Choosing the hiking camera backpack is not an easy task. There are so many factors that go into finding that perfect bag for you and your needs.
It may be difficult to foresee yourself lugging heavy, expensive camera equipment through the back-country.
Fumbling along with large lenses, separate gear bags and straps galore is enough to make anyone want to stick with simple cellphone pictures.
Luckily, backpack outfitters saw that photographers and hikers did not need to be mutually exclusive.
Now manufacturers have produced some exquisite hiking camera backpacks that perfectly marry the needs of the adventure lover with those that are always looking for the perfect shot.
Durable versatile backpacks made to protect precious equipment now pepper the market and give a chance to any aspiring outdoor photographer.
Of course, assessing which hiking camera backpack is right for you comes with a lot of research.
You want something big enough to fit all your needs, adjustable enough to suit your ever-changing kit, durable enough to protect your precious cargo and accessible enough for those quick shot moments.
Let’s take a look at what makes the best hiking camera backpacks.
Best Hiking Camera Backpack: Top 5
| PRODUCT | DESCRIPTION | |
|---|---|---|
 | Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW -Great compartmentalization -Well padded straps and belt -Back panel and top access -Built in raincover -Light (3.08lbs) -Storage pocket on waist belt | Check Price |
 | Burton F-stop Pack -Stylish Design -Great compartmentalization -Ample number of pockets -Internal dividers -28L capacity | Check Price |
 | Mountainsmith Tanuck 40 Camera Pack -40l of storage -Good compartmentalization -Water resistant CORDURA materials -Top lid can be detached and turned into a chest mount mini-pack -MOLLE style webbing on the exterior | Check Price |
 | Osprey UltraLight Camera Case -Small -Lightweight -Well padded -Can be attached to backpack -Comfortable strap | Check Price |
 | Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Backpack -Plenty of storage options -Big enough for camera kit and hiking gear -Rear storage flap can carry a drone or tripod -Integrated rain cover -Very comfortable -Rear, top and side access | Check Price |
Quick Answer: Best Hiking Camera Backpacks
- Best Sport Backpack: Lowepro Photo Sport 300
- Best Waterproof Backpack: Abonnyc Camera Backpack Fit 2 Pro-Sized
- Best Versatility: Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW
- Best for One Camera: Mountainsmith Tanack 10
- Best for Multiple Cameras: Gitzo Adventury 30L DSLR Camera Backpack
- Best Budget Camera Bag: AmazonBasics Hiker Camera and Laptop Backpack
- Best for Several Lenses: Endurax Extra Large Camera DSLR/SLR Backpack
- Best High End Camera Bag: Clik Elite CE800BK Photography Pack Pro
How to Choose the Best Hiking Camera Backpack
How to Judge Load Capacity
Knowing what size backpack to get should be your first concern when assessing which backpack is right for you.
Naturally, even the nicest backpack is rendered useless if you can’t bring along the photography equipment you purchased the backpack for.
The best way to do this is to first take out all of the gear that you are intending to use most often, making sure to include any long-focus lenses you may want to utilize.
Splay the equipment on the ground in a pack-able way and measure the dimensions. This should give you a general idea of the dimensions/liter size you are looking for. Liter sizes generally range from 14-60.
But don’t leave that gear sit! Bring everything with you to the store so you can make sure it all fits with room left for hiking gear, water and snacks.
When you try on the backpack (with your gear inside) it should feel snug with the pressure evenly distributed over your waist, while still giving you full range of motion.
Finding a Comfortable Harnessing System
Camera equipment can be extremely heavy weighing upwards of 50 lbs. That is why finding a backpack that gives you the maximum amount of support and comfort is so key.
To achieve this the best hiking camera backpacks, incorporate both chest and waist belt straps with strong buckles and heavy padding.
These straps prevent the pack from pulling on your shoulders and evenly distributes the weight over your waist. Thicker padding will keep you comfortable on long treks with heavier loads, preventing blisters and overall fatigue.
Some brands even feature pockets on the waist belt that allow you quick access to things like snacks, gloves or extra batteries.
Camera Protection
When you spend thousands of dollars on camera gear the last thing you want is to bust it on the first tree you accidentally bang into or rainstorm you get caught in.
That is why choosing a durable, heavy-duty well-padded camera backpack is crucial.
You want to make sure that the pack you choose touts a weatherproof (not just waterproof) label.
Weatherproof packs have been tested to stand up against rains, winds, heat, dust and general grit. It should be ready for anything that mother nature wants to throw at you.
Thick external padding is another feature of the best camera backpacks. The layers of padding act as shock absorption in case you take a tumble on the rocks or smack it against a boulder.
You will also want to make sure that the pack has well-sealed seams and tough as nails YKK zippers. These things will keep the elements from penetrating in during your worst scenarios.
Many good quality packs will come with a built-in rain cover, in case things get really messy. However, water-resistant materials and/or treatments are always a bonus.
Ability to Customize
Every photography knows, from novice to expert, that your photography gear is ever-evolving. You build a small arsenal of lenses, straps, tripods, batteries, flashes, the list goes on and on.
Sometimes you need the big guns and sometimes just a few key pieces. That is why the best camera backpacks need the ability to evolve with you.
Almost all camera specific backpacks come with padded inserts and the best have Velcro features allowing you to move them freely throughout the main compartment to best organize your gear.
Velcro also means you will be able to switch out the compartments from multiple backpacks if you had the desire. Or if you want to go completely rogue you can remove all of the inserts and turn your bag into a regular hiking backpack for the day.
Also, similar to your waist belt, you will want the inserts with the most padding. This will prevent your equipment from banging together as you hike.
Although, if the equipment is tightly packed and you want the benefit of added storage space, thinner pads may be the way to go.
Added Features
Everyone loves extras! Some backpacks are more intricate than others giving you access to things you not have realized you needed or wanted.
Here are some features to think about that just might round off your perfect camera backpack.
- Tripod carrier: It always pays off to have a tripod to get that perfect well focused shot. Look for a tripod carrying option. These are usually straps on the sides, back or top.
- Hydration pack compartment: This is an awesome feature for long hikes because it frees up space and you don’t have to carry multiple water bottles. Although, make sure that if you want to utilize this compartment that it is sealed or lined in some way to prevent leaks from reaching your equipment. You may even consider lining the hydration pack with a dry bag for extra security.
- Laptop sleeve: This is a padded sleeve on the front or rear of the bag and helps those that want to upload and/or edit on the fly. Generally, it is better if it is located on the back to prevent damage if you bang against things. Also, it should be noted that carrying your laptop on long distances may make your pack stiffer and more uncomfortable.
- External storage: Pockets on the hip belt sides or front of the backpack allow for easy access to gear, SD cards, gloves or a hat without having to rifle through the bag to get to things you regularly need.
- Air-mesh Backing: This allows for maximum breath-ability when hiking in warmer climates and keeps the sweat from soaking into the backpack.
- Multiple Access Points: With multiple access points you should be able to get to any necessary piece of gear without the struggle of unstrapping and putting your bag on the ground. Camera backpacks with only top access are burdensome or just not very big.
Best Hiking Camera Backpack Recommendations
Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW
This Lowepro camera backpack is extremely versatile and can easily glide from travel to hiking and even daily use. It has well-padded shoulder and waist straps and can fit a standard DSLR with attached lenses as well as 2 extra lenses, a tripod, tablet, hiking gear and water bottles.
It has a patented ActivZone suspension that maximizes all day comfort and a built-in rain cover making sure your equipment never sees a touch of rain.
SPECS:
- Back panel quick access
- Multiple internal and external compartments
- Weighs 3.08 lbs
- Well-padded straps and belt
- Back panel and top access
- Built-in rain cover
- ActivZone suspension
Check Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW price at Amazon
Mountainsmith Tanuck 40 Camera Pack
The Mountainsmith Tanuck is an extraordinarily well-designed behemoth that gives you everything you could ever want out of a camera backpack. While listed as a 40L bag it packs in up to 60L of gear, or the equivalent of 50 lbs.
The top lid can be detached and turned into a chest mount mini-pack and gives you an ample amount of external storage pockets. It is made with tough water-resistant materials and includes a hydration/laptop sleeve.
Given all of this and its capacity to be used on multi-day treks in the wilderness why this pack is the love of many experienced outdoor photographers.
SPECS:
- Weighs 5lbs
- MOLLE-style webbing for external attachments
- Constructed with Cordura nylon
- YKK zippers
- Back panel access
- Removable rain cover
- Airmesh backing
- 40l of storage
Check Mountainsmith Tanuck 40 Camera Pack price at Amazon
Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Backpack
The Vanguard is a great standard option that does exactly what it is supposed to. It is made from high-quality durable material with heavily padded shoulder straps and waist belt.
This backpack also includes a fun rear storage flap that can fit a small drone or a tripod depending on your preference. It has a large amount of compartmentalized storage both internally and externally and is just overall a nice bag for any skill level or adventure spirit.
SPECS:
- Built-in rain cover
- Rear, sides and top access points
- 13” laptop sleeve
- Double security buckles
- Ergonomic Air System back, harness & waist belt
- Multiple tripod connections
- Stowable connector straps
- Weighs 4.9lbs
Check Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Backpack price at Amazon
Burton F-Stop Pack
For best results when shooting snowboarding photos, head into mountains with the Burton F-Stop 28L Camera Backpack and a well-defined plan.
This bag has been field-tested by the best in the business. It has features like padded, move-able internal pockets, attachment points for all your camera equipment, and a cushioned shoulder harness.
SPECS:
- Stylish Design
- Great compartmentalization
- Ample number of pockets
- Internal dividers
- 28L capacity
- Weight- 5.1 lbs
Check Burton F-stop Pack price at Amazon
Osprey Ultralight Camera Case
For those who just want a simple, no-frills camera case to sling over their shoulder, the Osprey Ultralight is pretty much the ideal carry solution.
It’s light, well-padded, big enough to carry a spare lens and has a comfy shoulder strap. The ideal minimalist carry-solution for clipping onto your backpack!
SPECS:
- Small
- Lightweight
- Well padded
- Can be attached to a backpack
- Neck & Shoulder strap carrying options
- Comfortable strap
- Weight- 4.2 oz.
Check Osprey UltraLight Camera Case price at Amazon
Not finding what you are looking for? Check out our favorite places to go shopping for travel gear.
- Shop Columbia: The industry leader in outdoor apparel and products; You can find anything from great jackets, gloves, hats, shirts and travel pants.
- Shop REI: They offer some of the best outdoor gear around. We love REI since they have a year Love it or hate it no questions guarantee.
- Shop Moosejaw: Has a huge selection of outdoor gear at killer prices.
| Epic Hiking Trips | ||
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| Trekking the Inca Trail 5 days Cusco to Cusco Trip Type: Small Group 10 - 12 People Award Winning Inca Trail Program | Hike Patagonia in Depth 14 days Buenos Aires to Buenos Aires Trip Type: Small Group 10 - 12 People 100% Local Ripple Score | Everest Base Camp Trek 15 days Kathmandu to Kathmandu Trip Type: Small Group 10 - 12 People 100% Local Ripple Score |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
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- Ultimate Travel Photography Gear List
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- Best Dry Bag for Your Next Adventure
- How to Decide Which GoPro to Buy
- GoPro Dome: How to Choose the Best One & Take Epic Photos
- The Best GoPro Accessories for Adventure Travel
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Article by Lina Stock
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