If you’re reading this, you’re likely searching for the best camera backpack for air travel. You want a backpack that can safely store your camera and its accessories while also being easy to carry around during your travels.
We understand that finding the right camera backpack can be a challenge. There are so many options out there, and it can be hard to know which one will provide the best protection for your camera, have enough space for all your gear, and still fit under the airplane seat.
As seasoned travelers, we’ve had many opportunities to chat with photographers in search of a backpack to store their cameras safely. With the knowledge we’ve gained from our chats and extensive research, we now deeply understand what makes a camera backpack great for air travel.
Whether you’re a professional photographer flying to your next assignment, or a hobbyist photographer planning a vacation, this guide is for you. With our research and an in-depth understanding of TSA guidelines, we’ll share my top picks for the best camera backpacks for air travel.
Quick Overview Of The Best Camera Backpack For Air Travel (Updated List)
| Product | Preview | More Details |
|---|---|---|
 | Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L Best Overall For Domestic and International travel | More Details |
  | All-New PRVKE 31L Best For Personal Bag | More Details |
 | Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack – 45L Best Versatile | More Details |
 | Shimoda Explore V2 30 Best For Organization | More Details |
 | Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 Best Rolling Carry On | More Details |
Benefits Of The Best Camera Backpack For Air Travel
Before we delve into the specifics of the best camera backpack for air travel, let’s first understand how one will benefit you.
Protection Of Equipment
Your camera and its accessories are valuable both in terms of cost and the memories they help capture. A good camera backpack provides the necessary protection to keep your equipment safe from bumps, drops, and harsh weather conditions.
Convenience And Accessibility
When you’re on the move, you need to be able to access your camera quickly and easily. The best camera backpack for air travel will have well-designed compartments that allow you to organize your gear efficiently and grab what you need without rummaging around.
Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L – Overall Best
Best Overall For Domestic
and International travel
The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is a standout choice for the best camera backpack for air travel. This backpack is designed with the needs of photographers and travelers in mind, offering a perfect blend of functionality, comfort, and style.
Overview
The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is a versatile and adaptable travel backpack that can expand from 30L to 45L, making it suitable for both domestic and international travel. It features a customizable interior you can adjust to fit your camera gear securely. The backpack is made of a 400D nylon weatherproof canvas shell, ensuring your equipment stays dry in any weather condition.
One of the standout features of this backpack is its accessibility. It offers multiple access points, allowing you to quickly reach your camera, lenses, or other accessories without digging through your bag. It also includes a separate laptop compartment that can fit up to a 15″ laptop.
The Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is also designed for comfort. It features When fully loaded, it is quite comfortable to carry with features such as shoulder straps and a padded back panel.
Benefits
- Versatile and expandable from 30L to 45L, suitable for both short and long trips.
- Customizable interior to fit your camera gear securely.
- Made from weatherproof material to protect your equipment.
- Multiple access points for quick and easy access to your gear.
- Separate designated laptop compartment for up to a 15″ laptop.
- Comfortable to carry with a padded back panel and shoulder straps.
- Dimensions-21″ x 13″ x 5″
- Weight-4.52lbs
Drawbacks
- The backpack might be a bit bulky when fully expanded.
- When expanded, it may be too large for domestic flights
In conclusion, the Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L is a top contender for the best camera backpack for air travel. Its thoughtful design and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for both professional photographers and hobbyists.
All-New PRVKE 31L – Best For Personal Bag
Best For Personal Bag
The All-New PRVKE 31L is another excellent choice for those seeking the best camera backpack for air travel, particularly if you’re looking for a personal bag that combines style, functionality, and durability.
Overview
The All-New PRVKE 31L is a camera backpack designed with photographers in mind. It offers a sleek, modern design without compromising on functionality. The backpack is made from high-quality, water-resistant materials, ensuring your gear stays dry and protected no matter the weather.
One of the standout features of the All-New PRVKE 31L is its customizable storage. It comes with removable, padded dividers that allow you to organize your camera gear according to your needs. This amazing bag also has handles to carry it in addition to the shoulder straps.
It also includes a dedicated laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 16″ laptop and a passport pocket.
The All-New PRVKE 31L is not just about storage; it’s also designed for comfort. Plus, its size makes it an ideal personal bag for air travel, easily fitting under the seat in front of you.
Benefits
- Sleek, modern design that doesn’t compromise functionality.
- Made from high-quality, water-resistant materials.
- Customizable storage with removable, padded dividers.
- Convenient carry handles
- Dedicated laptop sleeve for up to a 16″ laptop.
- Passport pocket
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel.
- Ideal size for a personal bag for air travel.
- Dimensions-19″ x 12″ x 7″
- weight-3.3 lbs
Drawbacks
- The modern design might not appeal to everyone.
- Some may prefer a larger packing area for their equipment
In conclusion, the All-New PRVKE 31L is a fantastic choice for those seeking a stylish, functional, and comfortable camera backpack for air travel. Its size and design make it an ideal personal bag, ensuring your gear is always within reach. In addition, the back sleeve allows you to nestle it onto a rolling suitcase for ease of travel.
Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack 45L – Best Versatile Bag
Backpack – 45L
Best Versatile Bag
The Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack – 45L is a top pick for those seeking the best camera backpack for air travel, particularly if versatility is a priority. This pack will adapt to your needs, whether you’re on a short domestic trip or an extended international adventure.
Overview
The Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack – 45L is a lightweight, durable, and versatile backpack for photographers on the go. It has high-quality, water-resistant materials, ensuring your gear stays protected in all weather conditions.
One of the standout features of the Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack is with 45L it is ease to customize storage. It comes with removable, padded dividers that allow you to organize your camera gear according to your needs. It also includes a dedicated laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 15″ laptop.
The Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack – 45L is not just about storage; it’s also for comfort. The padded back panel and padded shoulder straps are a nice added feature for long-haul comfort. Plus, its lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer to travel light.
Benefits
- Lightweight, durable, and versatile design.
- Made from high-quality, water-resistant materials.
- Customizable storage with removable, padded dividers.
- 15-inch dedicated laptop sleeve
- Added features for carrying comfort
- Dimensions – 22′ x 12′ x 6″
- Weight – 2.1 lbs
Drawbacks
- The rugged outdoor appearance might not appeal to everyone.
- It is slightly longer than the recommended TSA carry on but may work well for larger airlines such as American or United.
In conclusion, the Strohl Ultra Light Camera Backpack – 45L is a fantastic choice for those seeking a versatile, lightweight, and comfortable camera backpack for air travel. Its customizable storage and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for any travel photographer looking for the best camera backpack for air travel.
Shimoda Explore V2 30 – Best For Organization
Best For Organization
The Shimoda Explore V2 30 is an excellent choice for those seeking the best camera backpack for air travel, particularly if organization is a top priority. This backpack is designed to keep your gear neatly arranged and easily accessible, making your travel experience smoother and more efficient.
Overview
The Shimoda Explore V2 30 is a camera backpack that’s designed with the needs of photographers in mind. It offers a robust, weather-resistant design without compromising on functionality or style. The backpack is made from high-quality, water-resistant materials, ensuring your equipment stays dry in any weather condition.
One of the standout features of the Shimoda Explore V2 30 is its exceptional organization. It comes with adjustable dividers that allow you to customize the interior to fit your camera gear securely. It also includes multiple pockets for smaller items like memory cards, batteries, and personal items.
For those searching for the best camera backpack for air travel with comfort, you are in luck. The Shimoda Explore V2 30 has shoulder straps and a back panel that is padded, making it comfortable to carry when loaded heavy.
Benefits
- Robust, weather-resistant design.
- Made from high-quality, water-resistant materials.
- Exceptional organization with adjustable dividers and multiple pockets.
- Comfortable to carry with a padded back panel and shoulder straps.
- Dimensions – 20.3″ x 12″ x 7″
- Weight – 4.8 lbs
Drawbacks
- The backpack might be a bit bulky for some users.
- The ability to pack it tight may make it too heavy for some.
In conclusion, the Shimoda Explore V2 30 is a top contender for the best camera backpack for air travel. Its exceptional organization and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for both professional photographers and hobbyists.
Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 – Best Rolling Carry On
Best Rolling Carry On
The Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 is a great choice for those seeking the best camera backpack for air travel. This backpack offers a unique combination of comfort, storage, and mobility, making it a versatile option for photographers on the go.
Overview
The Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 is a camera backpack designed with the needs of photographers in mind. It offers a robust, weather-resistant design without compromising on functionality or style. The backpack is made from high-quality, durable materials, ensuring your equipment stays protected in all weather conditions.
One of the standout features of this best camera backpack for air travel is its dual functionality. It can be used as a backpack with comfortable, padded shoulder straps, or as a rolling suitcase with a convenient handle and smooth wheels.
The Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 offers ample storage space with customizable compartments for your camera gear, a laptop compartment, and additional pockets for smaller items.
Benefits
- Robust, weather-resistant design.
- Made from high-quality, durable materials.
- Dual functionality as a backpack and a rolling suitcase.
- Smooth inline skate wheels
- Ample storage space with customizable compartments.
- Comfortable to carry with padded shoulder straps.
- Dimensions – 22″ x 13″ x 9″
- Weight – 8.2 lbs
Drawback
- The backpack might be too large for some users.
- It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, which might not suit all budgets.
In conclusion, the Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 is a versatile and functional choice for those seeking the best camera backpack for air travel. Its dual functionality and ample storage space make it a reliable choice for any travel photographer.
Key Features To Look For In The Best Camera Backpack For Air Travel
Let’s look at some key features to look for in the best camera backpack for air travel.
Size And Weight
The best camera backpack for air travel should meet airline size requirements for carry on or personal bags. In the United States, most airlines allow weight sizes of a carry on up to 30 lbs. Make sure your gear does not outweigh the limits.
If you have heavy equipment, which many camera equipments do carry a hefty weight, then choose a bag that is lighter weight.
Protection And Durability
Look for a backpack made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. High-quality nylon with a higher diner rating is a strong, durable material.
It should also have ample padding to protect your camera and accessories from impact. Look at the customizable cubes to ensure ample padding to protect your gear. Your camera equipment is an investment you don’t want to replace because of rough handling.
Storage And Organization
The best camera backpack for air travel will have customizable compartments to fit your camera and accessories, as well as additional pockets for personal items like passports, tickets, and snacks.
When traveling by air, it is necessary to minimalize your bags. This means you want a bag; you can also pack some clothing and possibly a laptop.
Price
Some camera bags are pricey! If you are a seasoned photographer, you may want to spend more to protect your investment. Yet as a beginner, it might be more beneficial to start with a lower cost until you add to your equipment. Your desire and reasons for packing your camera gear will dictate how much you choose to spend.
TSA Guidelines For Carry-On And Personal Bags
When selecting the best camera backpack for air travel, it’s essential to consider the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines for carry-on and personal bags.
These guidelines ensure that your backpack fits within the specified dimensions and can be easily stowed away in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Here are the key points to remember:
- Carry-On Baggage: The standard allowable size for carry-on luggage is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. This size limit ensures that the bag will fit in the overhead bin.
- Personal Item: Besides your carry-on baggage, you can bring one personal item. This could be a purse, briefcase, or in our case, the best camera backpack for air travel. The maximum size for the personal item is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm). This item must fit under the seat in front of you.
Adhering to these TSA guidelines ensures a smooth security check process and a hassle-free travel experience. Remember, the best camera backpack for air travel is not only about storage and protection for your gear but also about convenience and compliance with airline regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Camera Backpack For Air Travel
When choosing the best camera backpack for air travel, it’s natural to have a few questions. In this section, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Can a camera backpack be a carry on?
A cam4ra backpack can be a carry on if it is within the TSA guidelines or the airline requirements. Some can be personal items if they fit under the seat in front of you, and on some flights, you can also take a carry on. TSA requirements for a carry on are 22″ x 14′ x 9″, and for a personal bag it is 18″ x 14″ X 8″.
Is it OK to put camera through airport security?
Yes, it is safe for your camera. Airport security scanners do not have any rays that will harm your camera or the gear that goes with it. It is recommended that you pack your camera in your personal or carry on luggage for safety.
Does a camera bag count as a personal item on a plane?
If your camera bag fits under the seat in front of you or meets TSA requirements of 18″ x 14″ x 8″ then it is a personal bag. A personal bag is not a specific type of bag but instead depends on the measurements.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on luggage, here are some additional posts about luggage backpacks:
Conclusion – Best Camera Backpack For Air Travel
Choosing the best camera backpack for air travel can significantly enhance your travel photography experience. It provides the necessary protection for your equipment, offers convenience and accessibility, and helps you stay organized. Remember, the best camera backpack for air travel is one that fits your specific needs and preferences.
Happy travels, my friends.
