Back-to-School Essentials: Best Camera Backpacks for Film Students
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Back to school shopping has officially begun. For film students returning to campus this fall, and even for those studying remotely, you’ll need a backpack to secure your camera and laptop, but also tripods, camera lenses, books, binders, and any other essentials.
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Filmmaking, photography, and videography typically involve wearing different hats, and sometimes braving a myriad of outside elements and shaky terrain. It can also mean holding down a day job while you’re in school, or until your passion project takes flight. Whatever the case, a durable bag will keep everything in one place. To make the search easier, we rounded up some of the best camera backpacks that can be used for school and travel. See our our list below, and for more shopping recommendations check out must-have camera accessories and great deals on cameras.
Case Logic SLR Camera and Laptop Backpack
The Case Logic Camera and Laptop Backpack comes equipped with a bunch of compartments to hold anything from a small tripod to camera lenses. There’s a computer compartment that fits 16″ standard laptops, and up to 17″ for MacBook Pro. The backpack is made from nylon with a waterproof base, and memory foam interior.
The North Face Router Transit Backpack
The North Face is known for durable backpacks that last years, and based on more than 300 reviews, the Router Transit backpack is no exception. This durable and sturdy backpack is the brand’s largest backpack, with a capacity of 41 liters. It features a removable waist band, two external vertical zippered pockets, comfortable shoulder straps designed with FlexVent suspension technology, along with a padded mesh back panel and spine channel to provide cushioned comfort. You can fit a 17” laptop in the backpack, and there’s a secondary compartment for your binders and books. There’s also two water bottle compartments, and an external fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or small electronics. The Recon is available in four different colors, red, gray, green, and black. If you’re in the market for something a little smaller (and slightly cheaper) try The North Face Recon Unisex Backpack .
Brevite Jumper Photo Bag
The Jumper Photo Bag from Brevite is compact and lightweight, making it great for everyday use. The backpack has multiple compartments to carry your books and camera gear, and there’s a separate computer pocket that fits a 16” laptop, along with easily-accessible side pockets. It’s also multi-functional, which means you can use it for travel (the backpack has a special pocket for your passport). You can also get this Brevite bag on Amazon.
Gitzo Century Traveler Camera Bag
This one is a big more expensive than the others, but it’s made from genuine Italian leather with premium details. The Gitzo Century Traveler Bag is designed to hold camera gear like a Canon 5D, Sony A7 kit or a DJI Mavic kit. The bag has secure lock zips to keep your stored belonging safe, a 15” laptop compartment, and a smart tripod connection.
Herschel Tech Backpack, 30L
If you’re going for a sleeker design, Herschel’s Tech Backpack is a modern, on-the-go style created with the tech-savvy in mind. The bag features a luggage trolley sleeve and three main compartments outfitted with a variety of organizers for devices, and in-flight essentials.
Shimoda Explore 30 Adventure Bag
The multifunctional Adventure Bag from Shimoda has easily accessible compartments on the rear and sides. The adjustable torso height makes it suitable for adults of different heights, plus it’s waterproof, sturdy, and can withstand the rain, mud, and a range of camera lenses.
Dohangpao Extra Large Laptop Backpack, Waterpoof
For the student filmmaker on a budget, this multi-purpose starter bag is moderately priced and well worth it. The backpack fits laptops up to 17″ long, and comes equipped with ample storage compartments, a USB charging port, a luggage strap, and more.
Lowepro Trekker Outdoor Camera Backpack
Lowepro’s Trekker Outdoor Camera Backpack is more set up for your photography needs, but it also fits up to a 15″ laptop, an iPad or another tablet brand, smart phones, and has tons of other device storage. And if you’re planning on traveling, it converts into two small carry-on bags.
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