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What Is the Best Backpack for Hiking With Camera Gear? 

 October 1, 2023

By  Diane Wuthrich

Hiking takes you to some spectacular places with incredible scenery, so it’s only natural that you’ll want to be able to capture the sights with your camera. But given the amount of photography gear you need to bring along, some people wonder what kind of camera bag for hiking to use.

A specialty hiking backpack designed with shock-resistant protection and pockets for your camera and accessories is essential for mountain trips. Look for a weatherproof backpack that’s lightweight, comfortable, durable, and spacious. Be sure the dimensions are compatible with your camera.

There are a lot of considerations to think about when choosing a hiking camera backpack. It will require you to think about plenty of things, including the kind of traveler and photographer you are. These will all have an impact on the right kind of hiking backpack for your needs. 

What Is The Best Camera Backpack For Hiking?

There are many different kinds of hiking backpacks out there, but if you enjoy hiking with your camera gear, it’s important that you invest in the right type of pack that will protect your photography equipment. Having the right padding and compartments is definitely important, but there's also much more to it than that. 

In fact, it's so common for photography enthusiasts to enjoy hiking and vice versa. For this reason, many of the top backpack and camera brands have come up with specialty models that cater to both interests. 

There are several things to look out for when shopping around for the best backpack for a camera and hiking:

Lightweight

A lightweight hiking backpack is always recommended because it’s always a more comfortable option compared to heavy-duty models. This is especially important when you’re taking camera gear along with you, since a spare lens, tripod, and other accessories weigh a considerable amount.

Keep in mind that a hiking backpack with camera compartment already tends to weigh more than most lightweight backpacks. This is due to the use of multiple dividers and padding in its design,  which are effective in keeping your fragile equipment safe from accidental drops or rough surfaces. That’s why they tend to weigh more than the average hiking backpack.

While you may not find an ultralight hiking camera backpack, it is recommended to opt for a model that weighs the least yet has everything you need. There are many camera backpacks for hiking that weigh around 6 pounds or less; anything that weighs more than this may be a liability and cause you discomfort with all that weight.

Comfortable

Camera and hiking backpacks that are comfortable are non-negotiable. If it isn’t comfortable, you won’t get to enjoy the journey. A high-quality model can be comfortable even if it is heavier than the typical hiking backpack provided that it’s made correctly. 

Look for backpacks that have ventilated and padded back panels so that any sharp or blunt tools you may have within the pack won’t be poking you. Additionally, breathability care of ventilated features will ensure that you don’t sweat too much. Adjustable and padded shoulder straps and sternum straps, as well as hip belts, are extremely beneficial in improving overall comfort too, because they help distribute the weight evenly from the shoulders down to the hips.

Protection

There are different types of protection available in a hiking camera backpack, though the most important one you should look for is waterproofing.

One is a water-resistant or waterproof outer shell, which already does a good job at providing the entire bag with a fairly good level of protection, though they do increase the bag's weight. In some instances, these bags are equipped with an additional rain cover which comes in handy in case you experience extreme weather.

The other is a rain cover; if a hiking photography backpack doesn’t have an outer shell, it will usually have a rain cover. They are usually hidden and may be attached to the pack, though rain covers are not dependable forms of protection in case you get wet, or if the bag is accidentally drenched or submerged in weather. If the backpack you like doesn't have a rain cover, you can purchase one separately for around $20 or much less. 

Durability

A hiking photography backpack should be durable and rugged to ensure your gear is protected, no matter what kind of situation you run into while in the outdoors. Durability is not something you want to overlook to save a few dollars, because it could result in the 

Remember, going on hikes means you can be exposed to unpredictable weather changes, sharp rocks, sand, and other natural elements that can pose a threat to your pricey camera gear.

Look for backpacks that are constructed well and made with tough materials such as polyester or nylon.

Nylon is particularly strong, known for its ability to withstand abrasions and harsh temperatures. It lasts long because it resists insects and mold naturally, though it doesn’t do well holding up to UV rays. Constant exposure to UV rays will eventually degrade nylon backpacks, though polyester is a better choice if you are in the sunlight for long periods of time.

Polyester is also a good choice, especially for those who want a fast-drying backpack. Polyester is strong, lightweight, and wear-resistant, though it’s not as durable compared to nylon. This is a better choice if you are hiking in the rain, but many hiking packs already come with waterproof features or a rain jacket.

No matter which choice you go with, be sure to check the denier count. A high denier rating of at least 500 should be the standard for a hiking camera backpack. Rip-proof fabrics are always the best option, if you can afford it.

In addition, look for high-quality zippers; the YKK brand is common and known for superior durability.

Storage Space

Going on a hiking trip means you will need to pack other supplies, in addition to a drone or camera. That’s why you should be sure to have enough storage space for what you need. Backpacks vary in volume, though they generally accommodate anywhere from 20 liters.

Some types of hiking camera backpacks are made to store camping gear too, and their volumes usually range from 45 to 70 liters. Camera backpacks for hiking come in an array of sizes, so you can choose one that has ample storage for your trip.

Camera Compartment

Always be sure that the backpack you’re buying is compatible with your camera model. It must have a dedicated camera compartment that has enough padding, since this is critical for protecting your gear as you trail through mountains. 

Some camera backpacks offer customizable padding and organization. They enable you to adjust the size and configuration of the camera compartment to cater to various gear needed on different trips. Pay close attention to the type of organization and compartmentalization offered, especially if you carry multiple types of camera gear. 

Keep in mind that they are not always adjustable, so if you have lots of different lenses and cameras, this is an important feature to consider.

Other Optional Features

Below is a list of features that may not be essential for everyone, but useful for others. You may want to consider these additional details when selecting a camera backpack for hiking: 

Carry-On Backpacks: If you are a travel photographer too, you may want to consider a hiking camera backpack that can double as a carry-on. The standard carry-on size for most airlines is 9 x 14 x 22 inches.

Laptop compartment: For professional photographers who need to submit or upload photos during a trip, having a laptop is essential during your hike. It would be ideal for your backpack to have a padded laptop compartment. Alternatively, you can augment the protection of your laptop by bringing your own padded laptop sleeve

Check out these top-rated padded laptop sleeves on Amazon to bring along during your hiking trip:

Mosiso Laptop Sleeve Bag
- Vandel Puffy Laptop Sleeve

Rain cover: If you've found a camera backpack for hiking that's perfect except it isn't waterproof or equipped with a rain cover, you can easily purchase an inexpensive product for added protection. Check out these options from Amazon below:

Joy Walker Waterproof Backpack Rain Cover
- LAMA 2 Waterproof Rain Cover

Hydration: Having enough water is essential for your safety during a hike. Just because you are shopping for a camera backpack doesn't mean you should overlook its hydration-carrying capabilities. That said, be on the lookout for water bottle pockets. 

Most backpacks only have a small water bottle pocket on each side, while others can be adjusted to carry a bladder. Opt for backpacks that have a waterproof divider between the bladder and camera compartment, or one with extra storage space for larger water bottles inside.

Access points: Most camera packs offer one, two, or more ways from where you can access your gear with ease. Then there are packs that are side-loading or top-loading. There is no right or wrong access point; this is purely a personal preference.

With this information, you now have everything you need to know in order to find the best camera hiking backpack for your needs.

Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking

Here are some great examples of backpacks for hiking with camera gear. You can compare their full features, pros and cons, and specifications in the reviews and links below:

Best Overall 

Lowepro Photo Sport BP 200 AW II Backpack: Lowepro is an American camera bag brand that has been around since 1967. Since its establishment, they have dedicated their mission to designing the world’s best camera bags. Their durability and quality is backed up by stringent testing both in the field and in their laboratory.

The Lowepro Photo Sport BP 200 AW II is one of their best-sellers, suitable for many different kinds of photographers. Our first impression was that it looked like a regular hiking backpack. However, this is evidence of how far camera bags have come in the past few years; they are no longer the boxy and bulky packs that once limited movement.

This is best for hikers who want to go fast and light, as it’s constructed with tough yet lightweight fabrics that possess superior tear resistance abilities. In addition, it’s trusted by runners, climbers, and bikers too.

This camera bag can fit DSLR cameras with attached lenses and mirrorless models. The dedicated camera compartment measures 6.2 x 3.5 x 8.14 inches. Meanwhile, the voluminous compartments have enough room for other gear such as an adapter, extra lenses, flash, clothing, and a 2L hydration reservoir which you can purchase separately.

The Lowepro Photo Sport BP 200 AW II is definitely among the best-constructed camera backpacks for hiking in the market. It’s perfect for traveling, so no matter where your adventures take you, the high-tech and water-resistant fabrics will keep your gear dry despite the rain and the elements. If you get caught in a heavy downpour, you can make use of the All Weather AW Cover for effective protection from the elements.

When we tested this camera pack, we found that the ActivZone suspension system works well in ensuring a snug fit. You can walk, trek, and hike long distances without worrying about comfort and stability because this pack is designed for high performance – and which it does truly well. As long as you adjust the pack properly to fit your body type, it won’t sway or move around as you navigate uneven surfaces.

The UltraCinch feature is a nice touch, too. It adds security and stability for hikers. Simply use this to cinch up the backpack to prevent any bouncing.

All that said, Lowepro could still make a few improvements for future models. This backpack makes use of quite a few buckles, which can be time-consuming for hikers. For example, detaching the buckles is needed to insert the water bladder, and the UltraCinch requires closing a buckle over the compartment. 

But at the end of the day, these are simply minor design flaws. The benefits of the Lowepro Photo Sport BP 200 AW II Backpack greatly outweigh these minor design flaws, which is why we think it’s among the best overall camera bags out there.

Best For Hiking With Several Cameras

Atlas Athlete Pack: For photographers who are looking for versatile camera backpacks that offer as much flexibility as it does performance, the Atlas Athlete Pack is highly recommended. Atlas is an award-winning brand of bags founded by a team of photographers and hiking enthusiasts. They are fairly new, given that they only launched in 2018, but the sheer quality of their packs has not gone unnoticed.

Within just a few years, word of their bags quickly spread among photography circles. It’s easy to see why the Athlete pack has become a favorite of so many around the world: upon wearing the pack, you can tell that it was designed with your comfort in mind. In addition, the features tick the boxes for most hardcore camera and hiking enthusiasts’ needs.

Starting off with the specs, the Atlas Athlete has up to 10L of camera storage and it can fit lenses from 200-600. For your personal accessories and other essentials, the storage is customizable from 10 up to 30L. Thanks to its amazing expandable storage of 20-40L, you can take this pack on both short and long trips, adjusting it as you go. 

When not expanded, the pack is 21 inches in height; but its expanded dimensions are 23 x 11 x 7 inches. It can fit a 16” MacBook Pro inside. The pack weighs 4.5 lbs., which is on the heavier side, though the shoulder straps and suspension system don’t make it feel heavy.

While there are many noteworthy features in this backpack, what makes it truly stand out is that it’s like having several camera bags in just one model. You can compress it down to 20L yet expand it to 30L or 40L whenever you need it. There are several sizes available based on torso and hip belt, ensuring you get the best fit possible.

The Atlas Athlete is best for photographers who travel with lots of camera gear, even up to 3 cameras at a time. It boasts a much larger load too, ideal for backpacking and long excursions both in wildlife or urban settings. Yes, the price tag is high (around $485 at the time of writing), but we think it’s worth it considering all the revolutionary design features plus the fact that it includes a frame, rain cover, a set of 15 dividers, and a hip belt size of your choice.

This pack can be further customized, as you can opt to purchase accessories from Atlas such as cargo nets, traveler’s frame, loop locks, origami inserts, and much more.

That said, if you only carry around one mirrorless camera with one or two spare lenses, this backpack may be too large or overwhelming. You’d be better off with a smaller, simpler pack in that case.

When we took the Atlas Athlete out for a spin, to say we were impressed by the comfort and versatility is an understatement. There are endless ways this bag can be customized, and it has just the right number of compartments, so you can easily find where everything has been stored. While it’s expensive, this may very well be the last camera backpack you will ever need to buy.

Best For Short Hikes

Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack: Thule is a Swedish bag manufacturer whose name is synonymous with quality photography and electronic bags. They are trusted by some of the world’s most respected outdoor and gadget enthusiasts, simply because the two go well together for many people. Thule’s products undergo extreme testing before being sold in the market, so you can be sure that these bags are worth every penny because they do last. 

The Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack has numerous details and features that make it, making it perfect for a short day hike. Its dimensions are 14.2 x 9.1 x 20.5 inches, and it weighs 4.71 lbs. with a 32L capacity. The laptop compartment can fit up to 16” MacBook’s as well as an 11” tablet. 

It has a rugged design but it’s also versatile enough to be used as a day pack. Inside, the removable camera insert is multipurpose and can be used as a sling bag. 

One of its most outstanding features is the customizable interior. In fact, there is a total of 3 ways you can customize its organization. You can even configure the interior in such a way that you can use this backpack for travel or commuting without your camera gear. Absolute genius!

When we tested the Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack, we appreciated the convenient access design which allows you to easily reach for your electronics. These include the padded laptop sleeve as well as the camera compartment through the back panel. Additionally, we thought that the fully unzippable interior dividers, which can be tucked into a mesh pocket for full compartment access, were incredibly convenient for photographers who travel often.

Another nifty detail for travelers is the luggage panel. You can attach this backpack to your rolling suitcase for ease of use in airports. The expandable side pocket is also useful for keeping a large water bottle, tripod, or umbrella securely in place.  

However, we found that while the shoulder straps were nicely padded, they were too narrow for use during longer hikes. And given the compact size, this may be better suited for hobby photographers because professional photographers will need significantly larger backpacks, especially for backpacking adventures or trips to the backcountry. 

Best Weatherproof

Wandrd Fernweh Backpacking Bag: Wandrd is an American camera bag brand founded by professional photographers. They know what serious photographers need in a quality camera bag but for a long time felt dismayed by the lack of options in the market. So they went out to make their own.

It’s easy to see why professionals gravitate towards Wandrd’s bags. They are so functional and high-performance that you are encouraged to live your life exploring the world and creating art instead of worrying about protecting your gear. With a 50L capacity, there’s more than enough space for long, exciting trips!

The Fernweh Backpack has become somewhat of a cult bag among outdoor and professional photographers. So much so, that it’s even won awards! It does look a bit like a backpacking bag, but it’s got an impressive array of features specifically for adventurous photographers. 

Take this bag with you anywhere and have peace of mind. It’s constructed from sturdy weather-resistant PU material, including quality weather-resistant zippers to ensure that water doesn’t leak into the interior. 

Speaking of interior, Wandrd designed the Fernweh to be completely customizable. It’s available in a small/medium size as well as a medium/large. Choose how you want to organize your camera by selecting from any of their camera cubes.

When we tested the Wandrd Fernweh, we found several unique features that are not found in other bags. For one, the harness: it’s extremely effective in helping to balance heavy loads, especially for long hikes. Another is the breathable back panel and straps, which are made with a generous amount of air mesh for maximum ventilation. 

The padded belt and load lifters also did a fantastic job of reducing pressure and weight. We appreciated the belt pocket too, which was convenient for keeping small accessories such as gloves in easy reach.

They offer a range of other accessories including a waist strap, laptop case, toiletry bag, rain fly, tech bag, and shoe pouch. These are all purchased separately. It can rack up quite the price tag but if you’re serious about investing in the best weatherproof backpack to sustain rugged trips, this is worth every dollar.

Other highlights of the Fernweh include the clamshell opening for convenient loading and unloading, not one or two but four padded grab handles, external sling access which leads to the camera compartment, and a compression hoop for attaching a tent or sleeping bag. There are just way too many genius features on this incredible bag.

We did feel that the tripod pocket could be enlarged to make way for larger models. The bottom could also make use of some reinforcements, and several pockets could benefit from having organizational features inside.

But when all is said and done, the Wandrd Fernweh is clearly worthy of its awards. Definitely a must-buy for photographers who travel frequently and need substantial weatherproofing.

Best For Hiking With Tripod

Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW: For outdoor photographers who take a compact tripod along, a photography backpack with amenities for these will come in handy. Look no further than the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW, which has provisions for both your photography and hiking gear.

The external dimensions of this backpack are 11 x 7 x 20; it’s a medium build but with lots of space and organization. The camera compartment measures 5.9 x 10.2 x 12.2 inches, so there’s space for a standard DLSR with up to 2 lenses. In addition, there are pockets for accessories including a 10” tablet in the dedicated CradleFit compartment.

The organization is fuss-free and easy with the Flipside Trek. Thanks to the split compartment design, it boasts the perfect balance of storing all your outdoor and camera gear for one day. The spacious open zone within the rucksack is convenient for storing your personal items separately from your gear. 

It’s good to note that this backpack gets its name from the pack’s design, which allows you to swing it to the front and reach out for your gear without having to remove it or put it on the floor. For photographers who prioritize quick and easy access without compromising protection, this is a terrific choice. 

Your tripod and trekking pole, can be attached to any of the different fixed points provided. Though many prefer to attach it to the front to prevent uneven loads on your shoulders, there is the option of storing it on the side. It’s also convenient that this camera pack comes with stretchy side pockets so that you can bring large water bottles along for hydration.

Lowepro’s reliable ActivZone suspension system definitely makes this bag comfortable to hike with. Wide, padded shoulder straps are effective in reducing pressure and are easily adjustable, so you can wear this backpack with all-day comfort for day-long adventures. 

After taking the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW out on the field, we can confirm that this backpack has everything you need to hike with your camera equipment without sacrificing space for your personal gear. 

Best For Quick Day Hikes

Wandrd Prvke:  When Wandrd released the Prvke series a few years back, it didn’t take long for these travel camera bags to be a hit. These stylish backpacks were made for photographers, yet they didn’t skimp out on style, elegance, and functionality. 

Wandrd has made a few updates to the original model, which was already a fantastic unisex photography and travel backpack. The new Prvke has maintained the original aesthetic with the iconic rolltop access that makes loading and unloading a breeze. It’s available in 31L and 41L sizes as well. 

The Prvke is constructed with a premium Robic Nylon material, which is extremely effective for keeping water out. This fabric is heavy-duty, but wanderers will appreciate how it makes this backpack almost unbreakable. The sleek style makes it versatile enough for city and urban use, too.

While this backpack is great for a variety of travel situations, just use it with caution since the tarpaulin material may scratch when laid down on rough surfaces. 

When we tried the Prvke on, we couldn’t help but be impressed at the sheer amount of padding in the shoulder area of the straps. We have tried on hundreds of backpacks, and so far no one has been able to beat the padding here. It definitely works well to keep you comfortable during long walks and hikes. 

On top of that, the padded back panel feels like a cloud. We also noticed that the organizational design was simplistic yet functional: with just four, it’s ample for a few hours of shooting. There are also 6 nylon loops on the front, from where you can attach keychains, carabiners, and other accessories. 

There are several other convenient details that photographers will appreciate: magnetic tote handles, magnetic tote handles, and removable waist straps.

We did find that, when the Prvke was packed to the brim, the waist belt and shoulder straps required more adjustments. Petite frames may experience getting off-balance quite often if the pack is filled.

That said, if the Wandrd Prvke fits you properly, don’t miss out on such an elegant and versatile day pack for short hikes. This backpack is supremely durable and comfortable, with all the right details you need for this kind of trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you carry a tripod when hiking?

Tripods are essential for adding stability and support when taking a photograph. It's essential, especially when hiking because the outdoors tends to present unstable and uneven surfaces from where to take photos. However, tripods can be challenging to carry because they are often heavy and bulky.

There are camera backpacks that are already equipped with features specifically for carrying a tripod along with you during a hike. If the backpack you have doesn't include this feature, there are other alternatives for bringing a tripod along for a hike:

  1. Attach a tripod to your backpack. This is the best solution if you want to keep your hands free, especially if you are using hiking poles. The water bottle pockets on each side can be used to hold a small tripod; just be sure to add a water bottle on the other side for better balance. Alternatively, you can mount a tripod on a backpack using MOLLE attachments if your pack has them.
  2. Use a tripod carrying case. Attaching your tripod to the exterior of your backpack isn’t feasible if you’re passing through areas with lots of rocks or trees, since the straps can easily get caught. This is where a tripod bag comes in handy, especially for larger tripods, since it helps you pack up the tripod and store it within the pack.

Below are some popular tripod-carrying cases available on Amazon that you can take on a hike:

Vanguard Alta Action 60 Tripod Case
- Vidpro Tripod Carrying Case

With these in mind, carrying your tripod either in or out of your backpack can easily be done while hiking.

Conclusion

With all the excellent camera backpacks for hiking, it can be time-consuming to find one that works for you. Use this guide to help you identify the features that are necessary for your hiking and photographic needs.

About the author

Diane is our head writer and researcher for our backpack informational content. Her everyday carry is a Herschel.

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