Best Camera Backpacks For Drone And DSLR Combo

Why You Need a Combo Backpack

Looking for a backpack that hauls your DSLR and drone without turning you into a human tortoise? You’re in the right place. Whether you shoot weddings, capture landscapes, or vlog on the go, a camera backpack built for both your drone and DSLR keeps your gear safe, organized, and ready for action. You’ll get padded compartments for lenses and rotors, quick-access pockets for spare batteries, and room for a laptop so you can edit on the fly. Before you dive in, check our tips for packing a drone and camera together safely (/tips-for-packing-a-drone-and-camera-together-safely) to make setup a breeze.

How We Picked Backpacks

Choosing the right pack feels overwhelming, but we narrowed the field by focusing on what matters most to you:

• Protection and Organization. Padded dividers, weather resistance, and dedicated drone slots keep gear secure.
• Comfort and Fit. Ergonomic shoulder straps, breathable back panels, and adjustable hip belts let you carry heavy loads without strain.
• Access Points. Top, side, or back loading? We looked for multiple entry options so you can grab your camera or drone in seconds.
• Laptop and Tablet Support. Built-in sleeves with at least 13-inch capacity ensure you can edit on the road.
• Price and Warranty. We balanced premium features against value, keeping an eye on hassle-free returns and global shipping options.
  We also tapped into what photographers rave about and what they regret, so you can skip buyer’s remorse and get straight to shooting. For a deeper dive into must-have pack features, see essential features every photographer should want in a backpack (/essential-features-every-photographer-should-want-in-a-backpack).

Nomatic McKinnon 35L

This pack is built for pros who need space for camera gear and travel essentials. Its two main compartments let you stash your drone and DSLR separately, while side pouches swallow tripods or gimbals.

Main Features

• Dual compartments for camera and personal items
• Waterproof zippers and ripstop fabric repel rain
• Customizable accessory dividers for lenses, batteries, and props
• Side computer compartment fits most 15-inch laptops
• Compression-molded EVA back panel with hip harness

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Roomy 35-liter design works as a carry-on
• Superior weather resistance keeps gear dry
• Quick-access side pockets for SD cards and filters
• Sturdy construction stands up to rough handling

Cons

• On the heavier side when fully loaded
• May not fit under seat on smaller jets

Verdict

If you need a versatile pack that doubles as carry-on luggage, the Nomatic McKinnon 35L delivers. Its weatherproof build and thoughtful organization mean you can haul a drone, DSLR, laptop, and a change of clothes without juggling extra bags.

VANGUARD Alta Sky 51D

Packed with access points and storage options, the Alta Sky 51D is a dream for drone pilots who shoot with mirrorless or DSLR bodies. Slide in your quadcopter, secure your lenses, and reach batteries in an instant.

Main Features

• Top, side, and back entry for rapid gear changes
• Modular dividers for 1–2 Pro DSLRs, drone, 3–4 lenses, and flash
• Weather-resistant base shields against damp ground
• Expandable front pocket for personal items
• Reinforced grab handles for quick lift

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Dedicated drone compartment fits most consumer quadcopters
• Multiple access points speed up your workflow
• Durable zippers and oversized pull tabs for cold-gloved hands

Cons

• No dedicated laptop sleeve
• Interior layout may feel tight with extra accessories

Verdict

The Alta Sky 51D earns its place if you juggle lenses and rotors. You’ll love the back-loader entry, which means no more fumbling when a perfect shot pops up. Just be ready to stash your laptop elsewhere or pack a slim tablet.

Peak Design Everyday Zip 20L

Sleek, light, and fiercely organized, this 20-liter pack is ideal if you shoot on the go and carry a compact drone setup. It’s not bulky, yet it keeps your essentials within arm’s reach.

Main Features

• FlexFold dividers for tailored camera and drone pockets
• Top and dual side zipper access for lightning-fast retrieval
• Built-in magnetic pouches for cables and filters
• Dedicated 13-inch laptop and tablet sleeve
• Weatherproof 400D nylon shell with DWR coating

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ultra-quick access makes it perfect for street or travel shoots
• Slim silhouette avoids bulk so you blend in urban settings
• MagLatch system keeps pockets secure without noise

Cons

• Limited capacity for larger drones or multi-body kits
• Higher price for a 20-liter pack

Verdict

If you favor speed and style over sheer volume, the Everyday Zip 20L hits the sweet spot. It’s best for compact drone rigs and a single DSLR body with two lenses. You’ll breeze through airport security with its TSA-friendly laptop compartment (/camera-backpacks-with-tsa-friendly-laptop-compartments).

Shimoda Action X50 V2

Rugged, comfortable, and endlessly configurable, the Action X50 V2 is built to tackle mountains or city blocks. Adjust torso height, clip on accessories, and load up for epic content creation.

Main Features

• Four adjustable torso height settings for a custom fit
• Modular core units with high-density padding for camera and drone
• Side ski-carry straps and helmet holder for outdoor shoots
• Extensive front, top, and side pocket array
• Breathable airflow back padding for long treks

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ergonomic design eases the weight on the shoulders
• Plenty of external lash points for tripods and gimbals
• Robust padding protects delicate drone arms and DSLR bodies

Cons

• No dedicated laptop compartment, you’ll need a sleeve
• Bulkier than standard daypacks

Verdict

The Shimoda Action X50 V2 is your go-anywhere shooter pack. It shines when you need to carry extra accessories like a gimbal or drone controller. Just slip your laptop in a slim mattress sleeve and head out.

Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II

Meet the convertible backpack-roller that swallows your full DSLR and drone kit while cruising as carry-on luggage. This bag adapts to planes, trains, or off-road adventures without skipping a beat.

Main Features

• Backpack or roller mode for travel flexibility
• Removable padded dividers fit 1–2 DSLRs, drone, multiple lenses
• All Weather AW Cover blocks rain, dust, and snow
• External compartment for laptop or iPad
• Stiff internal frame keeps shape under load

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ultimate capacity for pro-grade drone and camera rigs
• Smooth wheels glide over terminals and tarmac
• Excellent waterproof cover for sudden downpours (/what-to-look-for-in-a-waterproof-camera-backpack)

Cons

• Heavier overall weight even when empty
• Roller wheels add bulk for pack-only days

Verdict

If you travel often with a heavy rack of gear, the Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II is hard to beat. You get the best of a roller and backpack in one, plus rock-solid weather protection, so your drone and DSLR stay safe no matter the climate.

CADeN Camera Backpack

On a shoestring budget? The CADeN pack offers surprising protection for under forty bucks. It’s best for smaller drones and lightweight mirrorless or entry-level DSLR setups.

Main Features

• Padded compartment walls with adjustable dividers
• Exterior pockets for tripod and water bottle
• Durable water-resistant polyester fabric
• Quick-release straps for easy opening
• Hidden back pocket for valuables

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Unbeatable price for basic DSLR and compact drone needs
• Lightweight design keeps pack from dragging you down
• Easy to customize interior for small quadcopters

Cons

• No dedicated laptop sleeve
• Limited padding compared to premium models

Verdict

If you’re just starting out or need a secondary grab-and-go pack, the CADeN camera backpack has your back. It won’t replace high-end models for pro use, but it handles a DJI Mavic Mini or similar and keeps a DSLR kit snug and scratch-free.

Comparison Table

Backpack	Price	Capacity	Drone Friendly	Laptop Compartment	Weather Resistance
Nomatic McKinnon 35L	$331	35L	Yes, dedicated section	Side sleeve (15″)	High
VANGUARD Alta Sky 51D	Varies	Modular interior	Yes, dedicated drone pocket	No	Medium
Peak Design Everyday Zip 20L	$220	20L	Yes, fits compact drones	13″ sleeve	High
Shimoda Action X50 V2	$350	50L	Yes, custom core unit slots	No, use separate sleeve	Medium
Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II	$470	45L	Yes, drone + DSLR capacity	External laptop/iPad	Very High
CADeN Camera Backpack	$36	~20L	Limited, smaller drones only	No	Low-Medium

Frequently Asked Questions

What size backpack fits a drone and DSLR?

Look for packs in the 30–45 liter range with customizable dividers. That gives you enough room for a drone, 1–2 camera bodies, and lenses without bulk.

How do I carry a tripod in the backpack?

Most models have side or front straps to secure your tripod. For quick tips, see how to carry a tripod using a camera backpack (/how-to-carry-a-tripod-using-a-camera-backpack).

Can I fit a laptop and drone together?

Yes, pick a pack with a dedicated laptop sleeve and separate drone section. That keeps electronics safe from propellers and batteries.

Do I need a rain cover for my pack?

If you shoot outdoors, absolutely. A pack with a built-in rain cover or weather-resistant shell protects your gear when clouds roll in. You can find more on weatherproofing tips for your camera backpack (/weatherproofing-tips-for-your-camera-backpack).

How should I pack batteries and memory cards?

Store batteries in a ventilated pocket to avoid overheating, and use a small, zippered pouch for memory cards. Keeping them separate reduces the risk of losing or damaging critical gear.

How do I prevent back pain carrying heavy gear?

Opt for a model with padded shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an airflow back panel. Adjust the load-lifters so weight shifts to your hips, not your shoulders (/how-to-prevent-back-pain-when-carrying-camera-gear).

Is a camera backpack better than a hard case?

A backpack is lighter, more portable, and easier to carry on hikes or urban shoots. If you need maximum protection for air travel, compare camera backpack vs. hard case: which is better (/camera-backpack-vs-hard-case-which-is-better).

Conclusion

Finding the best camera backpacks for drone and DSLR combo means balancing capacity, comfort, and weatherproofing. From high-end picks like the Nomatic McKinnon 35L to budget-friendly options such as the CADeN pack, there’s a model to suit every workflow and price point.

Now that you know what to look for, pick your favorite, load up your gear, and start capturing stunning aerial and ground shots without missing a beat. Safe travels and happy shooting!