Best Camera Backpacks With Modular Dividers

Finding the best camera backpacks with modular dividers can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable when you know what to look for. In this guide, you’ll see top picks that offer customizable compartments, solid padding, and gear protection – all in one bag.

By the end, you’ll know which pack fits your lens lineup, shooting style, and budget, so you can hit the trail or board that flight with confidence.

Top Modular Backpacks

Here’s a quick comparison of our favorite camera backpacks featuring adjustable dividers and modular storage systems.

Backpack	Capacity (L)	Divider System	Waterproofness (1–10)	Price
Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II	26	Velcro Dividers	8	$200
Atlas Adventure Pack	35–60	Origami Fold System	9	$330
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2	30	FlexFold Dividers	7	$270
F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond	45	Removable ICU Inserts	8	$319
Shimoda Explore V2 35	35	Core Unit	9	$320
F-Stop Kashmir 2 AIR	33	Removable ICU Inserts	8	$280
Peak Design Everyday Zip 20L	20	FlexFold Dividers	7	$220
CADeN Camera Backpack	20	Adjustable Dividers	5	$36

Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II

Lowepro’s ProTactic BP 450 AW II earns its spot as the best all-round photography backpack for 2025. You get a beefy exterior, versatile dividers, and an all-weather cover for sudden showers.

Key Features

• Sturdy 600D polyester exterior with strategic padding
• Removable, velcro-backed dividers for custom layouts
• Top, side and back access panels for quick gear swaps
• Integrated All Weather cover (AW Cover) for rain protection

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Exceptional durability and abrasion resistance
• Multiple entry points speed up access
• Good airflow and improved weight distribution
• Cons
• Heavier than many rivals (around 1.9 kg)
• Thin shoulder straps can dig in under heavy load
• Velcro dividers sometimes show wear over time

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	54 × 32 × 26 cm
Weight	1.9 kg
Capacity	26 L
Divider Material	Velcro-backed foam
Price	$200

Atlas Adventure Pack

If you travel light then expand gear on the fly, the Atlas Adventure Pack has your back. Its Origami fold system lets you reshape interior walls to snugly fit mirrorless kits or full-frame DSLRs, plus lenses and filters.

Key Features

• Origami-style padded dividers for infinite layout options
• Expandable main compartment (35 L base to 60 L max)
• Side-load zipper for quick entry (no need to set pack down)
• Compression straps to stabilize heavy loads

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Tremendous capacity flexibility
• Clean, minimalist look avoids camera-bag alert
• Excellent padding protects delicate glass
• Cons
• No side-access pockets slows down mid-shoot grabs
• Bulkier when fully expanded (may exceed carry-on limits)

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	58 × 32 × 27 cm
Weight	1.6 kg
Capacity	35 – 60 L
Divider System	Origami Fold
Price	$330

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2

Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack V2 combines sleek urban style with its signature FlexFold dividers. This pack suits travel photographers who need quick access at airport security and on the street.

Key Features

• Tri-fold FlexFold dividers snap into place for customizable shelves
• Top-and-side access points for fast gear grabs
• Waterproof 400D nylon canvas shell
• TSA-friendly laptop compartment (up to 16″)

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Versatile carry-on friendly design
• Magnetic side panels open with one hand
• Well-built water-resistant shell
• Cons
• Side-zip access can snag small items
• Strap padding is modest under heavy loads

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	48 × 32 × 18 cm
Weight	1.5 kg
Capacity	30 L
Divider System	FlexFold
Price	$270

F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond Pack

Designed for adventure shooters, the Tilopa DuraDiamond Pack features a removable camera insert (ICU) and modular storage panels. It’s a top pick if you hike or climb and need rock-solid protection.

Key Features

• Removable ICU (Internal Camera Unit) in multiple sizes
• Tough DuraDiamond fabric resists tears and abrasions
• Hydration bladder sleeve and trekking pole attachments
• Padded hip belt and sternum strap for load stability

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• True modular system keeps lens and body divisions precise
• Highly rugged for outdoor use
• Easy to swap ICUs between trips
• Cons
• Bulkier frame takes up more pack space
• Pricey compared to some similar bags

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	60 × 30 × 24 cm
Weight	1.8 kg
Capacity	45 L
Divider System	ICU Inserts
Price	$319

Shimoda Explore V2 35 Backpack

Shimoda’s Explore V2 35 Backpack blends travel comfort with camera-bag versatility. You start with a 35 L shell and choose a Core Unit divider pack to fit your kit, then adapt as lenses stack up.

Key Features

• Customizable Core Unit dividers tailored to mirrorless or DSLR kits
• Wide zipper openings with back-panel access (keeps bag off dirty ground)
• Adjustable harness system fits torsos from 43 to 53 cm
• Waterproof YKK zippers and PVC-coated nylon shell

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Superb harness comfort for long treks
• Back-opening design keeps valuables dry and clean
• Excellent 9/10 waterproof rating
• Cons
• Extra Core Units sold separately
• Limited external pockets for quick-grab items

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	55 × 32 × 22 cm
Weight	1.7 kg
Capacity	35 L
Divider System	Core Unit Inserts
Price	$320

F-Stop Kashmir 2 AIR

The Kashmir 2 AIR by F-Stop blends city comfort with trail ruggedness. It uses the same ICU system as the Tilopa, but a lighter harness and air mesh back panel keep you cool on steep climbs.

Key Features

• Sized ICU inserts for mirrorless or DSLR setups
• Rear hydration sleeve with straw port
• Reinforced side straps for tripod or trekking pole carry
• Air mesh back panel for breathability

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Comfortable on long hike days
• Robust build handles rough terrain
• Multiple color choices to suit your style
• Cons
• Slightly less extra-gear space (6/10 rating)
• Hip belt pockets are small

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	58 × 32 × 24 cm
Weight	1.6 kg
Capacity	33 L
Divider System	ICU Inserts
Price	$280

Peak Design Everyday Zip 20L

If you want a more compact option, the Everyday Zip 20L swaps the top flap for a single zip closure while keeping FlexFold dividers. It’s perfect for street shooters who carry a daily kit.

Key Features

• Slim zip-top design for fast packing
• FlexFold divider system in a smaller shell
• Waterproof shell and inner TPU lining
• Front quick-grab pocket for phone and wallet

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Super sleek and urban-friendly
• Easy one-handed access
• Ideal for mirrorless setups
• Cons
• Less protective padding than the 30L model
• Can feel cramped with extra accessories

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	45 × 28 × 18 cm
Weight	1.2 kg
Capacity	20 L
Divider System	FlexFold
Price	$220

CADeN Camera Backpack

Budget shooters, listen up, the CADeN Camera Backpack packs tons of value into a $36 price tag. You get adjustable dividers, room for two cameras and up to seven lenses, plus external pockets for tripod and bottles.

Key Features

• Removable foam dividers to create custom compartments
• Two side pockets for water bottles or small tripods
• Built-in pouch for memory cards and filters
• Padded laptop/tablet sleeve holds up to 15″

Pros And Cons

• Pros
• Unbeatable price for basic modular storage
• Lightweight at just 0.7 kg
• Plenty of small pockets for cables and cards
• Cons
• Fabric feels thin against rough terrain
• Limited waterproofing – you’ll want a rain cover

Tech Specs

Detail	Specification
Dimensions (HxWxD)	50 × 30 × 18 cm
Weight	0.7 kg
Capacity	20 L
Divider System	Foam Dividers
Price	$36

Customize Your Pack

Tweaking divider layouts is half the fun. Here’s how to make the most of modular systems.

Use Adjustable Dividers

Most bags (like the ProTactic and CADeN) use velcro-backed foam dividers. Lowepro advises pointing color-coded wings toward the pack top for best hold, then stacking your largest lens in the center. You can even snap a photo of your ideal layout, so you don’t forget the best ways to organize lenses inside a camera backpack.

Swap Camera Inserts

F-Stop’s ICU inserts slide in and out like puzzle pieces. Need to switch from a mirrorless kit to a drone combo? Just swap ICUs. You can read more on how to customize a camera backpack with inserts.

Plan For Gear Grouping

Group items by shoot type:

• Day hike: body, telephoto lens, water filter
• Urban walk: mirrorless body, pancake lens, phone charger
• Drone + DSLR: drone controller in top pocket, camera gear below (see tips for packing a drone and camera together safely)

Pack With Comfort

A modular layout means little if you’re sore at day’s end. Keep aches away with these tips.

Distribute Weight Evenly

Lean into a waist strap and sternum strap to share the load with your hips. Many packs here (like the Tilopa and Kashmir 2) include padded hip belts. For more posture tips, check how to prevent back pain when carrying camera gear.

Opt For Back-Opening Panels

Shimoda’s back panel design keeps wet or muddy ground away from you when you swing the pack around. It’s a simple feature that amps up comfort on long shoots.

Choose Breathable Padding

Look for air mesh back panels (found on F-Stop Kashmir 2 AIR) and shoulder straps with ventilation channels. You’ll thank yourself on hot summer hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Modular Dividers And Why Do You Need Them?

Modular dividers are padded walls with velcro or snaps that let you reshape the interior to fit your gear. They protect lenses, bodies, and accessories by keeping everything snug, so items don’t shift mid-hike.

How Do I Clean And Maintain Divider Systems?

Use a soft brush to remove dust from divider edges and wipe inside the pack with a damp cloth. For deeper clean-ups, unzip all panels and air dry before reattaching dividers. See how to clean and maintain a camera backpack.

Can I Carry A Laptop With These Packs?

Yes, most of these backpacks include a dedicated laptop or tablet sleeve. Peak Design models offer TSA-friendly compartments, while CADeN and ProTactic packs fit up to 15″ laptops.

Which Pack Works Best For Airline Travel?

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L V2 stands out for its TSA-friendly laptop section and side-access panels. The Atlas Adventure Pack also expands for extra clothes on longer trips. Learn more at how to travel with a camera backpack on a plane.

Are These Backpacks Waterproof Enough For Outdoor Shoots?

Most feature water-resistant shells and come with rain covers or high waterproofness ratings. If you need hard-core weatherproofing, review what to look for in a waterproof camera backpack.

How Do I Organize Memory Cards And Small Accessories?

Use small zippered pockets or mesh pouches inside your divider system. Some models offer color-coded card slots. For extra security, check the safest way to store memory cards in a backpack.

Can I Carry A Tripod With Modular Backpacks?

Yes, most models include side straps or bottom straps to secure a tripod. To learn smart methods, read how to carry a tripod using a camera backpack.

Conclusion

Choosing the right camera backpack with modular dividers means balancing capacity, protection, and comfort. From budget picks like the CADeN to high-end bags like Shimoda Explore V2 35, there’s a modular solution to match your shooting style.

Now that you’ve seen the top options and learned how to customize layouts, pick a pack and start organizing your gear. Your next adventure awaits.