Best Camera Backpack for Hiking: Best Protective Backpacks

I still can’t forgive myself for ruining my DSLR camera.

How did I commit this crime?

I made a stupid mistake of going on a hike without a proper hiking backpack. It got late while I was returning downhill.

I lost my footing and we all know what happened next. I came tumbling down. Thankfully I didn’t injure myself. But when I realized that I had ruined my camera, I was distraught.

Feel sorry me already?

Please don’t! I was lucky that I could repair my camera. But, I spent a fortune doing it. I still remember thinking to myself, what if I had invested in a camera backpack?

I paid for my mistakes. Literally and figuratively.

It is then that I realized the importance of camera backpack. And it is something that you should realize as well.

Since then I have never forgotten to carry a backpack for my camera. And no, nothing has happened to my camera since. wink!

Camera backpack is an insurance for your investment. It protects your camera from impact. When you travel, these backpacks will come in real handy.

But how do you know what’s the best camera backpack for hiking for you?

Here at Hiking Reviewed, it’s our goal to help you find the right gears. After researching over 50 high quality best DSLR camera backpacks and other camera backpacks on the market today, we purchased the 10 best for in-depth reviews and testing.

Below is our review of the best camera backpacks for hiking of 2018. Check them out and see if one of them would be perfect match for you. And if we missed your favorite camera backpack, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment below.

The 10 Best Camera Backpack in 2019

10 Best Camera Backpack Reviews in 2019

Here, I have reviewed 10 best camera Backpacks available in the market that I liked a lot. If nothing, these will definitely guide you to buying something that will fulfill your needs.

1. Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack

When I thought I had seen everything, Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack proves me wrong. It opens from the back. Wow! It is an amazing must have for your Photography tools.

You can keep the straps of the camera or a water bottle on the side pockets. Two loops on each side of the bag allow you to hold several items. You can be creative about it.

For extra comfort, the contoured shoulder straps and padded waist belt distributes the weight evenly.

When you have an assigned space for everything, it is easier to find it whenever you need them, especially during emergencies. With assigned memory card pouches, you never loose them.

The front storage compartment gives you easy access to cables, adaptors, small accessories, notebooks, wallets, a flashlight or any personal item.

This is perfect for traveling photographers who need to keep their expensive gear securely tucked.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

2. Lowepro Slingshot 102 DSLR Sling Camera Bag

The Lowepro Slingshot 102 DSLR Sling Camera Bag is a single strapped bag. The shoulder strap is wide and padded and provides you better security and comfort. Mesh lining keeps you ventilated and allows you to breathe. It hugs your body pretty well.

First, you don’t need to get your bad off you just to reach into any small equipment. You can just slide the back body towards you and done. The compartments inside are properly designed to utilize optimum space. This bag is amazing.

A tripod holder on the side of the bag is easy to grab but stays completely out of your way. It is easily accessible and stays put.

The main compartment is fully padded and comes with an updated divider that accommodates most popular DSLR models.

A comfortable compartment on the top comes handy to stash away additional gear.  The mesh pocket and the thin lined pocket in the opening gives you easy yet enough space.

I simply love this bag and is one of my favorite things to have. Every pocket designed, is smart and useful.

And in case it drizzles, just pull out the waterproof bag cover and you are good to go. And yes, when I am not using the bag within my easy reach, I can simply buckle it onto my waist. It stays put.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

3. Lowepro Photo Hatchback 16L Camera Backpack

This is yet another favorite camera backpack that I like to talk about a lot. The Lowepro Photo Hatchback 16L Camera Backpack is a complete package. Everything you wished to put into a backpack, it can take it all.

With this bag, you can be an avid traveler and never be sorry that you left back your camera because it was bulky to carry. With this bag, you can now carry your essentials in your camera bag.

How amazing is that?

The removable padded camera box that comes with a storm flap closure offers enough storage for a complete camera kit. Now the bag is converted into a day backpack.

Roomy upper compartment offers you enough space to stash in your personal items.

And the zippered inbuilt pockets gives you extra organizing area. Keep your things at place, within reach.

The back is padded, has a mesh lining and has an air-flow vent that keeps you cool and refreshed, even if it gets pretty heated.

And when the load inside increases, the padded shoulder straps keep you comfortable.

You also expand your carrying capacity by adding in slip lock attachment loops located on both the shoulder straps.

Get your water on grab or your portable tripod stand, the tall side pockets will keep it for you.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

4. Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack

The Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack is a lightweight backpack that stands on a stiff and waterproof EVA base. This secures and protects your bag from any external damages.

The feature I love is the easy camera access section that allows you to instantly grab your camera and capture moments. Now, there can never be a moment that will be wasted.

That is not it, you can open the entire camera compartment which is highly padded and secured.

These adjustable pads are strong and are bound to keep your delicate gadgets safe.

This highly compact bag also has padded and mesh-lined back for extra comfort. The inverted Y air-flow vent keeps you cool and the shoulder pads lay firm on your shoulders.

Scratch-resistant memory foam in the camera compartment helps avoid screen damage.

A tall fully unzippable side pocket allows you to keep your small items like your cell phones, ear plugs, cable and so on. The opening flap also has small pockets that come handy.

You don’t have to wait to go home and work on your snaps, with a pocket big enough to fit a 16” laptop, you can take it anywhere and dig right into it.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

5. Abonnyc DRLBP-CZ Waterproof Anti-shock Backpack for DSLR and SLR Cameras

Abonnyc DRLBP-CZ Waterproof Anti-shock Backpack for DSLR and SLR Cameras is made of waterproof and shock resistant material that is bound to protect your camera.

This deluxe bag comes with adjustable dividers with padded construction inside the camera compartment where you can keep your lens and other camera attachments safe and organized.

Organizer pockets on the opening flap of the main compartment can carry your accessories easily.

Since it can be accessed through the back, your cameras remain safe and are accessed only by you.

Remain cool and relaxed with the air vent on the back of the back which is padded and mesh lined. Two mesh side pockets are designed to carry your water bottle and tripod, but suit yourself with anything you think is possible. Sky’s the limit.

Bright loops in the front of the bag make an attractive design and it comes handy when you want to hang your gear. The D-rings on the shoulder straps too gives you access to external attachment with loops.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

6. AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories

AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR/DSLR Cameras and Accessories is one of my favorite camera bags so far. It is compact and padded enough to keep your valuables safe.

This backpack has adjustable cells in the main compartment that will allow you to accommodate and adjust to the type of items you have.

With plenty of room for your accessories, you can carry on with your journey and not miss a shot.

With chest belt and waist belt, the load goes on to your hips rather than your shoulder. Well, the shoulder straps are padded too for that extra comfort that you desire.

Your memory cards, USB drives, GTGs, and batteries can go in the inside of the main compartment clear cover. Lined with foamed fabric for extra protection, the main compartment secures your delicate goods.

The elastic lining in the front of the bag can hold your raincoat or anything that you need to stash easily, a poncho or a scarf maybe?

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

7. Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag for DSLR Camera, Lens, and Accessories

If you are looking to be with your camera (plus the accessories, obviously) only then Vivitar Camera Backpack Bag for DSLR Camera, Lens and Accessories is your solace. It is completely sleek and attractive.

This is a lightweight and sturdy camera backpack with minimal design and pockets. You won’t be burdened by the excess carry-ons. You are going to be by yourself, and your targets of course.

Well, you do have two side pockets for your water bottle and the tripod but is designed beautifully and doesn’t give you a bulky look at all.

Having said that, it doesn’t give in on the necessities, the opening flap is highly padded. The inner fabric is smooth to keep your delicates safe whereas the outer bag is made of durable black nylon exterior.

It is easy on the go camera bag and flaunts the minimalist look.

What I love most about this camera backpack is its sleek and attractive design. It looks like a simple backpack and is just as easy and portable.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

8. Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

Altura Photo Camera Sling Backpack for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras is a lightweight and durable travel bag that is designed for on-the-go use. It has multiple dynamic compartments where you can fit in your camera accessories as well as your personal belongings.

The side sling allows you to be ready, you can simply pull the bag in front and you are ready for your grab. You can just slide it back after use. As easy as that.

The camera compartment holds the camera and two extra lenses and it is secured with padded linings and super soft fabric. Your precious are going to be safe.

You can load your organizers in the see-through pocket on the flap cover of the main compartment. Hold on to your flash in the top compartment that has two see through net pockets with elastic for easy stash items.

With the padded base, your valuables are secure and safe, just in case you rest it somewhere moist.

The shoulder straps are padded and can be taken off with a single clasp. Easy and comfortable.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

9. Acuvar DSLR Camera Backpack with Rain Cover

The Acuvar DSLR Camera Backpack with Rain Cover is yet another sleek and portable camera backpack that you cannot do without. It is compact yet highly organizable.

Easily access to the main compartment from the front and arrange the inner camera compartment with adjustable dividers.

The dividers are thick and cushioned. Your valuables are bound to be safe.

Small pockets on the flap of the bag can be used to store small accessories like phones, cables or earplugs.

While the secondary pocket in front of the main compartment is a deep open pocket with small mesh pockets inside. It is one large pocket for tablets or notebook, whichever fancies you most.

Small details like small pockets in the front give you easy access.

Slide in and hang in your poncho or jacket in the front drawstring elastic.

And yes, carry your tripod with you if you wish, a side pocket and two clasped straps will hold onto this gear.

The back and shoulder straps have padded and mesh-lined fabric that will protect your shoulders and will allow you to remain cool in your adventures.

It suddenly starts to drizzle? No worries. With the attached rain fly, you can simply cover your bag and secure it.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

10. AmazonBasics DSLR and Laptop Backpack

AmazonBasics DSLR and Laptop Backpack – Orange interior is designed to hold your camera as well as the necessary accessories. It has 3 outer compartments. One for the camera, a pocket that holds your 17-inch laptop and finally a third front pocket for your organizing tools.

It is a clean design bag yet holds enough gear that you may require.

The main compartment can hold your camera, and about 4-5 lenses. And your valuables are kept safe with the soft padding adjustment dividers.

Keep your laptop in the front compartment and you can work on your shots anywhere and anytime, no need to reach home or work.

Since you are carrying a load of equipment you will definitely need a nicely padded shoulder straps and back support. You have it all. And the back padding is designed in such a way that you can feel the cool airflow in your back . when everything around seems to turn sticky and warm, you will still stay cool.

The D-rings give you access to hold on to extra gear and the waist belt shares the bag weight.

You are now good to go.

I like the internal mesh pockets and smart organizers in the secondary compartment. It has well designed and strategic pockets too. This is your private area to stash in your stuff.

Well, designed tripod holder is my favorite feature.

Watch Review:

Features I Like:

Comparison Table of 10 Best Camera Backpack

Why are Camera Backpacks Necessary?

You are a professional photographer or an armature photographer like me you must have gathered enough photography tools by now. And every time you think of going on your trips you want to take them all.

If I read your mind, yes you definitely need a Camera Backpack and should look for something that will carry all your necessities, will keep it safe and allow you to be comfortable carrying it around.

Your tools are meant to be near you so that there is not a shot you will have to miss.

Get along, nothing can stop you now.

How to Choose The Best Camera Backpack?

Choosing a camera Backpack can be quite puzzling since there are a lot of bags available with the latest adjustments and attachments. These will amaze you.

Let me share with you some things that you need to keep in mind while getting one for yourself or your friends.

Weight and fabric

If you are an avid photographer then you know that you will be wanting to carry all your tools and obviously, you already will have a lot to carry. So, you will definitely require a bag that is strong yet light. Definitely lighter bag are usually made with better quality fabric. You will want to look for these bags. But, these may be very pricey.

No worries, there are a variety of Camera Backpacks that will fit your budget and won’t compromise on the quality too. So, look for good quality fabric, especially the outer cover and the internal paddings.

Main compartment

Yes, you paid a lot for the camera, so you have to take care of it. Pamper it with a good place to rest.

If the main compartment is well padded and made of good quality fabric that won’t scratch any part of your valuables. Keep it.

Since cameras come in various sizes and lenses, most of the camera compartment comes with adjustable dividers. You will need a sturdy and well-padded divider. Good quality velcro that will keep your tools from moving.

Easy to take the load off

I agree the bag will be loaded and heavy because let’s face it, we all want to take that particular lens that may come in use. So, after a long day, or many times during the day you will want to take the load off.

It would be helpful if you look for a bag that allows you to get the load off easily, say with a snap buckle. But, you need to look for a high-quality material so that it doesn’t break, this will literally break your heart.

The Best Pick

Definitely, the  Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro DSLR Camera Backpack is the one I would pick. Why? I love it. I love it. I love it. There, I said it. It is a must have a home for your camera and its tools.

The tripod holder keeps it out of the way yet by your hands reach.

Water bottle holder, 3 small pockets to hold your memory card. A clear pocket for your accessories. You can now find your things where you kept them.

Comfortable shoulder and belt straps, easily accessible front pocket and just everything.

I cannot get enough of the bag and how easy my trips have become.