Do you need a dedicated camera bag?
Photographers are often told that they need a specialized camera bag to carry their gear. There's certainly no shortage of options these days, with a long list of brands and styles available. And while it's important to keep your expensive camera gear safe even when out and about, a dedicated camera bag isn't necessarily the only way to do that.
Can you put a camera in a backpack?A camera insert can allow you to use any backpack as a camera bag.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
Simply put, a dedicated camera bag isn't necessary for many people and situations. They are often bulky and heavy. They typically don't work well if you need to bring a lot of things other than camera gear, making them challenging to travel with. They can also be conspicuous, raising the risk of theft. Plus, it can be hard to get the fit right, and spending a lot of money on a bag just to avoid using it because it's uncomfortable is far from ideal.
Most people already have a backpack or bag that they like carrying around, and may have occasionally even used it to carry cameras that have been carefully wrapped in a jacket or other articles of clothing. While we wouldn't recommend that too often, and would strongly advise against just tossing your camera loose inside a pack, the bag you already have could serve your camera bag needs with a simple accessory. Instead of buying a new bag that can only be used with your cameras, you could buy a much more affordable camera insert that goes inside your favorite pack.
Many companies, including Peak Design, Wandrd, Lowepro, and more, make padded inserts allowing you to safely store your camera in any bag. They are easy to move around to different bags as needed, giving you much more flexibility. Plus, you can take it out and use your backpack or bag without any camera gear. Just be sure you aren't packing the insert at the bottom of your bag with a lot of weight on top; they offer padding for protection, but aren't crushproof.
For casual outings when I'm traveling light, a small sling is plenty for my camera.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
If you only have a small compact camera, an insert is likely more than you need. As long as you carefully consider where you are packing your camera in your bag, you should be okay without a specific case. Just ensure it won't have too much weight on it and that it won't get hit when setting the bag down or moving around.
When should you use a dedicated camera bag?For lots of gear, a dedicated camera bag or case is often a must.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
Inserts in everyday bags work well for many people, but a dedicated camera bag is a smart move for some. Wedding and event photographers who need multiple bodies and a full kit of lenses, for example, should invest in a camera bag. After all, inserts are generally smaller and not made to handle a lot of gear.
All that gear will also be heavy, and you want a pack that will allow you to distribute the weight well, saving your back over time. Camera backpacks are typically made with that weight in mind (the good ones, at least), making them more comfortable when loaded up. That is especially useful if you'll be wearing the bag for long periods, too.
If you're a professional photographer, you likely need plenty of accessories when you head to shoots as well. You need to find a home for things like extra batteries, filters, a cleaning kit, flash and, of course, snacks. Camera backpacks often have better organization options than standard packs, helping you keep all your gear organized and easy to find.
The back panel on this bag provides faster access to my camera than a typical backpack with an insert would.
Photo: Abby Ferguson
Many dedicated camera bags have another advantage over regular bags with inserts: quick access. An insert inside a bag requires you to take the bag off your back and open two things, potentially with some digging involved. Dedicated camera bags, though, typically make it easier to access your gear fast. Some even offer side access to get your camera out without even taking the pack off. So, if you need to keep your camera tucked away but still have easy access, a dedicated camera bag is the way to go.
Consider how you'll be using the bagWhether or not you need a dedicated camera bag depends on your gear, where you'll be using it and your preferences. For travel and casual day trips, a camera insert in a normal backpack is likely a good move. However, a dedicated, well-designed camera bag will make a significant difference in comfort and organization for those carrying a lot of equipment, especially for long periods.
