6 Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking
Hiking must be the situation that will test a camera backpack’s quality. Camera equipment is delicate and heavy. Therefore, protection requires weight, mass, and weatherproofing. On the other hand, you want to carry as little weight and abundance as possible when trekking in the hills. Designing a camera backpack for hiking that avoids this issue is very difficult. So, we are happy to say that we have discovered and thoroughly tested several backpacks that meet the criteria.
However, hiking and photography are ideal for enjoying the great outdoors and making priceless memories. However, selecting the best camera backpack for hiking can be challenging. You require a bag that is sufficiently protective of your equipment and lightweight, strong, and comfortable to wear.
In this post, we go over the top hiking camera backpacks. To assist you in finding the ideal bag for your needs, we will consider variables like size, weight, features, and price. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional photographer, one of the backpacks on this list is ideal.
6 Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking
VANGUARD Alta Sky 51D Camera Backpack
A versatile and well-designed backpack that can hold various camera equipment and personal stuff is the Vanguard Alta Sky 51D Camera Backpack. It has a sizable capacity and can accommodate up to two professional DSLRs with attached lenses (up to 70-200mm f/2.8), three to four lenses, a flash, accessories, or a drone, and all necessary add-ons. Along with numerous pockets and compartments for managing minor equipment and personal belongings, it also offers a separate area for a 15″ laptop and tablet.
Even when filled, the Alta Sky 51D is incredibly pleasant to carry. It contains an adjustable waist belt, well-padded shoulder straps, and a harness system. Because of this, it is a fantastic backpack for long hikes or days out shooting.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Large capacity: able to hold a variety of photographic equipment and personal items – Versatile: It can be used as a day pack, a backpack for a camera, or a backpack for hiking. – Convenient to carry: good back padding and harness system – Dedicated camera, laptop, and tablet storage areas that are secure – A variety of pockets and compartments for minor equipment and personal items keep everything organized. – Durable: Constructed with premium components – It contains a rain cover – Several access points | – Possibly large when completely loaded – Not the lightest backpack available – The shoulder straps, according to some users, can uneasy on lengthy hikes – Accessing the top compartment may be challenging when the backpack is fully laden. – The cost is higher than average. |
Lowepro PhotoSport BP 15L AW III
The Lowepro PhotoSport BP 15L AW III is a fantastic lightweight camera backpack for hiking and adventurous travel. It can easily accommodate a tiny drone like the Mavic Air 2 or a crop-sensor CSC camera with one attached lens and 1-2 additional compact lenses. Additionally, it offers space for other accessories like a jacket, food, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
The backpack offers numerous attachment points for a tripod, hiking poles, other accessories, and a big top-loading bag for your trip’s necessities. A lightweight jacket, gloves, and other items can fit in the front’s stretchable pocket. The GearUp camera insert is detachable, and there is side access to the camera section.
The ActivZone harness system, designed to deliver targeted comfort, makes carrying the PhotoSport III comfortable. It also includes numerous pockets, compartments, and connection points to store your trekking and photography equipment. The backpack is tough and designed to accompany you on all your trekking expeditions. It is constructed from high-end materials like Ripstop with Robic Nylon and Polyester, which are strong and environmentally friendly.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Lightweight and convenient for carrying big main compartment for basics and camera gear – Several pockets and sections for organization – Strong construction using recyclable materials – GearUp camera attachment that is removable for storage options – Various hooks and loops for tripods, hiking poles, etc. | – Unweatherproof compared to some other backpacks – It can be awkward to reach the camera container from the side. – When loaded completely, the backpack can be quite large. |
TARION Camera Backpack Extra Large
Another choice of the 6 best camera backpacks for hiking for photographers who require a large and sturdy backpack to carry their equipment is the TARION Camera Backpack Extra Large + Camera Strap is a wonderful choice. One for your camera and lenses and one for other supplies, like a laptop or tripod, are in the backpack’s two main compartments. The backpack has numerous compartments for holding smaller essentials like batteries and memory cards. You can be confident your gear will stay dry in any weather with the help of the rain cover and water-resistant material used to make the backpack. The backpack’s waist belt and padded shoulder straps also aid in equally dispersing the weight and lowering strain.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Big and strong – There are two main compartments and numerous accessory pockets. – Nylon that is water-resistant and has a cover – Belt and shoulder straps that are padded – Adjustable camera strap – Commodious enough to wear over extended periods | – When fully loaded, it could be heavy. – Not the most fashionable bag – The camera strap may not be as comfortable for heavy cameras because it is not as wide as other straps. |
Photo Sport 200 AW From Lowepro
A compact backpack made specifically for photographers who want to bring their equipment on adventures outdoors is the Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW. A pro-sized DSLR with a kit lens attached, a flash, a water bottle, and personal stuff can all fit within. The backpack is built of incredibly strong and sturdy materials that are still ultra-lightweight, making it ideal for rugged terrain.
A special Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber on the Photo Sport 200 AW protects your equipment in a cushioned and tight enclosure. The chamber may be accessible from the side for quick and simple access to your camera, and it is cinched down to avoid bouncing while you are moving.
Moreover, a top-loading additional compartment with up to 13.9 liters of room for your personal belongings is also included with the backpack. A jacket, lunch, a phone, or anything else you might need on your excursion will fit well in this section.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Tiny and transportable – Resilient and waterproof design – With side access, the camera container is safe. – For personal goods, a sizable top-loading compartment – Integrated rain cover – Waist belt and comfortable padded shoulder straps – Harness system with adjustments for a snug fit | – Possibly a little heavy for some individuals. – Long hikes and backpacking expeditions are not as suitable – less organizing pockets than in some other backpacks – Using the side access pocket can be a little challenging when the backpack is fully loaded. |
Cwatcun Camera Backpack Bag
The Cwatcun Camera Backpack Bag is a professional camera backpack that works with Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other camera brands. It comprises scratch-resistant and water-repellent 900D polyester fabric and 5 detachable 18mm thick cushioned dividers to protect your camera from shock. The backpack also contains a front compartment with a secret zipper design and a side high-elasticity mesh pouch for keeping your everyday items. The backpack is lightweight and portable, with a one-year warranty.
In addition, It has a large capacity and can contain and protect one SLR / DSLR camera body, three to five lenses, one flash speedlite, one tripod, and other photography supplies.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Multiple layers of protection – Ultra-compact and lightweight – Excellent quality – Transportable and convenient – One-year guarantee | – The backpack is not completely waterproof. It has a limited waterproof role in light rain but not severe rain. – The backpack lacks a designated laptop area. – The backpack isn’t as fashionable as other camera backpacks on the market |
Tenba Axis v2 20L Backpack
For photographers seeking a tough and adaptable backpack that can hold various gear, the Tenba Axis v2 20L Backpack is a fantastic choice. It can accommodate a laptop up to 16 inches (35 cm) in width and up to two mirrorless or DSLR cameras with 4-6 lenses, up to 300mm 2.8. A DJI Mavic and other small drones can also fit inside.
The backpack has three camera access locations: the top, the side, and the back. In any circumstance, this makes it simple to rapidly get your items in and out. The rear access is useful when you must reach all your gear simultaneously, while the side access is very practical for rapid photos.
The Axis v2 20L Backpack also has a concealed compartment for an Apple AirTag or Tile Bluetooth Tracker. Even if your backpack is stolen or lost, you may use it to track it.
The backpack has a weather-resistant design and is composed of sturdy materials. Additionally, it incorporates auto-adjusting Pivot-Fit Straps and a comfy Airflow harness. This guarantees that the backpack will be cozy to wear, even when it is stuffed to capacity.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| – Enduring and weather-resistant design – Accommodates a range of camera equipment, including laptops up to 16 inches – 3 camera access points – Concealed pocket for Bluetooth trackers AirTag or Tile – Comfortable Pivot-Fit Straps and Airflow Harness | – When completely loaded, the backpack can be a little hefty. – It does not have as many organizing pockets as some other backpacks. – The side access pocket might be a little tricky to utilize. |
6 Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking
Undoubtedly, hiking and photography pose a difficult challenge to bag makers. We are especially impressed by how many people accepted and succeeded in this challenge. You may feel confident lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trails with any of these excellent bags. However, you can also bring your camera equipment to record the moment permanently.
