Camera bag types

Backpacks spread the weight across both shoulders, so they suit long days, hiking and travel with a full kit.

Shoulder and messenger bags keep the camera within quick reach without taking the bag off.

Sling bags are worn across the body and swing round to the front, so you can reach the camera without taking the bag off.

Holsters carry one camera with a lens attached, ready to draw.

Rolling bags and cases take the weight off your back for airports, studios and location shoots.

Cases protect a camera or compact kit, from soft cases for a single body to padded boxes and inserts that go inside another bag.

Hard cases give crush, water and dust protection for shipping, air travel and rough conditions, usually with customisable foam or padded dividers.

Belt and waist packs carry a camera or accessories at the hip, keeping the weight off your shoulders and the gear within reach.

These bags carry a laptop alongside the camera kit, in a padded sleeve that is usually separate from the camera compartment, for working photographers and commuters.

These bags add a padded sleeve for a tablet, handy for reviewing images, reading or editing on the move without carrying a full laptop.

Long-lens bags and packs carry a telephoto lens attached to the camera, the usual set-up for wildlife, birding and sport photography.

Drone bags carry a drone, its controller, batteries and propellers, often alongside a camera kit.

Lens cases protect a single lens, on its own or attached to a belt, harness or another bag.