Carrying Your Gear? The Do’s and Dont's for Choosing a Camera Backpack

Here we explore the dos and don’ts of choosing a camera backpack so you can carry your gear anywhere safely.

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How you organise your photography gear can be the difference between a career-defining photography shoot and a missed opportunity. Whether in the studio, appreciating the beauty of nature or exploring the city streets, being prepared to capture any moment is the opening gambit to great photography.

When it comes to carrying your gear with you, the right camera backpack can make carrying and accessing heavy, expensive equipment that much easier. Here’s how to choose one that’s portable, compact and crafted with photography gear in mind.

Do: opt for a discreet design

This depends on your usual haunts and shooting locations – a mountainside trail isn’t as much of a concern, for example, as a roadside cafe in Paris – but a discreet camera backpack can be worthwhile for safety reasons.

A discreet backpack with minimal branding will reduce the risk of having your gear stolen rather than a backpack adorned with a manufacturer’s logo. Picking a padded camera bag will help protect your gear, but make sure it doesn’t look too obviously bulky.

Do: pick a backpack you can travel with easily

Travelling by air? Keep in mind checked-in luggage can end up misplaced, moved, or even damaged by the cold temperatures en-route.

Choose a camera backpack that conforms to airplane standard carry-on size, and travel safely in the knowledge that your camera is nearby. The standard size for cabin luggage — or the most common — is 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Do: choose a compartmentalized bag

Travel backpacks with padded compartments are essential when carrying a camera and accompanying accessories.

Compartments keep gear organised so it’s easier to grab on the go, and padded sides add another layer of protection for delicate glass components in tough conditions or while travelling.

Don’t: neglect weatherproofing

A creative’s worst nightmare: damaging gear through exposure to the elements. Opt for a backpack made from weatherproof fabric so you know your camera and equipment will be safe, no matter where the next adventure takes you.

Do: think about sustainable materials

If you’re someone who wants to be conscious of how their purchases impact the planet, it’s important to think about how your backpack is made. Choosing a backpack made from recycled materials by a company who prioritises lowering their footprint means doing your part for our planet.

Don’t: pick a single-compartment backpack

Most of us know the frustration of spending forever hunting for that spare battery or lens filter. Side-zips or modular designs with multiple pockets and storage zones allow you to quickly grab your gear, and get on with the shot.

Camera bags for the modern creator

Form, function and sustainability are key when it comes to choosing a camera backpack.

Our Arkose backpack works in tandem with our smaller camera insert to create a discreet camera bag that’s both modular and designed for those travelling with one camera body, two or three lenses and a simple filter kit. It’s ideal for day trips or when you’re heading out on an impromptu shoot.

Left

The Arkose 20L Modular Camera Backpack with the Arkose Small Camera Insert inside.

Right

The Arkose Small Camera Insert.

Left

The Arkose 20L Modular Camera Backpack with the Arkose Small Camera Insert inside.

Right

The Arkose Small Camera Insert.

For longer trips, or for shoots that require more gear, our Norite backpack snugly fits our medium-sized camera insert, and is designed to hold two camera bodies and several lenses alongside a wide selection of lens filters.

Left

The Norite 24L Modular Camera Backpack with the Norite Medium Camera Insert inside.

Right

The Norite Medium Camera Insert.

Left

The Norite 24L Modular Camera Backpack with the Norite Medium Camera Insert inside.

Right

The Norite Medium Camera Insert.

Both backpacks are weatherproof and made from tough recycled nylon, while their lightweight construction offers convenient manoeuvrability. Made by creators, for creators, Urth backpacks are designed to take you everywhere from the office to the great outdoors.

Photography

06 Aug 2021