Camera bags that won't make you look like a tourist

Don’t be a target for criminals when travelling – pack your camera gear into a bag that won’t make you look obviously like a tourist.

In the bag

1. Colonial canvas

R1 800

A little hipster, a little classic and, uh, little. The compact Double Green Canvas camera bag is a trendy travel option for toting your DSLR and one extra lens.

A back outer pouch is made for stashing a small tablet and two front pockets hold smaller accessories such as spare batteries. Removable padding quickly transforms it into a handbag.

2. Smart snapper

R1 399

A pickpocket-proof camera bag, Tamrac’s Zuma 9 can be accessed only from the back (behind the shoulder straps). There’s room for a DSLR and an extra lens, plus plenty of mesh pocketing for memory cards, batteries and manuals and a padded pocket for 10-inch tablets. Its clean look and size (roughly the same dimensions as a small sleeping bag) make it inconspicuous and waist straps allow you to swing it around to your front to access the case without taking it off.

3. Bring-it-all backpack

R3 995

Incredibly lightweight and made to fit a DSLR with a 70-200 mm lens attached plus three extras, the Kata Minibee 111 backpack is for experienced photographers who need it all.

It has a double-compartment design – a lower padded chamber for body and lenses and an upper pocket for chargers and spares – but with partitions removed it becomes a daypack. The aluminium skeleton offers smart weight distribution and thick rubber straps provide great cushioned comfort.

4. Incognito kitbag

R2 871

Is it a handbag? A backpack? A camera bag? Discerning travel fashionistas rejoice! The Kelly Moore Chapel convertible back- pack is water resistant, fits a DSLR alongside two lenses and features a zip-open memory and credit card ‘wallet’.

Two padded slots are perfect for tablets or passports and the clever design allows for use as either a shoulder bag or backpack with convertible straps, plus the padded basket can be removed so it becomes a handbag. It’s not real leather, but you can’t have everything.

5. Discreet sling

R650

What a a nifty piece of travel gear! The main compartment of the Lowepro Passport II sling bag expands for more storage space when necessary and the adjustable inner padding fits to your gear.

The cushioned shoulder pad means better carrying comfort and its unusual shape keeps it under the radar. Best for beginners with a DSLR, spare lens and itchy feet.