A camera backpack or a backpack for photography

Friday 12 June 2026, 16:16 by Nando Harmsen | 1,609 views | 7 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

A camera backpack is not the most practical backpack. The alternative is an ordinary backpack that you use for photography. What is the difference? Who is the camera backpack for? Who is better off with a backpack for photography? I try to provide an answer.

The difference seems to be more a choice of words. Yet there is a difference between a camera backpack and a backpack for photography. The former is a backpack specially made for photography equipment and is almost exclusively suitable for that purpose.

It is a camera backpack, but one with relatively much extra space. An ordinary backpack with an insert might have been a better choice.
A backpack for photography is nothing more than an ordinary but good backpack that you use for your photography. This backpack was not specially designed for photography, but for walking and hiking. That makes a huge difference.

I occasionally see articles and videos about how much better off you are with an ordinary backpack. You then have to 'adapt' it for photography. There is some truth in that. However, I don't think it is the best choice for everyone.

Let's go back to the camera backpack, designed for photography. It has a compartment that can be divided up for cameras and lenses. There are pockets for accessories and other useful items. You get 'smart' access to your camera.

Made specifically for photography. Although this insert can be removed so you can also use the backpack as a normal backpack.
These days, the compartment is often opened at the back, but not always. The idea behind this is protection against dirt as well as theft. At the same time, the camera backpack often shouts 'I contain expensive equipment.'

The zip opening at the back is not protected by a rain cover. Moreover, the back is so close to your back that there is no, or far too little, room to breathe. In addition, the camera backpack is expensive. Of course, everything related to photography is expensive.

An ordinary backpack has no opening at the back. It is at the front, which means all access is protected by a rain cover. In theory, a thief could secretly open the zip, but the backpack does not reveal that it contains expensive equipment.

On the left, a camera backpack with an opening at the back. On the right, a hiking backpack with room to breathe so you sweat less.
There is often plenty of space between your back and an ordinary backpack, providing the room to breathe you need when exercising. They are intended for walking and exertion.

So how do you carry your photography equipment? Simple, because all those camera bag manufacturers make these great inserts or camera cubes that can be used perfectly. Also in backpacks that are not specifically intended for them.

Since you use inserts or cubes, you often also have more than enough room left for extra items. A rain jacket, lunch, or whatever. Or use two cubes and divide the equipment between them.

A camera backpack with dividers. That is what you have to make do with. Or a separate insert or camera cube that also fits in an ordinary backpack.
Is everyone then better off with a normal walking and hiking backpack fitted with a camera cube? No, I don't think so. Such backpacks are intended for walking trips and hiking. If you do that sort of thing, you may already have chosen one for that reason.

Are you more of a casual photographer who wants to carry your equipment safely, but does not go on strenuous walks and hikes? Then a proper camera backpack is perfectly suitable. The only disadvantage is that they are often very expensive.

Have you chosen an ordinary backpack for your camera and lenses, or do you prefer a proper camera backpack? Let us know in a comment below this post.

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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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7 comments

MacBigfoot wrote on Friday 12 June 2026 at 18:08 | reply
I have multiple solutions.

For a specific photo outing, I always take a camera backpack with me, with an insert specifically intended for that purpose, while still leaving room for food and drinks for the day. The tripod also has a good place in it.

However, if I’m going for a nice walk, I usually don’t want to take a photo every meter either, so the backpack really needs to be suitable for the walk. And as “filler”, a separate, closable insert with a bit of photo equipment fits inside. Certainly not too much equipment, because that gets in the way too much during a longer walk. The camera can then still be hung from the shoulder strap with a clip.

In any case, the purpose for which I’m going outside determines what I take with me and how.
Translated from Dutch.

Mac wrote on Monday 15 June 2026 at 08:26 | reply
I have camera backpacks myself (yep, plural). because even though the manufacturers say, you only need 1, because ours...... This actually never works out in practice.
and I have to say, especially the newest camera backpacks don't really look like camera backpacks. So I'm not that worried about that.
And especially if you buy a good camera backpack, the shoulder straps can also be adjusted in height. And the good ones also have an internal frame.
There are even ones that have a real mesh at your back, so you really have space between the bag and your back. I have 1 myself that has a nice curve, meaning mesh is "not" necessary, but you still have space between the bag and your back. But even with that one, your back just gets wet when it's warm. (if it's warm, and there's no wind, then the air just stays still at your back and you start sweating).
I have never used a regular backpack with a cube myself. I could do it, because I have one. I have put a small cube in a bike bag. And I have to say, that is actually quite nice. (I do have a nice bike bag from the manufacturer of the cubes, so it fits very nicely.)
Translated from Dutch.

Nando wrote on Monday 29 June 2026 at 11:20 | reply
Unfortunately, there are indeed many new camera backpacks that supposedly are 'the best you can get'. They are rarely perfect.
Some come close... thankfully.
Translated from Dutch.

Donald Willemsen wrote on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 12:52 | reply
For me, both a photo backpack or a backpack for photography are no longer suitable, because I now often use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. For me, a harness from Cotton is very useful now I can hang up to 2 cameras from it or one camera and a telephoto lens with tripod collar.
Translated from Dutch.

Ellen Keizer wrote on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 13:05 | reply
I use a camera backpack to which a few separate pouches can be attached for snacks etc.
In addition, I have a separate cube that fits in my backpack/bike bag, ideal for not having to carry a heavy backpack while cycling.
Translated from Dutch.

Gert wrote on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at 14:04 | reply
Good point Nando that you have better ventilation on your back with a proper hiking backpack. That is why, back when I was still a hiking guide and doing nature photography, I walked with a proper hiking backpack and a ThinkTank camera holster. This was attached to the hip belt of the backpack and secured with a carabiner to an attached auxiliary strap. My Canon DSLR with the standard zoom lens fit exactly in the holster. By undoing a zipper, the holster became longer and was also suitable for the body with the 70-300mm attached. It was always an excellent hiking solution, until I switched to Olympus, which no longer fits properly.
As far as fit is concerned, a camera backpack is more flexible for different camera and lens sizes.
Translated from Dutch.

Nando wrote on Monday 29 June 2026 at 11:21 | reply
Well... a new camera system could mean a new camera bag/backpack. Oh well, sometimes it's just fun to have a new bag. Right?
Translated from Dutch.

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