It might not seem like a big deal to choose a landscape photography camera bag.
But I'm here to tell you that if you don't put some thought into making your decision, you could end up with a bag that doesn't do a very good job of protecting your gear.
What's more, you could find yourself in a lot of discomfort if you choose the wrong bag for landscape photography.
With those things in mind, here's a few tips for what to look for in the best camera bags for landscapes with a few examples of great camera bags to consider.
Editor's Note: I use Vanguard camera bags as examples throughout this article because they make high-quality bags for all kinds of photographers that will protect your gear and keep your comfortable, too.
What to Look for in a Landscape Photography Camera Bag: Comfort
For me, a camera backpack is the way to go for landscape photography.
There's two primary reasons for this: it's a stable way to carry your gear and it's comfortable, too.
When you're hiking along a trail, the last thing you want is your camera bag to be flopping around at your side or sliding all over your shoulder.
With a backpack like the Vanguard Alta Rise 45, you don't have to worry about things like that because the dual shoulder straps, chest strap, and hip strap keep the load you're carrying nice and balanced.
What's more, with all those straps the load of your gear is distributed much more evenly on your body - to your shoulders, back, and hips.
The more comfortable you are carrying your gear, the longer you can explore your surroundings and get the shots you want.
And while the knock on many backpacks is that they're hard to access, Vanguard has made sure that that's not the case with the Alta Rise 45.
With quick-access on both sides of the bag, you can easily grab your camera to get quick shots.
There's also a Stay Steady tripod carrying system so you can bring along your tripod and carry it in total comfort (and have easy access as well).
Learn More:
- Must-Have Features in a Landscape Photography Tripod
- 5 Beginner Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Storage Capacity is an Important Feature
When shopping for a landscape photography camera bag, you need to bear in mind what kind of gear - and how much of it - you need to carry.
The Alta Rise 45 discussed in the previous section has enough room to fit a professional DSLR, 4-5 lenses, a flash and other accessories, as well as a tablet or a laptop.
But not everyone needs a DSLR camera bag that has that much capacity...
In that case, consider getting something smaller like the Vanguard Havana 41 shown above and below.
This bag fits a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a lens attached, one or two additional lenses, and all your accessories as well.
There's a slot for a tablet or laptop, pockets for things like your phone and car keys, and two water bottle pockets on the exterior of the bag.
And as is the case with all Vanguard bags, the interior of the Havana 41 is well-padded and organized, that way your gear stays safe and sound.
There's even a spot for a monopod or a small tripod, too.
So, even smaller camera bags have the ability to hold tons of gear. That's beneficial for you if you're still building your kit because if you get a bag that has enough storage capacity, it can grow with you as you acquire more gear.
Learn More:
Look for Helpful Details
When shopping for a landscape photography camera bag, it's not just the comfort and carrying capacity that are important.
Instead, you want to look for a bag that has features that will help you get the photos you want.
As noted earlier, Vanguard's bags have easy-access panels so you can quickly retrieve the gear you need.
You might also think about how the bag's main compartment opens.
For example, the Vanguard Alta Sky 45D has a wide-mouth opening that gives you unfettered access to the main compartment.
And once its open, you won't have trouble finding any of your gear thanks to the bright yellow interior. That will really help you find what you need when you're out at night photographing awesome landscapes!
Something else to consider is whether the bag you choose will protect your gear in all kinds of weather.
While most camera backpacks have padded interiors and organized cubbies for your gear, not all of them have an integrated rain cover like the Alta Sky 45D.
While you might not spend a ton of time out in the rain or snow, on the occasion that you find yourself in inclement weather, you want to be sure your gear will stay dry.
Other features to look for are a comfortable strap system like the ergonomic Air System back on the Alta Sky 45D.
Whether you're carrying a ton of gear or just a single camera, lens, and a few accessories, the last thing you want is flimsy shoulder straps cutting into your shoulders on a long hike!
With these tips for finding the best camera bags, I hope you're able to get outfitted with a bag that's comfortable, functional, and will last you for many years to come.