When it comes to carry challenges, hauling camera gear is right up there with the trickiest. Camera bags need to offer a well-considered blend of weather protection, durability, shock absorption, carry comfort and organization to adequately carry photography that’s often fragile, heavy and expensive.

Luckily, our Best Camera Bag finalists of 2017/18 don’t back down from the challenge. Each one does a commendable job of protecting camera gear on the go. But which one merits particular focus with an almost picture-perfect performance?

VOTING CLOSED

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Boundary Supply Prima System

No bag was bigger than The Prima System last year – and for good reason. It handles a variety of work, travel and photography needs with its modular Prima Pack, Verge Case and Fieldspace, which can all be used together or separately. The central zipper in the pack enables easy access, while the water-resistant and durable build features bluesign® fabrics. Adaptable and stylish, this system is easily tailored to changing carry setups, ticking so many boxes.

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VINTA Type-II

VINTA’s Type-II combines durable weatherproof construction with heritage styling. Adaptable to city and outdoor use, the pack offers multiple pockets and attachment points for securing and organizing gear. Inserts allow you to convert the bag between travel and photography use, so you can enjoy more versatility out of your carry.

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Shimoda Explore System

A system designed by a camera pack master, honed for real adventure, the Shimoda Explore backpacks are a favorite with outdoor pros. Available in 40L and 60L options, both packs include versatile side, top and rear camera access, along with quick-access pockets for smaller essentials. The water-resistant and durable build handles demanding use, while the adjustable harness makes it easy to tailor the packs to different users. Further adventure-friendly features include expandable volume, hydration bladder compatibility, and modular core units for organization.

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compagnon Explorer Backpack

compagnon and Deuter team up to offer a ruggedly built pack that embraces the outdoors but looks stylish in urban environments. Designed with comfort and versatility in mind, the pack comes in two sizes and features expandable rolltop access, convenient side and back panel access, customizable interior organization and quick-access pockets for accessories. Burly and water resistant, the pack also features Deuter’s ergonomic Deuter Alpine back system for maximized comfort.

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Tenba Solstice 24L

Water-resistant, lightweight and clean in design, the Tenba Solstice 24L backpack suits amateur and professional photographers alike. The self-standing design offers a variety of quick-access pockets and customizable interior dividers for organzation. Camera gear can be accessed through the back panel while keeping the pack secured with the waist belt, which is handy for active use and wet, sandy or muddy environments.

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Chrome Niko F-Stop 2.0

The updated Niko F-Stop backpack features additional pockets and an improved opening, all in a street-tough design that suits a variety of urban and travel settings. The bag provides back panel access to camera gear, with modular dividers to accommodate a variety of setups. A laptop compartment keeps tech within easy reach, while a choice of exterior straps let you easily secure bulkier items such as tripods externally.

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f-stop Florentin

Low-key in aesthetics and durable in build, the f-stop Florentin provides discreet camera carry for urban environments. The water-resistant shoulder bag offers a quick-access pocket for accessories, along with a removable padded insert for protecting your kit. The Florentin also fits up to a 12″ tablet or laptop, and includes top carry handles and a luggage passthrough sleeve for flexible portability.

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Mountainsmith 2018 Borealis Camera Pack

Made to conquer challenging outdoor photography environments, and designed in collaboration with renowned adventure photographer Andy Mann, the rugged and water-resistant 2018 Borealis Camera Pack features a self-standing design and a waterproof cover to protect your gear from the elements. Designated compartments for camera and personal gear helps keep the contents tidy and accessible, while the padded laptop compartment keeps tech secure and at the ready.

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MindShift Gear PhotoCross

The MindShift Gear PhotoCross is well suited to more minimalist loads and a variety of active use environments. The bag comes in two sizes and offers a comfortable sling design with a stowable waist belt, ideal for securing gear out of the way but enabling easy access when needed. The weather-resistant build and included raincover keeps the elements at bay, while the sling design allows quick access without having to take the bag off. Organizer pockets and removable dividers keep gear tidy, with removable straps to secure a tripod externally.

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WANDRD PRVKE

Adaptable for everyday, photography and travel carry needs, the WANDRD PRVKE comes in 21L and 31L versions. The pack provides a variety of access options including expandable rolltop access, side camera access and a clamshell opening, ensuring gear is easy to pack and quickly available when you need it. The pack includes a checkpoint-friendly laptop sleeve, along with a diverse range of pockets for organizing camera accessories and everyday or travel essentials. Additionally, an interior divider allows the pack to be used with a single main compartment or two separate compartments. And with its durable, water-resistant build it will take demanding use in its stride.

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Lexdray San Francisco Camera Pack

Lexdray’s San Francisco Camera Pack combines adaptable urban style with comfortable carry, durability and functional organization. The pack includes a removable Monterey Camera Insert, two clamshell compartments for handy packing and access, and a top-loading laptop compartment. A host of pockets keep camera accessories and everyday or travel items within easy reach, and the hard-wearing and weather-resistant build protects your gear from bumps, scrapes and unexpected showers.

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Atlas Adventure

The Atlas Adventure is designed to carry large loads in comfort, with a mountaineering harness available in medium and large sizes. Camera gear is accessed through the back panel, which opens to the side for quick and convenient packing and retrieval of camera gear. The folding divider system and Origami camera core allows you to customize the organization for camera and personal gear, with a range of pockets on hand for storing smaller items.

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Wotancraft Commander 

A heritage-inspired piece with real modern smarts, the Wotancraft Commander is designed to embrace outdoor photography needs, with left and right side zip access to quickly reach your gear. The pack features a dedicated laptop compartment, a microfiber lining for attaching optional Velcro-compatible modules, and multiple pockets for storing smaller items. Detachable shoulder pads and a detachable chest strap enhance carry comfort for extended periods of use. Additionally, the custom water-resistant FOG CAMO Cordura and vegetable-tanned leather will age well with use and withstand demanding conditions for years to come.

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Vote now!