Best Camera Bags for Women in 2023: Stylish, Discrete, Affordable

We tested over 50 of the best camera bags for women to reveal the most stylish, comfortable ways to carry your camera gear in 2023.

Obviously, women can use the same camera bags as men, but the backpacks, messengers and totes we tested are more stylish and ergonomically designed for females.

We appreciate that the term ‘camera bags for women’ may sound sexist, but the fact is, there are certain carry products that cater better to the needs and tastes of female photographers.

Not every girl wants a camera bag disguised as a purse, but having a discrete way to carry heavy cameras and lenses while travelling is a definite plus.

Finding a stylish, cute, or affordable women’s camera bag is one thing, but as well as being aesthetically pleasing, it also needs to be functional.

With that said, let’s have a look at the top recommendations for stylish camera bags for women.

What are the Best Camera Bags for Women in 2023?

Image	Product	Features
	Peak Design Zip BEST EVERYDAY	Versatile Adjustable for Easy Access Weatherproof Extra-Durable UltraZip Design	Check PEAK DESIGN Price → Check AMAZON Price →
	Peak Design Totepack BEST TOTE	Padded Straps Fast & Secure Access Durable Versatile & Comfortable Carry	Check PEAK DESIGN Price → Check AMAZON Price →
	Brevité Jumper BEST SMALL BACKPACK	Adjustable Photo Compartment Small & Compact Lightweight Easy Camera Access Zipper	Check BREVITE Price → Check AMAZON Price →
	Shimoda Explore V2 BEST FOR HIKING	Adjustable Torso-Height Multiple Access Points Quick Side Access Anti-Theft Rear Access	Check SHIMODA Price → Check AMAZON Price →
	Claremont Crossbody BEST CROSSBODY	Everyday Crossbody Bag Extra Internal Padding Discreet Pockets Adjustable Strap	Check LO & SONS Price →
	Peak Design TravelBEST FOR TRAVEL	Travel Ready All Day Comfort Space For Everything Sustainably Built	Check PEAK DESIGN Price → Check AMAZON Price →
	The Lola By GattaBEST HANDBAG	Lightweight Outer Pocket Adjustable Divider Padded Interior	Check GATTA Price →
	Jo Totes Bellbrook	Water-Resistant Laptop Sleeve Easy Access To Gear Stylish Canvas Exterior	Check B&H Price →
	Kelly Moore Pilot V2	Removable Padded Insert Easy Carry & Hands Free Adjustable Side Strap Top Handle / Grab Strap	Check B&H Price →

 

Peak Design Zip (20l) | Best Everyday ZIP Backpack for Women

Dimensions: 15″ x 10″ x 1″ | Weight: 3.42 lbs | Volume: 20 l | Colors: black, ash, midnight, bone | Peak Design Everyday Backpack ZIP Review

If you’re looking for a sleek and functional camera bag for your photographic needs, check out the Peak Design Everyday Backpack ZIP.

This stylish camera backpack includes plenty of features that make it a favorite among those looking for something that doesn’t resemble a camera bag, but does an amazing job carrying tons of camera equipment.

The Peak Design Everyday ZIP features a clean aesthetic that makes it as stylish as it is simple. The unique zip allows you to access every nook and cranny of the interior.

When it comes to storage, the backpack includes two internal FlexFold dividers that help you organize and customize the interior. You can even remove them all to utilise the entire internal space for carrying larger items or bulky clothing.

There are also three internal slip pockets, as well as dual external side pockets that expand to accommodate larger water bottles of tripods.

The 20L Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip fits a Canon 5D Mark III, tripod, and a lot more. Credit: Tommy Williams[/caption]

The 20L Peak Design Everyday Backpack ZIP pictured above is perfect for carrying all manner of camera gear, but there’s also a 15L option if you find it too big.

The waterproof pockets and bottom liner complement the protective laptop compartment, keeping all your gear safe and secure.

In keeping with Peak Design’s pledge for environmental and social responsibility, the shell of the Zip is made from 100% recycled nylon canvas.

It also features a vented mesh back padding which is perfect for preventing the dreaded ‘map of Africa’ sweaty back! The shoulder straps are comfortable for carrying heavy loads for longer periods too.

This camera and lens backpack for women includes three padded grab handles as well as a quick-connect stowable sternum strap. This helps you keep your camera bag secure when walking for long periods, without fatigue setting in as quickly.

In addition to the custom organization features, you can also take advantage of the MagLatch closure hardware that keeps everything safe with a 270-degree durable #8 zipper.

Basically, this means that the zipper undoes the majority of the backpack, allowing you to access the top and sides for easy access – hence the ‘Zip’ name.

You can buy the Peak Design Everyday Backpack ZIP in black, ash, midnight, or bone color, in either 15L or 20L. My preference is bone, but as you can see from the photos above, ash also looks stylish too.

Peak Design Everyday Totepack | Best Camera Tote for Women

Dimensions: 15″ x 10″ x 1″ | Weight: 2.31 lbs | Volume: 20 l | Colors: bone, black | Peak Design Everyday Tote Review

As one of the most stylish camera bags on our list, the Peak Design Totepack is the perfect shoulder bag for any woman who enjoys a good old-fashioned tote.

Totes are traditionally used as a quick grab-and-go grocery bag, but they’ve definitely become more and more popular on the streets as a fashionable and convenient way to carry smaller items.

This tote bag from Peak Design may not be the small camera bag you’re looking for, but it certainly can hold multiple cameras at a time if necessary – take a look at the photo below to see what all you can stuff in it.

Bone and black are the two color options you’re limited to with the Peak Design Totepack – my preference is bone again, but black would work well in city environments too.

You can fit lots of camera accessories inside, thanks to the stretchy internal pockets and dedicated laptop compartment.

The Peak Design Totepack sports a clean look that makes it one of only a few cute camera bags for women that I’ve come across. Plus, the extra-wide top and padded straps allow for easy access and comfort.

A set of FlexFold dividers mount horizontally or vertically to help you organize your gear more efficiently. Plus, the dual stowable carry cinch straps make it easy to switch between carrying options.

Large pockets on this camera handbag are held together with a magnetic clasp or weatherproof zipper, or both. The magnetic clasp is great if you can’t be bothered to do the zip up completely, and is strangely addictive to fiddle with!

In addition, you can access the internal contents at any time via the quick-access points on either side of the bag.

Brevité Jumper Photo| Best Small Backpack for Women

Dimensions: 16.25″ x 10.5″ x 5.5″ | Weight: 1.7 lbs | Volume: 18 l | Colors: lemon yellow, poppy red, powder teal, pine green, triple black, moonlit blue, boulder tan, misty blue, blush pink, nimbus gray, charcoal gray | Brevite Jumper Review

There are many camera bags for women on the market right now, but not many that offer so many cute color options as this one.

If you’re looking for camera bags that have as much variety as you and your photographs do, the Brevité Jumper may just be your new best friend… and it’s really affordable too!

Resembling more of a traditional school bag than a camera bag, the Jumper has simple, minimalist styling that slips under the radar as a bag that could be carrying lots of expensive camera gear.

This weather-resistant and machine washable camera backpack has won several awards from CNET, Wired, IndieWire, and Forbes as one of the most stylish camera bags for women.

It remains small and compact, while at the same time, there are many small accessories you can fit inside – see the photo below:

There’s a separate laptop compartment, as well as a quick access pocket on the side. You can also use the large pocket or place smaller objects within the shorter front pocket in front of it.

Dividers are included and help you to keep everything in its place. You can place the 5 dividers in multiple configurations to get the best one for your needs.

Additional features include hidden pockets for valuables, a luggage pass-through, a passport pocket, and a dual tripod strap on the bottom… which I guess could also be used to carry a yoga mat too, if you’re that way inclined!

The material is lovely to touch, but it does feel like it could wear after a few years of use. However, you do get a lifetime warranty on your purchase, so nothing to worry about there.

Shimoda Explore V2 | Best Women’s Hiking Backpack

Dimensions: 11.6″ x 20.3″ x 6.7″ | Weight: 3.6 lbs | Volume: 35 l | Colors: blue nights, sea pine, army green, black | Shimoda Explore Backpack Review

For photographers needing to lug around a lot of gear while hiking or mountaineering, the Shimoda Explore V2 is one of the best camera bags for women who aren’t afraid to get dirty.

It’s definitely not something you’d consider stylish or cute, but on the flip side, it’s functional, rugged and amazingly comfortable to carry. It also has some neat features that the other camera bags for women on our list do not.

As you can see from the picture (35L version), there are plenty of compartments and discreet pockets to choose from, including my absolute fave – the zippable pouches on the shoulder straps.

I wish every backpack had these – being able to pull out your phone, sunglasses, suncream, memory cards, batteries etc without taking your bag off your back is so convenient.

This backpack has a ton of zippered pockets, straps and pouches that allow you to easily access your gear, so you don’t have to fiddle around too much and miss the perfect opportunity.

Even if you’re just carrying around a small camera, the Shimoda Explore V2 is still useful since the bag itself is lightweight and has 3-4 size options (25, 30 and 35L). 

In addition to the size options, you can also take advantage of the unique swappable shoulder straps, with 3-4 inches of vertical adjustment to suit any size back.

The padded belt comes in handy to distribute the weight to your hips when you’re carrying a lot of heavy gear, and you can even remove it completely for a clean look.

The Shimoda Explore V2 also features anti-theft rear access, meaning it opens to your back if you were to wear it. This helps keep thieves from opening the zipper and stealing what’s inside without your knowledge.

The Core Unit modular system helps you organize your interior depending on what gear you want to carry.

Overall, the Explore is a feature-packed bag tgat’s ready for any adventure you throw at it.

Claremont Crossbody by Lo & Sons | Best Crossbody Camera Bag for Women

Dimensions: 10.5″ x 5.5″ x 8.5″ | Weight: 1.5 lbs | Volume: 8 l | Colors: black, deep navy, sienna, light grey

Reviewed by Elle, Huffpost, and Lucky, the Claremont Crossbody by Lo & Sons messenger bag is one of the most stylish camera bags for women if you’re into the whole ‘camera bag that looks like a handbag’ thing.

It’s available in various colors and spoprts a full-leather exterior. The quilted interior features internal padding made from 100% polyester. Plus, you can adjust the strap length.

Despite being small, the Claremont Crossbody by Lo & Sons actually fits most DSLR and mirrorless cameras as well as a lens or flash or two, but obviously not flagship camera bodies or superzoom lenses.

It also includes a discreet back pocket for extra security. However, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of having a camera bag that looks like a purs, which may actually attract more of the wrong kind of attention, especially while traveling.

You can store multiple SD cards in the interior pockets and there’s a hanging SD memory card holder as well for quick access.

The Claremont Crossbody definitely satisfies the more fashion-conscious females but admittedly won’t be for everyone. Personally, I appreciate how attractive it looks, and how it couldn’t look any further from a regular camera bag.

Peak Design Travel Backpack| Best for Travel

Dimensions: 20.9″ x 13.4″ x 5.5″ | Weight: 3.17 lbs | Volume: 30 l | Colors: black, sage, midnight | Peak Design Travel Backpack Review

Though Peak Design offers the Travel Backpack in a 45L version, the 30L version graces our list for the lighter load it puts on the wearer. Although 15L smaller, it’s plenty big enough to hold lots of photo accessories and then some.

The Travel Backpack features an oversized top opening that closes with a #10 Ultrazip zipper – this probably means nothing to you (it didn’t to me!), but basically, you can expect buttery-smooth opening and closing every time.

The side pockets also expand to even the bigger style water bottles. You can slide a Peak Design Tripod in there too, but anything bulkier and it doesn’t feel too secure.

One of the best features that helps to keep your camera safe while traveling is the rear hatch opens to your back rather than to the front of the backpack. There are also internal mesh zippered pockets for keeping small items secure as well.

Even the 45L version still fits under airline seats for easy traveling, but you obviously have to be mindful of the weight if you want to go carry-on only. My preference is definitely the 30L (shown in the picture above.)

The tight nylon outer means that it’s actually a waterproof camera bag, ready for even the heaviest downpour.

It comes with padded shoulder straps and axial strap attachments, meaning it’ll fit even the most petite photographer. It also includes a lifetime guarantee that protects your investment.

The Lola By Gatta | Best Purse Camera Bag

Dimensions: 10″ x 7″ x 5″ | Weight: 1.7 lbs | Volume: 5.7 l | Colors: noir, miel (black and honey)

The Lola by Gatta leather camera purse bag is available in noir and miel, or black and honey for our non-French speaking friends!

Much smaller than a traditional messenger bag, this lightweight yet elegant camera purse is one of the more stylish bags you’ll find on our list.

With a fully padded interior, the Lola by Gatta works well for a short trip around town or as something to carry your camera for you as you sightsee. 

There’s an adjustable divider you can use in the interior to make room for your DSLR camera and/or additional lenses, but you obviously need to be mindful of what you carry.

You can also make use of the outside pocket if you need quick access to certain objects, such as your smartphone or a spare filter.

I can see that some female photographers might prefer the Lola by Gatta to a larger messenger bag for a quick grab-n-go. However, it won’t be suitable for longer photo shoots or any time you want to look a bit profesh!!

Taz and Tez | Modular Shoulder Camera Bag

Dimensions: 13.5” x 8” x 5” | Weight: 2.05 lbs | Volume: 8 l | Colors: black, tan |

Tara and Tessa (Taz & Tez) are sisters who were disheartened by the poor camera bags for women on the market.

Apparently, nothing accommodated their style while protecting expensive gear… so they launched their own range.

The Bobbi is a stylish, PETA-approved premium Vegan Leather shoulder bag that features a removable ‘caddy’ for a camera and two small lenses or accessories.

The caddy is padded and lets you rearrange the 3 removable dividing strips to suit your equipment.

You can even slide it out completely to be able to use the Bobbi as a daily shoulder bag.

The flap features magnetic closures, which allow you to get your camera in and out easily.

The material is luxuriously soft and feels like it will patina well over time.

Available in black and tan, each purchase of a Bobbi helps support the ongoing costs of a koala (of the same name) at the Australian Koala Foundation.

Jo Totes Bellbrook | Discrete Camera Backpack for Women

Dimensions: 15.75″ x 12″ x 6.25″ | Weight: 3 lbs | Volume: 19 l | Colors: black, olive | Jo Totes Bellbrook Review

This square-shaped camera backpack is a favorite among female photographers who want to look as stylish as they do professional. It’s a definite hit with any hipsters out there, with a distinct retro-vibe to it.

Though nearly as large as a messenger bag, the Bellbrook is water resistant and acts as an all-in-one solution so you can pack in all your gear.

The breathable mesh backing helps you wear it longer if necessary, and the padded backpack base makes it easy to set your camera gear down gently when you arrive.

The back is padded for comfortable long-term wear as well. Plus, the straps are thinly padded to give your shoulders a break without looking too bulky.

The Bellbrook can easily go from a photo shoot to the mall or even travel with you as well – remove the internal dividers to make it into a regular backpack that doesn’t look at all like a traditional ugly camera bag.

A zippered pocket up front keeps everything safe yet accessible, while the brushed nylon interior fabric provides a soft surface for your accessories to move around in.

With a laptop sleeve and seven padded dividers in two sizes, there’s a lot to love about the Jo Totes Bellbrook camera backpack.

Kelly Moore Pilot V2 | Stylish Women’s Camera Backpack

Dimensions: 13″ x 11.5″ x 17″ | Weight: 4.3 lbs | Volume: 42 l | Colors: olive, natural

The Kelly Moore Pilot V2 is one of the more stylish camera bags on our list – definitely one of my faves when I don’t want to stand out as a photographer.

Many female photographers choose Kelly Moore bags because they effortlessly blend camera bags for women with style. As far as camera bags for women go, Kelly Moore is one of the more well-known.

Features of the Pilot V2 include an interior padded laptop sleeve, magnetic closure, and adjustable padded straps. The front compartment also includes attachment loops, tripod straps, and organizer pockets.

The full-grain leather accents used on the Pilot elevates the style that much more and complemnents great with the olive canvas. Plus, a leather camera bag can also provide you with the durability you need to last a lifetime.

How to Choose Stylish Camera Bags for Women

In order to keep this roundup of the best camera bags for women reasonably concise, we adhered to the criteria below, which should help you choose the right product for your needs:

• Construction/Durability – the best bags need to be rugged and well-built to last your lifetime as a professional or amateur female photographer.
• Looks – as photographers, we are conscious of the way things look. It’s hard to do female camera bag reviews without favoring the stylish ones over those that are dull/boring. This is, again, a very subjective factor, but nonetheless important.
• Design – will the bag function well for its purpose? Is it just a women’s handbag with a camera insert, for example, or has it been designed from the start as a camera bag?
• Value for Money – ‘Cost’ is obviously a large deciding factor for many. However, since everyone’s budget is different, we chose to concentrate more on whether the bag represents good value for money as opposed to trying to label it ‘affordable’, which is also subjective. An expensive leather camera backpack may actually be good value when you take into account the quality of the workmanship, for example.

In this roundup, we included a mixture of women’s camera bags that were released recently and others that have stood the test of time since their release several years ago.

Final Words

As mentioned at the start of the article, ‘camera bags for women’ is a rather uncomfortable title. However, in order to satisfy what you ladies are actually Googling, we needed to name it like this!

You’ll see in the comments below that there’s an equal number of angry (female) photographers as there are happy ones. I guess we hit a nerve with some of you, but with all else considered, I hope you found the bag you want.

If you have any other recommendations for camera bags that look great on women and function as intended, leave us a note below. Happy shooting!