Best Camera Bag 2019

The Best Camera Bag has to excel across multiple fronts, keeping gear well organized and accessible, yet protected from impacts and the elements. Not to mention maximizing carry comfort for handling those often heavy loads…

1st Place

MindShift Gear BackLight 26L

MindShift Gear is a company founded by photographers, for photographers. So when carrying a MindShift pack, the small details rise to the top, born from pro insights while in the field. And that expertise is so very present in the Backlight 26L. A pack that not only dishes up killer access, but exceptional external carrying options (able to lug three tripods!), usable space, top-tier comfort and protection, and supreme value for money.

A worthy winner and a pack perfect for any outdoor shoot, day trip or hike, and a partner you can trust to proficiently lug two cameras , gear and essentials with ease.

Digging in, the bag’s back panel access lets you easily reach gear throughout the main compartment. And if you keep the waist belt secured you can rotate the pack to your front to create a mobile workstation. Super convenient for avoiding placing your pack on dirty or wet surfaces. Plus if you are setting your bag on the ground, the back access still ensures the harness (i.e. the part that comes in contact with your body) will stay clean.

To help you get to gear quickly and conveniently, the bag also offers a number of quick-access pockets and exterior attachment points. You’ll find further interior pockets and a 15″ laptop sleeve, along with adjustable padded dividers to tailor the internal layout to changing gear setups. And with front and main compartments, you can easily store camera gear and personal gear separately.

Now when it comes to comfort, camera gear often tends to be heavy and fatiguing to haul around. But the pack has you covered. The waist belt partners with a sternum strap, wide padded shoulder straps and a padded, ventilated back panel to help minimize carry strain and keep the load secure on the go.

Complementing the comfy build is a durable, abrasion-resistant and water-repellent construction featuring 420D velocity nylon and 420D high-density nylon. Add in the included raincover and you’ve got trusty protection in the event of unexpected downpours.

The pack’s well-considered combination of features makes it a versatile all-rounder for urban and outdoor photography alike. A bag that can accompany you on city excursions, outdoor hikes and more. All while ensuring your gear stays secure and protected, yet accessible when you need it. Bravo, MindShift Gear!

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Highly Commended

These are the pieces that just missed out, and in most cases, by the smallest of margins. To them, we award a High Commendation. The below were of outstanding quality, displaying fine craftsmanship and design flair. With honor, we bow our heads in the utmost respect and kudos. If this were a dais, they’d be biting their teeth into silver medals – a feat not to be overlooked. And we’re sure they’ll be back, to take it one notch higher, next year.

Incase Camera Pro Pack

A lot of camera bags stand out for what they are, drawing unwanted attention to your valuable gear load. But Incase’s Camera Pro Pack takes a more understated approach. Dishing up Incase’s signature clean style in a pack that protects and organizes your camera gear without advertising it to opportunistic thieves. The low-key aesthetics help you fly under the radar, while back panel access to the main compartment allows you to easily get to gear. Inside the main compartment, a variety of pockets and adjustable dividers help you stay on top of organization. Plus a top opening lets you quickly grab your camera to capture shots on the go. Additionally, the pack provides a front compartment which fits a DJI Mavic Pro and can also be used to store personal items. The abrasion-resistant 840D nylon construction embraces demanding use, with comfortable padding and a sternum strap enhancing the user-friendly design. A fine effort, Incase!

Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 30L

The same shoot might require a variety of camera setups. And it’s not always feasible (and certainly not convenient) to spend time setting up gear mid-session. But that’s where the Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 comes in. Dual side-by-side compartments let you store two separate systems at the ready. No need to waste time adjusting gear or remembering which accessory goes with which setup. And with a choice of adjustable padded dividers and pockets standing by, it’s easy to organize your setup as required. The pack is made with a tough and weather-resistant VX-21, nylon and polyester combination and comes with a raincover for enhanced weather protection. Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either, with the pack serving up a padded back panel, sternum strap and waist belt for handling heavy loads. And because bulky camera gear isn’t the easiest to maneuver around, the pack also provides top and side handles to help you shift it in tight spaces or over shorter distances. When you want the benefits of multiple setups without the frustration of wasting time assembling them, the Kiboko V2.0 will see you right. Great work, Gura Gear!

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