Do you need a good camera backpack to go on hikes? So do we! You wish to take photos of the landscape and animals with your phone. But you also want to be as comfortable as possible when holding all of your products. As a hiker, it may take quite a bit of comparison shopping to choose a backpack for your body. You will need a backpack that can meet all your needs, no matter what they may be.
With smaller cameras or shorter distances, smaller bags may be perfect, but a backpack is what you need with larger items and bigger journeys. The increased capacity and convenience of the best camera backpacks make them some of the best camera bags that you can purchase. Usually, the best backpacks should provide sufficient space for a full-frame camera mounted on a large telephoto lens, along with a complete complement of additional optics and accessories. For traveling with a camera, however, we suggest you look into our guide on the best camera backpacks for travel or best DSLR camera bags for travel.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 7 hrs of research
Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II Black Pro Camera Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Material used is very premium, thick and tough
- The top of the backpack is hard plastic. It will protect anything places up there safely
- The interior shell is very well padded with a lot of high-quality dividers provided
- You have 4 access points to the interior
TARION Camera Backpack for Hiking – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The leather pieces on the backpack and design look very professional
- The backpack can deal with various weather conditions too, it even comes with a rain cover for the backpack
- All the compartments are well padded and some leftover space available
- No need for a purse since it has the secret compartment for wallet and docs
Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking – Overview
Whether you prefer to travel light with limited accessories or bring the entire home studio with you, finding the right camera backpack for hiking will make it possible to walk around with your equipment. You do not purchase a video bag, of course, just for the security features on it. You purchase a video bag to make carrying your equipment simpler. Gone are the days you wander around with your phone tied to your face. You’ve got a tripod, portable jib, possibly sound equipment, extra lenses, and all kinds of odds and ends. A regular backpack just won’t do for this kind of equipment. Some of these bags can even work a carry-on backpack and are a great substitute to even the best rolling bags.
Camera Backpacks for Hiking Reviews
1. Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II Black Pro Camera Backpack – Premium Pick
The Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II Black Pro Camera Backpack is an exceptionally adaptive second generation of Lowepro’s high-performance ProTactic BP 350 AW, this pack expands upon the line’s rugged versatility and armored protection with a more adaptive interior, multiple access points, modular exterior attachment capabilities, and convertible utility belt. Includes 2 quick lock straps and a slip lock tripod cup to mount a tripod securely.
Features a tough Eva molded top armored section and protective padding all around the bag ensures equipment inside is protected. Flexible and adaptive dividers inside allow multiple configurations of the camera kit to be positioned with ease. Comfortable carrying with the active zone system technology delivers targeted support at shoulder blades, lumbar and waist for all-day carry comfort.
Key Features:
- Molded top armored section
- Flexible and adaptive dividers inside
- Includes 2 quick lock straps
- Slip lock tripod cup
Specifications:
- Brand: Lowepro
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 11.8″ W x 7.1″ D
- Weight: 4.9 lbs
- Material used is very premium, thick and tough
- The top of the backpack is hard plastic. It will protect anything places up there safely
- The interior shell is very well padded with a lot of high quality dividers provided
- You have 4 access points to the interior
- The nylon just doesn’t work well with back access
2. Peak Design Everyday Camera Backpack
With the Peak Design Everyday Camera Backpack, you will be able to grab your gear instantly. Open bag from either side via two weatherproof UltraZips, or from the top via the unique MagLatch hardware – lightning-fast, strong, and quiet (ideal for photographers). Three configurable FlexFold dividers let you organize and protect any type of gear. Dedicated sleeves for up to 15″ laptop, tablet, or documents. A variety of internal pockets keep smaller items organized, safe, and easy to get to.
MagLatch hardware provides 3L internal expansion. Stowable external carry straps let you strap items to the outside of the bag. Stretchy external pockets for water bottles or tripods. Not just a camera bag, this everyday workhorse is designed to be the perfect travel backpack, laptop backpack, or commuter/work bag. You may also be interested in some of the best edc everyday carry backpacks from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Weatherproof exterior zips
- Shoulder straps pivot at axial points
- Quick-connecting, stowable sternum strap
- 4 external carry straps for cinching down bulky items
- Expandable side pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Peak Design
- Capacity: 20L
- Dimensions: 18.3″ H x 11.8″ W x 8.3″ D
- Weight: 4.15 lbs
- The side zipper pockets do make it easy to access your camera gear
- The magnetic straps are also no gimmick – they really help keep the bag nice and tidy
- The magnetic side pockets also kept smaller items inside
- The rotating straps help to make the bag more comfortable to carry
- There was plenty of room width wise but the dividers only allow you to split the row in the specific places that Peak Design chose
3. Lowepro LP36889 Photo Sport 200 AW II
Keep your camera gear secure and in place with the Lowepro LP36889 Photo Sport 200 AW II, while you hike, bike, climb, snowboard or run. The UltraCinch design features a custom pull-tab to cinch and tighten photo gear space in one swift action for bounce-free protection. UltraCinch allows you to tighten the space around your gear, while the ActivZone suspension holds the bag snugly to your body. The ActivZone harness is built to provide targeted comfort.
No matter your calling, the super-light Photo Sport II is designed to deliver on the move. Get extra comfort and a custom fit with the padded the waist belt, and adjustable shoulder straps and sternum strap. Multiple attachment points allow you to secure extra gear to the pack, such as a tripod or trekking poles. The front pocket accommodates a bike helmet, light jacket, gloves, etc. Keep hydrated with a 2-liter Camelbak or Platypus reservoir (not included) placed in the dedicated hydration pocket. Weather-resistant, high-tech materials mean you don’t have to stop because of a little rain.
Key Features:
- Weatherproof exterior zips
- Shoulder straps pivot at axial points
- Quick-connecting, stowable sternum strap
- 4 external carry straps for cinching down bulky items
- Expandable side pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Lowepro
- Dimensions: 20.47″ H x 9.65″ W x 7.68″ D
- Weight: 2.64 lbs
- You can stuff a lot into it
- The rain cover at the bottom, very easy to pull out and works great
- It has load lifters to help balance the weight
- It has hip belt pockets that are handy as heck and add rigidity to help support the weight
- The hip-belt sometimes gets in the way
4. Endurax Extra Large Camera Backpack for Hiking
Endurax Extra Large Camera Backpack for Hiking is designed for professional photographers who love outdoor hiking, traveling and trekking. This DSLR camera backpack makes it easy to transport your must-have camera gear to photoshoots, events, and other travel destinations. It offers safe storage space and convenient hands-free comfort – Perfect for professional photographers and hobbyists alike.
With the configurable divider between the top and bottom compartment, you can remove the divider to place your long lens. Besides, there are many removable divider pads, you can adjust them to accommodate your different sizes lenses. An organizer pocket stores pens, memory cards, small notes, lens cleaner, and odd bits. A PVA armored front panel securely holds digital equipment and sensitive gear.
Key Features:
- Organizer pocket
- PVA armored front panel
- Included is a single camera bag
- Rain cover included
- Configurable divider between the top and bottom
Specifications:
- Brand: Endurax
- Dimensions: 23″ H x 13″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- There is a hard case for storing personal items
- There is a flip-out tripod holder for a full size tripod
- Bag is versatile for those using professionally, hiking, traveling with large camera and lenses
- Included is a shoulder / waist camera bag (enough to hold camera and one lens) for those quick grab and go times
- There is so much space that you can over-pack with too much photo gear and really bog yourself down
5. TARION Camera Backpack for Hiking – Best Value
The TARION Camera Backpack for Hiking is constructed with durable, water-resistant fabric, and the camera bag (along with the included rain cover section) has been officially tested and awarded IPX5 waterproof rating to keep your gear fully protected. It can be used on a daily basis in a variety of conditions, from downpours to beaches.
The expandable inner top drawstring gives an extra 10% space for your gear. The Camera bag has side tripod pocket, extra inner pouches to store small accessories such as battery, SD card, etc. The camera backpack comes with a side access compartment & multiple pouches for easy access. The S-shape padded shoulder straps, adjustable chest buckle, and ring-style hasp work together to let you customize the perfect fit, distributing the weight evenly and reducing the burden on your pack.
Key Features:
- Certified IPX5 Waterproof
- Anti-theft back entry
- Side access zipper
- Detachable and adjustable inner dividers
- Expandable inner top drawstring
Specifications:
- Brand: TARION
- Capacity: 17L
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 11.2″ W x 6.1″ D
- Weight: 3.15 lbs
- The leather pieces on the backpack and design look very professional
- The backpack can deal with various weather conditions too, it even comes with a rain cover for the backpack
- All the compartments are well padded and was some leftover space available
- No need for a purse since it has the secret compartment for wallet and docs
- This bag would be better to have the flap secured with one clip instead of two
6. Vanguard Havana Camera Backpack for Hiking
Whether you are on your daily commute or out exploring, protection is key and the Vanguard Havana Camera Backpack for Hiking offers a well-padded insert in the lower compartment that will hold a DSLR with lens attached, 2-3 lenses, a flash, and other accessories. You will also find that they have thought and catered to all other essential needs with a dedicated 15″ laptop compartment perfect for an Ultrabook, a large top compartment for accessories, sunglasses, a sweater, and much more, two zippered pockets for your smartphone, wallet and other essentials you need close at hand, a media pouch, two water bottle side pockets that can also be used to dock and secure a monopod or small tripod, and even a key lanyard.
The HAVANA 48 easily converts into a great spacious and comfortable everyday backpack by removing the insert and leaving your camera gear at home. No matter what you are carrying the well-padded back and harness offer comfort and great weight distribution, the quick-grip top handle will ensure easy modularity, and when traveling the connection to the handle of your wheel-along luggage will lighten the burden traipsing through airports. And should you find yourself in a downpour you will be able to stay dry with our total coverage rain cover.
Key Features:
- Always protected – well-padded camera insert and dividers
- Comfortable carrying well-padded back and harness
- Well organized – dedicated pockets for all essentials & key lanyard
- Business oriented – holds a 13 inch laptop
- Stay steady – monopod/small tripod connection
Specifications:
- Brand: VANGUARD
- Capacity: 48L
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 11.2″ W x 6.1″ D
- Weight: 2.73 lbs
- With the camera box removed the upper flap can be un velcroed and flipped down to make the entire inner pocket use able
- The tripod holder on the side is great and really adjustable to hold it tight to the bag
- The chest strap is able to be un clipped and raised ot lowered to fit your chest the way you want
- The waist strap is able to be tucked away if you don’t want to use it as well
- There is minimal organization in the front and rear pockets
7. G-raphy Large Professional DSLR Camera Backpack
When you travel with your computer, there is no need to bring an additional bag or sleeve. The padded interior features a separate interior space that is able to hold 17-inch MacBook Pros and other laptops. The G-raphy Large Professional DSLR Camera Backpack comes with adjustable padded shoulder straps to ensure a secure fit and maximum comfort. No matter what equipment you use, the removable interior of the backpack can be adjusted to fit multiple DSLR bodies, lenses, and accessories.
Removal Carrying shoulder bag at the bottom of the backpack can hold 1 DSLR and 2 lenses. If you don’t need it, it will be a huge spacious room for your clothing or other daily accessories. A luggage ID tag holder is included for attaching contact info to your bag. This pack is made of high-density waterproof nylon with excellent stitching technic which makes it strong and durable. Also, the bag features adjustable straps on the exterior to attach and carry a tripod.
Key Features:
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Removal Carrying shoulder bag
- luggage ID tag holder
- Included rain cover
- Tripod belt and holder
Specifications:
- Brand: G-raphy
- Capacity: 48L
- Dimensions: 23″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D
- Weight: 6.17 lbs
- It has a very nice suspension system for carrying all your gear comfortably while hiking
- Removing the shoulder pack improves this somewhat in the bottom compartment
- The sholder strap height is adjustable and that combined with the hip straps and ventilated back should make this comftorable for extended walking/hiking
- The upper area is larger and has reconfigurable dividers and a small accessories bag
- The pockets are too small to fit any ND filters safely without worrying about them breaking
8. Burton F-stop Camera Backpack for Hiking
For best results when shooting hiking photos, head into mountains with the Burton F-stop Camera Backpack for Hiking and a well-defined plan. This bag has been field-tested by the best in the business. It has features like padded, customizable internal pockets, attachment points for all your camera equipment, and a cushioned shoulder harness.
Side access cooler pocket, oversized beverage stash pocket, external shovel blade shove-it pocket, and removable pocket for storage. Padded internal compartments are customizable; Vertical carry system is compatible with a board or a tripod. Waist harness balances the load; Vertically adjustable ergonomic shoulder harness for comfortable carrying.
Key Features:
- Dual side-panel light stem storage
- Vertical Board/Tripod Carry
- Load-Balance Waist Harness
- Dual Side Panel Light Stem Storage
Specifications:
- Brand: Burton
- Capacity: 28L
- Dimensions: 25.5″ H x 12″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 5.1 lbs
- Nice fit and very comfortable when loaded
- Great inconspicuous color and fabric
- Material seems extremely tough
- Lots of room inside
- A bit heavy
9. Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Camera Backpack
The Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Camera Backpack is a dynamic backpack that sets a new standard for adaptable carrying and working solutions. It offers versatility combined with reliable gear protection like never before! featuring innovative 1/3-2/3 division the larger compartment can be fully accessed from the rear, quickly reached from the side, or separately opened from the top, while the smaller compartment enjoys quick individual opening from the bottom front. The multitude of dividers and access points leave you the choice of just how much professional gear and how much personal gear to carry. Maximum capacity can fit up to a Pro DSLR with attached lens (up to 70-200mm f/2. 8), 2-3 lenses, a flash, and accessories in the top 2/3 compartment and a CSC (compact system camera) with an additional lens in the bottom 1/3 compartment.
If carrying less gear one can easily turn this backpack into a day pack or hiking backpack, deciding which separate access point is for photo gear and which is for personal or hiking gear. The secure rear compartment protects up to a 13” laptop and can also fit a tablet in the additional padded sleeve (note that double usage is only possible for some laptop + tablet combinations). organize all other gear and personal essentials exactly where you need them; either secured in an organizer pocket, or on hand at any given moment in a slip-in pocket. Stay hydrated with two large side pockets for water bottles. Link, hang, and sling on anything you can imagine using the multitude of straps, loops and innovative connection features integrated into the surface of the backpack.
Key Features:
- Full rear opening
- Numerous dedicated pockets
- Optimal balance tripod carrying system
- Includes total coverage rain cover
Specifications:
- Brand: VANGUARD
- Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 12.2″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 4.85 lbs
- It seems quite well made, and it is solid
- Lots of zippered pockets and nooks and crannies
- Most the gear above goes in the bottom flip out compartment
- This bag has the feel of ruggedness
- It is relatively heavy without gear in it, and can be very heavy depending on how much gear you load into it
10. Lowepro Photo Hatchback Camera Backpack
The Lowepro Photo Hatchback Camera Backpack is the ultimate daypack style backpack for DSLR and mirrorless camera users. It stores everything you need with comfort and ease. The flexible design allows you to customize your gear kit in the removable padded box with storm-flap closure and handles, as your bag converts into a fully functional day pack. The padded camera box can hold a DSLR with attached lens (up to 18-105mm zoom), 2-3 extra lenses, flash or other accessories. With a dedicated laptop and tablet pocket, it can fit up to a 10” tablet or 11” MacBook Air, so you can stay connected and your gear can stay protected. The tall mesh side pockets are perfect for water bottles or each grab item, and the roomy upper compartment gives you the freedom to store what you need, with the organization that you want.
Available in Slate Gray, Steel Blue, and Pepper Red this is the ultimate travel pack for photographers who live an active, flexible lifestyle. This pack has a mesh-covered backpad that provides soft, breathable comfort for hours on end. It has multiple adjustment points so you can modify the straps to fit your frame at your shoulders, sternum, and waist. This helps to keep weight evenly distributed and balanced on your body. The SlipLock attachment loops on the shoulder straps allow for expanded carrying capacity and the webbing grab handle is easily accessible and comfortable to grip. The Lowepro Photo Hatchback is durable, tough, and will last for years of use. With a removable camera box that fits your camera and a cradle fit technology. Your valuable gear will stay protected with a padded pocket for your laptop or tablet, and a built-in All Weather AW Cover to protect against snow, dust, rain, or sand.
Key Features:
- Built-in All Weather AW Cover
- Tall, stretch-mesh side pockets
- Padded, mesh-covered backpad
- SlipLock attachment loops
Specifications:
- Brand: Lowepro
- Capacity: 22L
- Dimensions: 19.88″ H x 11.42″ W x 9.25″ D
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- If the camera is situated at the bottom of the compartment, there is one padded layer, and then two layers of the bag, plus the all weather cover to add some extra protection
- The handle at the top is quite useful
- The bag is comfortable, can carry a lot of gear
- The rain fly was especially nice to have, and the variety of pockets were useful
- The water bottle pockets on the side are plenty deep but not very wide
Buying Guide
Organization
Photography can include many accessories, from extra lenses to memory cards and tech devices. Small items in the bag are easy to lose so it is vital to have readily accessible pockets. Exterior mounting points for larger items such as tripods, skis, gear pouches, and other items will also support you in tailoring your carry system to different photo ops.
Comfort
Your camera equipment is heavy. Add your personal equipment to that and you may find yourself bearing a large amount of weight. Combine this with a complete hiking day (or just a few hours) and stuff can get pretty awkward, pretty fast. It’s a must-have video backpack that distributes weight around both shoulders and waists. Wider shoulder straps provide improved weight distribution and you’ll want enough padding in the straps and waist belt for full user comfort, particularly on longer hikes and with larger loads.
Protection
Often, camera equipment is costly and delicate, not a desirable match when approaching challenging outdoor conditions. Scrapes, rocks, unintentional drops, and the weather will all wreak havoc on your equipment and you want to make sure it’s covered properly. Properly padded storage spaces and dividers help to absorb shock, while weatherproof construction helps to keep the elements at bay.
Access
Is it easy to reach the camera equipment, or do you have to scramble around and pull off the backpack to get your stuff? Will the interior be changed to help accommodate the gear you take? Many camera bags have panels with easy access while other bags allow you to change almost any internal compartment. It just boils down to having the best fit.
Materials
Look for water-resistant materials to provide protection against the elements. These can also be rugged and abrasion-resistant, though, with a robust pack structure that can stand up to the burden of carrying heavy equipment in difficult conditions for long periods of time. You may need to lay your pack on rocky terrain, unintentionally hit trees and rock faces, or you may need to sling your bag in and out of vehicles and overhead baggage compartments in hopes of getting to your destination. A rugged structure and robust materials can ensure that the journey can be done by your bag.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best camera backpacks for hiking as well as our guide on features to look for in a camera backpack for hiking. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.