Let’s explore the best crossbody camera bags brands for 2021
Imagine having to find a flat surface and take off your camera case to take out your camera. Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it? But it’s not.
Every photographer knows that a second of time is all the difference between a masterpiece and an average picture. It’s possible that by the time you take out your camera, the scene or the subjects are gone.
Things get even hectic in metropolitan or street photography. There’s not enough space to place your camera backpack. And, in case you think that holding your camera in hand the whole time will do any good, it won’t. It will just lead to a tired hand unable to properly focus the camera.
The only possible solution to this problem is to use a bag that is easily accessible and can still protect your camera. In other words, a crossbody camera bag. So, in this article, we will see some of the best such bags for your photography trips.
The Top 6 Best Crossbody Camera Bags
1. S-ZONE Vintage Camera Messenger Bag
S-Zone messenger bag is the top pick for anyone looking for a vintage-looking bag. The bag uses a horse trim leather with canvas to a classic appeal. However, looks are only one part of its advantages; the other is its performance.
This bag uses an internal foam insert to hold your stuff. It ensures that no shock ever reaches your accessories or the camera.
The camera bag also includes two additional foam pieces for the same task. The best part is that they are both detachable. You can always take out these foam to turn your camera bag into a simple messenger bag.
If that doesn’t sound appealing, wait till you load it with your stuff. The thing may appear small, but it can easily handle your camera along with 1-2 lenses and accessories.
The bag also has a small additional pocket for storing smart phones, memory cards, and other such things. Its buckle lock system makes sure you don’t have any problem taking them out.
Pros
- Waterproof and weather-resistant
- Available in multiple colors
- The protective inner camera insert
- Dual front buckle pockets
- Adjustable strap with metal buckles
- 1-year warranty
- Convertible to 14 inches laptop bag
Cons
- No top handle
- No pocket for water bottle
2. Billingham Hadley Pro
Billingham is popular for its high-end, well-designed bags, and its Hadley Pro is no exception. The bag presents its users with unmatched craftsmanship, quality, and style. Not to mention, ample storage space for your camera.
The company makes this bag with around three layers of high-quality canvas or Fibrenyte material. These materials offer a clean look and a very consistent finish quality.
They also make the bag completely waterproof and ready for rough usage. And to complete the looks, Billigaham uses leather patches over the bag. The leather reinforces the bag and prevents all its major joints from any external damage.
Talking of storage, the bag offers one main compartment, an adjustable front pocket, and a zipper pocket. The camera bag also has four adjustable dividers to keep your accessories organized. You can adapt the bag to store one camera body, three small lenses, or one camera with two large lenses.
In the case of a mirrorless or compact camera, you have enough room for a flash stick too. However, the bag doesn’t have room for a battery grip.
It is also small for large telelenses, something larger than 300 mm. But that’s a small price for an elegant and highly protective camera bag. Besides, most long lenses are far too heavy for a shoulder anyways.
Pros
- Strap adjustable for length of 85 to 148 cm
- Comes with a removable insert
- Available in multiple different color variants
- Usable as a 13inches laptop bag
- Expandable using the drawstring bag
Cons
- Need to pay extra for a shoulder pad
4. The Libby 2.0
The Libby 2.0 by Sunny 16 is an exclusive women’s camera bag. The bag looks identical to a purse but has much more storage space and a rugged build. The company uses high-quality vegan leather as the main material for the bag. This material ensures very high strength and decent water-resistance to the bag. It also makes the bag resistant to scratches and dust.
Accompanying this material are high-strength metallic clamps and zippers. It also has a detachable strap, so you don’t have any problem carrying it.
Sunny 16 tests all of these fitting and ensures they are all up to their high standards. They will last for years without causing any problem.
On the inside, this bag provides space to store one camera body with 2 large or 5 small lenses. There’s also a padded section for up to 15 inches laptops and 10 inches tablets.
The bag also has two front pockets and two side pockets for storing small accessories. There’s also a slip pocket and a back zip pocket for the same. You can say the bag’s ready for anything from everyday office use to long photography trips.
Pros
- Space for up to 15 inches laptop
- 5 adjustable foam pad interior
- Can store up to 5 lenses
- Separate pocket for up to 10 inches tablet
- Detachable strap for easy carry
- Large slip pocket on both sides
- Spacey front pockets
- Water and abrasion-resistant
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- Shoulder pad not included
Read More: Leather Camera Bags
6. Peak Design 15″ Everyday Messenger Bag v1
Whether you need a camera bag for a casual outing or a professional trip, the peak design everyday messenger bag is an option. The compact bag follows the build of a side bag while offering space almost equal to a backpack. It can hold up to three lenses along with your camera body and accessories. The bag even has a strap to hold your tripod and a sleeve to store your laptop.
The material used for this bag again makes it a considerable choice. Peak Design uses a waxed exterior for the bag, making it highly resistant to splashes. The zippers also share the same weatherproof properties.
This whole bag also has a rigid internal structure and very high-density foam padding. So, it will not only maintain structure but also absorb all the shock and bumps. And then there’s the mag latch to enable the quick opening.
Pros
- 15 inches laptop sleeve
- High-density foam padding
- Water-resistant
- 18 liters storage capacity
- Quick-access top zipper
- Weatherproof exterior zippers
Cons
- Not ideal for long zoom lenses
- No strap pad
Read More: 11 Best Waterproof Laptop Backpack 2021
7. Caden Camera Bag Sling Backpack Camera
With a price of lower than 100 dollars, the Caden camera bag is best for anyone looking for an affordable yet durable bag. The bag packs the best and most unique design, is easy to access, and is really protective. Caden uses high-end 230D twill fabric material to meet your expectations. It also has 8 raised positions to absorb external forces.
The thing that makes this product exclusive is its shape and overall build. This bag uses a triangular base structure, making it very easy to slide back and forth. Its strap further compliments the cause. You can use it as a one-strap backpack, side bag, or even a chest bag without any problem.
For the storage part, the bag offers you four sections. It can easily house one camera body with 2-3 lenses and a tablet. Its side pocket also has room for batteries, cables, cards, and more. There’s also an expandable mesh pocket and a tripod strap that you can use. And each of these pockets is an easy access type. Even the lenses and body are accessible from the sides.
Pros
- Soft strap padding
- Easy access main pocket
- Water and weather resistant
- Comes with an external rain cover
- 3 padded internal separators
- Weighs less than a kg
- Honeycomb mesh back for breathability
Cons
- Congested for a camera with battery grips
Read More: Best Sling Bags
8. MOSISO Camera Sling Bag
Mosiso is a unique design back that combines both a backpack and a crossbody bag. It looks and is structured exactly like a backpack but with a crossbody strap. You can easily wear it on the back and rotate it to access your accessories when needed. The bag also has a hip strap to provide stability while wearing it on the back.
The thing that makes it even more amazing is its unique loading section. This bag allows sideloading of all your gadgets and camera. Simply open the zipper, and the main section opens up like a closet door. You can then load it with your camera body, with up to three standard-size lenses.
Above the main section, you get a zipper pocket to store accessories like a flash stick or an extra lens. Mosiso has also provided a tripod holder and an anti-theft pocket in this bag. There’s also a large zipper pocket in the front and a mesh pocket on the side. The main section also has a padded pocket for a laptop or tablet.
And to add to it all, Mosiso offers the bag in several colors. You can get it in black, wine red, storm green, navy blue, and many more. The company also provides a one-year warranty on each of its products.
Pros
- Shoulder strap adjustable for 19.3-38.9 inches length
- Anti-theft pocket
- Sideloading structure
- Wearable as a chest bag
- Foamed interior
- Water-resistant exterior layer
- Meshed back and shoulder strap
- Available in six colors
- Additional section for flash
- Padded section for laptop or tablet
Cons
- Inconvenient to wear on the right shoulder
Things to Consider Before Buying a Crossbody bag
Size: The storage space that a photographer will need in a camera bag is relative. Some like to go out only with the essential item, while others go all out. Depending on your type, you will need side pockets, slip pockets, and sometimes a tripod insert. So keep these requirements in mind while selecting your camera bag.
Accessibility: The whole point of having a crossbody bag is to get instant access to the camera. So, it’s understood that you have to go for bags with an easy opening and closing system. However, there are a lot of those in the market. You can get a bag with a quick access zipper, clasp, strap, and more. Select the one that suits you the best.
Safety: Most cross-body bags don’t have a shell-based build. Their only defense against external shocks is the material and the padding insider. Thus, it is essential to get a bag with a lot of padding and firm material. The bags also need detachable foam separators to hold and organize the gears safely.
Style: Style isn’t the headline here, but that doesn’t mean you can totally neglect it. The bag is going to be your outing partner and will affect your overall looks. Hence, consider your looks and choices before getting one. Ask yourself which color, material, and finish quality matches your style. However, don’t forget about the practicality of the bag. You don’t want to end up with a bag that looks good but can’t take a hit. Even worse, a bag that can’t contain all your accessories.
Budget: The crossbody camera bags, like any other camera bag, can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It’s good to invest in a good quality product but never overdo it. Going for something that can affect your overall budget never ends well. So, calculate the amount that you can spare before making a purchase.
Final Words
The crossbody bags are amazing in terms of speed and flexibility of use. You can access them anywhere and anytime without worrying about space. There’s no need to keep them down.
And best of all, they are great for everyday use. You can easily carry them around and don’t feel any strain on your shoulder. So, if you are serious about photography and need a quality bag, crossbody bags are the perfect pick. Pick one of these masterpieces, and you will never miss a shot due to long camera takeout time, ever again.
