After hours of research, combined with personal experience, Endurax Camera Backpack is my top choice of the best camera bag for hiking.
Whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur just like me, having good photography gear will optimize your hiking experience and save you money from getting your camera fixed.
Lesson learned from a volcano hiking trip in Ecuador 2 years ago. My camera was in a non-padded hiking backpack and it got hit a few times by some side rocks. Ouch! Nobody likes scratches. Please take good care of your camera!
This camera bag from Endurax with super foam-padded will keep your camera and laptop safe from bumps. Its waterproof hardshell cover provides extra protection to your camera and other gears from the inside.
The Endurax camera backpack with hard sell is ideal for hiking on rocky or steady treks. But if you’re going on a more relaxing hike with light gear, you may want a smaller or lighter camera bag. And if money is an issue, you probably want to get the best-value camera bag.
Don’t worry. I got you! Read on to find out.
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Best Camera Bags for Hiking: Top Choices
You all have your own preference and need, that’s why I have picked a few different types of camera bags that hopefully will help you choose the best for your hiking trip.
1. Best Overall: Endurax Camera Backpack
- Key Features: Adaptable storage capacity, tripod holder, laptop pocket, high-density water-resistant, shockproof.
- Weight: 2.2 lb / 0.99 kg
- Dimension: 12” x 6” x 17.5” (LxWxH)
- Material: Waterproof polyester, PVA
This camera backpack is designed for every outdoor photographer and hiker who wants to keep their camera and gear safe and sound. I’m talking about REALLY safe here.
Let’s start with its shockproof design that most photographers love. Endurax camera backpack’s PVA armored front panel in a combination with interior padding offers great protection to your valuable camera gear.
Water-resistance is another great feature of this camera backpack. Besides its hardshell front panel, the backpack itself is made from high-quality waterproof polyester material. You don’t have to worry about sudden rain during your hike.
Move on to storage, this backpack with tripod holder offers spacious capacity for all your camera and gear, even your laptop! If you wish to bring other personal items, you can also adjust the padding easily. Convenient, huh?
Oh, well don’t get me wrong, it’s spacious, but not huge. For a day hike, it’s quite ok. But if you plan on bringing various gear and clothes for a few days. Then I really recommend you to check out the next camera bag I’m going to share with you right now.
2. Best Camera Bag for Backpackers: TARION XH
- Key Features: Expandable roll-top, a total of 18.5L HUGE Capacity, extremely water-resistant, rain cover, laptop pocket.
- Weight: 3.48 lb / 1.57 kg
- Dimension: 10.8” x 7” x 18.5” (LxWxH)
- Material: PVA
Camera Backpacks are traveling photographers’ favorite. If you are hiking for a few days, this backpack with a roll-up extra space will be perfect to store your clothes and accessories, so you don’t have to bring an extra bag!
Similar to the Endurax camera backpack I mentioned above, this Tarion XH also has hard shell protection and waterproof features. These are two key features that keep your precious camera and equipment safe.
Another great feature the Tarion XH backpack has is its expandable roll-up compartment. This is probably the most essential feature for backpackers in decision-making. Where to put the clothes and personal belongings? Its roll-top can hold up to 7L. Well, problem solved.
This backpack also has a laptop pocket that store laptop up to 15 inches, just slightly bigger than the normal backpack.
Sounds great, so why isn’t Tarion XH the best overall pick? Well, it does has its downsides. Apart from being quite big for a day hike, it’s also a little bit heavy. I highly recommend it if you are bringing a lot of stuff, but if you are hiking with basic equipment, there are better options.
3. Best Camera Sling Bag: Altura Sling Bag
- Key Features: Adaptable storage capacity, tripod holder, padded sling strap
- Weight: 1.1 lb / 0.49 kg
- Dimension: 8.5″ x 5.5″ x 16″ (LxWxH)
- Material: Breathable fabric
Many users love this camera sling bag from Altura for its comfort and ease of use. This camera bag has a padded strap which makes it very comfortable to wear and the sling strap allows them quick access to their gear!
It’s fast! With the sling design, you can quickly switch the bag to your front body when you need to grab your camera, and then rotate it back when you start to hike again.
Now let’s talk about its inner beauty. Its adjustable padded dividers allow you to arrange your compartment to maximize storage and keep your gear in a good place. You will also find a couple of interior pockets to keep your small accessories like SD cards, cellphone, etc.
The Altura sling bag is comfortable, easy to use, good capacity, and quite affordable. Sounds like a perfect camera bag, right? But sadly, no. This sling bag doesn’t come with a rain cover and the bag itself is not waterproof. Well, I mean, you can always buy a rain cover to make it perfect.
4. Best Value Option: eCostConnection Camera Bag Large
- Key Features: 2 side pockets, compact, lightweight.
- Weight: 0.6 lb / 0.28 kg
- Dimension: Inside: 10″ x 6″ x 7″ (LxWxH)
- Material: not waterproof
This classic crossbody style camera bag also is called camera holsters. Usually, they are the best value camera bags because they are cheaper, lighter, easy to use, and compact. Photography newbies top choice.
This simple camera bag from eCostConnection is very easy to use. It only has one (removable) padded divider inside, which you can separate your camera and lens. And it has 2 side pockets to store batteries or other accessories. Just enough for basic essentials.
Another reason why I recommend this camera bag is that it’s compact and lightweight, which is great for a hiking day. It keeps your camera safe without giving you too much extra stress.
I have to say that this camera bag is amazing for the price! But you know, you get what you pay for. One of its downsides is that it doesn’t fit a big/long lens. If you plan to hike with more than two camera lenses, then this camera bag is not for you.
5. Best Lightweight Camera Backpack: LowePro Tahoe BP 150
- Key Features: Adjustable spacious interior, lightweight, laptop pocket
- Weight: 1.76 lb / 0.79 kg
- Dimension: 10” x 5” x 14” (LxWxH)
- Material: Canvas
This lightweight LowePro Tahoe camera backpack is designed for sporty photographers. I’m not saying it’s literally lighter than any other backpack but its overall features are just great.
The camera and gear are already putting extra stress on your body when you hike, that’s why you’d want a lightweight backpack to protect your gear without causing you extra stress. And plus, the padded shoulder straps are quite comfortable.
Another thing I love is the adjustable spacious interior. When you don’t have to bring all the gear you need, you can adjust the space for other things such as your personal belongings, even a sandwich for lunch!
This camera bag has a perfect size! It’s not too big but just enough to carry your essentials. I totally understand that hiking with a big backpack can be overwhelming. And oh! I forgot to mention it has many pockets for your small accessories.
Well, again, nothing is perfect. This camera bag is not waterproof and it doesn’t come with a rain cover. I mean for light rain it should be fine, but I do recommend you get a rain cover just in case. I know you love your camera.
How to Choose the Best Camera Bags for Hiking
A good camera bag will protect your camera and gear safe! You just need to choose one that works best for you depending on size, weight, material, etc. Check out the tips below.
Size
Choosing the perfect camera bag of course depends on your equipment. So, you have to measure the size of your camera and gear beforehand.
For beginners, with 1 or 2 lenses, I would say, get the smaller and simpler ones. Remember, Too much empty space in your camera bag will cause shifting, which might cause damage to your camera and gear.
Weight
It’s me again, talking about lightweight! If you are all about hiking comfortably with light gear, choosing a lightweight camera bag will make your life easier. But of course, it depends on your camera’s weight as well.
Water-Resistant
I highly recommend getting a waterproof camera bag because weather conditions are often unexpected, especially in the mountains. But if you end up getting a camera bag that is not waterproof, you can always purchase a rain cover.
Cost
Some camera bags can get really expensive but if you only have basic gear, you are lucky! There are more affordable options for you. But again, you get what you pay for. You can’t expect premium quality if you only pay a few dollars.
Material
Nylon and Polyester are the most materials for camera bags because of their durability. Camera bags made from Nylon are known for carrying heavy cameras. And the polyester material is often lightweight and waterproof.
Additional note: choosing breathable material is so important for hiking on hot days!
Final Words
Endurax Camera Backpack is the best camera bag option for hiking because of its overall benefits, especially for its waterproof and shockproof features. It’s all about keeping your equipment safe while enjoying your hike.
Be worry-free! Just remember to do good research about the trip ahead, check the weather conditions, decide the gear you want to take with you, etc.
I hope the options I mentioned above helps, but in the end, it really depends on your own needs. Relax, there are so many options to choose from, you will find your perfect match. Good luck!
