What to Pack in a 22L Camera Backpack for Travel
By NiSi Filters Australia | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to maximize your 22L travel photography bag with essential gear, organization tips, and honest trade-offs for a lightweight carry.
Quick answer
A 22L camera backpack like the Summit Creative Medium Metropolis is ideal for day trips and city travel when you pack a mirrorless or compact DSLR kit, one extra lens, a 16-inch laptop or tablet, and small accessories—but you'll need to leave the full studio setup at home.
Why 22L hits the sweet spot for travel
A 22L bag is large enough to carry a capable camera kit and a laptop, yet small enough to fit under an airline seat or in a crowded subway. The Summit Creative Medium Metropolis 22L Backpack uses durable 420D nylon construction that resists light rain and abrasion, so you don't need an extra rain cover for short walks between locations.
The trade-off is that you cannot bring a full-frame telephoto zoom, multiple bodies, and a tripod all at once. You have to choose your kit deliberately.
What to leave behind
Skip the dedicated camera cube if your bag already has padded dividers. Skip the 15-inch laptop if you can use a tablet. Skip the full-size tripod and bring a compact tabletop or gorilla-style pod instead. Every cubic inch counts in a 22L pack.
If you need a second camera body or a 70-200mm lens, consider a 30L+ backpack. The 22L is for minimalists who value speed and mobility.
Packing decision rules for a 22L camera backpack
- Camera body: Bring one mirrorless or compact DSLR body. A full-frame body with a 24-70mm lens is fine; a larger pro body will crowd out other items.
- Lenses: Carry two lenses max: a standard zoom (e.g., 24-70mm) and a prime (e.g., 35mm or 50mm). Leave the 70-200mm at home unless you skip the laptop. If you must bring a telephoto, swap the laptop for a tablet to save space.
- Accessories: Pack a small filter pouch (e.g., NiSi 100mm filters in a slim case), one spare battery, a memory card wallet, and a lightweight tabletop tripod. Avoid hard cases for filters—use a soft pouch. Test your filter pouch fit before the trip; some square filter holders add bulk.
- Personal items: A 16-inch laptop or tablet, a thin jacket, a water bottle (up to 500ml), and a small toiletry kit fit comfortably. Roll clothes instead of folding to maximize space. Use the bag's padded laptop compartment for a tablet if you don't need a full computer.
Product facts
- Summit Creative Medium Metropolis 22L Backpack (Black): 22L storage capacity accommodates laptops up to 16 inches, camera gear, clothes, and personal items. You can pack a mirrorless body, two lenses, a 16-inch laptop, and a change of clothes in one bag—no need for a separate daypack.
Summit Creative Medium Metropolis 22L Backpack (Black) - Summit Creative Medium Metropolis 22L Backpack (Champagne): 420D nylon construction is durable and water-resistant, protecting your gear in all weather conditions. Light rain or splashes won't ruin your gear, so you can keep shooting without rushing for cover.
Summit Creative Medium Metropolis 22L Backpack (Champagne)
Who should choose a 22L camera backpack
Best for
- City travelers and day hikers who need one camera body and two lenses
- Photographers who also carry a 16-inch laptop or tablet for editing on the go
- Anyone who wants a carry-on-friendly bag that fits under most airline seats
Not for
- Wildlife or sports photographers who need a 70-200mm or longer telephoto lens
- Studio or event shooters carrying two camera bodies and multiple flashes
- Travelers who insist on a full-size tripod and a separate camera cube
