Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are both right around the corner, and we’ve got some helpful tips on getting your photographer parent the perfect gift. Unless you’ve been given specific instructions, camera gear can be a challenging thing to shop for. You never know what accessories mom or dad already have, and some gear is so specific that unless you’re a photography enthusiast yourself, you’d be hard-pressed to know what’s what. But you know what accessory isn’t too technical? Bags. In this guide, we’re going to look at some of our top picks for versatile bags for the photographer moms and dads out there, everything from smaller shoulder bags to travel-ready backpacks.
If there’s one thing a photographer can never have enough of, it’s camera bags! We seem to accumulate them like shoes or coffee mugs, and it’s easy to see why. There are simply too many use cases for just one bag!
Some are best suited for outdoor adventures while others are sleek and right at home in the city streets. That said, it’s not everyday that we want to lug around all of our camera gear. Additionally, our dedicated camera bags aren’t known for being stylish, nor are they subtle. What many want is a bag that doesn’t scream camera bag. Luckily, many of the photo bag brands we know and love offer a variety of stylish and discreet designs.
Cross-Body/Messenger Bags
Messenger bags are up there with backpacks as the preferred everyday carry bag. They’re perfect for laptops, tablets, and of course, paperwork, but they can also be a great way of getting a smaller camera body and some lenses from point A to point B.
Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L
When it comes to making simple, yet practical camera bags, no brand is as prominent as Peak Design. Among these is the Everyday Sling, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The Everyday Sling can be worn as a waist pack or cross-body on either shoulder thanks to its relatively symmetrical design. Speaking of design, this low-profile bag can be configured to your needs using the included foldable dividers inside.
Brevite Elsewhere Bag
True to the concept of a camera bag and everyday bag all in one, the Brevite Elsewhere Bag is designed to hold and protect camera gear all while providing enough space for daily essentials. While having a traditional shoulder bag shape, the padded interior is perfect for a small camera and its accessories.
We recommend not looking at the Elsewhere as a camera bag that can also serve as an everyday bag, rather the other way around. This is the perfect option for the photo enthusiast who doesn’t like to carry a camera bag.
Domke F-803 RuggedWear Camera Messenger Bag
Domke is known for making stylish messenger bags for all use cases. Some are more so designed for work life, while others are bit more practical for the photographer. A bags like the F-803 RuggedWear Camera Messenger Bag can double as both a camera bag and a work bag if you removed the padded inserts. Made out of a rugged, water-resistant canvas, these bags are built to give you confidence no matter the weather.
Gura Gear Chobe Everyday Carry
Gura Gear Chobe Everyday Carry 2.0 Compact literally has “everyday carry” in the name, and it shows. This bag is ideal for carrying around files, folders, 13” laptops, and more! Plus, it makes for the perfect personal item for the frequent flyer! Padded construction with dedicated accessory pouches provides plenty of room for every bit of gear you could imagine. Speaking of flying, the Chobe also features a luggage pass-through.
If the compact size doesn’t quite fit the bill, fear not. There’s a standard and a large size available as well.
ONA Brixton Messenger Bag
Many of the above bags are practical, but they lack a certain level of pizazz some may prefer. If form is just as important as function, we have a brand for you. ONA crafts timeless bags with premium materials such as grain leather, waxed canvas, and solid brass hardware. Based right here in New York City, ONA has quickly become a popular option for street photographers who pay meticulous attention to every detail.
One of their most tried and true designs has to be the Brixton Messenger Bag. Available in four colors, and two materials, waxed canvas and Italian-tanned leather. the Brixton can accommodate a camera kit including 2-3 additional lenses as well as a 13” laptop in the main compartment. For a little more space, we recommend checking out the Astoria Messenger as well.
Backpacks
Messenger bags aren’t for everyone, and they’re especially impractical for travel or longer walks. Ther answer is the tried-and-true backpack. Whether traveling, heading to work, or just out for a walk with the express goal of taking some photos, a backpack is the ultimate method of getting a variety of gear to a location.
Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack
For a sleek, minimalist look, there’s no better option than the Brevite Jumper Camera Backpack. It’ll look right at home in the park, or on the platform of Grand Central Station. For added individuality, the bag comes in many fun and stylish colors from poppy red, to a more muted pine green. The lower padded compartment can be configured to your needs, fitting a camera and multiple lenses with ease. When not in use for a photo shoot, the front pocket and added laptop sleeve can accommodate the everyday essentials.
WANDRD Stratus Backpack
The WANDRD Stratus Backpack and its sister bag, the Nimbus, both suit everyday use cases quite well, but the nimbus doesn’t feature a space for our camera. Like all bags from WANDRD, these packs are constructed out of durable, weather-resistant materials. While they’re not submersible, they’re pretty darn close.
The Stratus continues the half and half trend we’ve seen from other backpacks on this list. The camera compartment is a little bigger this time around, at least when compared to the accessory space, but fear not. There’s still ample room for the essentials, including a hidden passport/cash pocket on the back of the bag to keep important documents discreetly stored.
Shimoda Designs Urban Explore
The Shimoda Designs Urban Explore dedicates more space to camera gear, though the entire padded insert can be removed easily for other uses. This bag offers both rear and side access options, which gives the user more choices as to where they pack certain items. The side opening can be reached without removing the bag for those times when we need to grab something quickly. Plus, the anti-theft large rear opening gives unobstructed access to the entire camera compartment.
Another fun yet practical feature is a cable router for a mobile battery charger, so users can charge their devices on the go. As with many bags on this list, the Urban Explore features a luggage pass-through so you can attach it to the handle of your luggage and travel with ease. The bag even has a dedicated Apple AirTag pocket, so you can always keep track of your bag, no matter where it is.
PGYTECH OneGo Lite Backpack
Our next pick is a relative newcomer to the photo industry, but it comes ready for nearly any situation. Designed with travel and daily commuting in mind, the PGYTECH OneGO Lite Backpack is a lightweight pack with adjustable dividers and accessory attachment points. Available in three sizes, there’s likely one to suit most photographers out there.
Without sounding redundant here, the OneGo features a dedicated sleeve for a 14” laptop, an Airtag pouch, a zippered top compartment for general accessories, and of course, a photo gear compartment accessible from the rear of the bag for added peace of mind. These features seem to be standard across the board in backpacks, but not in a bag as lightweight and breathable as the OneGo.
Tenba Fulton v2 Photo Backpack
You know what feature we haven’t yet seen in one of these bags? A roll top. This allows you to expand your carrying capacity as needed all while looking pretty spiffy while doing so. The Tenba Fulton v2 Photo Backpacks provide an updated, yet vintage-inspired design in Tan/Olive or a more muted Black and Black Camo.
Moment Sequence Camera Backpack
Last on our list is the spacious Moment Sequence Camera Backpack. While designed around camera gear, its modular interior can be configured for a variety of needs. The interior compartment can be accessed via a top and front opening. The top is ideal for a more traditional work or travel bag style of use, but the bag can be laid out similarly to the dual compartment designs we’ve discussed above.
All in all, the Sequence is one of the most customizable bags on our list, being able to solely store the bulk of one’s camera gear or a little bit of everything with the right configuration. It’s even hydration pack compatible for the outdoor enthusiast, plus it offers sternal and waist straps for additional support.
Which Is the Right One for My Photographer?
We hope these suggestions aid you in the search for the perfect gift. Photography is by nature a hobby of niches, so don’t panic when you don’t know what gear mom or dad are using. If you’re not good at discreetly asking gift leading questions, opt for something like a bag that’s not brand specific. If you’ve found this guide helpful, check out our other article sand gift guides on the B&H Explora site!
