Learn what the best bike camera bags can do for you.
Hiking, camping, backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, sightseeing… keep the run down going. Honestly, outdoor touring on a bike never gets better without a camera around.
This applies whether you are a professional photographer or not. Taking snaps of the exhilarating landforms and sites keep the best memories of adventure alive, forever.
But just how do I shoot while on a ride? How would I fetch my camera and lens on this mountain bike and navigate the trail with everything safe and sound?
Well, your questions are valid. We’ve had people like you before who would go on to secure the best bike camera bags of the time.
And these bags should be your priority. Camera bags made for the task are not the ordinary versions of bags you see around.
Instead, these bags are rugged on the outer shell. They are padded properly in the camera compartment; so that even if the bag fell down, no much damage would happen.
They are to provide ultimate protection. Which is the reason they are constructed with a weatherproof interior.
Don’t expect water to percolate inside the contents. This can be dangerous if it did happen.
To that end, whether you need a small bag for your camera or a big one, walk with me through the incisive article. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed in the end.
Check out the hottest bike camera bags below.
Table of Contents
In a Rush? Here are Our Top Picks
Different Types of Bike Camera Bags and Reviews
The fortunate thing about camera bag backpack solutions is that they are many and diverse. This is to mean that whether you want a camera bag for a ton of kit or simple storage, the market is loaded with different types and sizes.
Here is a comprehensive look into the different types.
1. Best Messenger Camera Bags
- Everyday Messenger Bag Padding: camera divider inserts for a DSLR camera, 3...
- Padded Laptop Sleeve fits a 15" MacBook Pro laptop; 15" screen size.
- Weatherproof and DWR-coated shell protects laptops and camera equipment.
- Peak Messenger 15" Max Capacity/Volume: 8 L min to 18 L max.
- Peak Design Camera Bag Lifetime Warranty: Guaranteed.
Cycling with a camera messenger bag is very common practice. The messenger bag is constructed to have several compartments – this means that they are roomy.
Each compartment carries its own equipment. One can house your camera, another a drone, others the lenses, SD cards, light meter, and other accessories depending on what one is interested to haul along.
The messenger bag can also fit your laptop or tablet. And the fact that these bags can adapt to any travel situation makes them a preference for many avid photographers.
The Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag is best for those bikers who want to keep it low-key. Comes with plentiful interior space but compact design.
Also features dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves.
2. Best DSLR Camera Bag
- The PRVKE Pack is a travel/camera/everyday backpack that has won several awards for its thoughtful and innovative design.
- This 21 Liter pack (also available in a 31 Liter size) is a delicate balance between minimalist style and no-detail-forgotten function.
- It is built out of durable and water-resistant tarpaulin and nylon dobby to make sure your attention is focused on where you are and not what you’re carrying.
- With side camera access for the nimble street photographer, a clamshell opening with a checkpoint friendly laptop/tablet sleeve for the avid traveler, and roll top access for the weekend tripper, this bag will meet all of your versatile needs and more.
The best DSLR camera backpack distributes weight evenly across your two shoulders and the waist. Most outdoor and landscape photographers use this bag commonly.
The bag is sleek, stylish and just the perfect thing for the photographing tradition. It’s comfortable and doesn’t place excessive pressure on the carrier.
It holds all your gear for the outdoor photo adventure while on a ride. With this bag, it’s quite easy to access the gear and other accessories stored in it.
Check Wandrd PRVKE Travel and DSLR Camera Backpack is not just loved by customers for nothing. This design is a roll-top and makes access quick; while its minimalist footprint reflects on the outside, the interior is quite spacious for camera and accessories.
3. Camera Bag for Mountain Biking
- The Photo Sport BP 300 AW II fits a DSLR with attached lens (such as Canon 5D...
- Keep your camera gear secure and in place while you hike, bike, climb, snowboard...
- Feel good as you move with your pack; the ActivZone harness is built to provide...
- Protect your gear from the elements. A built-in All Weather AW Cover safeguards...
- Multiple attachment points allow you to secure extra gear to the pack, such as a...
Mountain biking is an extreme sport. And so, besides being a weatherproof camera bag, this bag is rugged and well-padded from the interior to contain the shocks and knocks off the rough terrain in the wild.
The design of this bike is cut to suit the off-road conditions. The outer cover is resistant to water so that you won’t have to panic too much about what could happen to the camera in case of unexpected rain.
The Lowepro Photo Sport Backpack is an all-inclusive, full-sized DSLR camera holder that comes with compactness and space.
The bag is comfortable due to the stability is maintains on the back of the rider.
4. Handlebar Mounted Camera Bag
- Capacity: 7.70 L / 470 ci; Compartments: Divided Main Compartment: Front Zip...
- Max. Load: 5 kgs / 11 lbs; Protection: Fully Padded
- Bag Attachment: QuickClick (Fixer 8): Fits o25.4, o28.6 & o31.8 mm Handlebars...
- Added Features: Shoulder Strap: Carry Handle: 3M Reflective Strip: Safety Light...
- Size: 27x21.5x26.6 cm, 10.6"x8.5"x10.5"; Weight: 1230 g / 2.71 lbs
A camera bag carried on the handlebar is one of the simplest methods. It’s artless and straightforward but just perfect and safe for a ride.
Any adventure photographer would want to have this kind of a bag. The fact that the bag is almost weightless is a great thing.
Installation is a cinch.
This type of camera backpack is usually minimalist in design. And it’s also meant to hold just small-sized camera models.
This model Topeak TourGuide Handle Bar Bag is a go-for solution. The bag is well padded and usable off the bike with the carry handle and shoulder strap.
5. Best Waist Belt Camera Bags
- Fits a Pro DSLR with medium zoom lens attached and 2 extra lenses OR 70-200mm...
- 3D contoured mesh lumbar belt with dual-adjust system evenly distributes weight...
- Quick-access top offers optimal ease-of-use while working out of pack
- Patented, built-in All Weather AW Cover protects gear from the elements
- Detachable, padded shoulder strap provides extra carrying option. Built-in All...
These can also be referred to as waist packs. And not many people like them – they are kind of uncomfortable but still do the job.
As long as they are padded in the interior, you should safely haul the little camera to your destination.
The belt that goes around the waist ought to be wide and strong. It should also be padded to ensure comfort for the carrier/rider.
Lowepro Inverse Camera Beltpack is great storage for your camera. It offers quick access to the and ease of use to its contents.
6. Waterproof Camera Bag
- Ergonomic backpack straps with sternum strap for load distribution
- Weather-resistant with PU coated zipper
- Front hook and loop fastener straps secure large tripod or skateboard
- Side access U-Lock Holster
- YKK zippers
The aspect of waterproofness is desirable in any travel or bike bag. No doubt about that.
But for the purpose of better clarity, I want to point out this specific bag. This backpack comes with the ability to repel water falling on it.
It also wicks away moisture so that it doesn’t percolate through the contents. Both these characteristics are due to the high-quality material used to construct it.
The waterproof camera bag is not that all-weather that you can dare throw it in the ocean. Nope, it can’t happen, otherwise, you lose your DSLR.
This Chrome Unisex Niko Backpack is roomy for all camera needs. It also padded to take care of the contents safely.
It’s weatherproof and can be customized.
How to Buy a Bike Camera Bag
So, how do you make sure that you get the cool camera backpack? Here are the features and aspects that you can base your search on:
- Size and Capacity
The parting shot is; don’t choose a bag which won’t fit the items you’ll be hauling. That’s straightforward.
At the same time, this shouldn’t be the extra-large. Otherwise, your back will not be sustaining the extra weight just soon.
What this simply means is that be careful to select a roomy bag. This is able to hold your camera, lenses, charger, some spare batteries, and other accessories deemed vital on the ride.
Don’t overfill the bag. Keep in mind that this is going to be a biking journey for you.
Therefore, carry only the important stuff and leave the other junk.
- Comfort
The bicycle camera bag should be comfortable to wear. Chasing photographs on a bike in difficult terrain is not your easiest job.
Comfort is basically a product of aspects such as adjustability of the bag. Which means that you can adjust the backpack to suit different situations and periods.
The padding for the straps should be thick and strong. You know it’s important to keep unfatigued and when there’s too much friction because of the thin straps, it can be a nightmare for you.
3. Security
Ensure that you are going for a camera bag that will keep your camera from the eyes of the public. Some places are not just safe to showcase a camera.
So, the bag should come with secure and sturdy zippers and fastenings. Check for the ease of locking any time you want to.
Even most importantly, this bag shouldn’t be overly conspicuous. It helps keep off would-be thieves.
And More…
- Material, Construction, and Durability
Different camera bags are constructed using different materials. Some are built with synthetic and weatherproof material.
Others feature Kevlar and some categories canvas. Leather is also a commonplace material used to manufacture bags.
Durable bike camera bags are obviously your priority. Thus, you will have to spend some time to evaluate the materials used to make the specific bag you want.
Ensure that the material is high-quality. It can resist wear and tear and would, therefore, last long; not plunging you into more expenses very soon.
With the right material, water resistance and protection from harsh temperatures and conditions are going to appropriate for your bag. You won’t have to panic about bad weather.
Canvas is used on many bags; it’s fairly strong and durable. It can resist water entry.
High-tech materials like the ballistic nylon offer extreme resistance to water and are great at protection too.
5. Accessibility
The other thing is how accessible and easy to use is the bag in question? Sometimes or all times you may need to quickly grab your camera or any other accessories from the bag.
It’s vital that the bag allows for quick access. In that regard, consider the bags with side compartments that can be accessed easily.
Velcro material-made bags are a breeze to access any time.
Talking about the easiness of usage and accessibility, messenger and shoulder bags come with the advantage. So, perhaps you could consider them over backpacks.
The situation is similar in the waist bags.
In Conclusion
As a biking photographer, it’s important that you carry along with the right bag or backpack. There are so many bags on the market.
You cannot say you missed one. Whether you want a small bag for just the camera alone, or the backpack to have a few more things, this article gives you just the information you want to land the right option.
The different bike camera bags provided in this guide are a good starting point for your search. I believe you are going to be sorted out.
Alex Mwangi is the creator of Outdoor Right and an outdoor enthusiast. During his free time he enjoys riding his road bike or traveling the world looking for his next adventure.
