Photo backpacks

Photo backpack - what is it anyway?

This is a backpack that is specifically designed to transport photographic equipment. It is usually equipped with various compartments that provide optimal protection for your equipment, even in the event of shocks.

Why should you buy a photo backpack?

Of course, conventional photo bags are just as designed for storing cameras and their accessories. However, a backpack offers you a great ergonomic advantage in comparison: Since the often heavy weight of the equipment is distributed over both shoulders due to the two straps, it is, for example, much more comfortable to carry the equipment on your back, especially on longer hiking tours. This avoids one-sided strain on the shoulders and intervertebral discs and supports good posture. In this way, photography remains a pleasure even on longer tours and does not become an effort.

In addition to the health aspect, it should also be emphasized that a backpack optimally protects the equipment from damage through special compartments and materials.

What should fit into a photo backpack?

A good photo backpack should offer enough storage space for the following utensils:

• Camera bodies
• Lenses (2-3 lenses on average)
• Spare camera batteries
• Filters (ND + polarizing filters)
• Flashes
• Memory card / memory card case
• Cables such as charging cable, wired remote shutter release - Use cable sorting bags for cables for example

Important tips when buying a photo backpack

When choosing a model, it always depends entirely on what you want to use your backpack for. Some aspects to consider when buying can be found below.

Size and weight of the backpack

An important factor is the size of the backpack. Do you want to carry two cameras or just one? Do you have large telephoto lenses that require extra space? You should choose your backpack according to these criteria. Some backpacks offer the possibility to adjust the size of the compartments according to individual wishes using fabric walls with Velcro fasteners.

This is very convenient, as it allows you to adjust the backpack depending on different equipment needs. Some manufacturers such as Lowepro or Evoc offer this option. Note: The larger a backpack, the heavier it usually is. However, since the equipment often already has a considerable weight, you should make sure when buying your backpack that its own weight is not too heavy.

Carrying comfort

Since you want to carry the backpack over longer distances, it is particularly important to ensure optimal wearing comfort. Here it is important that the shoulder straps are well padded and breathable, so that the back is sufficiently ventilated. This is especially advisable if the photo backpack is used in sports, such as hiking or cycling. Some backpacks have an additional chest and pelvic strap as well as position adjustment straps. These straps distribute the weight even better on the body, which makes the carrying more ergonomic. Chest and waist straps are especially advisable for larger equipment with several telephoto lenses.

Access to the equipment

When buying, make sure you can access your gear as easily as possible without having to open too many zippers. The openings should be big enough so that you can easily remove your accessories, and preferably with just one hand. Some photo backpacks also offer quick access. This means that a single compartment, for example on the front of the backpack or on the bottom of the backpack, allows you to quickly remove your equipment.

This is particularly advantageous if, for example, you want to spontaneously take a photo on a hiking tour without having to take off the entire backpack every time. Thus, it is not only possible to quickly capture beautiful motifs, but the backpack is additionally protected, since it does not have to be put down on wet or dirty ground.

Photo backpack with laptop compartment

If you want to take your laptop with you on your photo tour, you should also make sure that your backpack has a laptop compartment. Note: Here it is important to pay attention to the inch specifications, so that your laptop really fits into the backpack.

Tripod holder

If you often use a tripod, a tripod holder on the backpack is a great advantage. This keeps the tripod firmly and securely stowed, won't slip, and won't damage other photo accessories. It is best to have the mount as close to the body as possible, for example on the side of the backpack, to ensure the most ergonomic carrying possible.

Taking photos while cycling

If you use your photo backpack while cycling, we recommend models where the backpack can be taken in front of the stomach with the belly strap closed and can thus be opened conveniently. This way, you don't have to stop and awkwardly operate the backpack every time. The manufacturer Evoc, for example, tailors its models very much to sport-oriented photographers who want to take day-trip gear along with the camera. It is also advisable to choose a waterproof backpack for longer bike tours. Pay attention here to the "waterproof" specification of the manufacturer. Otherwise, many models include a rain cover.

Tip: If you use a normal or hiking backpack, you can of course also use a photo backpack insert, with this you can turn any bag into a photo backpack. The only disadvantage, you have to further limit your choice of equipment if you want to take other non-photo equipment with you.

Photo backpack for street photographers

Are you looking for a camera bag as a street photographer? You should make sure that the camera bag allows enough access so that you can quickly get to the camera at the moment of action, this has the disadvantage that the risk of theft is particularly high here, because the thief of course also has easy access. One idea here would be to use a lap belt / waist bag.

Photo backpack for studio photographers

Photographers who work a lot with artificial light are a special target group, which usually transports a large and particularly heavy amount of equipment. We recommend here rather to fall back to a trolley. Otherwise, the backpack should offer enough compartments for the various lenses and provide space for a flash. A trolley can transport much more flash heads. Another criteria should be a stable back, so that your back is well supported, the backpack should also have appropriate relief such as a waist belt and a chest strap.