Best Bags for Creators: Style, Functionality, and Protection in One

With the list of events constantly growing and new activations popping up everywhere, content creators are undoubtedly staying busy. This level of travel means keeping your gear safe is essential, which requires bags for creators that can carry all your equipment while protecting it. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or digital nomad, finding a bag that combines functionality, comfort, and style can be a game-changer for your creative process. This article explores some of the best bags for creators, offering a range of options to suit various needs and preferences.

Since part of what we do at CGMagazine is test and use bags for creators daily, we thought it was time to break down the best bags for creators on the market so you can find a solution that fits your needs and style. From versatile backpacks to sleek messenger bags, we’ll explore the features that make these bags stand out in the crowded market of creative gear. We’ll examine their capacity, organization systems, durability, and comfort, as well as their ability to adapt to different environments and shooting situations to come up with the best bags for creators.

As with any list, it will continue to evolve as we test new options, and we will strive to keep anyone looking for a new way to keep their gear safe on the go informed. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring creator, read on to discover the perfect companion for your creative journey.

Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L

Brand: Peak Design
Price: $249.95 USD
Store Link: Peak Design

Starting things off, we have a solid offering from Peak Design that delivers a well-rounded bag ready for wherever your creative work may take you. The Peak Design Outdoor Backpack 25L is perfect for people who want to keep what they bring safe as they travel, so clearly, we could not leave this bag off a list of bags for creators. It has a smart harness system that provides great comfort and fit without being bulky. The shoulder and waist straps are easily adjustable, with shoulder straps inspired by a running vest that evenly distributes weight. They also offer handy storage and spots to attach two cameras. The backpack features a quick-opening top hatch and a large back panel.

The overall design and concept are well thought out, making it easy to access your gear while keeping it safe as you travel from location to location. The Cord Hook carrying system and stretchy Flex Pockets give you plenty of space to store items outside, making it ideal for outdoor photography. It’s also compatible with Peak Design’s Camera Cubes and Ultralight Packing Cubes, allowing you to adapt the pack for any creative job. The Outdoor Backpack 25L is a must for creators who need bags that are comfortable, easy to use, and flexible for outdoor activities.

Bellroy Transit Carry-On

Brand: Bellroy
Price: $299 USD
Store Link: Bellroy

While travelling for work, I am constantly struggling to find a bag that can carry everything I need without a ton of bulk when I want to avoid travelling with excessive gear. That has been a challenge. I recently had the chance to try the new Bellroy Transit Carry-On. While it is not built specifically for camera or gaming gear, its easy-to-use design and well-thought-out packing solutions made it an invaluable asset for Summer Game Fest and will be what I bring with me to Gamescom in a week or so.

The Bellroy Transit Carry-On is a smart, durable roller that strikes the balance between sleek design and real-world utility, making it an easy gift pick for frequent-flyer dads and campus-bound grads alike. It comes in two sizes: the globally compliant 34-litre standard model and the roomier 39-litre Plus, both built around a lightweight matte polycarbonate shell with silent Hinomoto wheels for smooth airport sprints and train hops without the rattle or bulk.

As I alluded to earlier, what stands out for me — as someone who has a range of gear, tech and clothing to bring on any given trip — is Bellroy’s thoughtful interior system. Instead of simply offering only fiddly compression straps, it comes with custom removable packing cubes that anchor in place, effectively dividing the clamshell and speeding up packing for a week’s worth of outfits and essentials. That plug-and-play organization helps new travellers stay tidy and lets seasoned road warriors turn around quickly between meetings or weekends away.

I was also sent Bellroy’s Tech Kit packing pouch, along with the Lite Packing Pouch, for this review, and they have been an invaluable asset in making this bag work for most of my needs. Combined with what the bag includes out of the box, I have everything I need for a selection of tech, all my necessary wires and accessories, and my usual travel needs — without stressing about everything fitting or getting damaged while I travel. I would have appreciated a pouch designed for a camera or other delicate gear like lenses, but thankfully, I have other options for that.

Also, as someone who is not kind to my luggage, I love the fact that the Transit Carry-On is designed to be repaired, not replaced. Wheels, handles, locks, and even the packing cubes are user-replaceable, and it is backed by a 10-year warranty — ideal for a gift meant to last through countless adventures or a lite night red-eyes for a new project. This has become my go-to carry-on bag, and I have to commend Bellroy on the smart decisions it has made throughout the bag’s design. While not made for creators per se, it is a great companion and a welcome addition to my travel arsenal.

PGYTECH OneGO Solo V2

Brand: PGYTech
Price: $99.95 USD
Store Link: Amazon

The PGYTECH OneGO Solo V2 is a versatile sling that fits the “bags for creators” label well, available in three sizes: 4L, 6L (the model reviewed here), and 10L. It offers ample storage, with a front zippered pocket for daily essentials like a phone and a larger rear zippered pocket for major gear. Inside this larger compartment, there’s a sleeve that can hold items ranging from an 8-inch tablet in the 4L model to a 14-inch laptop in the 10L model.

The largest area has removable velcro dividers that let you store a mirrorless camera with up to two lenses, depending on their size, and another sleeve with mesh pockets for extra batteries, hard drives, and the like. The bag includes two small magnets, one green and one red, so you can label batteries as dead or charged. You can also use them as screwdrivers for a tripod. There is also one internal zippered compartment for small items, which is a perfect spot for memory cards.

In that pocket, you’ll find straps that attach to the loops on the bottom of the OneGO Solo V2, providing a place to hold a tripod when you’re on the go, an essential feature in bags for creators. Also, if you reach into a small opening on the side of the bag, you can pull out a pocket designed to hold a water bottle, which I love because it’s discreetly tucked away when not needed. The PGYTECH OneGO Solo V2 comes in two colours: Obsidian Black and Moss Green. Prices range from $69.95 USD for the 4L model to $99.95 for the 6L model and $139.95 for the 10L model.

The PGYTECH OneGO Solo V2 is a fantastic bag. It’s great not just for photographers, vloggers, and other content creators but for anyone who wants a good sling with plenty of storage and excellent organization. Its splash-proof and scratch-proof material will keep it looking its best as I travel and shoot in all kinds of environments. Its adaptability means I’ll be using it with my best equipment or just for a day at a theme park. It will be a mainstay in my field production kit and everyday life from here on.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag

Brand: Peak Design
Price: $229.99 USD
Store Link: Amazon

Next on our list of top bags for creators is the Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag, one of the most versatile and stylish options for creators on the go. This 13L bag features a weatherproof 400D nylon canvas shell, keeping your gear protected in various conditions. The customizable interior, equipped with FlexFold dividers, allows for efficient organization of camera equipment, a laptop (up to 15 inches), and other essentials.

There’s a reason this bag made the list, which consists mostly of backpacks, and it comes down to how easy the bag is to use overall. The unique MagLatch closure system provides quick and secure access to your gear, a great feature in bags for creators. The bag also includes multiple pockets for organizing small items and accessories, making it easy to keep everything in place. For someone who wants to keep their gear both easily accessible and safe while travelling, Peak Design has the right idea, and it all works very well.

For anyone who owns an older version of the Messenger bag, some changes have been made to this iteration. While the Everyday Messenger V2 offers improvements over its predecessor, such as a more comfortable shoulder strap and a sleeker profile, it’s worth noting there are a few trade-offs. The front organization pocket is smaller, and the top-access zipper for quick camera access has been removed. Despite these changes, the Peak Design Everyday Messenger remains an excellent choice for photographers and content creators who need a reliable, well-designed bag for daily adventures or short trips.

URTH Norite 24L Backpack

Brand: URTH
Price: $189.00 USD
Store Link: Amazon

At CGMagazine, we’ve relied on the URTH Norite 24L Backpack for events like TIFF and LUCCA Comics and Games in 2023, so it’s a natural choice for our best bags for creators list. This sleek, adaptable backpack is crafted to meet the demands of modern creators. With its streamlined, minimalist design and weatherproof, recycled nylon fabric, it merges aesthetics with functionality. The understated branding and muted color palette add a touch of sophistication, making it suitable for both professional settings and casual outings.

One aspect that makes the Norite backpack so useful is its modular configuration, with dedicated compartments for a 15-inch laptop, tablet, and various other gadgets. The optional camera insert transforms it into a complete camera bag, allowing creators to securely transport their equipment while maintaining swift access through side-access zippers. Its 14 storage zones provide ample room for daily essentials and creative tools.

Despite its generous capacity, the Norite remains featherlight and comfortable, even when filled to the brim. The padded shoulder straps and ventilated back panel provide excellent support, while the sternum strap and detachable waist belt help steady heavier loads. However, some users have noted the shoulder straps tend to loosen too easily.

Adding to its appeal are the Norite’s eco-conscious credentials, with each purchase supporting the planting of five trees in deforested areas. Although the premium price tag may deter some, the backpack’s superior quality, functionality, and lifetime warranty make one of the most valuable bags for creators in search of a dependable and stylish carrying solution.

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

Brand: Peak Design
Price: $299.99 USD
Store Link: Amazon

Driven by the philosophy that no two trips are the same, the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack is designed to be as adaptable as its user. Featuring a versatile and flexible design, the Travel Backpack offers multiple carry modes, an adjustable main pouch, and a stowaway strap and belt system. With multiple access points and impressive storage capacity, this bag provides a blank canvas of storage potential.

Constructed from sturdy, water-resistant 400D nylon canvas and sealed with waterproof UltraZips, Peak Design aims to provide a durable and protective option for all your camera gear. Extra-large side pouches make stowing a tripod simple, while the expandable center pouch (35L to 45L) offers various pockets and compartments for smaller items. The center pouch is designed to accommodate an impressive amount of camera gear, easily handling both packing cubes and loose equipment. The Travel Backpack also complies with international carry-on standards, making it ideal for flying.

In addition to its excellent storage capabilities, the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack features what the company calls 360-grab handles, allowing you to quickly grab the bag from any angle, ensuring you’re ready to move at a moment’s notice. The stowaway straps use a magnetic clip system to easily conceal and store both the shoulder and belt straps when not in use. For content creators constantly on the go, the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack is ready to adapt to any travel situation, making it one of the best bags for creators.

PGYTECH OneGO Backpack

Brand: PGYTECH
Price: $254.39 USD
Store Link: Amazon

The PGYTECH OneGO Backpack is a great creators’ workstation for people on the go. It comes in 18L (the model I reviewed) and 25L sizes. You’ll find various storage options, including a rear compartment with two sleeves for any combination of tablets and laptops. The larger compartment is customizable, with fold-out velcro dividers to create the perfect layout.

There are mesh pockets in the front and back of the large compartment, as well as a zippered compartment at the front to store smaller, easier-to-lose gear. The side pockets also have zippered compartments for small items like batteries and memory cards. The bag includes a separate chest strap, waist strap, two accessory straps, and indicator coins to label spent and fully charged batteries.

One concern I always have with a camera bag is access. How easy it is to get to any piece of equipment at any time is often crucial during a shoot, as you may need to switch out cameras, lenses, batteries, and memory cards on the fly. The good news is that access is no problem with the PGYTECH OneGO Backpack.

There are zippered openings on either side, allowing you to easily reach into the sides and bottom while on the go. Additionally, you can unzip the entire bag for packing and unpacking. An organized creator will find their dream in this bag. The PGYTECH OneGO Backpack comes in Obsidian Black, Shell Grey, Deep Navy, and Sand Beige. The 18L version costs $219.95 USD, while the 25L version is $239.95.

The PGYTECH OneGO Backpack is wonderfully stylish, tough, accessible, and adaptable, making it ideal for anyone with a lot of gear to transport. You’ll be able to organize it in a myriad of ways to best suit your workflow. Add to that the ability to pack a sizeable laptop and tablet, and this becomes your complete production workstation. While the bag is versatile enough for a wide range of uses, from business to leisure, its utility for content creators makes it an excellent tool in your arsenal—except the bag essentially becomes your arsenal once filled. I highly recommend it as one of the best bags for creators.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Brand: Peak Design
Price: $299.95 USD
Store Link: Amazon

Rounding out our list of the best bags for creators is another entry from Peak Design: the Everyday Backpack. This versatile and highly functional bag has quickly become a favourite among creators and photographers. Available in 20L and 30L sizes, it offers an ideal blend of style, durability, and organization, making it an excellent travel companion.

The Everyday Backpack features Peak Design’s innovative FlexFold dividers, allowing for customizable internal organization to accommodate various camera setups and gear. The bag’s unique MagLatch closure system provides quick access to the main compartment while allowing for expandable capacity. Additionally, it is built to work with the Peak Design Capture Clip, making it easier to keep your camera accessible while in use while also keeping your hands free.

Like some of the other bags for creators on the list, the Everyday Backpack includes multiple access points, including dual side zippers and a top opening, enabling creators to quickly grab their equipment without fully unpacking. The laptop compartment is well-padded and can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop, making it ideal for on-the-go editing.

Built with weather-resistant materials and featuring a sleek, modern design, the Everyday Backpack is suitable for both urban environments and outdoor shoots. While primarily designed for camera gear, its versatile organization system makes it equally useful for everyday carry or minimal travel. For creators seeking a highly adaptable, well-designed bag for their gear, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a fantastic choice, especially if you want to keep your gear separated while travelling.

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