I love my wandrd. I switched from peak design for my backpack to wandrd and its very durable and sturdy.

I’ve got a 9yo Lowepro flip side 300aw. And a Thinktank/SKB rolling hard case. Based on current options, I’d go Thinktank again in heart beat, I’m actually looking for a long lens bag. Lowepro’s looks great, but the TT that’s about to ship, has my money.

For many consumer level bags, TT 100%, for Pro level bags, they are similar, but I think TT has the edge currently on long term durability.

3rd recommendation for Shimoda. I now have 3 of them in various sizes and 5 different inserts.

It's a modular system, you can change the size of the internal unit and load the remaining space with toiletries, clothing, food, etc.

They're comfortable and convenient with lots of features and access.

I have 3 different colors, since I got tired of saying, 'no the other black nylon bag'. One is just a local bag, since it's too big as a carryon. Started with Explore V2 35L, then Action X70, now Action X50 v2.

Travel photographer I work with was shooting from the shoreline with his Shimoda on his back. Slowly walked backwards until he was knee deep in the water getting the shot, trips on a rock, bag first into the sea. Turtles around on his back for a bit, camera held above the water, and eventually gets to his feet. Not a single drop made it inside the Shimoda

Personally, I have a mixed selection of Wandrd and Think Tank. My everyday is the wandrd Hexad duffle; love it for multiple laptops,spots for two full sized cubes and it’s very very very well made. Big fan of cubes, and micro organization of gear as well, so that bag is perfect for most jobs since it holds a lot. Sometimes for smaller/ lightweight jobs I may use a PRVKE, but those days are far and few between anymore. For backcountry, industrial jobs, or TSA heavy productions, I swap to one of the think tank airport backpacks, typically the Commuter. Reason being, if I have to toss it in a pelican case for weather purposes, way easier. To be fair, I had an endorsement from both companies and was provided just about every bag both brands make, as well as quite a few other brands, ThinkTank and Wandrd were the only two that I worked with that had the service level and quality of product I could use. There were times you’d go into the basement of a certain studio, and literally every single bag ever made was in a pile… I like breaking shit.

I’ve worn it all day walking around many times with a slightly lighter load, (no laptop), and I have the hip strap accessory, although I don’t think I used it much. and it was fine. No marks on my shoulders. It’s more comfortable than the Incase DSLR Pro. It’s not as comfortable as a dedicated hiking pack like my Osprey. The reason I love the Everyday Backpack is the easy of accessing my gear from the sides by simply slipping it off and opening it up like like a shoulder bag without a need to set it on the ground and open up exposing all my gear to the world. The 30L also is just small enough to fit under the seat in front of me on an airplane as a personal item, allowing me to keep my gear in my control.) I usually also bring a small spinner luggage too for the overhead. Last year I bought and later returned a 45L Peak design travel backpack. This backpack shines if you are traveling with this as your only piece of luggage. I usually bring more luggage so a dedicated camera pack is fine. The travel backpack was also comfortable maybe a bit more so, but it’s a big so not suitable for under the seat in front of me. It had many innovative features. The straps can be tucked away, making it easy to slid in and out of the overhead. The back opens completely normally meaning it would need to be set down to access camera gear but this is not a dedicated camera backpack. Instead it relies on camera cubes. These cubes can be clipped into place keeping them from jostling and aligned with the zipper. There are different sizes too, so you can fill up the backpack it with one large cube or share space with say a packing cube for clothes. The camera cube has back entry as expected but also has side entries as does the travel backpack allowing you to access a piece of gear from within the pack from a side zips like their Everyday Backpack, and opening up the back will allow you to open up the rest. Peak Design’s YouTube video does a better job of explaining. I bought the medium cube which took up about 2/3 of the pack, and I can fit most of the gear but not the tripod internally. These camera cubes can be used with a strap, such as their Slide camera strap to turn the cube into a shoulder bag. I kept my cube for this. With two long lenses I could only access the camera from one side of the pack with one long lens attached. I’d have or lay it on the ground to access the rest and change lenses. (With a rf 24-105 f/2.8 IS USM Z I don’t change often.) Peak design does make an outdoor backpack which has some great features making it suitable for photographers as well as/or as a dedicated hiking pack. It looks much more comfortable, is lighter weight and small enough to fit under the seat in front of you on a plane. Again it’s designed for using camera cubes and these can only be accessed from the back. So again, laying it down, opening it up to access the gear.

i have the Arkose camera backpack set by Urth, but their Norite backpack is bigger and might suit your needs better https://au.urth.co/collections/carry/products/24l-backpack-insert-combo?variant=42126725218370

Tenba Fulton. The camera compartment is on the inside for security. It is light weather resistant and then it coms with a rain cover for more rain resistant if you want. There is a rubber "gasket" on the zip.

https://uk.tenba.com/shop-by-collection/fulton/?srsltid=AfmBOop7Uxm9tO7EIyaSGW0ce9Bj8UVCRJOYDJA5OfHu8Tea8n2pWuK2

I went the other route and bought a pair of Ona camera shoulder/messenger bags. I got the Prince Street if I need to carry multiple bodies and/or multiple lenses. I got the Bond Street for when I need to carry one body with one attached lens. They’re clean looking, have a lot of pockets, but most importantly do not look like camera bags.

Lowepro Protactic 450. Fantastic camera bag

I've been using the Prince Street (the larger one) for about 2 years now. The smaller one, the Bond Street, for about a year. I also had a Bowery, but I didn't need three Ona bags. Yes, they're very comfortable and quite dapper if you don't mind my saying.

i love it, really amazing quality!

I have two peak design (20L and 30l) everyday backpacks. An incase DSLR pro pack, a boblebee Procam 500ex. I also have a few shoulder bags and Nanuk hard cases. The Velcro for the dividers for the incase DSLR pro lost its stickiness, but it was a great pack. Relatively compact, simple, and indiscreet. It doesn’t look like a camera pack. Price was kind of middle rung price point. The boblebee procam 500ex is the most expensive. It can carry the same lenses and camera and lenses as the peak design, but not the tripod or laptop but I feel l it is the most protective. Check The peak design is well made has a great lifetime warranty (never had a problem with their bag but had an issue with their phone case, which is also excellent). The flex fold dividers and side entry is great. I just packed my pack with a 20l everyday pack with most of the items I carried in my 30L. It’s a tighter fit with the 20L as to be expected, but with this back there is no question that this is carry-on compliant for air travel. With this pack I can carry a 13” MacBook, Canon R5 body with Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z and tripod collar mounted on body, Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM with hood and tripod collar, Godox V1C, llano dual battery charger, Anker Nano 10,000 mAh power bank, and cables and charging bricks. Oh and a Peak Design Travel Tripod stored internally in the pack too. Once I’m at my destination most of this gear is removed and stored elsewhere. The 30L is on its second year of regular use and with me almost daily. It’s really held up despite the weight and constant use. Check out peak designs videos for the everyday backpacks for more info.

I had basically the same need and was looking for a bag that also didn’t look like “hey, I’m carrying camera equipment worth a few thousands..”

Ended up with a camera cube from Nya-Evo (medium) and a large Greenroom136 Rainmaker in x-pac with some customizing. The Rainmaker is a great bag, but if you go with clamshell opening you can’t have water bottle pockets and vice versa..

But, it already comes with a clamshell for the computer / tablet pocket which is awesome. So I ordered the bag without clamshell opening and with a water bottle pocket on each side. Upon receiving the bag, I took a scalpel and cut out the inner wall between the computer compartment and the main compartment.

Now I have a clamshell with a huge main compartment, generous front pocket, AND water bottle pockets that also fits various lenses and can be used for securing a tripod etc.. When I don’t have the camera cube in the bag, I’m using the compression straps to make it a lot more slim.

Made a post here about it a while ago with lots of images, will return with an edit to give you the link!

Edit for link: https://www.reddit.com/r/backpacks/comments/ezc77x/a_closer_look_into_a_customized_custom/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Edit 2: It also fits the large Nya-Evo cube if you’re in the need to bring more camera gear than body and 24-70 + 70-200 The other difficult thing for me to find the right bag was that it has to be roomy enough to fit the 5D with battery grip attached. And all the “new” Kickstarter ones like wandrd and other brands seems to be built for mirrorless cameras (not deep enough for a big camera..)..

Edit 3 because I’m procrastinating other things:

These are three similar brands and bags, Nya-Evo, F-Stop, and Shimoda.

Nya-Evo Fjord backpack, the 36 might be on the smaller end of what you need (i bought it thinking I had found THE ONE but it felt too tight when filled with the things I had to bring so I returned it). The 60 on the other hand isn’t super much bigger, but it has a roll top (which you’re looking for) that expands quite a lot..

Might be more than what you’re looking to spend.

But the brand and model I’d probably take the deepest look into would be Shimoda ActionX30 or ActionX50 they look sleek and have a lot of great functions including roll top (with zipper access), clamshell towards back, removable camera insert (comes in various sizes), and also side access to camera (swing to side and grab camera without putting the bag down), great stuff!!

It isn't cheap, I got mine off eBay for $295 USD. Great camera bag though and hits most of your wishlist:

• capactity for stuff
• laptop section
• camera carry functionality
• side access
• rolltop
• weather resistant

Good luck on the hunt!

One of my favorite companies is Brevitē.

For Brevitē: Check out the Brevite Jumper or the Roll Top. They both follow the same camera storage system that’s pretty modular and can fit your kit perfectly. The Jumper is at a decent price with some awesome colors and doesn’t scream “hey I have thousands of dollars on me” — and also i believe all their models come with a sweet rain fly at the base for water protection. I currently own the Rucksack and I absolutely love it. It’s a good backpack for day trips/hikes or shorter trips.

I’ve also seen some good reviews on the Moment bags and also Peak Design is always a good bet. I’d recommend checking out Incase’s section too but idk if they’re in your price range. I currently own the Action Camera Pro Pack with a DSLR insert and I love both of them but they’ve both been discontinued unfortunately.

I have a list of bags I would like to own one day so here’s some that I recommend from my list:

Brevitē - The Original

ONA - Bowery

Shimoda Designs - Action X 30

Hope these help!

Have a look at the Think Tank Urban Access. Very close second to the Peak Design in my opinion, superior in several ways (side AND back access, better straps, etc).

​

Not to advertize, but mine (new, got it for a test) will be up for sale. Drop me a note if that could interest you.

​

More info on that bag:

​

https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/think-tank-urban-access-15-review/introduction.html

Peak Design Everyday

Wandrd Duo

Moment Travelwear 21L

Think tank, Tenba, PGYtech, Ulanzi, Vanguard...

Camera wrap and padded lens pouches

Then pick whatever bag can hold what you want that looks the way you want.

You can even use bags you already have.

I am a micro four thirds guy, and I just use a messenger-ish bag. No ballistic black nylon bag that screams The Camera Guy for me.

I can additionally get a laptop in there for carry on, it sucks but works. I also pack a tripod in my checked luggage that I can put in my messenger bag day to day - often I will only bring it for the walls after dinner at night

I'm an enthusiast and travel with a mirrorless camera and three lenses. For flexibility, I travel with a camera case which fits into day packs and shoulder bags rather than a dedicated camera bag. The spare lenses go in a separate padded pouch. I find a shoulder bag to be better for days I'm doing lots of photography, as it makes it easy to grab the camera. Shoulder bags also tend to be less obtrusive in urban areas.

I am a travel vlogger so did that a lot and literally as far as bags go anything with a zipper that is waterproof will do. It also depends where the trip is because most places on this planet also sell stuff so I don’t prepare much would do that only traveling to Antarctica where there are no stores. I travel light and don’t like to plan much feeling more creative with no plans.

Unpopular opinion...my s11 has such a good camera that I stopped taking my slr with me...maybe I just need a new slr?

I travel with two bags, ones an undertseat sized camera/laptop bag that carries all of my tech minus a few cords etc. This also functions as my "day bag" for running around town with camera in tow. It's a cheap one off Amazon with a waterproof cover and it's not great but it does all the things I needed it to. Definitely following this looking for an upgrade on that front. My main bag is an E-Bags motherload brand carry on size bag. No wheels or hard bits, waist strap and shoulder straps both tuck away if I'm checking it. Fits a shit load in a small space. It's been to four continents over the course of 6 years of regular travel and still looks new. I love it! I probably wouldn't want to walk around all day with it but it is fine for a couple miles through airports/transit and from train to hostel etc.

Don’t get Peak Design, Nomatic/Gomatic or Wandrd. Too heavy, too much of the social media design over capability.

Literally just go onto LowePros website, or ThinkTankPhoto, and select the one that is best suited to your style.

I’ve tried pretty much everything over the last 10 years, including the 3 I mentioned at the top, and ultimately I keep coming back to LowePro because they simply just work best.

Honestly, just get a LowePro Protactic 350 or 450 AW, and call it a day. But if the "tactical" look doesnt suit you, then you can go get some Shimodas, or ThinkTanks.

Stayed away from PD, Nomatic, Wandrd. Lots of social media hype, but honestly, took me a while to just not bother.

I swear by Tenba bags! I own 4 of them and they’re all amazing!

There is no singular best. Multiple bags is probably your best option. I prefer Think Tank over all others

Shimoda Explore v2

Sounds like the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450AW II meets your criteria, might want to check that one out. I have the 350 version and like it very much, but it's probably a bit too small for your needs.

I always seem to end up buying Lowepro or Tamrac bags for whatever reason. Been doing it for 40 years, go figure.

I have been super happy with my Wandrd prvke 31L. I have had mine for 4 years and took it everywhere with me for a while, it still looks close to new. I would checkout the prvke lite and the stratus 18L, both will do what you need so it probably comes down to which you prefer.

Edit: I've had peak design and boundary bags. The peak design bags are great for everyday stuff but the straps were not comfortable for more than 1-2 hours. Boundary is good, build quality is great and comfortable is great, I feel like the bag isn't designed as well as Wandrd or peak design from a function standpoint.

I've tried about 21 camera backpacks or backpacks with camera inserts, I own Sony FF and M43 gear.

For me the most comfortable, light weight, and flexible, is the Nomatic 18L Luma backpack.

It fits great under airplane seats, and I really love the top access to grab electrictronics and snacks without having to put the whole bag on your lap and dig.

I've also taken the luma on mountain hikes, outdoor portrait sessions, and used it to haul gear for my mobile studio kit.

My biggest complaint is that it only comes with one bungee strap, I ended up buying two more and use them frequently. One for my water bottle and two for coat or tripod. And yes that little hideaway tripod bootie is actually useful.

I don't own a laptop or tablet but the luma does have a laptop pocket.

Runner up for me would be the PD Zip 15L or 20L. I just got the 15L to use as more of a backpack, can't vouch for it yet, but so far I really like it.

Peak Design bags are designed exactly for this.

Waterproof without a cover? Only one I’m aware of the Osprey Archeon 40. I have the Farpoint 40 but it isn’t waterproof. You could always spray a waterproofing protection on any bag or material.

Look at peak design. I use their stuff

Go check out https://www.kentfaith.com/camera-bags?_gl=1*116ae8p*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAiA-ty8BhA_EiwAkyoa34JxE0j8EBghKO8XR17DlHxjP0AV5OdEF59bANSD-aHZXQ0Q7yCjzhoCXJcQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAABOLbX877Gn-z72iq4TvzrRz8wCWB

I have their 32L backpack and I love it

I have the Tilopa, which looks like a sized up version of the Kashmir. It's comfortable thanks to the wide shoulder straps with thick padding and the wide and thick hip straps. Gets a little hot since there isn't much airflow. It's fairly heavy compared to a hiking backpack since it has an internal frame and boatloads of padding.

It's not as light or comfortable as an Osprey but it's light enough and more comfortable than the other photography backpacks I've bought. I've used the Tilopa on multiday treks and it works well in that role.

The Kashmir looks like it should perform similarly but in a smaller package, though I don't have experience with it.

Hopefully someone can comment who has actually used the Kashmir.

Note: your back shouldn't get sore when you have the backpack on. Are you sure you have it adjusted properly? Get the torso length modified to fit your needs (it's usually adjustable), use the load lifter straps, the waist strap, and most of the weight should be sitting on your hips. Your hips are what should be sore at the end of the day, not your shoulders or your back.