Best Action Camera and Gimbal Carrying Case for Safe Travel

The best action camera and gimbal carrying case delivers rugged, custom-fit protection to keep your gear safe during travel. Designed with shockproof materials, secure compartments, and weather-resistant zippers, these cases ensure your high-value equipment stays organized and damage-free whether you’re hiking, flying, or filming on rugged terrain.

Key Takeaways

• Choose waterproof cases for all-weather protection during outdoor adventures.
• Prioritize shockproof materials to safeguard gear from drops and impacts.
• Modular compartments keep action cameras and gimbals organized and secure.
• Lightweight designs ensure easy portability without compromising durability.
• Lockable zippers add theft deterrence in crowded or high-risk areas.
• Custom foam inserts prevent scratches and absorb vibrations during transit.

Why You Need a Reliable Action Camera and Gimbal Carrying Case

Let’s face it: your action camera and gimbal are your adventure companions. Whether you’re chasing waves on a surfboard, hiking a mountain trail, or capturing smooth cinematic shots at a wedding, these tools are built for action. But what happens when the action stops? That’s where the action camera and gimbal carrying case comes into play. I learned this the hard way after my first major trip with my GoPro and DJI gimbal. I tossed everything into a regular backpack, thinking “it’ll be fine.” Spoiler: it wasn’t. By the time I landed, my gimbal’s motor was slightly misaligned, and my camera lens had a mysterious scratch. Lesson learned: protection matters.

An action camera and gimbal carrying case isn’t just a fancy accessory—it’s essential gear. These devices are compact, yes, but they’re also delicate. Gimbals have sensitive motors and balance mechanisms, while action cameras house small lenses, ports, and sensors that can easily get damaged. A good carrying case shields your gear from drops, dust, moisture, and even the occasional airline baggage handler’s rough handling. Plus, it keeps everything organized, so you’re not digging through a tangled mess of cables and mounts before your next shoot. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro content creator, investing in a solid case is one of the smartest moves you can make.

What to Look for in an Action Camera and Gimbal Carrying Case

Choosing the right carrying case can feel overwhelming. There are so many options, from hard-shell cases to soft pouches, and each promises to be the “best.” But not all cases are created equal. Here’s what you need to consider before making a purchase.

1. Protection Level: Hard Shell vs. Soft Case

When it comes to protection, you have two main options: hard-shell and soft cases. Hard-shell cases, often made of polycarbonate or ABS plastic, offer superior impact resistance. They’re ideal for air travel, rough terrain, or any situation where your gear might get jostled. Think of them as the armored trucks of the camera world. I once dropped my hard-shell case down a rocky trail—my gimbal was perfectly fine inside.

Soft cases, on the other hand, are lightweight and more flexible. They’re great for short trips, urban adventures, or when you need to save space in your backpack. However, they offer less protection against crushing or heavy impacts. A soft case with a padded interior and a rigid frame (like a semi-hard case) can be a good middle ground. For example, the Peak Design Shell is a soft case with a reinforced structure, making it ideal for day hikes or quick shoots.

Tip: If you’re flying frequently or traveling to remote locations, go for a hard-shell case. For everyday use or light travel, a soft or semi-hard case might suffice.

2. Interior Organization and Customization

A good case isn’t just about protection—it’s also about organization. Look for a case with customizable foam inserts or modular dividers. These allow you to create snug compartments for your camera, gimbal, batteries, mounts, and cables. I once used a case with fixed compartments, and it was a nightmare—my extra batteries kept rolling around, and my cables got tangled.

Some cases, like the Nanuk 905, come with pick-and-pluck foam, where you can remove foam cubes to fit your gear exactly. Others, like the DJI Osmo Action 3 Creator Combo Case, have pre-cut compartments designed for specific models. This is especially useful if you’re using a popular setup like the GoPro Hero or DJI Pocket series.

Pro tip: Take a photo of your gear layout before removing foam cubes. That way, you can always reconfigure it if you change equipment later.

3. Water and Dust Resistance

Even if you’re not planning to dive into the ocean with your case, water and dust resistance matter. A case with an IP rating (like IP67) means it can withstand dust and brief submersion in water. This is crucial for outdoor adventures, rainy days, or even accidental spills at a café.

I once used a non-water-resistant case during a beach shoot. A sudden wave splashed the bag, and even though the water didn’t reach my camera, the salt spray left a film on the case’s zippers, making them stiff and hard to open. A case with a waterproof zipper and sealed seams would’ve prevented that.

Tip: If you’re shooting near water or in dusty environments, prioritize cases with IP ratings or at least water-resistant fabrics and sealed zippers.

4. Portability and Comfort

Let’s talk about how you’ll carry the case. Is it a backpack, a shoulder bag, or a hand-carry? Each has pros and cons. Backpacks are great for hiking or biking—they distribute weight evenly and keep your hands free. Shoulder bags are more stylish and easier to access quickly, but they can strain your shoulder on long walks. Hand-carry cases are compact but limit how much you can carry.

Look for features like padded straps, ventilated back panels, and luggage pass-through slots (so you can slide the case over your suitcase handle). The Peak Design Travel Backpack is a favorite among photographers for its comfort and smart design.

Tip: Try the case on (or at least check the dimensions) before buying. A case that’s too bulky might not fit in overhead bins or under your seat on a flight.

Top 5 Action Camera and Gimbal Carrying Cases on the Market

Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some real-world options. I’ve tested and researched these cases based on durability, organization, and real-user feedback. These aren’t sponsored picks—just honest recommendations from someone who’s dropped, spilled, and dragged gear around the world.

1. Nanuk 905 Hard Case

The Nanuk 905 is a beast of a case. Made from impact-resistant polycarbonate, it’s IP67-rated (dustproof and waterproof) and comes with pick-and-pluck foam for customization. It’s a favorite among professionals for air travel because it can handle rough handling. The latches are secure, and the handle is comfortable for long carries.

Pros: Unbeatable protection, waterproof, customizable foam, TSA-approved locks (optional).

Cons: Heavy (about 4 lbs empty), not the most stylish, expensive.

Best for: Frequent travelers, pros who need maximum protection.

2. DJI Osmo Action 3 Creator Combo Case

If you’re using a DJI Osmo Action 3 (or similar), this case is tailor-made for you. It has pre-cut compartments for the camera, gimbal, batteries, and mounts. The hard shell is durable, and the interior is padded to prevent scratches. It’s compact and lightweight—perfect for day trips.

Pros: Perfect fit for DJI gear, lightweight, affordable, includes a carabiner for attachment.

Cons: Limited customization (not ideal if you switch cameras), not waterproof.

Best for: DJI Osmo Action 3 owners, casual users.

3. Peak Design Shell (Medium)

The Peak Design Shell is a soft case with a twist: it has a semi-rigid frame for extra protection. The interior has adjustable dividers, and the exterior is water-resistant. It’s designed to fit inside larger backpacks or be used as a standalone case. The zippers are smooth, and the handle is padded.

Pros: Lightweight, water-resistant, modular, fits in most backpacks.

Cons: Less protection than hard cases, no IP rating.

Best for: Hikers, urban explorers, hybrid users.

4. Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II

This is a backpack-style case with serious organization. It has a customizable interior, a padded laptop sleeve, and a rain cover (AW stands for All Weather). The back panel is ventilated, and the straps are adjustable. It’s a bit bulky, but it can carry a full setup: camera, gimbal, lenses, batteries, and even a drone.

Pros: Spacious, great organization, rain cover included, comfortable to carry.

Cons: Heavy when fully loaded, expensive.

Best for: Photographers who need to carry a lot of gear.

5. Amazon Basics Hard Shell Case

Don’t let the name fool you—this case is surprisingly good. It’s made of durable plastic, has pick-and-pluck foam, and is water-resistant. It’s much cheaper than premium brands but still offers solid protection. The only downside is the lack of a warranty and less polished design.

Pros: Affordable, durable, customizable, lightweight.

Cons: No IP rating, basic design, no TSA locks.

Best for: Budget-conscious users, occasional travelers.

How to Pack Your Action Camera and Gimbal Carrying Case Like a Pro

Even the best case won’t protect your gear if you pack it wrong. Here’s how to do it right, based on years of trial and error (and a few close calls).

1. Use Silica Gel Packs

Moisture is the enemy of electronics. Toss a few silica gel packs into your case to absorb any humidity. You can buy them cheaply online or reuse the ones that come in shoeboxes or electronics packaging. I keep a small bag of them in my case at all times—especially after a sweaty hike or a rainy shoot.

2. Secure Moving Parts

Gimbals have motors and arms that can move. Before packing, lock the gimbal’s arms in place (if possible) or wrap it in a microfiber cloth. For action cameras, remove the battery and SD card. This prevents accidental power-on and protects the card from damage.

3. Wrap Cables and Accessories

Tangled cables are annoying and can damage ports. Use cable ties or velcro straps to keep them neat. Store small accessories (like mounts or filters) in a small pouch or ziplock bag. I use a Peak Design Tech Pouch for this—it fits perfectly in my case and keeps everything organized.

4. Label Your Gear

Ever opened your case to find three identical batteries and had to guess which one is charged? Avoid the guesswork. Use labeling tape or colored stickers to mark charged vs. uncharged batteries. I use red stickers for low batteries and green for fully charged ones.

5. Test the Seal

If your case is waterproof, test it before you leave. Fill it with paper towels, close it, and submerge it in a sink for a few minutes. If the towels stay dry, you’re good to go. I learned this after a case failed during a kayaking trip—lesson learned, and now I test every new case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Carrying Case

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when picking a case. Here are the ones I’ve made (and seen others make)—and how to avoid them.

1. Prioritizing Style Over Function

A sleek, minimalist case might look great in photos, but if it doesn’t protect your gear, it’s useless. I once bought a stylish leather case because it looked “pro.” It looked great—until it got scratched after one trip. Now, I prioritize function. A case should be tough, not just pretty.

2. Ignoring Weight and Size

Check the case’s empty weight and dimensions. A heavy case adds to your load, especially if you’re hiking or flying. A bulky case might not fit in overhead bins or under your seat. Always measure your gear and compare it to the case’s interior dimensions. I once bought a case that was “perfect” online—only to find it was too tight for my gimbal’s handle.

3. Skipping the Warranty

Some brands offer lifetime warranties or free repairs. If your case gets damaged, you’ll want that backup. Premium brands like Nanuk and Peli offer excellent warranties. Cheaper cases might not, so factor that into your decision.

4. Forgetting About Air Travel

If you’re flying, consider TSA-approved locks or a case that can be opened for inspection. Some hard cases have built-in locks, but they’re often not TSA-compliant. I once had a case inspected at the airport, and the TSA agent broke the lock because it wasn’t approved. Now, I use a separate TSA lock or choose a case with a compliant design.

5. Not Testing Before You Travel

Don’t wait until you’re at the airport to discover your case is too heavy or doesn’t fit your gear. Test it at home. Pack it, carry it around, and simulate a trip. This helps you catch issues early.

Comparing the Best: A Quick Look at Key Features

Here’s a quick comparison of the top cases I’ve mentioned. This table highlights key specs to help you decide.

Case	Type	Water Resistance	Weight (Empty)	Customization	Best Use Case
Nanuk 905	Hard Shell	IP67 (Waterproof)	4 lbs	Pick-and-pluck foam	Air travel, extreme conditions
DJI Osmo Action 3 Creator Combo	Hard Shell	Water-resistant (no IP rating)	2.5 lbs	Pre-cut compartments	DJI users, day trips
Peak Design Shell	Soft (Semi-rigid)	Water-resistant fabric	1.8 lbs	Adjustable dividers	Hiking, urban use
Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II	Backpack	Rain cover included	3.2 lbs	Customizable interior	Full gear setups
Amazon Basics Hard Shell	Hard Shell	Water-resistant (no IP rating)	3.5 lbs	Pick-and-pluck foam	Budget travel

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment

Your action camera and gimbal are more than tools—they’re your creative partners. They capture your adventures, your stories, and your memories. A good action camera and gimbal carrying case isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in those memories. It ensures your gear stays safe, organized, and ready for the next shoot.

Think about your needs: Are you a frequent traveler? A weekend hiker? A pro shooter? Match those needs to the right case. Don’t skimp on protection, but also don’t overpay for features you won’t use. And remember: a case is only as good as how you pack it. Use silica gel, secure moving parts, and keep cables tidy.

At the end of the day, the best case is the one that fits your gear, your adventures, and your style. So take your time, do your research, and choose wisely. Your future self—and your gear—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good action camera and gimbal carrying case for travel?

A great carrying case offers shockproof padding, customizable compartments, and weather-resistant materials to protect gear during transit. Look for compact designs with ergonomic straps or handles for easy portability, especially if you’re frequently on the move.

Can this carrying case fit both my action camera and gimbal together?

Yes, the best action camera and gimbal carrying cases feature adjustable dividers to snugly fit both devices and accessories like batteries, mounts, or cables. Always check the case’s interior dimensions to ensure compatibility with your specific models.

Is the carrying case waterproof or water-resistant?

Most high-quality cases use water-resistant materials like EVA or nylon to shield gear from rain or splashes. For full waterproofing, opt for cases with IPX ratings or sealed zippers, ideal for extreme outdoor adventures.

How do I choose the right size for my action camera and gimbal setup?

Measure your gear (including attached accessories) and compare it to the case’s internal dimensions listed by the manufacturer. A slightly larger case ensures room for future upgrades while preventing overcrowding.

Are these cases airline-approved for carry-on luggage?

Many action camera and gimbal carrying cases meet airline carry-on size limits, but always verify with your airline’s regulations. Compact, TSA-friendly designs with quick-access compartments are ideal for hassle-free security checks.

What extra features should I look for in a premium carrying case?

Premium cases often include reinforced corners, anti-slip feet, breathable mesh pockets, and built-in cable organizers. Some even have charging ports or solar panels, making them perfect for extended outdoor trips.