The Best Outdoor Camera Bag for Hiking

Hiking is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when tied to other hobbies like photography. Hiking lends itself perfectly to both photography and videography. With incredible vistas to capture, there’s a growing overlap between those who enjoy each of these interests. Cutting-edge camera technology continues to become more compact, affordable, and straightforward to use.

Hiking itself has exploded in popularity recently. This explosion in popularity comes as millions of us have sought new ways to keep fit and spend more time outdoors. It’s also an excellent way to enjoy time with friends and others in new and exciting surroundings.

A study undertaken by RunRepeat in August 2021 found that hiking in the U.S. has never been more popular than it is currently. They partnered with hiking-specific navigation app AllTrails to explore the effect of recent global events on the scene. They found that hiking activity in 2020 had increased by more than 170 percent compared to 2019. During the same period, the number of individual hikers also rose by approximately 135 percent.

Photography also continues to grow in popularity, with many camera equipment retailers reporting record sales figures recently. While new camera sales dipped in 2020, they bounced back last year. Used camera sales have also increased simultaneously, with more equipment making it to the second-hand market than ever. With that, there’s further been a surge in demand for accessories, including outdoor camera bags for hiking.

With prices ranging from under $50 for small hip packs to $300 or more for full-size options from any number of big-name brands, choosing the best outdoor camera bag for hiking requires careful consideration. To make the process a little easier, we’ve picked out three of our favorites, priced from just $80.

Taking into account materials, features, and other highlights, we’ve also trawled hundreds of customer reviews. As a result, we’ve been able to identify a trio that impresses both on paper and in the real world, starting with Lowepro’s massively popular Flipside Trek BP 350 AW.

Arguably one of today’s very best outdoor camera bags for hiking, the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 AW is top-rated by buyers across the board. Designed for photographers, first and foremost, it also caters perfectly to those looking to carry a degree of other gear at the same time. With that, the Flipside Trek BP 350 AW from Lowepro can pack a DSLR camera kit and extra lenses alongside, for example, a tablet or laptop.

Buyers can then carry various other things in a separate zone at the top of the bag, specially set aside for personal items. Although expensive at $216.99, the Flipside Trek will last through hundreds of hikes. It strikes a balance between carrying camera equipment and the outdoor gear needed for a day’s adventure in the wild. It’s also extremely comfortable to wear, thanks to Lowepro’s ActiveZone suspension system.

Meanwhile, those looking for a mid-range outdoor camera bag have the option of the $169.95 Thule Aspect camera backpack. Again designed with photographers in mind from the outset, it also lends itself nicely to hiking. That’s thanks in no small part to the Thule Aspect’s padded hip belt and shoulder straps, air mesh back panel, and sternum strap intended to help stabilize larger loads.

Elsewhere, it’s more compact than many other popular outdoor camera bags for hiking. As a result, it’s great for shorter treks and when carrying less equipment. Despite this, there’s still room for a full-size DSLR camera or drones like the DJI Mavic Pro. That’s as well as a variety of equipment, accessories, and laptops or tablets measuring up to 15.6 inches.

Finally, here’s a more affordable option—the Anti-Theft Waterproof Camera Bag from Bagsmart. Waterproof is slightly less durable overall than the other two bags on this list. However, the Bagsmart offering’s biggest selling point is its significantly lower cost. Feature-packed and boasting plenty of interior compartments for proper equipment organization, its side access design is great for keeping thieves out, too.

Budget-conscious hiking and photography fans can pick up the Bagsmart Anti-Theft Waterproof Camera Bag for just $79. A slightly larger version is also available, priced at $85. Both sizes are offered in a choice of black and pink outer fabrics – another nice option rarely seen among similar products.

Don’t leave the fate of your camera to your camera bag. Instead, there’s another excellent way to protect cameras and lenses—an Upsie extended camera warranty. There are many benefits of pairing your camera with an extended camera warranty. Extended camera warranties protect against accidents, manufacturer defects, mechanical faults, and other failures once a product’s standard limited warranty has expired.

As such, customers’ precious equipment is covered in the event of drops, cracks, liquid spills, and all manner of other accidental mishaps. In addition, Upsie’s camera and lens warranties are comparable or superior to those sold by both manufacturers and retailers. Yet, by cutting out any unnecessary middlemen, prices are up to 70 percent lower.

Upsie offers reliable, low-cost warranties for cameras and lenses from all major manufacturers. Plus, customers can make unlimited claims up to a product’s purchase cost. Customers can purchase Upsie warranties for digital cameras, video cameras, and lenses bought in the last 60 days.