16 Best Camera Bags, Slings, Straps, and Backpacks (2026), Tested and Reviewed

Julian Chokkattu Gear Mar 20, 2026 7:30 AM The Best Camera Bags, Straps, and Backpacks Tote your photo and video gear around in style. We tested more than 100 packs and rounded up our favorites. Save this story Save this story Featured in this article The Best camera bag doesn't exist. I once spent two hours at B&H in New York City trying to fit all my photo gear inside more than 20 bags at the store, and I still left unsatisfied. Everyone's needs are different, and what works for me might not work for you. But to make your search easier, the camera enthusiasts on the WIRED Gear team have tested more than 100 bags to help whittle down the choices. We’ve shoved our equipment into slings, messenger bags, backpacks, and cubes—we've even gone bag-free—all in search of a convenient way to carry everything while keeping it protected and lightweight. These are our favorite picks. Check out our other buying guides, like Best Laptop Bags , Best Travel Cameras , and Best Mirrorless Cameras . We also have a handy explainer on what “liters” mean in backpacks and advice on buying a camera . Updated March 2026: We've added new camera bags from Hershel and WaterField Designs. My Favorite Camera Bag Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Save to wishlist Wandrd Prvke (V4) $344 Wandrd $344 Amazon $254 Wandrd (Bag Only) $344 B&H Out of the dozens of camera bags I've tried over the last 5 years, Wandrd's Prvke (pronounced “provoke”) is still the backpack I gravitate toward when I'm going somewhere and need most of my essential gear. The company updated the bag in 2025 (V4) with some small touches to make the Prvke even better. There's now zippered access to the rolltop, a larger side-access opening with U-pullers for the zippers, and better internal organization. I've taken this backpack on multiple trips, and even after stuffing it to the brim, it never feels too cramped or tight, unlike other camera bags. You'll need to pair it with Wa...