Best Camera Backpacks For Hiking And Adventure Trips

Picture this, you’re on a mountain trail before sunrise, camera in hand, ready to capture that perfect light. You need a pack that keeps your gear safe, your shoulders happy, and your lenses within reach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best camera backpacks for hiking and adventure trips so you can focus on the shot — not your sore back.

You’ll learn why a dedicated hiking camera pack matters, which features really count on the trail, and our top picks to suit every budget and shooting style. Let’s dive in.

Why Choose A Hiking Pack

A regular camera bag might protect your gear, but it often lacks the comfort and weatherproofing you need on a long trek. Hiking camera packs blend rugged materials with ergonomic design, so you carry heavy lenses and bodies without feeling weighed down. They also offer quick side or top access, making it easy to swap lenses on the go.

Wondering how a hiking model differs from an urban or travel pack? Check out the difference between hiking and camera backpacks for a deeper dive. Bottom line, you want a pack that balances comfort, protection, and access when you’re off the beaten path.

Key Backpack Features

Not all packs are created equal. Here are the must-have features you’ll spot in the best camera backpacks for hiking and adventure trips:

• Weather Resistance
  Look for durable fabrics, sealed seams, or a built-in rain cover. If you need more on waterproofing, see what to look for in a waterproof camera backpack.
• Ergonomic Support
  Padded shoulder straps, a ventilated back panel, and a hip belt help distribute weight. For tips on keeping your spine happy, check how to prevent back pain when carrying camera gear.
• Modular Storage
  Removable dividers or camera cubes let you customize the layout. That way, you can add hiking essentials or drone gear alongside your DSLR.
• Quick Access Points
  Side or top doors let you reach your camera fast. Perfect when the light changes in a blink.
• Capacity & Expandability
  Think in liters. A 30 to 40 L pack usually handles a camera kit plus day-hike essentials. Expandable designs give you extra room for overnight trips.
• Tripod Carry
  Straps or dedicated pockets keep your tripod secure. Need pointers? See how to carry a tripod using a camera backpack.

For a full rundown of what every photographer should want, hop over to essential features every photographer should want in a Backpack.

Top Camera Backpack Picks

Here are our favorite hiking and adventure camera packs, tested on trails around the globe. We’ve listed capacity, standout features, and who each pack suits best.

Nomatic McKinnon 35L – Best Overall

This pack checks every box for the serious shooter on the move.

• Capacity: 35 L (expandable to 42 L)
• Weight: 4.8 lbs
• Material: Ripstop with TPU65 coating
• Standout Feature: Separate laptop and camera compartments for quick TSA-friendly access

Why You’ll Love It
It’s sturdy, water-resistant, and carries like a dream thanks to a contoured hip belt and padded back panel. The camera cube fits multiple bodies and lenses, while the main compartment handles clothes or drone gear. A rain cover and lockable zippers keep your kit safe in sketchy weather.

Who It’s For
You shoot landscapes or travel stories and need a pack that adapts to any environment.

Atlas Adventure Pack – Best Expandable Design

The Atlas Adventure Pack morphs from 35 L to 60 L in seconds.

• Capacity: 35 L–60 L
• Weight: 5.2 lbs
• Material: Nylon blend with water-resistant coating
• Standout Feature: Origami fold system for camera compartment

Why You’ll Love It
Switch from a day-hike rig to an overnight adventure without swapping packs. The unique fold moves your camera cube into easy-reach territory, and side pockets handle water bottles or a hydration bladder.

Who It’s For
Photographers who mix long hikes with multi-day trips and want a single, versatile solution.

F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond Pack – Best Modular Storage

This pack shines for its removable ICU (Internal Camera Unit) options.

• Capacity: 40 L
• Weight: 4.6 lbs
• Material: DuraDiamond nylon with TPU coating
• Standout Feature: Slimmer ICU sizes for mirrorless and DSLR kits

Why You’ll Love It
Customize your layout in minutes. Swap in a smaller insert for light mirrorless gear or bulk up for a full DSLR rig. A dedicated water bladder pocket and side stretch pockets handle snacks or a rain shell.

Who It’s For
Adventure shooters who prize flexibility and need to tweak gear on the fly.

Shimoda Action X50 V2 – Best Comfort For Heavy Loads

This pack focuses on ergonomic perfection.

• Capacity: 50 L
• Weight: 5.8 lbs
• Material: Weather-resistant nylon
• Standout Feature: Four adjustable torso heights

Why You’ll Love It

The extra-wide shoulder straps and ventilated back panel keep you cool and pain-free on summit climbs. Front-strap pouches hold extra batteries or snacks, and a roll-top lid adjusts capacity with a single buckle.

Who It’s For

Photographers carrying serious weight and covering big distances in varying weather.

Peak Design Everyday Zip 20L – Best Lightweight Day Pack

When you need just the essentials, this 20 L pack nails it.

• Capacity: 20 L
• Weight: 3.1 lbs
• Material: Nylon canvas with weatherproof coating
• Standout Feature: Dual side-zip access

Why You’ll Love It

It’s sleek, light, and offers quick side zips for spontaneous shots. FlexFold dividers keep lenses safe without bulk. A padded laptop sleeve and external straps for a jacket round out the package.

Who It’s For

Urban adventurers or day-hikers who carry minimal gear.

CADeN Camera Backpack – Best Budget-Friendly

Protect your gear without breaking the bank.

• Capacity: 25 L
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Material: Durable nylon with water-resistant finish
• Standout Feature: Configurable padded interior walls

Why You’ll Love It

At under $40, you get a padded camera compartment, tablet sleeve, and tripod strap. It’s lightweight but tough enough for weekend hikes.

Who It’s For

Entry-level shooters or travelers who want basic protection on a budget.

Compare The Models

Here’s a side-by-side look at our top picks to help you pick the perfect pack for your next adventure.

Model	Capacity	Weight	Key Feature
Nomatic McKinnon 35L	35 L–42 L	4.8 lbs	Separate camera and laptop comps
Atlas Adventure Pack	35 L–60 L	5.2 lbs	Origami fold system
F-Stop Tilopa DuraDiamond Pack	40 L	4.6 lbs	Removable ICU inserts
Shimoda Action X50 V2	50 L	5.8 lbs	Adjustable torso heights
Peak Design Everyday Zip 20L	20 L	3.1 lbs	Dual side-zip access
CADeN Camera Backpack	25 L	2.5 lbs	Budget-friendly padded interior

Frequently Asked Questions

What capacity should I choose for a multi-day hike?

For overnight or weekend trips, aim for 35 L–45 L. Expandable designs like the Atlas Adventure Pack give you extra room when you need it.

How do I balance weight in my camera backpack?

Pack heavier items close to your spine and use a hip belt to shift weight off your shoulders. More tips are in how to balance weight in a camera backpack.

Can I carry a drone and camera gear together?

Yes, choose a pack with modular dividers or a separate electronics compartment. See tips for packing a drone and camera together safely for more.

How do I access my camera quickly on the trail?

Look for top-load or side-zip designs. Quick-access doors mean you don’t miss that golden-hour shot.

Are weather-resistant packs enough for heavy rain?

A water-resistant shell helps, but you may want a rain cover or dry bag for prolonged downpours. Check weatherproofing tips for your camera backpack.

Conclusion

Choosing the best camera backpack for hiking and adventure trips comes down to matching capacity, comfort, and quick-access features with your shooting style and trail demands. From the all-around Nomatic McKinnon 35L to the wallet-friendly CADeN pack, there’s a model here to keep your gear safe and your shoulders happy.

Now that you know what to look for, pick a pack, hit the trail, and capture those epic vistas without fuss or frustration.