What Is the Best Backpack for Hiking With Camera Gear 

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 take, some people wonder what kind of hiking backpack to use

A specialty hiking backpack designed with shock-resistant protection and compartments for photography equipment is essential for hiking trips with your camera Look for a weatherproof backpack that’s lightweight, comfortable, durable, spacious, and is compatible with your camera

There are many considerations to think about when choosing a hiking camera backpack, which also depends on the kind of traveler and photographer you are Read on below to learn more

Choosing 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

Hiking and photography go hand in hand so often, both among professionals and enthusiasts of each For this reason, bag manufacturers have come up with specialty backpacks that can cater to this niche

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

Lightweight

A lightweight hiking backpack is always recommended because it’s always the more comfortable option compared to heavy-duty models This is especially important when you’re taking camera gear along with you, because gear tends to be heavy considering the camera body, and other accessories such as lenses

Keep in mind that a hiking backpack with camera compartment already tends to weigh more than most lightweight backpacks since they already come with multiple dividers and padding to keep your equipment safe while preventing damage that can occur while hiking That’s why they tend to weigh more than the average hiking backpack

While you may not find an ultralight hiking camera backpack, you can still find one that weighs under 6 pounds Anything more than that may be a liability and cause you pain as you hike with all that gear in your back

Comfortable

A comfortable camera and hiking backpack is critical because if it isn’t comfortable, you won’t get to enjoy the journey A high-quality model can be comfortable even if they are 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 so much Adjustable and padded shoulder 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 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 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

Durability

A durable hiking photography backpack should be durable because peace of mind that your camera gear is going to be safe from falls caused by accidental tears or breakages in the bag Look for well-constructed backpacks; polyester or nylon are the most common materials used, and both are excellent choices

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 will be under the sunlight for long periods of time

On the other hand, 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 will be 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 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 would be needing more things other than just a 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 up

Some types of hiking camera backpacks are made to store camping gear too, and their volumes are usually 45 to 70 liters Be sure to choose one that’s just the right size for your trip

Compatibility

Always be sure that the backpack you’re buying is compatible for your camera model There are backpacks that are suitable for more compact cameras, others are made to accommodate drones, while others are made to store SLR cameras

Other Optional Features

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 photographers who need to send or upload their photos during a trip, having a laptop is essential If you’re one of them, it would be beneficial for your backpack to also have a padded laptop compartment

Loading area: Most camera packs are designed with rear-loading openings, so to access your photography equipment, you have to open or unzip a panel located behind the bag Then there are packs that are side-loading, enabling you to easily access your camera without the need to take off your backpack 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 and specification at the links below:

-   Lowepro Photo Sport 300 AW
-   Endurax Extra Large Camera Backpack
-   Beschoi DSLR Camera Backpack  

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you carry a tripod when hiking

A tripod is an essential camera accessory that reduces shake and enables photographers to improve their composition However, when going on hikes, tripods can be challenging to carry because they are often heavy and bulky – making it difficult to take to rough terrain

Thankfully, there are many ways to successfully bring a tripod along to a hiking trip:

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