Do you love to travel and take pictures? Who doesn’t, right? With the best waterproof bag for camera, you can take photos during your trips regardless if it is rain or shine. That is why a waterproof camera bag should be one of your travel must-haves!
See also:
We all wish to protect our investment (we know that the money you invested in buying your camera is no joke!) and that is why we have decided to create this article to help you find the best waterproof camera bag in the market.
Contents
Top Waterproof Bags for Camera
Of course, reliable reviews are what you need to make the right decision. With that in mind, here are some of the best waterproof camera bags (and lots of information on their features) that you can find in the market today:
Overboard Waterproof Roll Top Camera Bag
Manufactured with 600D PVC Tarpaulin, this camera bag is waterproof from its base up to its closing mechanism. But the most amazing feature of this camera bag is its closing mechanism.
It has a roll-up closure system which features a tube of waterproof fabric that needs to be rolled and unrolled. While this may take time, this closing mechanism seals in the camera ensuring that no water can get inside.
The interior portion of the bag is lined in order to protect the screen and the parts of your camera. Outside, you can find mesh accessories pocket. This is elasticated to also prevent the water from getting inside it.
The bag comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap that allows you to wear it into ways– as a shoulder bag or body bag. The good news is that this bag can also be used as a dry bag for your beach trips.
LowePro DryZone Waterproof Camera Duffle Bag
Duffle bag is not a common type of camera bag but thanks to its size and shape, it is able to accommodate a professional DSLR unit with a 70 to 200mm lens attached to it. It can also hold up to 2 extra lenses, flash, and other accessories.
The duffle bag is made of lightweight waterproof fabric. It has also garnered IPX-6 rating that indicates that this also has splash proof protection, making it a great choice of fabric for protecting the camera from splashes from heavy seas.
With its roll-top closure system, the bag is completely sealed and prevent water getting from into it from any angle. Moreover, the wide opening of the bag provides easy access to all your gadgets.
Inside the bag, there is a removable, fully padded camera case that allows you to transfer your gadgets to another storage option as quick and easy as possible. If you are always on the go, you will appreciate the bag’s ergonomic design.
This duffle bag comes in two sizes– 20L and 40L. Considering this, you can choose the size of the bag that can accommodate all the items that you plan to bring.
CADeN Waterproof Camera Messenger Bag
Here’s a multifunction camera messenger bag that is made of waterproof eco-friendly canvas material. The main compartment of the bag is divided into three parts and can store a DLSR and two lenses. The front pocket is large enough to fit an iPad. This compartment is made of a thick high-density PE foam that is both drop-resistant and shock-proof.
Outside, you can find a side zip pocket that can carry smaller items like chargers, mobile phones, and books. The camera has a wide strap of around 2 inches. This width is said to promote decompression and comfort.
Given the fact that all suture parts of the bag are reinforced, the bag can be able to accommodate weight of around 10 kg.
This messenger bags function not only as a camera bag but an outdoor bag as well.
QCute Waterproof Camera Tactical Bag
One look at this bag and you would think that it is a normal tactical bag but you will be surprised to know that this is big enough to accommodate a DSLR. To achieve that military look, the manufacturer used a military nylon that has been treated to become waterproof. Aside from the main compartment, the bag also features seven pockets and a net pocket on its right side.
The bag also features a polyester lining to add shockproof ability to the bag. If you do not need to bring your camera with you, you can simply detach the main compartment from the polyester lining and you can use the lining as a tactical bag.
The cherry on top of this bag is it has a Velcro tape at the front portion of the bag. You can use it to stick personal tags into so you can customize the bag or boost its style.
Neewer Pro Waterproof Camera Case
Featuring a dimension of 13.4 x 10.2 x 20.5 inches, this is a camera case that is made for the professionals because it can carry a DSLR camera and a few professional accessories like radio triggers, flash units, lenses, batteries, charges and many more.
Because of its waterproof polyester and nylon fabric and reinforced stitching, this camera case is considered to be durable and long lasting. The camera bag is padded and offers a good level of protection to the devices. Despite that, the back portion of the backpack has an ergonomic design and breathable material which can protect the user from perspiration.
Inside the bag, you can find removable and adjustable dividers which you can use to create 8 compartments inside the bag. It also has an anti-theft combination lock to preserve your privacy and safeguard your investment.
Straps and buckles are available on the sides are for storing tripods.
AmazonBasics Waterproof Holster Camera Case
This is the only triangular camera bag in the list. It is designed to hold only one DSLR camera unit and is considered to be compatible with the dimensions of a regularly sized DSLR with a zoom lens attached to it.
The main compartment holds the camera unit, but it has three exterior compartments for storing accessories and two small slots exclusively designed for holding SD memory cards.
For the ease and convenience of the user, the base of the camera case features a Waterproof EVA material which protects the bottom part of the bag from water and at the same time, allows the camera bag to stand when not in use.
The camera case comes with an adjustable padded shoulder strap.
TopixDeals Vintage Camera Bag
If you have a small camera, you can take a look at this vintage camera bag from Topixdeals. But don’t be fooled by its size. It may be small, but it is truly terrible. The PU leather used for this bag does not just look stylish—it is functional as well as it is both waterproof and shockproof.
The high-quality alloy lock of the bag is durable and sturdy. This goes the same with the bag’s clasps. It has bottom rivets that keep the bag steady and upright when placed in a table or other flat surfaces. The bag’s buckle and tuck closing mechanism provide easy access to the user.
Aside from the bag’s main compartment, it also has open pockets at both sides for spare batteries, chargers, and other accessories and an inner zippered pocket for storing smaller items.
AmazonBasics Hard Camera Case
If you wish to ensure the safe storage and reliable protection of your camera, this hard case can undoubtedly do the job. It is a stand out from all the other camera bags in the list because it does not only protect the camera from water—it is also hard enough to protect it from knocks, drops, and bumps.
This watertight case can protect your gadgets from water even if it is submerged to 1 meter of water for up to thirty minutes. While the insides of the case are not divided into compartments, it has pre-cut foam squares that secure the pieces in place. These squares can be removed, re-arranged and reshaped to suit your desired placement.
This hard camera case is recommended for anyone planning to bring their cameras as a carry-on in the plane since its size meets the standards set forth by FAA and domestic airlines.
The Ultimate Waterproof Camera Bag Buying Guide
So which of these waterproof camera bags should you buy? To answer that, you need to read this buying guide!
What to Expect from a Waterproof Camera Bag
As you may have already understood by now, waterproof camera bags are a bit more expensive than the regular camera bags. This is because these bags offer an extra layer of protection against water, the weather and other harsh environmental elements.
Just like waterproof bags for phone, the primary goal of the bag is this—it must not allow any amount of water to enter once they are closed. But of course, the waterproof camera bags that we have nowadays offer varying level of water protection.
Most waterproof camera bags can protect your camera from downpours and water splashes.
You can also find waterproof camera bags which can fully protect the camera even if it is already submerged in water. These types of camera bags come handy when playing water sports such as river rafting or kayaking.
Types of Waterproof Camera Bags
The first thing that you need to think about when choosing waterproof camera bags is the type of bag that you need.
Mind you; you will encounter lots of choices when it comes to camera bag types. Camera bag types are categorized based on the size and type of camera that it can store. These are as follows:
• Compact Camera Bags
Under this category, you have three options:
– Thermo-Molded Nylon Cases
These cases are less bulky than most camera cases. In its exterior, the cases are made of crush-resistant material while the interiors feature a soft lining designed to protect your camera from abrasion and scratches.
– Leather Cases
This is probably the stylish choice of all. However, they offer less padding and protection as compared to other bags.
– Closed-Cell Foam Cases
These cases feature a polyester/ tough nylon exterior with padded interior and are the bulkiest of all three types. Most of these cases come with extra compartments to accommodate a few camera accessories.
• DSLR Camera Bags
For this category, you can choose from five options:
– Rectangular Bags
This resembles your office bag and often comes with a shoulder bag strap for ease of transport. Inside the bag, there are internal divides. Outside, you can find lots of pockets for camera accessories.
– Fanny packs
These are the most convenient bag types to carry and provide you with easy access to your camera. Most fanny packs come with overlapping zipper closure for an added protection against dust and rain. Most of these bags have pockets at the sides of the main compartment for storing extra lenses.
The good thing about this type of camera bag is it can also be worn either as a shoulder or body bag. This versatility makes this bag the best option when you need different types of lenses for shooting.
– Backpacks
These are the most popular and biggest of all. Because of their size, most backpacks can accommodate up to two SLR cameras and a few lenses and other camera accessories.
In addition to its internal and external pockets, most camera backpacks also have a compression strap that can carry either a jacket or tripod.
This type of bag offers the best protection and is the best option for transporting your devices.
– Triangular Bags
The shape of this bag is exclusively designed to accommodate the shape of the SLR and its lens. Most of these bags are available for multiple carrying options since they come with a belt loop, top handle, shoulder straps, and even—chest harness.
– Hard Case
This looks like a briefcase but only bulkier and a lot flashier. Instead of leather, this hard case features a hard shell case that protects the camera not just from water or rain but possible bumps, scratches and falls as well.
Inside the case, you can find molded Styrofoam squares that provided padding to the camera and its accessories and secures them in place.
Things to Consider When Buying Waterproof Camera Bags
Aside from the types, here are the other things that you need to consider when making your decision:
• Size
The size of the bag matters a lot. After all, this is the one can determine how much accessories you can fit in it. To determine how big is the camera bag that you need, it is recommended that you first get the dimensions of your camera.
Aside from that, you may also want to take a look at the number of accessories that you plan to bring. Also, get the dimensions of everything that you want to put inside the bag so you can check if the bag that you are eyeing is big enough to accommodate them all.
• Level of Protection
Yes, we already know that you want a bag that can protect your camera from being soaked in water. But in addition to that, what other types of protection do you need?
Do you want a padded bag so you can protect your camera from falls and scratches? Or do you need a bag that can also protect your camera from the weather and moisture? If that’s the case, you may want to get one that has waterproof covers.
• Closure System
The ability of the bag to protect your camera from water relies on its closure system. Most waterproof bag uses a waterproof zipper closure system which can deliver airtight seal to the entire bag.
Another common closure system for waterproof camera bags is the roll top closure system. It features a waterproof fabric tube which needs to be folded plenty of times to seal the bag and protect the camera. This offers full security to the camera, but of course, the process of rolling and unrolling the tube takes time which prevents you from having easy access to the camera. This type of system, while offers a high level of protection, is only recommended for the transportation of the camera.
• Ease of Access
If you are always on the go or you want to shoot photos while you are traveling, you would need a camera bag that will provide you with ease of access to your belongings. This will be determined by the opening and closing mechanism of the bag.
For this purpose, the zipper closure system works best in providing protection as well as easy access to your cameras. But please keep in mind that this type of closure system may show signs of wear and tear after only a few months. To prevent the zipper from getting stuck, it is recommended that you apply lubricant to it now and then.
Another concern that you may have with this closing mechanism is it tends to scratch your camera if not opened properly and gently.
• Compartments and Pockets
When it comes to compartments and pockets, there are three things that you should consider—availability, size, and location.
If you wish to keep your things organized and scratch-free, you have to make sure that the camera bag that you will buy have pockets and compartments.
If it has, you can proceed in scrutinizing the next two considerations. When checking out a camera bag, make sure that you try putting in and taking out your items in the bag. This is to see if the compartments are strategically placed in easy-to-access locations and are positioned ergonomically. When the pockets of the bag are not well-positioned, there’s a good chance that you will drop your camera or lenses.
Second, the size of your bag’s compartment can determine how easy it will be for you to have access to its contents. The larger the opening of the compartment is, the easier for you to put in and remove its contents. But when it comes to the lens pocket, the storage area should be snug so the lens won’t fall out of your bag.
Final Words
There you go—these are all the best waterproof camera bags that you can find in the market. To determine which is the best waterproof bag for camera for your needs, we recommend that you pay close attention and follow the tips that we have mentioned in the buying guide. That is the only way for you to find a camera bag that is easy to use and offers high level of protection to your most prized possession.
If you know any other people who will benefit from using a waterproof camera bag, please feel free to share this article with them.