; the pack also has a rain cover, padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, tuck-away waist stabilizer, and a flat base that stands upright. For travellers with a modern mirrorless kit, this is a particularly well-rounded value bag.

Best forMirrorless kit + 14-inch laptop
Volume18L total; 5L front pocket
AccessFull front-panel camera access
Personal storageLarge front pocket for light jacket/essentials
Tripod / bottleExpandable side pockets + compression straps
WeightApprox. 1.3kg including dividers/rain cover
Why it is a value pick
It gives photographers a flexible camera/personal-item split, a 14-inch laptop sleeve, rain cover, and durable Think Tank finishing at a relatively approachable price.
Consider before buying
It is optimised for mirrorless systems, not deep pro bodies with very large telephoto lenses.
View Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 18L
Serious travel kitThink Tank Walker Pro 24L

Think Tank Walker Pro Backpack 24L

Best value for travellers carrying more bodies, lenses, and a 16-inch laptop

The Walker Pro 24L is the step-up choice for someone travelling with a serious kit. It can hold two gripped DSLRs with lenses attached plus three to five extra standard zooms, or a 400mm f/2.8 lens. Its full front-panel opening gives you a clear view of the padded, adjustable interior, while the deep photo compartment is designed to manage gripped bodies and long lenses in a vertical orientation.

For travel days, it includes a dedicated 16-inch laptop sleeve, rear trolley pass-through, hidden passport/currency pocket, quick-access phone pocket, three tripod-carry options, water-repellent materials, rain cover, lockable main-compartment zipper, and comfortable dual-density shoulder straps with a removable waist belt. It costs more than the smallest bags here, but it is a compelling value if it prevents you from outgrowing your bag after one trip.

Best forLarge multi-lens travel kit
Camera capacity2 gripped DSLRs + 3-5 lenses, or 400mm f/2.8
Laptop sleeveUp to 16-inch laptop
Volume24L
Travel featuresTrolley sleeve, passport pocket, lockable zipper
WeatherWater-repellent construction + rain cover
Why it is a value pick
It offers the most serious load-carrying capability here, plus laptop, travel-security, and comfort features usually associated with more expensive expedition-style bags.
Consider before buying
Make sure its exterior dimensions suit your airline and personal comfort. A 24L photo backpack can become heavy when fully packed.
View Think Tank Walker Pro 24LView Think Tank Walker Pro 16L

Things to consider before choosing a travel camera backpack

Capacity is about shape, not just litres

Two backpacks with similar litre ratings can carry very different kits. A gripped body, a 70-200mm f/2.8, a drone, or a laptop changes the required internal depth. Measure your largest body-and-lens combination, then compare it with the bag's stated internal dimensions - not just its claimed capacity.

Decide where personal items will live

For a sightseeing day, you may need room for a jacket, water, charger, passport, snacks, and a small souvenir. A backpack with a separated top or front compartment keeps those items away from your camera gear and makes airport or café stops much easier.

Think about access in the real world

Full-panel access is ideal when packing in a hotel. Side access helps when you are walking. A sling or small shoulder bag is even faster for one-camera shooting, but it will not distribute the weight or carry the volume of a backpack. Choose the access style that matches how you actually photograph.

Comfort is a travel feature

A bag that feels fine for five minutes can become tiring after a full day. Look for a sternum strap, padded back panel, waist support when carrying a heavier load, and a trolley sleeve if you often move through airports. Try loading the bag at home before committing to a trip setup.

Backpack comparison

Backpack Best for Laptop / tablet Key travel strength
Lowepro Adventura BP 150 III Light kit and lowest budget 10-inch tablet Compact, padded, simple, with bottle/tripod pockets
Vanguard ALTA RISE 45 Larger kit and expandable travel storage 14-inch laptop / tablet Expansion, side access, waist belt, tripod carry, and rain cover
Vanguard VEO City B37 City travel and organised gear 10.9-inch tablet Trolley sleeve, RFID pocket, removable top compartment
Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 18L Mirrorless kit + daily essentials 14-inch laptop Flexible camera/personal-item split and rain cover
Think Tank Walker Pro 24L Large travel kit 16-inch laptop Deep photo compartment, trolley sleeve, travel security

How to pick the right travel backpack

Pack for the trip you are actually taking

For a city break with one camera and two lenses, a small bag is easier to carry and less conspicuous. For a trip that includes a laptop, jacket, batteries, tripod, and more than three lenses, a bag with separate personal storage is worth it. Do not buy capacity you will never use; empty space can add bulk without adding usefulness.

Prioritize access and comfort

Full front-panel access is excellent for packing and re-organising. Side access helps when you are walking. Trolley sleeves reduce strain in airports; sternum and waist straps become valuable when the bag is loaded. Rain covers are useful for sustained rain, but use them as an extra layer rather than a substitute for careful weather management.

Measure your longest item

The critical fit check is not the number of lenses - it is the size of your largest body-and-lens combination. Check the internal dimensions against your longest lens, and leave room for dividers. If you use a camera with a grip or a 70-200mm f/2.8, review the manufacturer's stated capacity carefully.

Keep essential gear with you

When flying, carry cameras, lenses, batteries, media cards, and essential chargers with you whenever possible. Pack less-critical items separately, and check airline rules for spare lithium-ion batteries. A backpack is there to protect and organise your equipment; good travel habits complete the system.

Should you travel with a sling, a backpack, or both?

A backpack is the better base for a full travel day: it spreads weight across both shoulders, carries a laptop or jacket more comfortably, and protects a larger kit. A sling is better when you are travelling light, need fast access, or want a smaller bag that is easier in restaurants, museums, and crowded streets. Many photographers use both: a backpack for transit and a sling for the day's walkaround kit.

Choose a backpack if...

You are carrying a full kit

You need a laptop, multiple lenses, a tripod, personal items, and all-day comfort. It is the sensible option for flights, hikes, and long transfer days.

Choose a sling if...

You are travelling light

You want one camera ready at your side, quick access, and less bulk. It suits compact mirrorless kits, city walks, and short photo outings.

Choose both if...

Your trip has two modes

Use the backpack to move everything safely, then take only the sling and the day's essential camera kit once you arrive.

Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L AshCompact travel carry

Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L

The 3L Everyday Sling is the minimalist option: a waist or shoulder bag with a clamshell opening, foldable divider, organiser pockets, external carry straps, weather-resistant nylon, and a waterproof bottom panel.

Who it is for: The traveller with a compact camera or one small mirrorless body and compact lens, who wants a camera, phone, wallet, batteries, and cards close at hand. It is also a strong second bag for a photographer who stores the rest of the kit in a backpack.

View Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L
Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L BlackMore space, still compact

Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 6L

The 6L adds room for a small interchangeable-lens kit, two foldable dividers, an 11-inch tablet sleeve, six organiser pockets, external carry straps, Capture Clip attachment points, weather-resistant construction, and a waterproof bottom panel.

Who it is for: The traveller who wants a small mirrorless camera with an extra lens, or a compact drone kit, while keeping a tablet and essentials with them. It is ideal when a backpack feels excessive but a 3L bag is too restrictive.

View Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L

Travel lighter. Carry smarter.

Explore Camera Canada's current camera bag and backpack selection, or ask our team to help choose the right fit for your kit and your trip.

Shop bags and backpacks at Camera Canada