Best Camera Backpack for Hiking – Expert Review (2020)

5/5 Overall Rating

The Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW is an awesome, well thought out camera case. The backpack has plenty of space to carry just about everything you’ll need while you’re out hiking.

It is incredibly well-made, comfortable and well-padded. There are a lot of compartments with ample storage space on the inside. The pack allows you to carry a standard DSLR with attached lens, plus 1-2 extra lenses.

It also fits a 10in tablet/laptop. The Lowepro Flipside Trek 350 AW comes with a dark green built-in All Weather AW cover to keep your gear protected in the case of rain. Lowepro’s ActivZone suspension system and straps allows for effortless carrying.

You can access your gear through the back panel without having to put the pack down. Although a little expensive, the amount of features and space you get with this pack makes the price worth it.

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5/5 Overall Rating

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack is a professional camera backpack, hence the price. This 20L pack is only 2.98 lbs and can fit a full frame DSLR camera with an additional 3-4 lenses.

It also features a protective laptop sleeve that can accommodate a 16-inch laptop. Flexfold Dividers help to protect your camera, drones and lenses.

The pack is made from 400D waterproof nylon canvas, with premium waterproof zippers to ensure the protection of your gear. The easy access flaps and tripod connection make this pack a real winner.

It is important to keep in mind that this pack is targeting professional photographers and is quite expensive if you are only an amateur photographer.

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4.5/5 Overall Rating

The Burton F-stop Pack is one of the most comfortable camera backpacks on the market. This is due to the padding on the back panel and harness. The waist harness helps to balance the load, increasing the comfort even further.

The vertically adjustable ergonomic shoulder harness ensures comfortable carrying. Not only is the pack comfortable, it is also incredibly durable and well-made.

This backpack is made from 500D nylon with a PU coated backing - meaning the pack is not only strong, but also waterproof without needing a rain cover.

The pack features substantial internal dividers. Unfortunately, it does not have a laptop compartment and at 5.11 lbs, it is a little bit on the heavier side.

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4/5 Overall Rating

At 2.9lbs, this camera backpack is incredibly lightweight. But don’t worry, a light backpack doesn’t mean a backpack that is short on space and features. Despite its weight, the Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW is still jam-packed with everything you’ll need in a camera backpack.

The pack features an Ultra-Cinch camera chamber, which helps to protect your camera in a padded and secure compartment. It fits a pro-sized DSLR or mirrorless camera with kit lens attached, flash, hydration reservoir and personal items.

The ultra-lightweight construction with high performance fabrics provides comfort, durability and resiliency. This pack also features an ActivZone harness, which includes a padded back panel and hip belt as well as adjustable shoulder straps. However, this pack may not be ideal for those over 6 ft tall.

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4/5 Overall Rating

This camera backpack is jam-packed with great features and storage space, it is also cheaper than the two camera backpacks mentioned previously.

The Thule Aspect DSLR Camera Backpack is made from 100% nylon, it is durable and water resistant. The customizable padded storage protects your DSLR camera and multiple lenses as well as other equipment, you can even store a small drone in this pack.

You can also store your 15.6 inch laptop or iPad in the back compartment. This spacious backpack has a removeable padded hip belt, shoulder straps and an air mesh back panel.

You can even carry a tripod with convenient storage on the side panel. This fantastic camera backpack lets you carry all your gear comfortably at a price that isn’t too outlandish.

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4/5 Overall Rating

The Vanguard Alta Sky Backpack offers the ultimate versatility. The pack is multi-action and offers quick access to your gear with full rear opening and side and top access. There is also separate opening to the individual spacious lower compartment.

This pack is well-organized and features numerous dedicated pockets, organizers and connectors. You can also store a 13-inch laptop/tablet. It comes with a total coverage rain cover so you don’t have to worry about the hiking in the rain.

You can attach your tripod externally and the pack features two separate compartments to store both your camera equipment and your personal items. The well-padded harness and waist belt ensure long term comfort.

This camera backpack is built with the serious hiker in mind. You can carry a camera or a drone, or even a combination of both. You can fit a pro DSLR camera with a lens attached and up to 4 extra lenses.

Unfortunately, with a lot of features comes a bit of extra weight and this backpack is slightly hefty at 6.44 lbs.

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4/5 Overall Rating

This camera backpack provides you with all the carrying capabilities you’ll need at a very attractive price point. The Lowepro Photo Hatchback is a 22L pack that can fit a DSLR camera with an attached lens as well as 2-3 extra lenses.

You can also store an 11-inch tablet or a Macbook Air. This sleek, safe and modern camera backpack contains multi-functional compartments with great organisation.

Another huge plus is the built-in All Weather AW cover, which will ensure all your gear stays dry. The pack is a bit on the smaller side and is best suited for people with a small to medium build.

A low cost often means a lack of features and this is something to consider with this pack as you’ll have to make a few sacrifices for the sake of a low cost. 

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