6 Features Every Camera Bag Must Have!

A camera bag isn’t just a carrying case; it’s a vital part of a photographers workflow. It’s your mobile toolkit, ready to support you in capturing the perfect picture at any moment. Whether you’re shooting concerts, portraits, landscapes, or even street photography, having the right bag and the right gear in it, can make or break your shoot.

Now, it’s fair to say that over the years, I’ve had my share of bags, and what I noticed was that as I collected more gear, like lenses, my needs evolved. You find yourself looking for more space, better protection, or different features.

If you’re currently wondering how to find the right camera bag, you’re in the right place. The truth is, there’s no one-size fits all solution. Your ideal bag depends on your shooting style, the type of gear you carry, and even the locations you frequent. But here’s a tip from experience: start by evaluating what you need right now and plan for future growth.

Finding the perfect size and style can take time. Most photographers eventually realise they need different bags for different purposes - a compact bag for street photography, a larger one for travel, or a rugged backpack for outdoor shoots. It’s all about balance and versatility.

The right bag can protect your gear, make it accessible, and even enhance your shooting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic hobbyist, here are six essential features your camera bag should have.

1. Customisable Compartments

Photography gear comes in all shapes and sizes. A good camera bag should have adjustable dividers that let you configure the interior to fit your specific needs or equipment. This flexibility ensures that lenses, cameras, and accessories are safe and secure. Adjustable dividers will allow you to create a snug fit for each item, minimising movement and protecting your gear from bumps and scratches. This feature ensures that your bag evolves with your needs, whether you’re upgrading to larger lenses, adding new accessories, or switching between different types of shoots. Customisable compartments keep your gear organised, safe, and easily accessible.

2. Weather Resistance

Outdoor photographers know how unpredictable the weather can be. A weather-resistant bag with water repellent materials, sealed zippers, and an included rain cover will protect your gear from rain, snow, or dust. If you’re a landscape photographer, the last thing you want is for your camera and expensive lenses to get wet, especially if you’re on a long walk where there’s no way to dry them off.

3. Stylish But Low-Profile Design

While functionality is key, aesthetics matter too. A stylish bag that doesn’t scream “Camera Gear Inside” is ideal for urban or travel photographers who want to avoid drawing attention to expensive equipment. When travelling, it’s never good to announce from afar that you have expensive camera gear in your backpack.

I would always recommend a roller bag, if you’re travelling long distances, especially when travelling by plane or train because they make it easier to get through the airports or train stations. I would recommend a roller bag if you don’t want to check your gear in as baggage as well. You can just carry it in and put it in the overhead compartment. Most airlines won’t weigh your bag before boarding so you should have no problem with getting on the plane. I would never recommend checking expensive camera gear in as luggage.

 4. Quick Access Design

Have you ever been on a shoot, put your camera bag down in order to open it up and grab your camera, then realised that the floor was dirty or damp? There’s nothing worse, especially for landscape photographers. Your bag gets dirty, then this is passed on to your clothes and ultimately the inside of your car, after a shoot.

All of this can be avoided by getting a bag that opens up at the back. What this also offers is quick access to your gear, so you don’t  miss important shots. If you’ve ever missed a shot because you were fumbling in your bag, you will know it’s a nightmare. Features like side, back or even top access panels let you grab your gear quickly without unpacking the whole bag and this will be important if you’re shooting in less than ideal conditions. 

5. Comfortable Straps and Support

Photographers often carry their bags for hours, so comfort is critical. That means a bag with a waist strap that can take the stress off your shoulders and lower back will be important. Many bags come with a chest strap, but after long hikes, it will become apparent they they’re not as comfortable as a waist strap. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps, chest straps, and breathable back panels help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain. It might not seem important when you only have a few small lenses in your bag, but once you start adding heavier gear like a tripod and heavier lenses, like a 70-200mm, you’ll start to notice the difference.

A Tripod Holder

Tripods are essential for many types of photography, but they’re cumbersome to carry. A good camera bag should have a secure tripod holder or straps to keep it firmly in place without affecting your mobility. Whilst you might actually fit a small monopod into your camera bag, most tripods are simply to big to fit inside, so that’s why choosing a bag with straps either to the left or right-hand-side to hold a tripod, is essential.

Final Thoughts

The perfect camera bag balances form and function, providing protection, comfort, and convenience photographer’s need. Now, whilst I’ve listed six essential features for the average photographer, other features like a dedicated laptop compartment, ample storage space for accessories and durability will play a role in the bag you choose. When shopping for your next bag, keep these features in mind to ensure your gear stays safe and accessible while you focus on capturing amazing shots.

If you want to take your photography skills to the next level, check out the Perfect Picture Program. In it, you’ll learn all about my SIMPLE system, which will help you start taking great pictures immediately with the camera you already own.