Looking for the best camera backpack for women? You’re not alone! Although there are currently hundreds of camera backpacks on the market, somehow most don’t exactly hit that sweet spot of a camera bag that’s stylish, functional and actually fits.

That’s why we decided to put together this buying guide of our favorite camera backpacks for women. These bags hit all the right marks – they look good, they are designed well and they are just the right size to comfortably fit most women. No big black bulky backpacks. And no poorly designed cute camera backpacks that put more emphasis on “cute” than on functional.

Best Camera Backpacks for Women

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip

Peak Design

If you are looking for the best camera backpack for women then the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip is it. No, seriously.

We love the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip for its 3-way access to your gear and myriad of special pockets and compartments to keep your photography and personal items safe and sound. The internal adjustable FlexFold dividers allow you to carry both full-frame DSLR and Mirrorless Camera bodies plus extra lenses. You can even remove the Flexfold dividers all together to use the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip as a daypack.

Read more about the Peak Design Everyday Zip

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A no-compromise design in a small package

If you are looking for a high quality yet stylish camera backpack for women with all of the features of a larger camera bag then it won’t take too much looking around to find out that there just aren’t that many to choose from on the market. Big bulky camera backpacks are often the standard and somehow all of the most innovative features don’t make it down to backpacks that can actually comfortably fit many women.

With the Everyday Backpack Zip, Peak Design offers a thoughtfully-designed small camera backpack for women that is just as feature-rich as their larger models. It’s also built to the same great quality standard that the brand is known for.

One of the Everyday Backpack Zip’s best features is its 270-degree weatherproof zipper that allows side access to your camera gear from either side and gives you the ability to open the backpack up completely for access to the entire main compartment for easy packing of your gear.

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How this backpack fits

Available in 15L and 20L sizes, you are bound to find a version of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip that fits perfectly. The smaller and simpler form allows for sleek carry in the city while its water resistant construction makes it a great companion for outdoor adventures.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip Dimensions:

• 15L – 16.53” H x 10.23” W x 7.87” D

• 20L – 18.5” H x 11.41” W x 8.26” D

Most women will find the 15L version to be the best fitting. Taller women and those with broader shoulders will find the 20L to be a good fit. The 20L Everyday Backpack Zip is also great if you would rather have more internal packing room.

The Wandrd Duo Daypack

WANDRD

With its slim profile and incredible variety of features, the WANDRD Duo Daypack makes a great camera backpack for women who need a bag that is functional in design and intuitive to use.

Some of our favorite features include a built-in pop-up camera cube, padded internal pockets to store lenses and an innovative zipper design that allows for traditional top access, side access and full clamshell access.

Read more about the WANDRD DUO Daypack

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If you are looking for a more technical women’s camera backpack – the WANDRD Duo Daypack may be just the ticket!

We love the WANDRD Duo Daypack for its innovative camera and everyday carry features that are built into the bag. The bottom of the main compartment has a “pop camera cube” insert that turns the Duo into a camera backpack in seconds. The padded pockets inside the main compartment are perfect for protecting lenses and other precious items like hard drives or sunglasses. 

What really sets the WANDRD Duo apart from other daypacks is its “infinite zip” system that allows for 270 degree access to your stuff. This means the inside can be accessed from the top like a traditional backpack, from either side for quick camera access and it can also open up like a clamshell backpack for complete access to all of the pockets and compartments that line the inside.

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How this backpack fits

With a 20 liter carrying capacity the WANDRD Duo is compact enough for most women to wear comfortably but has enough room to be used as a daily driver or even as a travel camera backpack.

WANDRD Duo Backpack dimensions:

• 19.5″H X 11.5″W X 6.5”D

The WANDRD Duo lends itself to a more unisex fit, therefore its 19.5-inch backpack height is better suited for women over 5’5” as those on the shorter side might find the WANDRD Duo to a bit too long. However the 6.5” depth is slimmer than many photography backpacks of this size – as a result you get a sleeker bag that reduces that awkward “turtleshell” look found in larger camera backpacks.

Bagsmart Women’s Camera Backpack

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It’s rare to find a cute camera backpack under $50 that doesn’t fall short on functional features but somehow Bagsmart has managed to pull it off!

We love this women’s camera backpack for its ultra-compact design that ensures a great fit for petite bodies. Features like customizable padded dividers and full clamshell and side zippers give you fast access to your DSLR or SLR camera for those quick photo moments.

Is pink not your thing? Don’t worry, this backpack is also available in a sleek black.

Read more about the Bagsmart Women’s Camera Backpack

Those looking for a small camera backpack for women will be impressed by the variety of big features that this Bagsmart backpack manages to pack inside. The main compartment is fully customizable thanks to the included padded dividers. Although small, the backpack still gives you enough room to store one or two DSLR camera bodies and multiple lenses. 

Pockets throughout the bag give you easy organization for smaller accessories like SD cards, cables and a 13” laptop. The side pocket is great for storing a water bottle or even a tripod thanks to the integrated hold-down straps. On non-photography days you have the ability to remove the padded dividers altogether and use the backpack as a regular daypack.

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How this backpack fits

Bagsmart Women’s Camera Backpack dimensions:

• 14.6” H x 10.2” W x 5.7” D

As a camera backpack for women, we love the ultra-compact design that bodes well for petite women. Many unisex camera backpacks are too long for shorter torsos and can become uncomfortable to wear for long durations of time.

Bagsmart does a great job at offering a smaller bag with only a 14.6-inch height – which is much more compact than most other camera backpacks on the market today – while still providing enough internal space for a DLSR camera with a 70-200mm lens attached plus extra lenses and accessories.

In fact, if you are specifically looking for a small camera backpack for women then we highly recommend this Bagsmart backpack.

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Peak Design Everyday Totepack

Peak Design

Carry it like a tote or go-hands free in backpack mode – the Peak Design Everyday Totepack is as versatile as you are! The Everyday Totepack allows full customization of the inside for photography gear, tech and everyday carry thanks to Peak Design’s included FlexFold dividers. And a sleek modern design with a water resistant finish allows the Everyday Totepack to be worn just about anywhere.

Read more about the Peak Design Everyday Totepack

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Peak Design is a brand to look out for if you are on the search for some of the best camera backpacks for women. The Everyday Totepack gives you 20 liters of internal packing room which is more than enough for daily gear hauls of cameras, lenses and even a drone plus accessories. Just like all Peak Design camera bags, you’ll have fast access to your camera through a special side zipper. For daily carry the Peak Design Everyday Totepack features a 15” laptop sleeve, separate tablet sleeve and plenty of smaller pockets for organization.

All of these features are enclosed inside a super stylish design that looks as good as it functions. The padded backpack straps are quickly stowable for when you want to carry the bag as a tote and each Everyday Totepack is made from incredibly durable recycled nylon canvas that is treated for maximum water resistance so you’ll know your gear is safe!

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How this backpack fits

Peak Design Everyday Totepack dimensions:

• 18.1” H x 14.96” W x 6.69” D

The Peak Design Everyday Totepack was designed to comfortably fit most women but it is on the larger side with an 18.1-inch height.

The Everyday Totepack runs larger than the Peak Design Everyday Zip Pack – therefore if you are looking for a smaller backpack with similar functionality we recommend going with the 15L Zip Pack. 

Brevite Jumper Compact Camera Backpack

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Nimble and lightweight – the Brevite Jumper takes the features we love about larger photography bags and squeezes it into a smaller package. With an 18-liter carrying capacity, the Jumper has the room you need for a full frame DSLR, extra lenses, laptop, small valuables and even extra clothing.

Read more about the Brevite Jumper

The Brevite Jumper is a small camera backpack for those who like to carry just their essential photography gear and a few extras. The camera partition fits a full frame DSLR plus 3 lenses. The top partition of the main compartment can fit additional stuff such as a sweater or hoodie while the various pockets and compartments are great for a laptop, water bottle, passport and SD cards. A tripod can be attached to the bottom of the bag using the included hidden utility straps.

Access to your camera is a breeze thanks to the front camera zipper that gives you full access to the partitions. Another side zipper allows for quick draw of your camera when needed.

How this backpack fits

Brevite Jumper backpack dimensions:

• 17” H x 11” W x 5.5” D

The Brevite Jumper makes a great women’s camera backpack thanks to its compact size and cute design. The smaller size of the bag is a good alternative for women who find most unisex backpacks way too bulky and the shoulder straps to be ill-fitting – areas where the Brevite Jumper really shines in terms of fit.

Bagsmart Anniston Camera Backpack

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The Bagsmart Anniston gives you a roomy capacity in a smaller package that is perfect for women. With 20 liters of internal capacity you can easily fit a DSLR camera with a 70-2000mm lens attached plus additional lenses and camera accessories in the lower camera zone. Plenty of pockets and compartments throughout the bag also makes organization a breeze.

Read more about the Bagsmart Anniston

The Bagsmart Anniston divides its main compartment into two different “zones”. The bottom camera zone comes equipped with adjustable dividers for your camera, lenses and accessories while the top zone is an open compartment for packing your daily essentials. These zones can be combined on days when you want to use the Bagsmart Anniston as a regular daypack.

One of the features we really like about this camera bag is that its great at keeping your stuff nice and organized. You have a padded laptop compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15-inches, side pockets for water bottles or a tripod, and plenty of internal mesh pockets for smaller items that tend to slip to the bottom of a pack. With everything in its right place you are sure to spend more time shooting great photos instead of looking for lost bits and bobs inside of your backpack.

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How this backpack fits

Bagsmart Anniston dimensions:

• 15.7” H x 11.8” L x 7.5” D

One reason we love the Bagsmart Anniston DSLR Camera backpack is that it walks the fine line between having a compact profile without being too small for larger camera gear. With a 15.7-inch bag height, the Anniston will comfortable fit most women who usually find unisex backpacks to be too long in the torso. The 7.5-inch depth allows the backpack to sit out more from your back this is what allows for the additional packing room so that you can fit everything you need without worry unlike slimmer bags.

We recommend the Bagsmart Anniston to those who are looking for a compact women’s camera bag that doesn’t compromise on internal packing room and organization.

WANDRD PRVKE Lite

WANDRD

The PRVKE Lite is an ultra-light and compact version of WANDRD’s best-selling PRVKE camera and everyday carry backpack. Its smaller size makes it a great camera backpack for women who want all of the pro-grade features usually only found in larger (and more expensive) camera backpacks.

Read more about the WANDRD PRVKE Lite

The WANDRD PRVKE Lite takes after its larger sibling The PRVKE. The Lite version keeps a lot of the features that made the original backpack so special – modular internal partitions for camera gear and personal daily items, a fully padded laptop sleeve, weatherproof construction and multiple modes of access to your gear from the outside.

Inside the camera storage partition you’ll be able to fit a full frame camera body, up to 3 lenses and accessories. The roll-top main compartment can expands from 11 to 15 liters – this allows you to keep the bag compact on light days or expand it on longer days when you need more storage.

One reason we love WANDRD bags so much is that their quality never disappoints. This is a well-made bag and it feels like one when you use it. The YKK weather resistant zippers always feel smooth and snag-free and the 1680D Ballistic Nylon is a tough fabric that can survive just about any adventure. If you are a woman looking for a technical and high quality camera backpack that actually fits, we highly recommend the WANDRD PRVKE.

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How this backpack fits

Although unisex in form, the PRVKE Lite was designed for people with smaller frames. The jam-packed features and high quality build alone puts the PRVKE Lite miles ahead of other camera backpacks for women that tend to lack those premium elements.

WANDRD PRVKE Lite dimensions:

• 16” H x 11” W x 5.5” D

With a height of 16-inches and width of only 11-inches, the PRVKE Lite will comfortably fit women with smaller frames and narrow shoulders. The adjustable chest strap also gives additional stability with heavier loads – a feature that many other women’s camera backpacks lack.

Urth Arkose Modular Camera Backpack

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Featuring a sleek minimalist style and a smart modular design, the Urth Arkose is a gem in the rough of overly-technical (and ugly) camera backpacks. You can use the Urth Arkose as a daily laptop backpack or convert it to a camera backpack thanks to its removable padded camera insert. Its “snap in half” design allows for quick access to your camera gear when on the move.

Read more about the Urth Arkose

The Urth Arkose can convert into a camera backpack thanks to its small camera insert which holds one camera body and 2-3 lenses. The camera insert can be carried inside the backpack or held on its own. Since both the Urth Arkose backpack and camera insert are made from the same water resistant materials, you can be sure that you gear will stay safe no matter how you decide to carry it.

In addition to the modular camera insert, the Urth Arkose can also fit plenty of daily essentials in the top half of the main compartment. A padded laptop sleeve and additional organizer pockets line the inside of the main compartment for easy access to all of your items. The discreet external straps also allow for a tripod to be attached to the side of the bag when needed. 

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How this backpack fits

Urth Arkose backpack dimensions:

• 18.11” H x 11” W x 5.9” D

The Urth Arkose features a unisex design and is not a women’s specific fit. But its overall dimensions are still compact enough to fit most women comfortably.

Bagsmart Photo Series Camera Backpack

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Available in cute colors like ivory, light blue, pink and khaki, the Bagsmart Photo Series backpack is a great choice if you are looking for a larger camera backpack with a stylish design. The 25 liter internal capacity is perfect for weekend adventures when you need to carry both your camera gear and essential travel items.

Read more about the Bagsmart Photo Series

The inside of the Bagsmart Photo Series Camera backpack is divided into two areas to keep your camera gear and personal items separated. This allows for access of your camera and lenses through the front packing panel or from the side zipper while not disturbing the things packed on the top of the main compartment.

Included padded dividers allow you to pack either a full frame and mirrorless cameras with a lens attached plus 3-5 extra lenses and accessories.

How this backpack fits

Bagsmart Photo Series Backpack dimensions:

• 17.3” H x 11.5” W x 7” D

The larger internal capacity makes the Bagsmart Photo Series backpack larger than many of the other women’s camera backpacks on this list but the overall size is still compact enough to fit most women comfortably.

Jo Totes Bellbrook Camera and Laptop Backpack

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The Jo Totes Bellbrook is a stylish camera backpack for women that offers the features you need to shoot and edit your photos on the go! The main compartment can be customized to fit your camera gear using the included padded dividers while a padded rear compartment accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop and smaller accessories.

Read more about the Jo Totes Bellbrook

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How this backpack fits

Jo Brooks Bellbrook backpack dimensions:

15.75” H x 12” W x 6.25” D

The Jo Totes Bellbrook was designed as a women’s camera backpack and features a compact women’s specific fit. The 15.75” height is perfect for petite women while the roomy width and depth of the bag allows for more storage room on the inside. 

We recommend the Jo Totes Bellbrook for anyone looking for a small and stylish camera backpack for women that is still roomy enough for larger 15-inch laptops.

Camera Backpack Features To Look Out For

Camera Inserts vs Integrated Dividers

Camera bags usually come in two flavors: Bags with camera inserts and those that use integrated padded dividers.

A camera backpack with a camera insert allows for you to switch between a camera bag and a regular carry bag by just removing the insert. This is great for those who don’t need a dedicated camera backpack or don’t always need to carry their camera with them.

Camera bags with integrated padded dividers feature a special lining that allows adjustable dividers to stick to the inside of the backpack itself. These bags are best for those who carry larger gear (since you are not limited to the size of a removable insert) or for those who would prefer a dedicated camera bag.

Read more about camera backpack features

Types of Camera Access

It’s important to determine what kind of camera bag you need based on what gear you carry and shooting style. Do you need lots of space to haul gear to a destination such as large lenses, drones and accessories? Or do you need a backpack that allows for quick access to your camera for on-demand shots while on the move? 

With camera backpacks there are three common access points to look out for: clamshell, camera compartment and side access

Clamshell

Clamshell backpacks feature a zipper that spans 3 sides of the main compartment. This allows you access to the entire main compartment much like a suitcase. 

Many camera backpacks feature a clamshell main compartment so that you can easily your pack and unpack your camera gear. And because they often utilize the entire inside space, we recommend going with a clamshell camera backpack if you need to haul lots of larger gear such as a drone, gimbals, multiple large lenses and larger video cameras.

Camera Compartment

Unlike a clamshell camera backpack that utilizes the entire main compartment, a backpack with a camera compartment reserves a smaller section of the bag for camera carry. This allows you to “split” the backpack into two sections: one section for your camera gear and another for essentials like travel clothing and personal daily items.

We recommend a backpack with a camera compartment if you have a simple setup of a camera body and a couple of lenses. Another advantage of a backpack with a camera compartment is that many models feature a modular backpack design which allows you remove the camera compartment when not in use. This gives you the option to use the your camera backpack as a regular daypack.

Side Access

Many camera backpacks have a special side zipper for easy-access to your camera. Both clamshell and backpacks with camera compartments can feature side access.

Side access is a great feature to have if you shoot candidly and for traveling since you can access your camera by swinging the backpack to the front and accessing the side pocket. If having fast access to your camera is important – make sure you new camera bag has a side access pocket!

Finding a Womens Camera Backpack That Fits

Camera bags are designed to haul lots of heavy gear so making the right choice is crucial when shopping for a camera backpack online since you won’t be able to try it one before purchase.

For people with slimmer shoulders and shorter torsos, we recommend paying attention to two areas: backpack height and shoulder strap width.

Backpack Height 

Knowing a backpack’s dimensions is especially helpful when shopping online because it gives you a huge clue as to how the backpack will fit. This is why we made sure to include the dimensions of each backpack on all the bags we recommend in this buying guide.

For women looking for a comfortable camera backpack that can fit shorter torsos, the height measurement is one of the most important.

To figure out if a backpack will be a good fit – measure the length from the base of your neck to the very top of your hip bone. For the most comfortable fit, the backpack height should not exceed this measurement.

Shoulder Strap Width

You are also going to want to pay attention to the width in between the shoulder straps and the width of the shoulder straps themselves.

Many men’s and unisex camera backpacks have shoulder straps that are further apart to accommodate wide shoulders. This can be an issue for people with slimmer and smaller frames and usually results in an uncomfortable and ill-fitting backpack.

Most women will benefit from a backpack that has its shoulder straps placed closer together.

For a more in depth guide on backpack fit we recommend our guide How to Find a Backpack That Fits.

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