Some main features to consider in a bag for your digital SLR are size, shape, comfort and durability. In many cases, you don’t need to carry your entire SLR system with you. Just the basics—the body, two or three lenses, a flash and accessories—can fit into a moderate-sized bag that you can take along for an afternoon or a short trip. D-SLRs can vary quite a bit in size, so be sure to know the dimensions of your camera, as well as the lenses you plan on carrying, in order to determine which bag is right for your system.

Two bags can have the same storage capacity, but be very different in shape, therefore changing the entire feel of the bag. You have to consider if you want a long, slim bag in which your gear will be more spread out and easier to access, or a compact, denser bag in which your lenses might be stacked under your camera, but the bag will hug your body and be more comfortable to carry. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps, optional hip belts and other carrying alternatives are important factors when it comes to comfort. Most of all, you want your bag to protect your valuable camera equipment from weather and other sources of damage. Look for water-resistant materials, rain covers and foam-padded main compartments. We put together a sampling of available bags to house your digital SLR.


Adorama
The Slinger Bag is large enough to hold any size D-SLR, several lenses, a flash and a few other necessities, yet still be considered comfortable and compact. It can be worn as a sling bag, backpack or waist bag, and the molded carrying handle allows you to grab it easily and quickly. A camera with a lens attached can nestle perfectly in the foam-padded cradle, while the rest of the main compartment can be arranged via movable partitions to accommodate the rest of your gear. Several interior and exterior mesh pockets can hold extra batteries, memory cards, filters, etc., and a zippered security pocket on the back is ideal for plane tickets, a passport or other items you want to keep protected. Quick snap buckles, D-rings for clip-on accessories and a water-resistant exterior are other features that make this bag convenient and reliable. Dimensions: 10 (l) x 10 (h) x 4 (w) inches. List Price: $39.95.

Billingham Bags (RTS)
For quick access and extra storage room, the 206 Media System bag features a Press Top that extends three inches in height with two side snaps. A wide rectangular opening allows you to reach your gear in the main compartment, which is divided by Superflex partitions and cushioned with a thick, closed-cell foam base. Dual handles with a leather grip and an adjustable shoulder sling make this roomy bag easy to carry. Softweave waterproof canvas will protect your gear from moisture while the Press Top, when lowered and secured, will protect it from being accessed by others. Dimensions: 12.5 (w) x 7 (d) x 9 (h) inches. List Price: $390.

Delsey (Bogen)
The customizable interior of Delsey’s PRO BAG 4 has room for a larger pro SLR with attached lens, additional lenses, a flash, light meter and many smaller items. You can put all of your essentials within easy reach in the front organizer pocket, or in the two deeper side pockets. Comfortable-to-hold, hideaway handles give you the choice to either use the handles or tuck them away and use the wide, skid-proof and padded shoulder strap. The plastic hard bottom is thickly cushioned with shock-absorbing foam, and six rubberized feet further protect your gear from damage. Additional features include waterproof fabric and zipper covers, a tripod carrying system, padlock and woven antistatic mesh designed to safeguard your electronic accessories and digital media. Dimensions: 12.8 (l) x 9.8 (w) x 8 (h) inches. List Price: $128.


Domke (Tiffen)
The F-4AF Pro System has eight compartments and pockets and is ideal for your core SLR system. A large padded insert places your camera with a mounted zoom in a ready-to-shoot position, and a second insert with twin compartments holds extra lenses just within reach. The bottom of the canvas bag is lined with cell foam to absorb bumps and jolts. The hand strap is removable and the non-slip Gripper Strap is adjustable. Dimensions: 9 (l) x 8 (w) x 11 (d) inches. List Price: $159.95.

Lowepro
Small and light, the Nova 2 AW makes it easy to travel with your D-SLR system. A customizable interior can hold two or three lenses in addition to the one mounted on the camera, and many inner and outer pockets can help you keep your things in order on the move. The All-Weather Cover protects your gear from rain, humidity and dust in addition to the durable, water-resistant exterior. A curved, pressed-foam shoulder strap, belt loops and a padded handle ensure comfort even after a long day of shooting. Dimensions: 8.5 (w) x 4.25 (d) x 7.75 (h) inches. List Price: $49.99.

M-Rock (Argraph)
The largest bag in M-Rock’s line, The Everglades includes a lens rest and eight adjustable dividers that accommodate a midsized SLR with an attached lens, plus five to eight more pieces of equipment. The large pocket inside the lid is detachable, and two additional pockets on the inside and on the front are ideal for storing cables, memory cards and batteries. Two shoulder straps can transform this bag from a shoulder bag to a backpack or a chest pack, supported by a belt that minimizes shifting and bouncing. Thick foam and plastic paneling provide protection and structural rigidity. Dimensions: 8 (h) x 11 (w) x 8 (d) inches. List Price: $99.

Pelican (BKA)
You can access your digital SLR from the top or the side of the PCS140 Soft Sided Series Case from Pelican. Slim and compact, this bag can fit an additional two lenses in the segmented main compartment, as well as a few necessary items in the front and side pockets. An adjustable fanny pack belt can be tucked away when not in use, and the removable shoulder strap can be attached instead. The case is made of highly durable material, but for protection in extreme situations, Pelican offers a system where its soft cases can fit into its water-tight hard cases. The PCS140 fits into the Pelican 1400. Dimensions: 11.5 (l) x 9 (h) x 5.5 (d) inches. List Price: $69.95.

RoadWired
Depending on how you arrange the padded divider panels, the Photo/Video Convertible Bag has 24 or more pockets and compartments to hold one or two cameras, multiple lenses and lots of other accessories. The multiple zippered pockets have more than a dozen divided spaces designed to organize small items such as memory cards, batteries, cell phones and chargers. A water-repellent exterior and large weather flap with oversized gussets protect your gear from water damage. In addition, a self-storing rain shield can be unrolled and zipped over the bag in seconds when necessary. Both the contoured, four-layer shoulder pad and self-storing adjustable belt are covered in moisture-wicking mesh for comfort in all conditions. Dimensions: 13 (l) x 8 (h) x 7 (d) inches. List Price: $124.95.

Tamrac
The Digital Convertible is well suited for a photographer traveling with a digital SLR, two or three lenses and accessories. Adjustable, foam-padded dividers cradle the camera with an attached zoom lens. A combination of closed-cell foam for maximum shock protection and open-cell foam for vibration dampening helps prevent your valuable equipment from getting damaged. The front pocket features Tamrac’s exclusive Memory & Battery Management System, which uses red flags to identify fresh memory cards and batteries from those that are used up. Turn this bag into a convenient hip pack by unsnapping the hidden Tuck-A-Way hip belt. Dimensions: 8.5 (w) x 5.5 (d) x 6 (h) inches. List Price: $79.95.

Tenba
Designed with the special needs of a digital photographer in mind, the D12 can accommodate a pro D-SLR with a mounted 24-70mm lens, three or four additional lenses, flash and all the accompanying paraphernalia you’ll need. To help facilitate maximum working speed, the Full Access 4-way Opening Top opens in any direction, and a Quick Access port in the back allows you to reach in for your lenses or flash without having to open the top. There’s plenty of room in the bag for cables, CDs, a media card reader, batteries and more. MediaSafe pockets are specially sized to secure those increasingly smaller memory cards. Other convenient features include a shock-dispersion rear wall, a foldout, waterproof rain cover, an inside hidden compartment for important documents, movable dividers, and a rugged, tear-resistant nylon exterior. Dimensions: 13 (w) x 13 (h) x 10.5 (d) inches. List Price: $144.95.