Finding the right camera bag is as difficult as buying the right pair of shoes. They don't fit comfortably, hold your equipment well, and they're never cheap. Though there are ways to circumvent the disaster that is the state of camera bags these days, the F-Stop Guru does a near-perfect job of getting it right for photographers. The F-Stop Guru is a day-pack sized camera bag meant primarily for outdoorsy type situations. The Guru molds the best aspects of a regular hiking bag with the needs of a photographer. The build quality is great, and it looks as sporty as backpacks can get. The Guru looks like you could pick it out of a line-up on a wall in REI. In addition to the bright color, F-Stop does other things a little differently than most bags. They sell a line of separate inserts that are designed to clip into the inner frame of their bag models. There are a multitude of options. Each bag has its limits as to which can fit inside. A handy chart explains each insert's size—leaving you to decide what suits you best.

I'm working with a Guru containing a Pro ICU Small insert that could comfortably hold a Nikon D800 with 24-70mm zoom lens, along with a SB-800 flash. The whole insert fits compactly behind a zip opening on the inside of the pack, which is protected by your back. Provided with the insert are a ton of dividers and even elastic straps to keep your equipment secure as can be. I've never seen an insert come with straps, so it was definitely a nice touch. Once everything is secure inside the bag—and it does feel very secure—you zip the back up and have the top opening available to fill the rest of the space with anything you need. There's no side access, which is disappointing, because you have to take the bag off of both your shoulders to get at the camera compartment. However, when I've had side-access on other bags, I've found that I almost never used it. Still, options are great, and if F-Stop could figure out how to make it work both ways, kudos. A backpack should not inhibit your movement, and the Guru's hip straps and chest straps are more than fantastic.

They feel just right for running around on precarious terrain. The weight of a bag should extend off of you, not hang from your shoulders. kelty lynx backpackMost camera bags skimp in this area, letting the bag feel like the heavy loads they are. pelican backpack u105 Although it's built almost exactly like a backpack you would take camping, the bag falls behind when it comes to the back panel. wenger ibex laptop computer backpack reviewFor a bag clearly trying to be a hiker's best friend, there is no good back ventilation. where to buy invicta backpacks in toronto

Both Gregory and Osprey bags of comparable size have a mesh separation that keeps the bag off your back. numark ns7ii backpackThe Guru has just a heavily padded back panel that presses up against you. backpack mabinogiSome sort of separation would improve things drastically. The "laptop sleeve" on this bag is terrible. I have a Surface Pro 3, which is practically the thinnest computer you can buy, and it's still difficult to get into the sleeve. Also, it isn't a straight compartment— it goes along the curve of the pack, because the camera sits next to the flat of your back. Also, the lip of the sleeve is elastic making it easy to snag the computer. It's usable, just very annoying. My other minor complaint is that the hip straps aren't fully adjustable. Yes, they do shrink down pretty tight, but the actual straps themselves were still unable to tighten down to the point where I felt as secure as I wanted to be.

The Guru also comes with a rain cover that stashes below the seat of the bag. It's completely out of the way, as opposed to clipped on in a separate pouch, like an old Kata I had used to own. It makes the rain cover much less of a nuisance.The bag looks and acts like an outdoor pack should. The chest strap and hip straps secure the pack to your body better than almost any camera bag I've used. It can work even without a camera insert in it, making it a fine daypack. Being able to custom tailor the bag's storage capabilities makes this a great option for photographers.The hip straps are a one-size-fits-all situation, which, just like a pair of drawstring pants, doesn't work for some people. The laptop sleeve just makes putting a laptop in the bag a painful experience. The back panel gives pretty poor ventilation— it's a sweat machine during the summer. No side access is a bummer.The Guru runs for $150 without an insert and can range, depending on the insert you get with it, from $214 to $234.

This puts it at the pricier end of things to carry your equipment around in. However, the bag is the real deal. Looking at it, it just rings to the Eagle Scout in me that wants to have a totally comfortable and reliable bag. I had my gripes, but they were minimal. If it weren't for the Guru, I'd probably just opt for carrying my camera around my neck out of sheer disgust for the function of most other bags. The F-Stop bags set the bar higher than most others. Dare I say they are good camera bags. Sign up for our weekly newsletter!Camera backpacks need to tick a lot of boxes: they have to provide comfortable carrying, along with quick access to your gear and suitable protection for a variety of equipment. Our Buyer’s Guide for the Best Camera Backpacks covers a range of situations, from urban to outdoor photography and different user needs, whether you just require the basics for a few hours of city snapping or have to haul a host of gear along with enough personal supplies to last several days in the wilderness.

With its compact form and comfortable suspension, the Lotus works just as well in crowded urban settings as it does in the outdoors. The 32L volume is a handy size for everyday or overnight use, with rear panel access keeping camera gear safe on the go. The Loka UL is aimed at photographers who want to remain agile on the go without carrying a heavy bag. Weighing in at just 1.2kg, the 37L pack provides top and rear access, plus abrasion-resistant and weather-resistant construction to handle a range of adventures. Merging form and function, this pack is designed to hold your gear safely and in style. The bag provides dedicated space for a DSLR or CSC camera with an attached zoom lens, as well as two additional lenses and some extra accessories. A tripod can be carried externally, and there’s also space for a 15″ laptop and personal items such as a phone, wallet and keys. Customizable interior organization, top and front access and multiple pockets makes the Niko Pack Backpack a handy hauler for a range of camera setups.

The weatherproof construction helps keep your precious kit safe from the elements, while exterior straps secure a tripod and an interior padded sleeve fits a 15″ laptop. The understated ONA Camps Bay Camera Backpack is a great option for photographers who want to carry camera gear in low-key style. The pack helps avoid unwanted attention, while offering configurable organization for a DSLR with attached lens as well as up to seven extra lenses, a 17″ laptop and personal items. The adventure-ready Clik Elite Escape 2.0 Backpack provides a range of useful features for photography in demanding environments. Two full-length zippers allow flexible access to gear inside the pack, while the ClikDraw™ system provides quick access to a camera from the padded loop hip holster. The pack also includes a tripod holder, space for a hydration bladder, and a stowable raincover. Flexible storage makes the Alpha Pro a handy option for carrying camera gear and some personal items. The pack holds an SLR and up to four additional lenses, with space for extra gear such as a laptop, outer layer, and camera accessories.

The attractive aesthetics and sturdy build also make this a versatile pack for alternating between urban and outdoor settings. The flexible and protective butterfly access in this pack makes it a great choice for photography in restrictive spaces or inclement weather. Adjustable interior organization accommodates a variety of gear setups, while a tripod and other accessories can be attached to the exterior of the pack. A solid option if you’re after a budget-friendly camera pack, this water-repellent bag holds a DSLR and three small lenses. Additionally there’s dedicated space for a tripod, water bottle, laptop and small EDC essentials.  As a bonus, the camera compartment can be removed to use the bag as a regular backpack. Another wallet-friendly option that fits one to two DSLRs and three to four lenses, with further storage for accessories or personal items. The water-repellent pack also holds a tripod externally. The ProTactic 350 AW is a feature-rich pack that offers four access points for conveniently and quickly getting to gear.

It can hold one to two cameras and up to six additional lenses. There’s also space for a 13″ laptop, tripod attachment points, a raincover and a removable waistbelt. For further functionality the pack also includes five modular accessories to tailor your carry to changing needs. Affordable and versatile, this pack features customizable interior organization and fits an SLR with attached lens and two to three extra lenses. Exterior and interior pockets accommodate additional accessories and personal items, including a padded laptop sleeve for your tech. Plus a raincover adds protection when the storm clouds start rolling in. When you need to carry a little extra gear but still in a bag that’s compact enough for carry-on purposes, the Pro Runner BP 350 AW II will do the trick. The pack holds a DSLR with attached lens, four to five additional lenses, and a range of tech including a 13″ laptop, 10″ tablet and a Wacom type tablet. A choice of pockets as well as a removable accessory case keep smaller items organized, while the waistbelt boosts user comfort for heavier loads or can be removed when not required.

The Excursion Pack features two exterior pockets, lash downs on the base of the pack for a tripod or jacket and external webbing for attaching extra items as needed. If you need to carry tech, the pack has an internal padded laptop sleeve, while the front panel zips down almost to the base of the pack for easy access to the main compartment. Poler have designed the Excursion Insert specifically for the Excursion Pack and (at the time of writing this, at least) you can snag the insert for free when buying the pack through their site. If you want to know more about the pack, see our road test of the Poler Excursion Pack here. Burton are all about boarding so it should be no surprise that you can attach a snowboard to this pack. Alternatively, slot in a tripod instead or use the straps for attaching other items such as a jacket. There’s no shortage of internal or external pockets for keeping everything in its right place, including a handy insulated pocket, and the internal camera compartment has adjustable padded dividers to suit different gear setups.

The camera compartment also has a convenient detachable cover to help keep your equipment protected without needing to zip the bag up, so you can access it quickly as needed. The pack’s adjustable harness also comes in useful for accommodating different users’ torso lengths. Check out our road test for more details. The sleek city-friendly styling of this pack isn’t going to attract unnecessary attention and alert people to its contents, a feature photographers are sure to appreciate when hauling expensive equipment. The external pockets are useful for quick-access items such as cables, chargers and EDC, while internal padded sections for a laptop and iPad will keep your tech protected. Camera gear is accessed through the back of the pack by unzipping the back panel clamshell-style, along with top access for your most frequently used gear. Plenty of pocketing, modular dividers, external tripod attachment, a dedicated laptop compartment, a rain cover, stowaway shoulder straps and a choice of full access to the main compartment or half access to the top or bottom of the contents while keeping the other half unexposed – the Bumblebee is buzzing with convenient features all packed in a sleekly stylish design.

Having to take your pack off to access your camera equipment is far from ideal – more often than not, that awesome shot opportunity is long gone by the time you’ve got your gear. MindShift Gear’s rotation180° Panorama prioritizes quick access through a nifty rotating design that enables you to swing the beltpack out from the main body of the pack in order to access the contents quickly, without needing to take the pack off. Check out our drive by for more details. If you don’t need to carry a lot of gear, the Tropfen from Clik Elite is one to consider. This daypack-sized bag suits urban environments, with a quilted section for an iPad and a quick-access pocket for small items such as a phone and wallet. Access to the camera is via the back of the pack where a dedicated compartment can hold a standard SLR with medium zoom lens and flash. The pack also includes a tip-out tripod holder and a rain cover. Inside Line Equipment’s Ultimate Photographers Bag-MKIII merges everyday carry with camera carry, featuring a dedicated weatherproof camera compartment with adjustable dividers, a quick-access front pocket for items such as cables or chargers and a rolltop main section for clothing, food and other personal items.

A padded section on the back is large enough for a 17-inch laptop, while tripods and light stands can be carried using the side compression straps and pockets, and external webbing allows additional gear to be attached as needed. If you need a camera backpack that doesn’t advertise the fact you’re carrying expensive camera equipment, Filson’s Photographer’s Backpack is a suitably understated choice. Padded construction and internal dividers keep your gear safe and the zip to the pack’s padded top section and laptop sleeve is concealed to help dissuade opportunistic thieves. The front panel of the Reload 30L can be laid out flat to give easy access to the camera gear in the main compartment, with a range of internal and external zipped pockets for keeping small items in order. The pack’s padded laptop section accommodates 17-inch laptops, while the front and side straps can be used for tripod carry – or strap a snowboard on the front and a tripod on the side if you’re planning to shoot sweet shots in the snow.