7 Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking in 2023

If there’s any situation that will test the quality of a camera backpack, hiking must be it. Camera gear is heavy and vulnerable. So to protect it takes bulk and weight and weatherproofing. On the other hand, if you’re hiking in the hills, you want to carry as little weight and bulk as possible.

So, producing a camera backpack that resolves that conflict is a considerable challenge. But we’re pleased to report that we’ve found and tested a number of backpacks that really fit the bill.

We’re confident that these three top choices offer excellent quality and good value for money. If they’re not quite what you’re looking for, then we have some other suggestions as well. All of them will keep your gear safe without weighing you down.

What Is the Best Camera Backpack for Hiking?

You’ll find details of all our suggestions later on in this article. But for now, here are the top seven camera backpacks for hiking and why we like them.

Our Favorite Camera Backpacks for Hiking

Let’s look in more detail at why we recommend these bags. And remember, if you want more details about any of the backpacks, you’ll find a link to our in-depth review at the end of each section.

The Wandrd Prvke camera backpack is a gem for photographers who are also hikers. It’s designed with the adventurer in mind. The result is a bag that’s not only practical but also stylish and durable.

This backpack is made from high-quality materials that ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures. The waterproof tarpaulin and Cordura exterior provide robust protection for your valuable photography gear. Even the zippers and buckles are solid, giving you peace of mind when you’re out in the wilderness.

One of the standout features of this backpack is its versatility. It can function as a regular roll-top backpack or transform into a camera backpack with the addition of a camera cube. This cube can also be used separately as a small bag, which is a nice option.

The 21L Prvke may not be ideal for professional photographers who need to carry a lot of equipment. But for the adventurous traveler and photography enthusiast, it’s perfect.

The Prvke also offers various size options, with 31L and 41L versions available. This ensures you can select the right size to suit your hiking and photography needs. With a lifetime warranty, the Wandrd Prvke camera backpack is a reliable companion on your hiking adventures.

In our full review of the Wandrd Prvke, we gave it a score of 85.3 out of 100. It was actually the top choice overall too. You can read about all the bags we tested in our article on the best camera backpacks.

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The Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III is an excellent camera backpack for hiking enthusiasts. Its lightweight nylon material makes it comfortable to carry on long hikes. The QuickDoor access feature is a game-changer, combining the best of side and top access.

This backpack is designed for speed and convenience. It’s perfect for photographers who need quick access to their gear. The minimal padding ensures comfort without sacrificing security and space. However, some might find the padding insufficient for heavier loads.

The design of the Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III is all about functionality. It’s boxy, maximizing the use of space. Every element, from the access points to the various pockets and zippers, is designed with the user’s experience in mind.

The bag’s durability is commendable. It’s made from high-quality, water-repellant materials, ensuring your gear stays dry even in a sudden downpour. But the zippers aren’t waterproof, so you’ll need to find cover quickly in case of rain.

The backpack’s versatility is another plus. The straps around the bottom of the bag allow you to carry extra items, making it ideal for longer hikes. Despite its comprehensive features, it remains lightweight and easy to carry. This makes it a practical choice for hiking photographers.

In our full review of the Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III, we gave it a score of 81.5 out of 100. This put it in the top five overall. To see how this compares to the other camera backpacks we reviewed, check out our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW stands out for its compact, lightweight design. It’s perfect for photographers who like to hike and need to keep their gear load to a minimum. The bag weighs a mere 2.2 lbs (1 kg), making it the lightest camera bag we reviewed. Such a lightweight design is ideal for hiking and other outdoor adventures.

The bag’s compact size doesn’t compromise its durability or functionality. The front panel is made entirely of recycled 300D ripstop polyester, making it resilient to harsh environments. The rest of the bag is constructed with a tougher 600D polyester, adding to its durability.

One of the unique features of the Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW is its removable camera compartment. This compartment can be used as a separate bag, offering added flexibility. This is particularly handy when hiking, as it allows photographers to quickly access their gear without rummaging through the entire bag.

However, the bag has some limitations. The camera compartment is only big enough to store maybe a mirrorless camera with one additional lens. This means it’s not suitable for photographers with larger sets of gear. And the absence of a hip belt might be an issue for some hikers.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW offers a great balance of weight, durability, and functionality. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who love to hike and need a reliable and lightweight bag to carry their gear.

In our full review of the Lowepro Trekker Lite BP 250 AW, we gave it a score of 74.7 out of 100. You can check out how this compares to the other camera backpacks we reviewed by reading our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L is a camera backpack born from the minds of two photography enthusiasts. The brand’s reputation is built on gear designed for sports photographers, with dozens of patents reflecting their innovative designs. This bag, in particular, showcases the climbing heritage of the brand’s cofounder, Doug Murdoch.

This backpack is more than just a small rucksack. It boasts an impressive carrying capacity, lightweight design, and reassuring protection. It also has a lifetime warranty, giving users confidence in its quality and durability. Its design elements are perfect for adventure photographers, making it a top contender in our camera backpack reviews.

The Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L is slim and compact, yet it can comfortably house a sizable camera setup. The backpack’s climbing pedigree ensures durability and practicality, making it suitable for hiking. It has padded straps for comfort, mesh padding and airflow channels on the back for breathability, and many fixing points for extra gear.

However, it’s not without its weaknesses. The rucksack vibe might not appeal to everyone. There is only one access point to the main compartment, and the hip belt isn’t detachable or stowable. The padding between the sides and the interior could also be thicker. But despite these shortcomings, the Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L is a solid choice for a camera backpack, especially for hiking enthusiasts.

In our full review of the Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L, we gave it a score of 76.1 out of 100. If you’re interested in how the Think Tank compares to the other camera backpacks we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Tenba Fulton V2 is a backpack that’s just as comfortable navigating city streets as it is on a hiking trail. It’s a bag designed for the photographer who values simplicity, durability, and weather resistance. Its lightweight build and all-weather protection make it an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts who also like photography.

The bag’s main strength lies in its lightweight design. Thanks to the high-quality materials used, it won’t weigh you down on long hikes. The bag’s materials also offer superior weather resistance, ensuring your gear stays dry even when the weather turns. But it’s worth noting that the bag’s storage space for personal items is somewhat limited.

The Tenba Fulton V2 comes in three different colorways, but the all-weather version we tested comes only in Black Camo. Its sleek, minimalistic design also means it’s less likely to snag on branches or other obstacles on the trail. Despite its chic exterior, the bag is also incredibly durable, boasting a tear-proof body and excellent weather resistance.

In terms of price, the Tenba Fulton V2 offers great value. It’s a reliable, robust backpack that’s perfect for urban photographers and hiking enthusiasts alike. Despite its position in the middle of our rankings, it’s a bag that offers good value for the right photographer. It may not be the bag to pack everything into. But it’s certainly a great option to pack in your suitcase for your next holiday hiking adventure.

In our full review of the Tenba Fulton V2, we gave it a score of 76 out of 100. But it’s one of the best value-for-money bags we reviewed. Check out how it compares to the other camera backpacks we reviewed in our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Thule Covert 32L camera backpack is a rugged and durable option for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s crafted by a Swedish brand known for its superior outdoor equipment. And this backpack is no exception. The durable materials and reliable construction provide a high level of protection for your gear. However, the superior quality and versatility come with a heavier weight.

The Covert stands out with its versatile storage. The padded dividers can be rearranged or completely removed. This makes it adaptable for different hiking trips and gear requirements. But it’s worth noting that the bag is quite heavy even when empty. This could be a concern for some hikers.

The design of the Thule Covert may not appeal to everyone. It’s an outdoor backpack that looks like one. But it’s not the design that makes it a great hiking companion. It’s the build quality and durability. The materials are strong and the construction has no obvious flaws. This makes it a reliable companion for hiking trips.

The only downside is the price. It’s one of the pricier backpacks reviewed. But considering the quality, durability, and versatility, it’s a worthy investment. If you’re an intrepid photographer with a passion for hiking, the Thule Covert 32L Camera Backpack might be just what you need.

In our full review of the Thule Covert 32L, we gave it a score of 75.4 out of 100. It’s certainly an impressive item, and you can see how this compares to the other camera backpacks we reviewed in our best camera backpacks review.

The Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 22L camera backpack is a reliable companion for hiking enthusiasts. Created by photographers for photographers, it’s specially designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. The outer shell, made of laminate X-Pac VX-21, is weather-resistant. This means it can protect your gear from light showers and humid environments. And if you are caught in a downpour, there’s a waterproof cover for extra protection.

The bag’s storage capacity is another strength. It has enough room to accommodate large lenses, making it an excellent choice for wildlife photographers. However, it falls short when it comes to padding. The interior could do with more padding for added protection. Its butterfly opening design might be a bit frustrating for some, as it limits flexibility and reduces capacity.

Despite these drawbacks, the bag scores high on comfort. The shoulder straps are robust, and the bag includes a chest strap and hip belt for better weight distribution. This is crucial when you are hiking and need to carry your gear for long hours.

In terms of aesthetics, the bag’s design is simple and unassuming. The black color gives it a classic appeal, but offering other color options could have been an added advantage. The Kiboko isn’t the most affordable option in the market. But its durability, weather protection, and comfort make it worth considering for hiking photography.

In our full review of the Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 22L, we gave it a score of 72.9 out of 100. Although it didn’t make it into the top ten, it is well worth considering as a camera bag for hiking. If you would like to see how this compares to the other camera backpacks we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

Conclusion: The Best Camera Backpacks for Hiking

There’s no doubt that hiking and photography present a tough challenge for bag manufacturers. What impresses us most is how many have risen to and met this challenge. Any of these top three bags will give you the confidence to lace up your hiking boots and head for the trails. And you’ll be able to take your camera gear with you to capture the moment forever.