When you think about the perfect camera bag, which elements do you look for first? Is it style, capacity, durability or accessibility? While you want all of these things in a bag, I usually place the most importance on durability, because I want to make sure my camera bag will be able to protect my thousand-dollar Canon DSLR and lenses. As a photographer, my equipment is an integral part of my livelihood, and any damages would not only break my heart, it will break my bank account as well.

What makes a camera bag durable enough that you can trust it to keep your expensive gear safe? A young photographer once asked me a similar question a few years ago while I was on an assignment in Mexico. We were on our way to Veracruz to report on a rumored mass grave in the desert. This was during the height of the drug cartel wars in northern Mexico and photojournalists from around the world were flocking to the area like vultures, trying to capture the most gruesome images for their editors.

The desert landscapes of Mexico is full of detrimental elements that could shorten the lifespan of your cameras, lenses and other accessories. You have to deal with the erosive power of sand, wind and heat. On top of that, when you’re packed like sardines in vans and trucks going full speed through rugged areas, your precious equipment gets banged up quite often and quite brutally.

I’ve tried everything from military-grade tactical bags to Pelican hard cases, but they were either too bulky or made accessing your gear a bit more difficult when on the go. Also, most camera bags on the market are made of nylon, which makes them softer and less resilient to being crushed.

Back in the Old West and even today, people preferred leather goods. This wasn’t just due to the abundance of rawhide available, but because they are tried and tested materials that could be relied on for longevity. Leather is legendary for its resistance to weather elements and time itself. The harder the beating, the tougher it gets. Simply put: leather is badass.

Copper River Bag Co. offers a wide variety of camera bags that are both durable and stylish in their timelessness. Copper River Bags knows their leather. For instance, we use water-resistant full-grain leather that is oil tanned. This gives our leather products the ability to withstand the harshest weather conditions, and why it’s perfect for rough travel.

Copper River Bags offers two main types of camera bags: classic leather and cotton duck. Can’t decide which one suits your needs the best? Buy both. Buy them all! Just kidding. Let’s take a look at each more in-depth to see which one you might fall in love with.

Leather Bags

One of the most popular leather camera bags in CRB’s lineup is the 10" Distressed Tan Napa Safari bag. It has a classic rugged look that has enough room for a DSLR camera and an extra lens. The distressed look is for style, but is also a reminder that the bag can take abuse in the roughest terrain. Over time, the premium water-resistant leather will get tougher with age. So don’t be afraid to get out there and scratch it up during your adventure—it’ll add character.

Need more space? Check out the 14”Medium Courier camera bag. It has a slimmer, smoother body, but offers more width. Not only is the leather water-resistant, so is the threading, which will make sure your 14-inch laptop stays dry and secured. For a sleeker professional look, try the 10” Mission Napa camera bag in black. Don’t let the sexy aesthetic fool you; this bad boy is as tough as it gets. The best feature is its large compartment, so that you can focus on what you’re seeing through the viewfinder and not on trying to find more space in your bag.

Whatever you choose, you can never go wrong with a classic leather bag that will last for generations.

Cotton Duck Bags

We also have a new line of Cotton Duck fabric bags. The great thing about cotton duck is that it offers the same level of protection as leather camera bags. They are water-resistant, durable, and are sewn with heavy duty marine-grade thread. This is especially beneficial if you’re shooting at the beach or other water sports activities.

Check out the Classic Briefcase with Weather Flap for a stylish and roomy bag for your gear. You’re thinking, “Wait a minute, can I put my camera into this briefcase?”

You absolutely can. One of the innovative features of Copper River Bags’ products is that we can put camera inserts inside non-camera bags, such as cotton duck briefcases. This allows for flexibility in customization.

Whether you choose one of our sleek classic leather camera bags or our new cotton duck lineup, remember that protecting and carrying your gear should be a secondary thought to you. So let us worry about making you the perfect camera bag, so you can focus on that perfect shot.

Links to Products Featured In This Article:

• The Sonoma Buckhorn Camera Bag
• Cotton Duck Classic Camera Bag / Briefcase
• Original Courier Camera Bag
• Awesome Info on All Things Photography: Shotrockers
• 5 of the Best Websites to DSLR Cameras, Lenses and Accessories