Photo Bag Reviews

It seems as if there’s a camera bag for everyone but one thing is certain—I’m sure it’s true for you as well—I’ve got more camera bags than I need! We’re constantly tempted by bags combining functionality with style, from surplus military bags beloved by hipsters to the $2,000 Ghurka Rangefinder No. 57 bag to toss onto your Bentley’s back seat. Todd Hutchings, a commercial photographer on the Monterey Peninsula, introduced me to his use of sports bags to carry equipment because they disguise the bag’s purpose from thieves.

If you ever get the feeling that you have too many camera bags, lie down and take a nap until the feeling goes away. You know as well as I do that the quest for the perfect photo bag has no end. To take the bite out of the expense of your luggage indulgence, here are five camera bags that don’t cost much more than a large Starstruck’s latte.

Every child delights at the sight and knows that the rainbow has a name. At a young age we are all taught to call it Roy G. Biv, a catchy title crafted from the first letter of each color it contains and it is also the perfect title for this interesting little book. Our environment (both natural and made-made) is simply alive with a constant riot of color and because each shade has a subtle influence on our appearance or an effect on our mood, we named them and gave them a distinct meaning. 

Recently Cecilia, manufacturer of luxurious leather neck straps, wrist straps and other leather accessories, launched an impressive lineup of leather and leather-trimmed canvas camera backpacks and messenger bags. Available in chestnut or black leather, and water resistant charcoal cotton canvas with chestnut leather details, these are beautiful, durable and practical, and would be a very memorable holiday gift for someone you love or yourself.

The photo backpack is the best innovation since dry dog food, so when an iconic camera bag brand like Domke produces their version, people expect to see lightning in a jar. Does the Domke Everyday Backpack deliver? Or is it just another bowlful of puppy kibbles?

Perfect for holiday giving or for the camera gear you receive as a gift, here are five photo backpacks priced at $35, $79, $99, $149 and $199. 

It’s better to give than to receive—but receivin’ ain’t so bad, either, especially if your gift list includes one or two of my favorites, which I’ve described for you here. Or if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the photo person in your life, here are your crib notes.