What to Pack in a SeaLife Photo Pro Backpack
By SeaLife Cameras | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to organize your dive gear and camera system inside the SeaLife Photo Pro Backpack. Get practical packing tips and see if this bag fits your needs.
Quick answer
Pack your SeaLife camera body, housing, lights, arms, trays, and accessories in the Photo Pro Backpack using retention straps and padded compartments to keep everything secure and organized.
Why the Photo Pro Backpack works for dive gear
The SeaLife Photo Pro Backpack is built from durable ballistic nylon, which resists abrasion and moisture better than standard backpack fabrics. The retention straps wrap around the entire bag, so even if a zipper is left partially open, your gear stays inside. This is especially useful when you are loading or unloading equipment on a boat or near water.
One trade-off: the backpack does not have a dedicated hard shell or padded divider system for each individual component. You will need to use soft pouches or lens wraps to separate smaller items like batteries, memory cards, and filters. The large padded main compartment is great for a camera body and housing together, but you should add your own organization for small parts.
Packing rules for the Photo Pro Backpack
- Camera body and housing: Place the camera body inside its housing, then wrap the assembly in a soft lens cloth or neoprene sleeve. Put it in the main compartment with the lens facing upward to avoid pressure on the port.
- Dive lights and arms: Detach lights from arms and store each light in a padded pouch. Wrap arms in a towel or soft case and place them along the side of the main compartment. Do not leave lights attached to arms inside the bag; they can shift and scratch the housing. Use separate pouches for lights and arms to prevent scratches.
- Trays and accessories: Stack trays flat in the front zippered pocket. Put small accessories like filters, o-rings, and tools in a mesh organizer or small dry bag inside the same pocket. Keep batteries in a fireproof pouch away from metal objects. Add a small dry bag for tiny items to avoid losing them in the large pocket.
- Personal dive gear: If you carry a mask, fins, or a dive computer, place them in the top pocket or the front pocket after wrapping in a microfiber towel. The backpack does not have a dedicated fin strap, so use the retention straps to secure a rolled-up wetsuit or float vest on the outside. The retention straps double as external tie-downs for bulky items.
Product facts
- Photo Pro Backpack: The SeaLife Photo Pro Backpack’s exterior is made of durable ballistic nylon. Ballistic nylon resists tears and abrasion, so the bag holds up to rough handling on dive boats and rocky shore entries.
Photo Pro Backpack - Photo Pro Backpack: Retention straps wrap around the backpack to prevent gear from falling out in the event the zippered pockets are not closed. You can quickly open a pocket to grab a filter or battery without worrying about losing items if the zipper is not fully closed.
- Photo Pro Backpack: The back of the backpack features soft, breathable padding so that it rests comfortably against the wearer’s back. Even when loaded with a full camera system, the backpack stays comfortable for long walks to dive sites or airport terminals.
Is the Photo Pro Backpack right for you?
Best for
- Divers who want a single bag for their camera system and basic personal dive gear
- Photographers who need a comfortable, durable backpack for travel and boat days
Not for
- Divers who need a hard case for checked airline luggage or extreme impact protection
- Photographers who want built-in padded dividers for each component
