Best Hiking Camera Backpack For The Money In 2023

Why are Camera Bags Important?

Does this situation sound familiar to you? You are getting ready to go on an important excursion into the great outdoors to get some high-quality landscape shots. You begin by starting to pack up your standard camera bag with the equipment you will need to get the crisp photographs you are looking for. Then as you are about half way through packing, you realize everything is not going to fit. What do you do now? Do you sacrifice your photos and leave behind the extra equipment you need? Do you try and jam everything you can in the insufficiently spaced bag? Do you try to grab a satchel to carry your accessories? How will that keep them protected while you are hiking through the elements? There are solutions to this issue, so now you do not have to worry about leaving anything behind again!

How Does a Professional or an Amature Photographer Deal With These Problems?

All these are possible situations that will come up at one point or another if you are a photographer. This can be a terrible pickle to be in, especially if you are a professional photographer. An issue like this can potentially cause you to lose money or even ruin your career. The last thing you need is to have a major client requiring the photographs they ordered and not being able to deliver them on time. Making sure that you are prepared for anything that life throws at you is a key factor of being a great photographer.

What Should You Keep in Mind When Traveling With Your Camera?

Many photojournalists and freelance photographers will frequently travel to capture spectacular images of landscapes all throughout the world. They will stay in a variety of different places while they are traveling all over. Hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, camping, some will even look for homestays or rent a room for a short while.

This is an excellent way to learn more about the cultures that you will be experiencing and the people you will be interacting with during your visit. If you have ever traveled or gone on vacation, I am sure you know how hectic it can be and just how hard it is to remember everything all the time.

Don’t let your amazing adventure turn into a sour experience by forgetting your film or other equipment behind. No one wants to lose these things or have them stolen. Even if you are working, the benefit of flying around the world is enjoying yourself while experiencing the foreign population and their culture.

Don’t Forget To Grab Your Camera!

Leaving your phone behind at a restaurant or a bar is something that happens to many people. You are trying to relax and take a load off when you put your camera down on the bar or in the booth on the seat next to you. After having some excellent cuisine and a few drinks, you grab your jacket and hail a cab back to the hotel. That is when it hits you like a ton of bricks. Your camera is still at the restaurant.

This is the worst nightmare for professional photographers. Losing everything that you have worked so hard to capture with your lens. A comparable situation would be an artist having someone put a fist through his or her freshly painted masterpiece. A devastating and unfortunate event that could have been avoided by using a camera bag. Losing a large camera bag would prove to be much more challenging than losing the camera itself.

What Can a Photographer Do to Prepare For Poor Weather Conditions?

Running into inclement weather is not something you can always plan for. If you find yourself caught in the harsh elements outside of your home or anywhere around the world, what can you do to ensure your camera and gear will be protected? This is another nightmarish, yet common situation that any photographer would hate to find themselves in. With damaging your device, this could leave you with no photos or even worse, without your camera.

Let’s have a look at the different types of weather that a a photographer should watch out for?

Dust and Dust Storms

Dust can be very unforgiving and can ruin any shot you try to take with your camera. There are several areas that dust likes to acumulate on your device. The lens is by far the most common, and can potentially be the most frustrating. If you find that dust has started to develop on your lens trying to clean it yourself can prove to be quite challenging and time-consuming.

Your sensor is another dust magnet that can cause serious problems if it gets too dirty. Some cameras give you the ability to use a self-cleaning option or give you the option to clean the sensor yourself. Older cameras and some cheaper one’s won’t give you access to the sensor. This means the only way to clean it is by going into a servicing center to have someone else clean it for you. Having your digital-camera professionally cleaned can prove to be expensive, especially if you use the camera frequently in areas with significant amounts of sand and dust. The beach or the desert can be breathtaking places to shoot but can leave your camera in bad shape. Don’t let your camera fall victim to its arch enemy known as dust.

Honestly, preventing any unnecessary build up is by far the easiest way to combat dust particles from ruining your pictures.

Fog and Moisture Residue

Do you live along the coast or in a tropical climate? If you do, you probably know how detrimental moisture and humidity can be on electronics. How do you protect your photographing equipment from an element as damaging as this one? Keeping your camera in a waterproof bag can help you avoid moisture related issues that will affect your device negatively. Transferring your camera from a cold environment to a warm one in a short time can make your cameras lens fog up. This will ruin any images that you try to shoot with your equipment. Furthermore, if the inside becomes moist or wet, the electronics can fry and short-circuit, causing you to lose everything. Remember to protect your camera by using a moisture/waterproof bag.

Harsh Rain / Freezing Rain

Most likely, you already know what kind of damaging effect rain can have on any electronic device. However, one of the best times to catch great lighting effects and get some great snapshots is when it is raining outside. This puts you as a photographer, in quite the predicament. Do you just let your camera get wet in order to get fantastic photos? How would that be beneficial? Even if you did get some great pictures, your camera would be ruined. Is it worth the expense of getting a new one? Don’t put yourself in a situation where you would have to choose the safety of your device over the quality of your film. A waterproof camera bag can prevent this from being an issue!

Small Hail and Large Hail

Hail is not something that most don’t think about when talking about weather that can damage your electronics. Typically, you would be more concerned about the rain, or the moisture in the air. However, hail storms do occur and finding yourself stuck in one with no way to protect your camera can be a scary thought. You are trying to take pictures while having a great time and then you start feeling ice pellets smack the top of your head. Don’t try to play dodge the hail coming at your device. Make sure that it is protected! The security of your camera should always be the number one priority of any photographer, especially an adventure photographer.

The Snow and The Cold

Similar to when it rains, snow can create beautiful pictures where the light dances off all the reflective snowflakes. With such a stunning outcome of these kinds of photos, snow and cold climates are becoming very popular sites to shoot. Unfortunately, cold can be very rough on the electronics your camera relies on for quality pictures. The plastic that is used to create the shell of your camera is meant to be slightly malleable, so the plastic will bend instead of breaking if it bangs up against something. When you are dealing with frigid temperatures, the plastic will harden and bending won’t take place in the event of an accidental bump. Shattering a camera in icy weather becomes much easier the colder the device gets. The LCD’s can be adversely affected by the cold as well. The color displayed on the electronic can lose contrast. This will make it quite challenging to see what kinds of pictures you are capturing and what you need to adjust to get the perfect shot. Batteries in the camera will also start to lose their charge and won’t perform for as long. Dead battery cells will devastate a photo shoot and interrupt the flow of your work.

Sun and The Heat Wave

Heat can be damaging to your camera, but that is not what most wildlife-photographers worry about. Instead, their primary concern is usually the heat waves that distort pictures. If you have ever driven down a road in the summer, I am sure you’ve noticed the road will become slightly distorted in the distance. This distortion is caused by heat waves bouncing off the asphalt. This is common in a warm climate but can cause so many problems if you are trying to take a decent picture. These waves of heat can alter the actual shot and even change the colors that your digital camera will pick up. For the electronic inside your device, they can overheat and start to malfunction when left in high temperatures. Camera bags come with insulation that can help keep your tech cold in warm weather and warm in colder weather.

The Ocean and Salt Moisture

The ocean is and always will be a favorite of almost any artist. Being able to grab pieces of the exotic world and share them with others is what landscape photography is all about. Making the viewer want to be there and believe that they can reach it can be difficult to translate using just a picture. If done right, landscapes can be one of the most inspiring forms. You might be wondering how a landscape artist actually accomplishes these takes with their digital-camera. How do they keep them from getting wet? How can you protect all your gear? How do you even get to a great place to take ocean shots? These are all reasonable questions that anyone wanting to use a camera around a large body of water should be asking. You can actually protect all of your gear using waterproof bags and covers for your equipment. Some are meant to provide more coverage than others depending on what kind of water you will be around. Heavy rain is not as difficult to protect against as water from the ocean. Rough waves will crash up against your vessel and leave you drenched. Make sure that your gear is safe and contained in a waterproof bag.

What About Those Who Hike Through Rough Terrain?

When hiking on any trail, you will come across obstacles that can negatively affect your ability to take pictures or even reach the place you were hoping to shoot at. Hiking can be very dangerous, with cliffs and drop offs, making sure you are safe comes first. Carrying your camera around through the woods or jungle might not be the best idea. If you were to slip or trip over something one of two things is going to happen. You could end up dropping your camera or smashing it against something causing severe damage to it, or you could fall and cause serious damage to yourself. Don’t leave yourself unprotected and vulnerable in these kinds of rough conditions. Use a hefty camera backpack to help keep you and your equipment safe and sound.

Camera bags are outdoor photographers saving grace when it comes to protecting their most valuable possession, their camera. You would not put a computer or a laptop through these same kinds of conditions. Essentially, your high-quality photography equipment is just as vulnerable as any other electronic device. So why would you leave it exposed to such harsh conditions? By using one of these bags or backpacks, you can prevent any serious damage and extend the life of your digital-camera. Digital photographing technology is very expensive. Why not save your money by protecting your belongings with one of these camera safe bags.

Best Camera Bags For Hiking – Reviews

1. AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories

The AmazonBasics SLR/DSLR backpack is terrific for your camera and its many accessories. This pack has proven to be a favorite amongst those in the film and photography industry and for a good reason.

Style and Practicality

The simple design is incredibly easy for anyone to use. The many different compartments that you can find in this bag will hold all of your different electronics and gear that you will need for a successful photo shoot. The use of sturdy polyester and durable nylon ensures that the bag won’t rip or tear easily. Leaving you with less to worry about while hiking through the woods to your favorite spot. The front pocket has storage space for a folder or a small laptop that you might need to bring along with you for on the spot edits.

Tripod To Go

Straps on the side allow you to carry a tripod with you. For those who shake or have tremors, this feature can be quite helpful. Lugging around your tripod is never fun, and this could help eliminate that frustration.

Security and Safe Handling

Possibly one of the best features this backpack has would be the amount of padding it provides along your spine. The additional cushion will help with discomfort while carrying the bag when it is full of equipment. The straps that sit on your shoulders also provide plenty of padding to keep additional stress off of your shoulders. This definitely helps when taking high-quality shots and you need to be able to maneuver quickly.

Storage

The compartments this bag utilizes will provide any additional cushioning necessary to protect your multiple camera bodies and any add-ons you might need to bring along. With straps running back and forth on the front of this bag, you can bring water or a snack with you conveniently on your next excursion. All in all, this is a great beginners backpack for adventure photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

2. SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack

The SwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack 1900 is a perfect fit for those of you who are concerned with carrying your laptop with you while making sure to protect your valuable belongings. With several different colors you can choose to purchase this bag in you can customize it to fit you more personally.

What Are Some Of Its Special Features?

This bag comes with many different pockets and zippers. Any and everything you will need to bring will be conveniently cradled in its own designated pocket. Worrying about packing fragile things together can now be a thing of the past. There is even a pocket for your phone, so it will stay safe while you are hiking, running or even climbing to dangerous heights.

With the use of polyester, this pack will support whatever will be traveling with you. SwissGear designed this with the ability to carry up to a 17″ inch desktop or laptop, and a separate compartment for your tablet too; you can bring all your electronics with you now. Zip them up in the additional mesh protective pockets, and you can relax knowing that your devices will not be bumping up against each other while you are jogging or running while out exploring.

Convenience at the Airport

If you are someone who travels a lot, this particular pack is designed to come apart and lay flat for x-ray conveyer belts and any other airport security procedures.

For the Music Lovers Out There

What if you like to jam out and listen to your tunes while you are out exploring? SwissGear made sure to offer a solution for this. There is a small gap that leads from the inside of the bag out through the top right next to the handle. Now, you do not have to choose between the security of your phone or mp3 player since you have a specially designed protective pocket for your device.

This bag will provide much comfort and protection for your valuables especially while traveling frequently.

3. AmazonBasics Large DSLR Gadget Bag

What if you suffer from back pain or even just don’t like to use standard backpacks? What can you use that will have all the support and functionality that you need for your camera gear? AmazonBasics has introduced a solution for those with these problems. The AmazonBasics Large DSLR Gadget Bag has a variety of featured pockets and protective cushioning to keep everything safe.

What Features Does This Satchel Style Bag Have?

With the supportive handles and straps, you can easily carry it around or strap it across your body for hands-free use. There is room for one large bodied and a small bodied camera, and then additional lenses and accessories. This bag provides stability and organization for any professional out in the field.

You even have a place to put a tablet or a phone without worrying about cracking the screen. Plenty of added space for memory cards, pens, cables, and even straps for your tripod helps so there are many different ways to pack up your things. Small pouches are provided for you to safely store batteries away from everything else.

When you first open the bag, you will notice that the roof has velcro attachment to provide an extra hiding space. You can use the extra dividers that come in the kit to customize your compartments for your own needs or use them to provide you with additional padding. Organize your large travel camera bag the way you desire.

These style camera bags usually do not offer enough space for everything a hobby or professional photographer needs. However, the Large DSLR Gadget Bag has enough room and customizable pockets for any photographer to carry everything they require.

4. Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

The Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras was specifically designed for professionals. If you are not a professional photographer, this is still a great option for protecting your expensive gear.

What Does This Backpack Have to Offer?

The medium sized bag makes bringing your belongings along with you anywhere you go a pleasant experience. Three main pockets form the majority of the pack where you can store as many as two different large cameras along with your other tech.

Three additional slots for your memory cards makes switching them out simple. Don’t spend time rifling around in your bag, just to end up dumping everything out.

What is in the Main Camera Compartment?

Two large compartments located down the center are meant for two large DSLR’s. Six smaller sections make up the two sides. Three parts on the right side and three on the left. These are the perfect size for a small digital camera, extra lenses, and anything else your heart desires. Velcro allows you to adjust or remove any cubbies allowing you more storage space.

Just in Case You Get Hungry

Cubbies for drinks and snacks can be vital when you are hiking down a trail or exploring the wilderness. This pack ensures that you will be able to carry all your electronics and food/drink for when your belly starts to grumble or when your throat is dry.

This bag is perfect for those who have a lot of accessories that they need to bring with them for their photo shoots. Carrying all of these items can be troublesome when you only have a small satchel. Using a much larger pack can help you carry and keep everything safe while you are outdoors or while you’re traveling. Even if you are just headed into the studio, the Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack can be perfect for keeping your devices as safe as possible.

5. Lowepro Slingshot 102 DSLR Sling Camera Bag

I’m sure you remember when the those really cool new backpacks came out that had a single strap that crossed over the chest. Everyone had to have one. The appeal of only using one strap seemed less secure at first but has proven to be a top contender in protecting your belongings.

One Strap Bag

Lowepro utilized this innovative camera backpack design to accomplish several things when the Slingshot 102 DSLR Sling Camera Bag hit the market. Providing more freedom for you to move around, this bag can be helpful if you are always on the go but need to have free range to capture those high-quality images you’ve been looking for.

Additional Support For Your Valuables

You can use the plastic buckles to strap the bag around your waist to keep the bag from bouncing around. There are more fasteners attached to the front to prevent the bag from coming open while you’re running down a trail or jogging after an exotic bird. The one strap design surprising provides plenty of comfort. Additional padding has been applied to the strap so you can wear around all day without neck or back pain.

Hidden Pockets and Secret Compartments

This bag may not be the largest when looking on the outside but has a ton of space on the inside. There is one large section for your camera and three smaller sections for your accessories. Another pouch is located at the top of the bag which can be perfect for snacks or even a smaller digital camera. With all the little cubbies and crevices, you will find new hidden pockets almost every time you start to pack.

Weather Safe

On the bottom, there is a zipper that when opened, will release the weather protection cover. This will keep everything in your bag safe in case of a heavy downpour.

6. Canon Deluxe Gadget Bag 100EG

The Canon Deluxe Gadget Bag 100EG is perfect if you are just starting out as a photographer. You probably have one or two cameras and a few lenses to start out with. In this situation, you most likely do not need such a large camera bag if you are only going to be carrying around a few things, but you still want to make sure that your new toy is going to remain safe. Keeping yours in a traveling camera bag can prove to be very helpful when trying to protect it from dings, scratches, and rain.

Canon has come out with some great camera bag designs for adventure, wildlife, and landscape photographers. This one, in particular, provides excellent support for a beginner or even a professional who doesn’t want to lug around a big backpack while they are exploring the great outdoors.

Bonus Features

The clips this satchel uses to hold the top of the bag with are made of metal. This is particularly useful if you do a lot of outside photography since it won’t break from overuse or incident. A removable long strap means that if you plan on carrying your bag, you don’t have to have a long, bulky strap dragging behind you.

Possibly the coolest feature of the Canon Deluxe Gadget Bag would have to be the waist belt. This bag will basically turn into a fanny pack. This will make it so much easier to travel with. Hiking through trails in the woods becomes a leisurely experience where you can pull your camera out at any time to get the perfect pic. Adjustable dividers is a pleasant surprise when you open the top.

Organize your bag to make it super easy and convenient so you can go out and capture those amazing photos.

7. (4 Pack) Altura Photo Thick Protective Neoprene DSLR Pouch Set

If you enjoy photography so much that when your friends come over, they think they are at an electronics store, then a pouch set for your DSLR camera lenses might be something you should look into. Altura Photo Thick Protective Neoprene Pouch Set for DSLR Camera Lenses are a great place to start. Whether or not you are planning to use them to protect your lenses from the elements or to protect them from your cat, these are perfect for making sure your expensive camera accessories are always safe.

Safety First

Being sure that your camera lens is protected separately from your bag may not seem like a necessity. For a primarily outdoor photographer, these can be your saving grace. Lenses are one of the most common places that dust and dirt like to collect. Dirt, dust, and sand particles can build up and potentially ruin the perfect shot. When you are out in the world, it is impossible to know what is always going to happen. Using these pouches can save you from spending tons of time and money cleaning your lenses.

Easy to Carry With You

Even if you do not have a wide variety of camera lenses, you can use these pouches to hook your lens to your belt or pant loop with ease. This provides less effort you have to put in when changing them out. Excellent for the use of traveling and if you need to take pictures quickly. Don’t stress about having to go through your camera bag to find what you need.

There are also drawstrings at the top of the pouch so you can close the bag entirely. Plush inner lining softly cradles the lens in the hammock like bag, preventing any and all dings and scratches from taking place.

The Camera Lens Pouch Set by Altura Photo is an outdoor photographer’s best friend. Instead of spending your time and money on cleaning and cleaning services, invest in a camera pouch set. Then, you won’t have to worry about the cleaning expenses.

8. AmazonBasics Large Point and Shoot Camera Case

If you decide that the Lens Pouch Set by Altura Photo would be a good fit for you, you can pair it with the AmazonBasics Large Point and Shoot Camera Case. Even though the name implies the case is large, this is small and super convenient if you want something simple. Perfect for situations where you are on to go and need something small and quick to get the job done. This camera pouch can provide the protection you require paired with the ease of being travel sized.

What This Camera Case Can Offer You

This particular bag was designed to help protect against normal wear such as scrapes and scratches. With enough room for a large point and shoot camera, (that’s the ‘large’ part of the name) you can use this for almost any occasion. If you are the kind of person who does not like feeling restricted by big and bulky bags, this case can give you the much-needed freedom you have been searching for. You might be concerned about if it will provide enough space for the essentials that you might need to bring along with you. Extra pockets for your charging cable and memory cards can fulfill this important quota.

Just Starting Out

You might not need anything oversized with all the bells and whistles to cart your camera around in yet. You should take a look at the Large Point and Shoot Camera Case by AmazonBasics and see just what it can offer for you.

9. Case Logic SLRC-202 Medium SLR Camera Bag

Case Logic’s SLRC-202 Medium SLR Camera Bag is what every professional and aspiring photographer would love to use. When first looking at this particular bag, you might think, “that is a pretty nifty looking lunch box.” Once you open the top of the box-shaped bag, you will notice it has many compartments for small and large items.

Unique Features of This Case

Sturdy nylon fabric will protect your valuable electronics from the weather while outside. A durable outer shell is ideal for keeping your SLR safe and sound. Hard rubber on the bottom can eliminate water and dirt from soaking into your bag if you need to put it down on the ground. With reinforced stitching around the entire case and the zippers, ripping and tearing your bag would prove to be a challenge.

Suspended, Cradling Technology

The memory foam inner lining will delicately clutch your devices for secure storing. A neoprene hammock will support your camera and an attached lens so you can keep the two intact while put away. This is meant to protect your SLR from the impact of hitting the ground when putting your case down. The suspended system provides convenience and security.

Padded handle and strap make it comfortable to wear for short and extended periods of time. Including the two pockets on either side, you will have more than enough storage for your additional gadgets such as multiple lenses or a smaller portable camera for emergencies.

On the back, it has a small space for a notebook and pen, or maybe a map of the area you will be exploring. This sturdy case comes in a couple of colors, so if you are tired of all the black bags, you can choose something a brighter. Whatever you might need this bag for, it can accommodate you.

10. TARION Pro PB-01 Camera Backpack Bag Large Capacity with Laptop Compartment Rain Cover Outdoor Hiking Traveling Multi-function Photography Backpack DSLR Bag

If you are planning to go for a shoot that involves plenty of gear, but you still want a backpack that is compact enough, then the TARION Pro PB-01 will do the job. It’s designed to provide a comfortable means of carrying your gear, protection, as well as easy access to different components of your video camera. From outdoor to urban photography, this camera backpack for travel will serve all your needs. Some of its standout features include:

Spacious Design

You might sometimes land a gig that requires plenty of equipment. Well, you don’t have to leave anything behind, as long as you have this backpack. It features a spacious design, which can comfortably accommodate and protect 7 lenses, 2 cameras, a tripod, a laptop as well as other accessories. In short, it can hold almost every tool that you will need in the shoot. It also comes with an extra shoulder bag, which you can use to carry a short lens or even a camera. You can use the additional small bag as a handle bag or waist bag.

Sturdy Construction

One of the most important roles of a camera backpack is to protect your equipment. Without adequate protection, your equipment is exposed to all sorts of damage as well as wear and tear. Well, this camera backpack for DSLR is made of sturdy, water-resistant, and tear resistant nylon, making it extremely portable and durable. It also features additional rain cover, thus making it perfect for outdoor photography when hiking, traveling, or backpacking.

Comfortable

The TARION Pro PB-01 camera backpack comes with a shoulder strap that you can adjust according to your preferred height. Furthermore, the EPE padded dividers are also adjustable, which means that you can customize them according to the gear that you want to carry. This backpack is compatible with a wide range of cameras, including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, as well as other photographic equipment.

Buying Guide For Camera Backpacks For Hiking, Snowboarding, Mountaineering And Traveling

If you are a true hiking aficionado like me, then you will know how good it feels to be carrying a multi purpose and lightweight backsack, which is able to withstand the elements. A good hiking rucksack must have multiple functionalities, it must be highly durable and you have to be able to depend on it. Your backpack is going to be your home while you are traveling the roads, the forests, the meadows, the mountains or whichever hiking trail that you’ve decided to go on. The longer you travel, the more important it becomes to have a really great backpack.

This is especially true if you want to bring a video camera with you. Because it would certainly be a shame if you could not record all the beautiful scenery that you are going to encounter when you embark on your next epic hiking journey. Naturally, you’ll want to be bringing all sorts of stuff with you, but a camera is easily going to be the most sensitive piece of equipment in your pack. So for that reason, you’ve got to be sure to bring a really excellent hiking camera backpack with you, that you can rely on.

Long distance hiking can be a true test of your mind and your spirit. A dependable rucksack can help you get through the whole ordeal. You should never rush into buying the first backpack that you lay your eyes on. There are things you must consider, such as the functionality, its material and its durability. Every trip has different requirements. The very first time that I set out to buy a really good backpack, I spent many hours walking around REI to check out all the goods. These guys know rucksacks.

Since a good hiking video camera backpack is going to cost a pretty penny, it pays off to do your research. There are literally hundreds of backpacks available, from all sorts of manufacturers and in all sorts of styles and designs. It is definitely worth to invest in a higher priced backpack. You don’t want to go all cheapskate on this. If you go cheap on a hiking backpack, then you will likely have to buy a new one after about a few months. Cheap ones wear out fast.

You need to view a good hiking rucksack as an investment in yourself. While you won’t have to spend $400 on a backpack for hiking, you should also want to avoid the $50 ones, as these will not give you the functionality and the durability that you so require and deserve. It definitely pays off to spend at least double that amount to get a high quality backpack from a trusted brand. Your backpack is going to be your new best friend for a long time to come.

A long time ago, I bought an Osprey backpack, which has lasted for many years and I was always very content with it. I have taken this Osprey on many long distance hikes throughout the years. I still have it. It’s not in use anymore, but I know it has a few more years of lifespan left.

Hiking Backpack Or Traveling Backpack

There is an essential difference between traveling backpacks and hiking backpacks. It helps to learn the difference before you set out to spend your money on either. A travel backpack is sort of like a hybrid of a backpack and a suitcase. It has zippered side panels, which makes it look like a suitcase. Hiking backpacks are the actual backpack as most people imagine backpacks: top loading packs with a top lid, clips and straps for easy carrying.

Some people like to get all purist and say that hiking backpacks can only be used for backcountry hiking and that they aren’t suitable for backpackers. But I’m not such a purist and I respectfully disagree with these people. Not only is every trip different, but every person is different as well. So whichever backpack is suitable for you and your trip is wholly subjective and comes down to your personal preference.

Everybody has a different travel style. If you are moving from one motel to the next, then a travel backpack might be the right choice for you. A travel backpack gives you the ability to organize your gear really well. You can also use a travel backpack for a day hike or any other short distance walk you might want to undertake.

However, the longer your hikes become, the more important it becomes that you start looking at hiking backpacks instead. Hiking backpacks are especially designed to make you comfortable on long hikes. The weight in them has a really good distribution, allowing you to carry it for longer. They are also tough, so they last long and they can take a punch. Hiking backpacks have other enhancements that you don’t see on travel backpacks. Think of load bearing straps, back and shoulder suspension, full sized hip belts, etc.

All of this to make you more comfortable on your long distance hike, ofcourse. With a hiking backpack, you will be packing top down. So what goes in first, comes out last. That may not always be very convenient, but it is necessary to properly distribute the weight. And let’s face it… you’ll spend more time carrying the backpack, than you will accessing its contents. If you want easy access to certain types of gear in your backpack, then you would do good to buy a hiking backpack with a side load access.

However, things aren’t as black and white as I have made them out to be. Some travel backpacks come with suspension systems that you normally only see on hiking backpacks. Some travel backpacks also have some pretty high range load capacity. But in my view, if you are looking at a 70L backpack, you may as well go for a hiking backpack over a travel backpack. You never know when you are going to have to go on your next 25 mile hike to the next base camp, town, or whichever your goal is.

Your Personal Backpacking Style

Ask yourself what travel style has your personal preference. Having to buy a different video camera backpack for hiking trips is going to be expensive. Figure out your own personally preferred style of traveling, and you’re going to save yourself a lot of time in the long run.

Try to get one backpack to rule them all, and you won’t have to spend money on another one for at least the next 10 years. Let’s say that you enjoy going on trips that take on average 10 days. In that case, you don’t really need one of the most high capacity backpacks. You can easily do with a 50L hiking backpack. However, if you are fond of long distance hikes, then you will definitely want to buy a 70L backpack at the very least.

While size is one of the most important factors for buying a rucksack, it most certainly isn’t the only one you ought to look at. Different people have different packing styles. Some like to really load up. Other keep it bare bones. Keep the following in mind.

The Length Of Your Trip

Depending on how long your trip will be, you are going to need a backpack with either a low, medium or high capacity. The shorter your trip is going to be, the lower the capacity you are going to need. The longer your trip is going to be, the higher the capacity you are going to need. It goes without saying that the more you load in there, the heavier your backpack is going to become. You may think that a mere 60lbs is a joke to your average adult person. But wear this for months in a row, and it’s going to become pretty heavy on you.

Expected Physical Activities On Your Trip

I always like to go with one backpack that I can use for every single purpose that will come to mind. After all, you never know what you’re going to encounter when you travel a lot. You may disagree here, and that’s perfectly alright. My personal advice to you would be to still try and predict what sort of activities you will undertake, as this will help you make a good backpack pick. If you don’t want to be carrying it around all the time, then you may want to go with a travel pack that runs on wheels. However, if you expect to be doing long distance hikes on strenuous trails, then you will want to go with a hiking backpack for sure.

Being the natural born hiker that I am, it won’t surprise you to learn that I am heavily biased towards hiking backpacks. I want to be ready for any activity that comes in my way. Hiking backpacks have the advantage of being much tougher and much more highly durable than any other backpack out there. Hikers take on some pretty challenging physical activities, such as jumping from one rock to the next across a stream, or sliding down hills and taking lots of tumbles and whatnot. This will place stress on the backpack, so durability is important for hikers.

Will You Pack Light Or Heavy?

While the capacity of a backpack is not everything, it is still a very important factor to consider. So be sure to think about what you are planning on bringing with you on your next hike. If you want to be packing as light as you possibly can, then you will want to avoid a high capacity backpack. If you are carrying a high capacity backpack when you intend to pack light, you will accidentally bring along too much stuff. Or if you end up packing light anyway, your high capacity hiking backpack will not be able to distribute the weight evenly.

On the other hand, if you want to pack heavy and all you’ve got is a small capacity hiking backpack, then you are never going to be able to fit in all your stuff. For this reason, it is very important that you really think about the capacity of the rucksack that you are taking with you. If you are buying a backpack offline (yeah, it’s ridiculous… I know), then you have the option of bringing your stuff to the store to see how much of your gear you can fit into your backpack. Most serious retailers will not have a problem with you trying out the merchandise before you buy it.

What Features Does A Hiking Backpack Need To Have?

There are plenty different kinds of backpacks, varying in all sorts of appearances as well as functionalities and features. The higher the price you are willing to pay, the more features you can expect your backpack to have. You have really got to think about what sort of traveling you intend to do, before you go out and buy one.

Water Resistance

No backpack is ever going to be completely waterproof, in the sense that no drop of water will get inside of it ever. Every backpack is going to let water in when it becomes submerged in water. Or you may have bad luck and get one of those torrential downpours that will manage to creep into your backpack from exactly the right angle. Most backpacks for hiking that I have seen, are fitted with a so called rain cover.

That certainly helps. But next to a rain cover, you want your backpack to be rip proof. It has to be made of a tough material, such as lightweight silicone coated nylon. There is also a material called Cordura, which is known to resist water drops, letting them slide right offer, rather than letting them soak right through.

Removable Daypack

A removable (or detachable) daypack, is an extra backpack that you can strap to your regular backpack. It’s like Xzibit came along and pimped your hiking gear: “Yo dawg, I hear you like wearing a backpack while you’re wearing a backpack, so we put a backpack on your backpack.”. It’s like an additional pack for short trips. I really like to have this option on a backpack myself. If you are a light traveler, then two bags might be overkill for you.

So in that case, you may not want to go for this option. I really like having a detachable daypack myself, because I often go on long distance hikes and often find myself in need of having to pack moderately to heavy. The old Osprey I used to have, there is a top lid which can also be used as a daypack. It’s a tad bit cumbersome to have your pack lid also function as a daypack. But it has definitely had some good use though.

Heavy Lockable Zippers

Having a tough backpack is nice, but if it’s got a weak spot… then arguable, the whole backpack is weak. It does not matter how tough, rip proof and highly durable the backpack’s material is. If zippers and other attachments are weak, then the whole bag will end up disappointing you in the short term. It certainly helps to have lockable zippers, which are well made and not easily broken.

Compartments And Pockets

The way I see it, the more compartments you’ve got, the better off you are. You will want as many places you can get to store all of your gear. You do not want to constantly be sifting through one layer of stuff after another, just to find your video camera. It helps to have all sorts of compartments and pockets all over the bag. Imagine how easy it would be to be able to store your smartphone and camera in a few side compartments, while storing your maps into yet a separate flap.

If you want to have quick access to your stuff, then side pockets are something you can not afford to miss out on. If you are going for optimal comfort, then you will want a backpack that you do not have to take off when you want to access your stuff. The higher priced backpacks have very well placed pockets, such as around your hip area. These can be accessed without having to take off the pack. Talk about convenience.

Lightweight Internal Frame

Lots of video camera backpacks for hiking these days, come with a frame. This can be either an internal frame or an external one. Some don’t have a frame at all. I personally highly prefer a lightweight internal frame. It will have to be lightweight for obvious reasons. But if it is not strong, then it is just dead weight. Good lightweight internal frames are made of carbon fiber. These give you great load support and they also look pretty darn good.

External frames are an eye sore and very tedious to work with. They make use of old fashioned materials, which aren’t nearly as lightweight or strong. Frameless backpacks are no better, since they are unable to support a load at high weights. Weight distribution is incredibly important, or your shoulders are going to have to do all the work. And there’s nothing worse than having one part of your body bear all the weight.

Side Load Access

I see new backpacks entering the market all the time, and most don’t have any side load access anymore. I wonder what causes this trend, because having access from the side is so incredibly handy. With side load access, you can access the main storage space of your bag without having to go in from the top. I’m sure you understand this can save much time and energy. You’re hiking life gets one heck of a lot better with side load access.

Load Bearing Straps, Padded Shoulders, Suspension Systems

Any backpack worthy of its name, must have a suspension system, whether it be fixed or adjustable. There must also be a few good load bearing straps on there. The padded shoulders connect on the part of your back where the pack rests while you are wearing it. This part is also the suspension system. A fixed suspension system is fit to a single person’s torso. But one size does not fit all. So I always advocate an adjustable suspension system, which can be configured to your personal torso size. A suspension system’s purpose is to stabilize your gait by stabilizing your load.

Much of the weight is transferred to your hips, which are closer to the ground than your torso. Your center of gravity becomes lower, making your more stable than when it were placed higher. What you often see on good backpacks worth their salt, are sternum straps. These are a type of load bearing straps that will make carrying the pack much more comfortable. They move the weight around and minimize and pain that you might suffer from carrying it for a long time.

Ventilation

Nothing is more annoying then carrying around a sweaty backpack. So make sure that yours comes with proper ventilation. There needs to be a permanently breathable layer between the backpack and your back. Internal frame packs are usually outfitted with a design that encourages a good airflow. It will not make it easier on you to carry the load. But not having a sweaty hiking rucksack can certainly make your hike a whole lot more comfortable.

Full Size Hip Belt With Padding

Your hips are going to be carrying around 75% of the total weight of your backpack. So this is arguably the most important thing to keep in mind when buying a good pack. Your hip belt must always have padding. It it doesn’t, the pack’s ability to distribute loads is going to suffer. It will also lead to great discomfort and premature exhaustion. The hip belt should not just be a thin strap with a clip attached to it. It has to be a full size strap, with padding all around it. It’s the only way to get the best comfort for yourself.

Tool Attachments, Multiple Straps

These will not make you more comfortable, nor will they help you distribute your load. These may not be the most important features on a backpack, but I still like them a lot. It’s great to have a whole bunch of excess clips, tool attachments and straps. It’s always better to have too many than too few. In true MacGyver spirit, your backpack is not just a simple bag… it’s going to be a tool belt. You never know what situations you are going to encounter.

You never know what’s going to need fixing. You will be able to fix all sorts of things without the need for carrying more gear than you already are. A new trend in hiking backpacks are so called “daisy chains”. You will find these more often on mountaineering and climbing backpacks than you do on backpacks for hiking. They are basically just a series of attachment loops for tools. It’s a simple concept, but oh, so handy.

Internal Hydration Reservoir

This is a compartment that can hold your Platypus, Camelpak, or any other hydration bladder that you prefer. It can definitely come in handy to have hands free access to your drinking water supply. You don’t want to dehydrate yourself on your journey.

This is a really great feature for long distance hikes, since you will be able to easily access the sip tube through the openings in your backpack. The average person will want to be sipping water constantly when they are hiking, because it’s a very physically demanding activity, which can dehydrate you if you are not careful.

What Questions Do I Need To Ask Myself When Finding The Best Backpack?

What’s My Recommended Size?

This is a very subjective issue. It depends on so many factors, such as the weather you are expecting, the length of your trip and the style in which you like to travel. For instance, if you are expecting cold weather, then you will need a rucksack with high capacity. The higher its capacity, the more heavy it will weigh. I strongly prefer packing light myself.

I make sure to only put stuff in there that actually fits. I don’t like to over stuff. Think long and hard about what sort of capacity you need in a backpack. Lay out your stuff on the bed or on the floor and have a good look at it. Put it in a plastic sack to see how much volume it will take up. Check out my recommendations below.

Trip length / Liter Capacity (L)

• 1 Day : 25L – 35L
• 2 – 3 Days : 35L – 50L
• 4 – 5 Days : 50L – 75L
• >5 Days : >65L

How Do I Find The Right Fit?

A video camera hiking backpack needs to have a really great fit in order for it to be able to distribute the load properly. If you can, try out the backpack before you buy it. But even when shopping in a regular brick & mortar store, this is not always allowed. Finding a well fitting backpack, requires you to know your torso length.

This is not the same as your height. Your torso length is the distance between your iliac crest and your 7th cervical vertebra. In layman’s terms, this is the distance from the top of your hip bones to the base of your neck. With these measurements in hand, follow the following guidelines.

Backpack Size / Torso Size (Inches)

• Extra small : 15.5″
• Small : 16″ – 17.5″
• Medium : 18″ to 19.5″
• Large : >20″

Your torso length is the most important bit of information here. You don’t really need to know your hip size, because most hip belts are completely adjustable anyway. You do need to make sure that the hip belt sits comfortable between your hips and your belly button, with about an inch of space in between.

What Should I Spend At Most On The Best Video Camera Hiking Backpack?

There are backpacks available from low prices such as $50. But these are not durable and severely lacking in features. The real backpacks start at $100 and go as high as $500. It all depends on how much you are willing to invest. What’s more important to you, your money or your lifestyle? If you are well off, or are simply very willing to invest in the best rucksack you can get your hands on, then it really isn’t necessary to spend more than, say, $275.

I would also stay away from anything that is significantly below the $100 mark. Anything below this price point is very unlikely to have all the necessary features for serious hikers such as you and me. Think of padded hip belts and suspension systems. You really do need to see buying a backpack as an investment. A $50 backpack is usually a waste of money, since you will almost always have a seam ripping or a strap tearing off after only a few weeks of use. A good backpack for trekking should definitely have good padding and good suspension. It just needs to fit comfortable and distribute the weight evenly.

What Are Some Of The Best Hiking Backpack Brands?

There are literally dozens of brands out there. There are so many designs, models and styles out there, it’s not even funny anymore. I do have my preferences, ofcourse. But one guy can only try out so many backpacks in his life, you know what I mean? I have tried out more than a few in my lifetime and I’ve also had a look at friends’ backpacks. Naturally, my old Osprey is a really good one that I would recommend. But I also really like the ones from Teton Sports, High Sierra and Modovo. These are high quality brands and they will withstand quite some abuse.

It does not matter how roughly an airline attendant treats your backpack, or how hard you slide downhill with it. You’ll never see a clip, strap, zipper or any other attachment tear off these bags. They hardly ever need replacement. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on their bags. It only goes to show how confident these people are in their own products. I seriously doubt that I will use any one bag for more than a decade. But it is still nice to know you’re buying quality goods for your hard earned money.

High Sierra

These guys have been around since the mid nineties at the very least. Maybe they were in existence sooner than that, but I wouldn’t know about that, because I wasn’t hiking back then, nor did I have an Internet connection at the time. But I do know this… High Sierra makes some of the best darn backpacks I’ve never seen in my life. I currently own their Appalachian backpack and I could not be happier. They sell outdoor gear all across the world!

Teton

In comparison to the other manufacturers, Teton is very new to the outdoor gear game indeed. On their website, it is listed that they started out in 2005, meaning they are precisely 10 years old at the moment of writing. This is very young in terms of outdoor gear manufacturers. But you’d never know it from the quality of their stuff, which is extremely high. They are a company with few clients and low overhead. Simplicity seems to be the key with Teton.

Modovo

Very little is known about these guys. I have investigated them on Google Trends, and they look like they are really new to the game. Their products have quickly become quite popular, due to their very decent quality. Maybe they are a daughter company of some other company on this list? I have Googled these guys for 15 minutes and I can’t find anything about them. If anybody knows more, be sure to shoot me an email.

Osprey

These guys have well over 4 decades of experience in the manufacturing of rucksacks. They offer a lifetime warranty on their products. These guys have a very large offer of designs and sizes for all sorts of outdoor adventures. They always make sure to use the latest technology for the manufacturing of their backpacks. This is a trustworthy brand that will not disappoint you.

Gregory

Another great manufacturer that has specialized in backpacks and nothing else. I have a friend with a Gregory backpack, and I’ve never heard him complain about it once. He’s been using it for as long as I can remember and he recently mentioned that he never needed to have it replaced, or even repaired. These guys also offer a lifetime of warranty for their products.

The North Face

The North Face is perhaps one of the best known outdoor gear brands out there. They’ve been in the business for well over 4 decades now. Another great brand that is trustworthy. I can’t really think of any criticism on these guys and their excellent, highly durable products. So that includes their backpacks.

Arc’teryx

These guys are perhaps one of the coolest brands out there. They produce some seriously nifty outdoor gear. They are fairly pricey, but the truth of the matter is… you do get what you pay for. You are certain to get high quality gear when you shell out for Arc’teryx stuff.

Deuter

This is where the quality is starting to go downhill a bit. These guys are a typical mid range brand. You get decent functionality for a decent price. For some reason, this brand has become very popular in Europe. They have been manufacturing backpack equipment since the late sixties.

Backpack Accessories

Rain Cover (Integrated Or Separate)

There is a different between being water resistant and water proof. Most backpacks are water resistant, in the sense that water drops bead off the material. But water proof is a whole ‘nother story. If a backpack is not water proof, then constant exposure to the rain will eventually get your stuff wet. So if your backpack is not water proof, then you may want to get a rain cover to protect your stuff from getting soaked with the first surprise downpouring you encounter on your hike.

When it comes to rain covers… you really don’t need to be taking out a second mortgage on the house for this one. All you need is a rain cover that matches the size of your pack. Take REI’s Ducks Back Rain Cover, for example. That one works perfectly well for me.

Airporter Bag

If you are worried about your backpack getting damaged when you haven’t even set one foot on the trail, get an airporter bag. Even the sturdiest of bags can become damaged when they are being handled roughly by nonchalant airport personnel. Exposed straps, hip belts and zippers can be torn off when they get caught behind something. An airporter bag is a bag to place your bag in. It will keep your bag safe from harm while it is being transported.

If the airporter bag gets damaged, it is not so bad. Keeping your hiking backpack in good shape is much more important. Good airporter bags will also offer the option of putting a lock on the zippers. This can deter would-be thieves from getting into your personal stuff and stealing it. Take the Osprey Airporter LZ, for example. It adds a bit of extra weight to your existing load. But to me, it’s totally worth it. I want to be sure that my backpack is safe and that it will not be rummaged through or damaged on my way to my next hiking destination.