The importance of a suitable camera bag
Friday 24 July 2026, 20:02 by Nando Harmsen | 1,043 views | 10 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
Recently, I mentioned using a regular backpack for camera equipment. In some cases, it can still be important to have a proper camera backpack.
For hikers, it can be useful to have a proper backpack. It can be adjusted perfectly for carrying comfort and prevents a hot and sweaty back as much as possible.
In that case, you use a cube or insert for your valuable equipment. And indeed, this can be useful when you walk a lot and for long periods. Most camera backpacks are not really designed for that.
Let me tell you about an accident I saw happen earlier this year. I was not involved, nor were the other members of my group. And don't worry, there were no physical injuries.
It happened in Lofoten, Norway. During the winter trip, we take the RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to see the white-tailed eagles. Wearing a suit and life jacket, people walk across a floating pontoon to get on board.
Unfortunately, the railing of the access plank to the pontoon broke, causing a lady to fall into the freezing water. She went completely under, including the camera backpack she was carrying.
She was back on dry land within a minute thanks to the guides' lightning-fast reaction. As mentioned, fortunately there were no physical injuries, just the shock and wet clothes. And a wet camera backpack.
Everything was handled perfectly. But what matters here is that the camera backpack went completely under water. She had a very good camera backpack, and thanks to that, the inside, and therefore the camera, had stayed completely dry.
The moral of the story is this. Make sure you have a high-quality camera backpack suited to how you use it. Your equipment will then be optimally protected. In this case, even when everything briefly disappeared under water.
This does not mean that you always have to choose something sturdy and solid. Sometimes a cheap or even fashionable camera backpack is perfect. Or a proper hiking backpack with a cube or insert.
Are you more of an adventurous type who enjoys photographing in more inhospitable places and exciting situations? Then choose your camera backpack accordingly. That way, you can enjoy your photography without worry.
Have you ever experienced something that really stayed with you? Something that made you think about how you carry your equipment? Share your experience below this post.
About the author
Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.
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10 comments
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Chris wrote on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 11:03 | replyI have two backpacks. One that can hold less (1 body, a flash and 2 lenses), and a somewhat larger one.
Translated from Dutch.
Actually, I've been looking for a huge backpack for a while now (and it can certainly be a used one) that can hold everything. So multiple bodies and flashes and about four lenses. Am I going out and about with it? No, that's not really the intention, but it's simply handy if you can just grab one bag and throw it in the car and then know "I've got everything with me". If I want to make a selection, I can always do that afterwards by using one of the smaller ones. -
Nando
wrote on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 11:09
| reply
In that case I would consider a trolley. Since you’re not going to walk around with it anyway. Take a look at a Thinktank Airport International (they’re also easy to find second-hand). It can hold a lot, has wheels, and a built-in cable with lock to secure it.
Translated from Dutch.
You can see it in the top photo with bags, in the back, with the handle. -
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Govaerts wrote on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 13:24 | replyI also have a high-quality and fairly large backpack. But I don't like going out with a heavily loaded backpack. I "plan" my photo shoots and consequently a classic shoulder bag is sufficient for me. I never take things with me that I assume I won't need.
Translated from Dutch. -
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guest wrote on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 15:15 | replyHello Nando, recently I read an article about the Bevisgear backpacks. You can open these with a push button and you can get to everything. Would this backpack be reliable because it can be opened with a push button. If this backpack were indeed reliable, it would be ideal to get to all your gear. You don't even have to put one of those backpacks on the ground to get to your gear. I don't know if you are familiar with this brand. Regards Thierry
Translated from Dutch. -
Nando
wrote on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 16:22
| reply
I had a look, but I don't understand the advantage. You can also get to everything with a zipper. A zipper seems much more reliable to me as well.
Translated from Dutch.
I would stay miles away from it. But then again, that's just me...
Do be careful if you decide to go for it and place an order. For now, there's only a promise that the bag will come onto the market in October. -
Chris wrote on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 15:16 | reply
Thanks for the tip Nando, looks handy, can hold a lot and you can even throw it on your back for short stretches so you still have your hands free.
Translated from Dutch.
I’ll have a look for a used one and if a new one is needed I’ll definitely use your link. -
Donald Willemsen wrote on Wednesday 29 July 2026 at 00:09 | replyNando, I completely agree with your story. If, like me, you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, you can hang a backpack from the back of the wheelchair or from the backrest of the mobility scooter. That doesn't have to be a problem until you often travel over bumpy roads such as cobblestone roads and unpaved roads, for example. Then the shaking is a problem. Cameras are usually not shockproof. I have experienced that once, that my camera gave up the ghost due to the jolting. The repair costs were so high that I was better off buying a new camera. I don't want to take that risk anymore. Certainly not with my current R7.
Translated from Dutch.
If you just walk, you have much less or no trouble with the jolting. If you use a trolley, you also run that risk.
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