Still want to make full use of all your camera gear after a hike to Mt. Kilimanjaro and paragliding your way down?
Get a hard shell camera backpack.
I kid, of course. But with how delicate your lenses and camera gear can be, it’s a good idea to get yourself a proper backpack that can take the abuse of the elements and the great outdoors.
There are many advantages to a hard shell camera backpack vs a conventional shoulder bag, not the least of which is the inherent shockproof-ness, weatherproofing, and overall throw-around-ability of these bags.
Today, we’re running through six of the best hard shell camera backpacks, from the entry level to the high end. Starting with…
MOSISO Camera Backpack
First on the list, and the one I ended up opting for is the MOSISO Camera Backpack. It’s the backpack to get if you want a) something small, b) to protect your gear during photo excursions, and c) a solid sub-$100 camera bag.
A key feature I needed was something that would work as a personal item for flights as I travel a lot for elopements between the islands here in Hawaii. You’ll want to double check the airline of your choice as rules may vary (and airlines like Frontier are known to be greedy), but this bag does have a little give to squeeze underneath the seats.
Related: Elopement Photographer Pricing and How to Plan the Perfect Elopement
The MOSISO can easily store a full frame DSLR, up to four lenses (two can be telephoto), a small drone, and all the batteries you’ll need out in the field. It also features a sleeve for a 16-inch laptop, a tripod holder, and adjustable dividers. My camera bag of choice is usually a small sling, but it doesn’t fit my Sony + Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 (one of the best Tamron lenses, and my Sony lens of choice just fyi).
Being a hard shell backpack, the MOSISO is shockproof and sports amazing waterproofing (see the video below for a quick waterproofing demo). While it’s a little plain-looking and doesn’t have the bells and whistles that more premium bags offer, like more access points or extra padding, the MOSISO is still the best entry-level hard shell camera backpack at only $60.
Oh and hey – it passes this waterproof test (great for me because I work on the beach a lot!)…
TARION XH
Now if you need something that can store a little more – but isn’t necessarily that much bigger, the Tarion XH is a solid pick.
Yet another budget-friendly entry, the TARION XH checks a lot of boxes for working pros. From the quirky, roll-top backdrop and hard shell hybrid design, the rain cover, to the ample storage it offers, the TARION XH is unmistakably a photographer’s field bag.
Stand out features include the roll-top design which TARION claims to add an extra 10% in storage capacity. It’ll also fit 2 camera bodies, three lenses, and smaller drones. The XH also features EPE protective foam to protect your gear against extreme temps, waterproof lining, and a lot of extra padding to keep your gear as shock-proof as can be. Actually smaller than the Mosiso when you aren’t using the expandable storage, so it should be personal item friendly for airlines as well (a few reviews confirmed this as well).
One drawback however with this bag is that it won’t let you customize its compartments. But beyond that, the TARION XH is a steal at $80 amazing option for photographers out in the field.
Endurax ShellX P01
If you own a larger drone (eg. DJI Phantom), then the Endurax ShellX P01 is the one to get. It’s got more features that jet-setting pros will appreciate such as a rain cover, reflective strips, and three armored panels for the top, back, and lower compartments.
The Endurax ShellX P01 offers a ton of capacity and can fit two telephoto lenses, a full frame body, a larger drone, a 17-inch laptop PLUS a 10-inch tablet. It also has customizable dividers and handy protective layers that’ll prevent delicate gear from moving around the bag.
For a little over $100, the Endurax ShellX P01 offers a ton of value that doesn’t stop at an extra shoulder padding or a slightly larger compartment.
HAZARD 4 Pillbox
If you’re a fan of the military aesthetic, you’re going to love the HAZARD 4 Pillbox. It features a lightweight thermoformed shell and a patented hard point attachment system that can take on panels and other hardware. This little bunker of a bag not only looks the part, it’s military-spec’d, too!
HAZARD 4 has a stellar reputation for producing amazing gear for folks into tactical and adventure stuff. The Pillbox takes that tactical and adventure ruggedness into an extremely reliable camera bag. It won’t offer the most storage but it’ll still carry a laptop, a body, and up to 3 lenses.
The Pillbox will also be great for creatives riding two wheels as it won’t flap in the wind, while also featuring an adjustable waist belt system for added support. For around $182, the HAZARD 4 Pillbox makes a great traveling companion for hardcore adventure photographers.
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II
The ProTactic BP 350 AW II is the bag to get if you want to haul as much gear as you want while you’re out in the field. This bag can hold two full frame bodies with attached lenses, up to four extra lenses, and a bunch of accessories and hardware you’ll ever need outside of your studio.
While it’s not a true hard-shell camera bag (it only has armored padding up top), the ProTactic BP 350 AW II more than makes up for it with a ton of enthusiast features and a focus on comfort. It’s got Lowepro’s ActivZone System and supports your shoulder blades, lumbar and waist area with extra padding on the back and the straps.
The bag is also compatible with Lowepro’s wealth of accessories that can either give you more carrying capacity or augment your shooting experience. All in all, the Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II is an amazing buy if the job calls for a lot of heavy gear like sports or wildlife photography.
HPRC3500
HPRC stands for High Performance Resin Cases, and that’s pretty much all you need to know about this bag. The price tag may raise a few eyebrows as it ranges from $300 up to the north of $500, but you’re getting possibly the best camera gear protection that you can strap on your back with this Italian beauty.
You’ll get injection-molded, TTX01 polypropylene plastic resin all the way around the hard case disguising itself as a backpack. The HPRC3500 is airtight, watertight, and nigh indestructible —complete with all the certifications to back it up like an Air Transport Association (ATA) 300 rating, IP67 and DS 81-41 military specifications.
The HPRC3500 can be purchased empty, with foam interiors, or with an internal bag with dividers. Whichever route you go, the HPRC3500 will cost you a pretty penny. But you are getting one of the toughest camera backpacks available on the market.