9 Remarkably Terrific Men’s Camera Bags For Your Guy
I’m always looking for camera bags that have a masculine look and feel. I look for a camera bag that will speak to me with color, utility, and texture. With so many camera bags, each crafted with its unique style, what do I look for in men’s camera bags? (I’d love to get the Vinta Type-II bag shown in the featured image, but it’s sold out for now, but I can dream.)
Camera bags are essential and the best camera accessory you can buy. They protect your camera, lenses, and accessories while keeping them all easily accessible. You know there are many types of bags, but you want to look for a bag that fits your sense of style. That’s why I’m looking at the best cool & trendy camera bags for men.
Choosing the correct camera bag depends on what you’re up to – from simple hikes, all-day excursions in the city, or traveling to distant destinations. But no matter where you’re going, you’ll want a bag that complements your style.
Don’t settle for the grey nylon bag, just because it’s cheap. Look at choices of fabric, colors, buckles, and straps – there are men’s camera bags for every style.
OK – let’s take a look at the types of bags out there, and I’ll let you know my cool pick for each style.
Travel Camera Bag
A travel camera bag is a camera bag that is specifically designed for traveling. It is often smaller and more compact than other camera bags. That makes it easier to carry around and to fit into overhead compartments on aircraft.
It typically includes a variety of pockets and compartments to store camera gear and other belongings. Travel camera bags are also often waterproof or water-resistant, which makes them ideal for men’s camera bags to bring along on outdoor adventures.
What you are looking for is a low-key, minimalist bag that doesn’t scream “I’m a tourist, come steal my cameras.” It should also have a well-padded strap that will make it easy to carry all day when you are out and about.
My Pick for Best Travel Camera Bag
Ape Case, Messenger Bag AC580
Overview
The Ape Case AC580 is a textured Nylon bag that is perfectly sized to carry your DSLR Camera plus an additional lens or flash. The silhouette is contoured to fit snugly against your body and carry your gear in style. This great travel bag can be worn over the shoulder or across the body.
Features
- Space for your camera body, one extra lens, plus a pouch for batteries and filters.
- Stylish Orange and Grey coloring.
- The exterior zippered pocket with top access holds an iPad or 11″tablet as well as filters and accessories.
- The covered zipper opens up to the customizable main camera compartment. Hi-Vis yellow interior makes finding camera gear easy.
- Enhanced zippers and pulls for easy “one-hand” operation
- Extremely lightweight, the perfect bag to bring with you on your travels.
This handsome bag runs about $45and can be found at –
Camera Messager Bag (Shoulder Bags)
A camera messenger bag is a camera bag that is designed to be worn across the body. It often has a strap over one shoulder and around the chest. This bag is ideal for carrying camera gear and other belongings when you’re on the go.
The camera messenger bag is a popular choice in men’s camera bags because it allows the photographer to carry their camera gear and maybe a laptop or tablet computer with them while keeping their hands free. This makes it perfect for taking pictures or for carrying items when you’re out and about.
My Pick for the Best Camera Messager Bag
Domke F-802 Reporter’s Satchel
Overview
The Domke F-802 Reporter’s Satchel is a highly rated and stylish bag is made from waterproof cotton canvas with padded sidewalls. It has two expandable cargo pockets with weather flaps that are securely closed by the waterproof top flap and buckle. There are a total of 7 compartments will hold all your accessories, from memory cards to laptops.
Features
This handsome bag runs about $110 and can be found at –
Sling Camera Bag
A camera sling bag is a smaller type of messenger camera bag that typically hangs from one shoulder with a strap. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Sling men’s camera bags are perfect for everyday use, as they can hold a camera, lenses, and other accessories.
The advantage of a sling bag is that you can easily access camera gear. You can get your camera out of the camera sling itself without having to take off the entire sling and dig into its contents. They do have the edge over a larger bag in that they are lightweight and easy to carry around on a day trip or when riding a bike.
Since they are smaller, sling bags typically have room for one of your camera bodies and one or two additional lenses. However, they still have enough room to carry along all the photography equipment and batteries you would need on a day’s adventure.
My Pick for the Best Sling Camera Bag
Think Tank Photo Urban Access 8 Sling Bag
Overview
This is another excellent bag and has a very cool exterior with a textured graphite look. It’s a smallish sling bag, fitting a camera plus one or two lenses, more than enough for a fast outing.
Above all its best feature is how nimble it is. It allows for easy rotation, allowing you to get to your gear and accessories quickly. It even has room for a 10″ tablet if you need to edit while on the go.
All your gear will be held securely with the bag’s reinforced strap plus weather-proofed material and zippers.
It also has a waist strap so you can easily wear it while out biking or skateboarding.
Features
The Think Tank Photo Urban Access 8 Sling Camera Bag can be found for about $100 at –
Street Camera Bag
A camera bag that is perfect for street photography is inconspicuous and doesn’t draw a lot of attention. It should be comfortable and have enough room to carry your camera, lenses, and other accessories.
These bags come in two styles – shoulder bag or waist belt. Both are great setups for street photography. Ideally, look for a small camera bag with quick access. It should allow you to access your camera bag quickly.
My Pick for a Street Camera Bag
Peak Design Everyday Sling v2
Overview
This incredible bag wins out for a minimalist street camera set up due to its low profile and quick access. Coming from the heritage of Peak’s Everyday Messenger bag the Everyday Sling has all the bells and whistles of a superior camera bag. One of its finest features is A weatherproof zipper that provides quick inner access without removing the bag from your body.
Wearable as a cross-body sling or a waist bag, the Sling’s convertible shoulder strap features a quick adjuster that you can loosen when accessing gear and tighten when actively walking or biking.
The main compartment storage is ideal for a mirrorless camera and two lenses, or a full-frame DSLR and one lens. You could also pack a drone and controller if you want to do some aerial photography.
Finally, there is a padded sleeve that holds most tablets up to 11”, and the inner flap compartment contains four accessory pockets.
Features
The Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 runs about $110 and can be found at –
Backpack Camera Bag
A backpack camera bag is a large-capacity bag, typically with two straps allowing you to carry more weight easily. These men’s camera bags are perfect for photographers who need to carry a lot of camera gear with them.
One thing you will find is that all the backpacks feature spacious compartments and interior dividers that allow you to organize your gear. The bag should be able to hold at least one size pro DSLR body with an attached lens and at least three lenses. A great benefit of some bags is a quick access side zipper to the interior to allow access to your camera or additional lenses.
My Pick for a Backpack Camera Bag
Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Overview
This sleek and versatile bag is a real winner when taking a long walk and carrying a lot of gear. It fits nicely on your shoulders and has a waist strap to carry some weight on your hips. It has a padded, air mesh back panel that helps improve airflow to reduce sweat and moisture.
The Alta Rise 48 will hold up to two camera bodies and five lenses. I like how the bag has an easy access flap on the side to get your camera in and out of the bag quickly. With removable dividers, you can organize the storage compartment to fit your needs.
The bag has a variety of pockets, including a rear concealed pocket for valuables and a front zippered pocket for batteries. A brightly colored interior lining makes finding gear in low light much more manageable. And if you need extra space, the bag has a section in the main compartment that can expand as needed.
On the side of the pack is a pocket with a compression strap above for attaching a tripod, accessory, or water bottle.
The bag also has a reinforced carry handle so you can readily move it around when it’s off your back.
Features
The Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack runs about $120 and can be found at –
Camera Holster Bag
A camera holster bags are a type of camera bag that is worn around the waist. They are popular among action photographers who need quick and easy access to their camera gear while shooting.
There are two types of camera holster bags – those that fit a single camera and lens, and those that fit multiple camera gear. If you only have one camera and lens, a holster bag that fits just those items is a good option. A holster bag is perfect for shooting sports, or anywhere you need to run and gun.
My Pick for Camera Holster Bag
Lowepro Photo Active TLZ 50AW
Overview
The Lowepro Photo Active features a top-loading design with a wraparound zipper and smooth interior lining. These are essential features for getting your camera in and out of the bag fast.
The bag features an expanding bottom section so you can carry a mounted 24-70mm f/2.8 lens without worrying about damaging your kit. An accessory pocket built into the lid gives you easy access to spare batteries, memory cards, and cables.
The two utility straps allow you to configure the bag for cross-body or shoulder bag style carrying. Even better, with removable shoulder straps the Lowepro Photo Active lets you use the bag in two more carry options. First worn at the waist holster style, using the built-in belt loops or worn on the chest for quick access.
Its exterior is made of durable, water-resistant nylon to keep your camera gear dry. Additionally, there is a built-in “all-weather” cover to keep things safe from the rain, snow, dust, and sand.
Features
The Lowepro Photo Active TLZ 50AW runs about $110 and can be found at –
Camera Rolling Case
A camera rolling case is a camera bag on wheels. This type of camera bag is perfect for photographers who frequently travel. The rolling camera case makes it easy to transport your camera and gear around airports and other transportation hubs.
These camera bags have a telescoping handle and wheels to transport your camera up and down city streets easily. They can also be stored overhead on planes or underneath the seat in front of you.
My Pick for Best Camera Rolling Case
Pelican 1510 Case With Padded Dividers
Overview
Ask any photographer and they will tell you that you can’t go wrong by getting a Pelican Case, mic drop that’s it. And what’s more manly than an indestructible box to keep your favorite equipment safe from the elements?
Specifically designed for keeping sensitive equipment safe in any environment, this is just the only case I’d use. According to the manufacturer, “This case is an unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical-resistant, and corrosion-proof hard case used to carry any kind of equipment that needs to be protected from the elements.” So if you’re heading down the rapids or out into the desert, this case will keep your camera equipment safe. It will even protect you from badly mannered luggage handlers.
And if you want to keep it with you on the plane, the case meets present FAA conditions for carry-on luggage.
Don’t worry about wrangling the case yourself. The Pelican 1510 has many options to move it around – side handles, a long front handle, and a retractable extension handle. The case moves around quickly with solid polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings.
The Pelican’s TrekPak Divider System makes it easy to configure the interior space for your camera gear. This system utilizes pre-installed wall sections, divider panels, and locking pins to lay out the nitches you need. The nearly 1/2″ thick divider sections are waterproof, closed-cell foam that withstands ripping and shredding.
Features
This rough and ready box costs about $239 and can be found at –
Men’s Leather Camera Bag
Creating a feeling of stepping back into an elegant era, leather camera bags create a masculine and sophisticated look. This makes them the perfect choice for men’s camera bag stylish photographers.
Leather is also durable and protective, ensuring that your camera equipment stays safe while you’re on the go.
My Pick for Men’s Leather Camera Bag
ONA Bowery Camera Bag
Overview
The ONA Bowery Camera Bag is a masterpiece in the world of camera bags. It’s a handcrafted piece, the whole bag created with supple Italian-tanned leather in antique cognac. The bag’s finish is detailed with solid brass hardware and a hand-sewn carry strap.
This stylish shoulder bag has a padded interior with an adjustable divider. It has sufficient space to hold a full-sized DSLR camera plus one additional lens, or a mirrorless camera with two additional lenses. The front flap of the bag is secured using a trendy tuck-clasp closure and features side weather flaps for extra protection.
The bag features five exterior pockets, two each on the front and sides, and one on the back. This provides plenty of easily accessible space for small accessories.
The Bowery can be used as a compact standalone bag, or as an insert to protect your camera in a larger bag.
Features
This glorious leather bag runs about $299.00 and can be found at –
Premier Camera Bag
Premier camera bags are high-quality camera bags that are designed to protect your camera and its lenses while also providing easy access. They come in various styles, so you can choose the one that best suits his sense of style.
Premier camera bags provide camera protection with a variety of features. They offer superior camera protection, even when dropped or bumped. The interior is customizable and has adjustable dividers to adjust the camera gear to fit your needs. There is also high-quality padding, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally bumping against a camera.
My pick for Premier Camera Bag
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L
Overview
If money is no option, then you need to look no further than Peak Designs. Their camera bags are the cream of the crop.
The Everyday Backpack v2 is a handsome and versatile bag. Designed specifically for photographers, and multimedia creators this bag uses magnetic latches for its top flap to allow this backpack to vary from 20.4″ to 24.5″ in height.
Inside three dividers allow items to be stacked within the main compartment and hold items against either of the bag’s zippered side openings. The Everyday Backpack’s side openings are positioned so that they face the wearer when the bag is rotated around from back to front for easy access to the camera gear inside.
The Everyday Backpack features a zippered sleeve on the back with dedicated pockets for a 12.9″ tablet computer, and a 16″ laptop. The inside surfaces of each side opening includes both a slip pocket and zippered pocket to keep your accessories organized and quickly available.
The exterior of the side openings features two large, open pockets to carry a water bottle, tripod, or monopod, secured using straps with the gear loops located above each pocket.
Additional gear loops are distributed along the surface of the Everyday Backpack v2. These loops are handy for attaching equipment, accessories, or packable clothing to the bag.
Finally, the Everyday Backpack v2 is built to be weather resistant, keeping your gear safe from the elements.
Features
The Everyday Back v2 runs about $290.00 and can be found at –
Wrap Up
Camera bags are essential accessories that protect your camera, lenses, and accessories. Whether you’re looking for a camera bag with style or something more pragmatic, there’s no shortage of options out there to choose from! In this blog post, we discussed the best cool & trendy men’s camera bags. We hope our review helped you make a smarter decision about which camera bag is right for you the photographer in your life.
If you liked this post and found it helpful, please check out my other photography guides to find out more.
FAQ
The days of traditional camera bags are not over, but there’s a new kid on the block. Smaller, more fashionable bags are taking the place of the enormous, bulky camera bags of old. Leather handbags, vintage camera bags, and stylish designer backpacks that can also hold a laptop computer have become the cool and trendy choice lately.
When looking for a men’s camera bag, you should be looking for something with a texture and a sleek design. For texture, look for an outer material made from waterproof canvas or leather. Men tend to like grey, brown, or black colors, but make sure there’s a pop of color that can draw a little attention.
I got to admit, as a man, I know we are into gadgets, tools, and useful (but seldom used) accessories. Keeping all the gear in control is an important task for a good camera bag. So look for a bag with lots of pockets, both on the inside and the outside. These storage areas should be easily accessible and well secured so they keep items secure.
Camera bags come in different sizes often expressed in L or liters to express the interior volume. You need to choose the size of camera bag that is best for you. The size you choose depends on how many cameras and lenses you have, and also how much other stuff you want to carry with your camera.
There are smaller camera bags that fit just one camera body with a lens attached, plus a few extra lenses. There are camera bags that fit two camera bodies and lots of lenses. Then there are camera bag backpacks which have more space for your camera equipment and water or other things you need for your shoots.
Knowing how much gear you want to take along and where you are going is going to be a big aid in figuring out the size bag you need
Camera bags can be categorized by their purpose :
– Typically camera backpacks are sturdier than shoulder bags due to the weight they carry;
– Camera messenger bags have an insert that slides out making it easier to access your camera without having to take everything out of the bag;
– Single strap sling backpacks offer the convenience of quickly opening the bag while carrying it over one shoulder
– Street Shooting waist packs allow photographers who don’t want anything around their neck or shoulders for easy access while staying hands-free.
Typically camera bags are made out of leather, canvas, nylon, or vinyl. The inside of these sturdy materials is typically covered with a soft flannel and padded. This way the bag protects your photography equipment from scratches and damage.
