How to choose a serviceable smartphone photography day bag.

Welcome to my latest blog, which is all about choosing the right day bag for your smartphone photography trips.

The first thing to say is that if you're venturing out to take photos with just your smartphone, then you probably don't even need a bag, but if you're looking to carry more than your smartphone, then you might want to consider buying a suitable bag.

So, here’s a short, practical blog with some useful tips about choosing a day bag for smartphone photography — focused on real-world needs.

📸 What to look for when buying a day bag for smartphone photography.

Smartphone photography has never been more accessible, but to make the most of it on the go, you need the right day bag. A good bag keeps you organised, will protects your gear, and keeps you shooting comfortably all day. 

🎒 1. Comfort and wearability

You’ll likely be carrying your bag for hours, so comfort is critical. Look for

padded straps (wide ones reduce pressure points), breathable back panels to minimise sweat, and an an adjustable waist or sternum straps for balance on longer walks.

🔒 2. Protective compartments

Even though smartphones are fairly rugged, accessories like lenses, gimbals, selfie sticks, cables, lens cleaning kits, and chargers aren’t. A good day bag should offer padded, segmented compartments to protect accessories and soft interior fabric to prevent scratches on screens and glass. Removable inserts are useful so you can reconfigure space depending on your load.

📱 3. Right size and organisation

Avoid bags that are too big (bulky) or too small (cramped). It's a good idea to choose a bag that of itself isn't heavy. The prioritise by choosing a bag that has

a dedicated smartphone pocket, one on the outside of the bag that has a zip, and with easy access without needing to open the main flap. For me, the more pockets a bag has, the better, so you can separate all of your accessories so you can get at them without having to rummage through lots of other stuff in the process. You might want a bag with expandable or stretch compartments for flexibility as your kit changes.

☔ 4. Weather resistance.

The weather can change, sometimes very quickly,when you’re out shooting, so it might seem blindingly obvious, but choose a bag with water-resistant fabric and zippers.

⚡ 5. Quick access and security.

You want to have your smartphone tucked away securely inside your bag, but at the same time you want quick access so you’re ready to shoot in a matter of seconds, without fumbling through your bag. Top-or side-loading pockets are useful, as are magnetic closures or quick-release buckles. As I have already mentioned, internal organisation of your bag is going to make retrieval of small items easier. At the same time, make sure security isn’t compromised — hidden or secure zipped pockets are ideal for phones and valuables.

🧭 6. Style and Use.

Think about how you’ll use the bag, is it for urban/travel photography, when a sling or compact backpack might work best. Is it more for hiking/adventure shoots? Look for rugged, ergonomic designs with hydration compatibility.

Is it a bag you are probably going to use everyday, in which a minimalist bag that fits daily essentials, your smartphone, and any other bits of photo gear you might want to take with you is perfect. This is the sort of bag I tend to favour.

💡 7. Durability and build quality

A bag is an investment so before you buy, read reviews, accept recommendations from friends, visually inspect bags for yourself. Stitching in canvas bags must be robust and hard-wearing. Over the years I have bought coats with cheap zips that have either been difficult to operate or have given up the ghost after a short while. The same warnings apply to the zips in bags. Quality zippers are a must.

Choosing the right day bag for smartphone photography means balancing comfort, protection, accessibility, and style. Prioritise how you shoot and what gear you carry — the right bag will keep you ready for your next great adventure.

Here's one final thought. Photographers who go out with a DSLR camera and all the accompanying gear, all carried in a bag that obviously looks like a camera bag are, I have heard, being targeted by thieves who knows the value of the bag's content. Now I know you're not going to be walking around with such an ostentatious bag, but take extra care when you're photographing in cities, especially London where smartphone theft is rife. I use a wrist strap in these situations.

Below is my current bag, which measures about 10" x 8" x 4". It has zippered pockets inside and out. It is perfect for my needs. I bought it from a local market stall, but not until I had tested the zips!

Over time I have acquired bits and bobs of smartphone accessories, shown below. These all fit in my bag.

Thank you for reading my blog, which I hope has been interesting and informative. 

You can see and read more of my photography and travels on Instagram and Threads on @smart_phone_photographer_53. Join my newly created WhatsApp Channel Smartphone Photography.

See you next time. 

© Mike Young 2026.