When it comes to outdoor photography, one thing is sure: having a reliable and durable camera backpack is an absolute necessity. Ensuring that your gear stays safe and secure in any condition will give you peace of mind and make you a better photographer. Not everyone has the time to do the research required to choose the best camera backpacks for outdoor photography. So we here at Adorama decided to do it for you. This article covers the best outdoor-oriented camera backpacks and why each could be perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
Outdoor Camera Backpack Features
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a camera backpack that will face all kinds of outdoor conditions. The pack must be water resistant, rugged enough to set down on any terrain, the right size and weight for your adventures, and within your budget.
Researching and finding a pack that best fits YOUR needs as a photographer is vital. Some people value a comfortable backpack with padded shoulder steps and a solid hip belt. In contrast, others will search for the pack that provides the most space for their lenses and cameras, as well as security and protection from the elements.
Finding a camera backpack within your budget is also essential. Typically, you get what you pay for when it comes to camera gear and bags. This list provides an assortment of bags with a wide range of costs, but all are great options and won’t fail you in the field. As each photographer has unique needs, we have listed the features of these best camera backpacks for outdoor photography so you can decide what is right for you.
Best Outdoor Camera Backpacks
Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Backpack
The Vanguard Alta Sky 53 is for photographers and travelers with large amounts of gear looking for a single bag. With a premium build quality, multiple exterior pockets, and straps designed to ensure you have to leave nothing at home.
You can access the bag’s interior from the top and back. Vanguard designed the bright yellow interior to help you quickly locate and grab your gear. Its dividers are easily customizable or removed to be converted into a daypack for any gear. The back panel has a large, padded slot for laptops or tablets and is large enough for a 17″ laptop.
Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III Backpack
The Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L is a bag designed for landscape photographers who like to go on day hikes for their work. The bag is tough enough to withstand the elements but lightweight and comfortable to wear. The build quality is on the higher end, and the accessory strap system makes the bag versatile.
Photographers of all shapes and sizes can adjust the fit for maximum comfort. The system focuses on weight support and distribution, like hiking backpacks. A hydration pocket holds up to a 3-liter water reservoir. And includes a passthrough for the straw, making it an excellent daypack for the trails. The accessory straps can hold trekking poles, a helmet, clothing, or a water bottle.
Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW III Travel-Ready Backpack
This 4-season ultra-resistant camera bag is designed to carry both camera equipment and hiking gear. It is built tough, and the material features a waterproof barrier, so there is no need for a rainfly. The front pocket is expandable to fit essential items like extra clothing or food, and it also features a drain hole so that the main compartment never gets wet.
The straps on the back are meant for outdoor equipment such as skis, snowboards, or trekking poles. However, the Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW III Travel-Ready Backpack was designed to ensure your expensive camera equipment is kept from getting banged up by your outdoor gear. This bag is pricier for its volume but is worth every penny. It is one of the best bags currently on the market.
Vanguard ALTA RISE 48 Backpack
The Alta Rise 48 is designed to hold 1-2 professional mirrorless or DSLR cameras, 3-5 lenses, and an assortment of accessories. It features internal and external pockets for memory cards, cables, batteries, chargers, and more. Considering its larger size, Photographers can use the bag for day hikes or even an overnight trip.
Valuables can be stored in a secure pocket on the rear of the bag, keeping them close to your body and out of reach. This pack also has a full rain cover to give you more peace of mind in rainy conditions. It also comes with the Vanguard Lifetime Warranty.
PGYTECH OneGo Air Backpack
The PGYTECH OneGo Air Backpack appears very similar to the Peak Design Day pack that is so popular in the U.S. The OneGo has a slightly wider lid and is made from different materials. It features an 18L capacity, which makes it small and easy to handle for your daily commute. Still, it can also hold a laptop and other accessories, depending on what you need that day.
The interior has a unique design and looks pretty minimal at first glance. It is meant to hold a small amount of gear. Perhaps a single camera and 2-3 lenses plus accessories. With the lid open, you can open the front panel entirely, giving you complete access to every piece of gear within the compartment.
Nomatic Peter McKinnon 35L Camera Backpack
The Peter McKinnon 35L Backpack has risen to fame over the last couple of years, and for good reason. I use this backpack for most of my work trips, and it is my favorite bag. It features a hybrid look that is urban yet adventurous.
It features a larger front side compartment that is expandable for clothing or more accessories and features a laptop sleeve on the rear side of the pack. The backpack is on the heavy side, even without gear in it, because the materials are super durable and high quality. It features a tripod or water bottle pocket on one side and direct access to the main compartment on the other. My only real complaint about this bag is that I have to put most of my lenses on their sides, as the bag is not deep enough for my Canon RF lenses.
Shimoda Action X30 Backpack
Shimoda has become a popular brand for adventurous photographers looking for a hiking/camera hybrid backpack. The Actions X30 is a solid day and potentially overnight pack (if you pack light). It features a quick access panel, allowing you to grab your gear without laying your bag down. It offers a more low-key look that doesn’t necessarily scream “camera bag.”
This bag is extremely comfortable even when carrying 30 lbs of camera gear. The hip belt is one of the most comfortable, well-padded systems I have ever used and is truly meant for those longer hikes you might face. The exterior is made from ripstop nylon fabric, which is tough and water-resistant. It also comes with a full rain cover.
Manfrotto Advanced III Travel Backpack
The Manfrotto Advanced Active III is a very unassuming camera bag, making it easy to carry expensive gear and fly under the radar. It is super compact but can easily hold a camera, a couple of lenses, a laptop, and a few accessories. The Advanced III is meant to be a daily commute bag.
The bag is made with water-resistant polyester nylon and treated with a water-resistant coating for even more protection. It does have a dedicated side tripod holder and a potential water bottle holder on the opposite side. A separate tech compartment can accommodate a 15″ laptop or tablet with easy access, so you won’t have to unpack your bag or move your gear when needed. It has a removable rain fly, making the bag even more low-profile.
Conclusion
Look at your most recent shoots and see what conditions you faced and what you needed for each shoot. Your outdoor camera backpack will need to hold up through the same conditions and be able to accommodate all of the gear you need. Your bag must be comfortable for those longer days and durable enough to keep your gear safe.
Let’s face it: no camera backpack is perfect. But the ideal camera backpack for YOU could be on this list. There is a backpack for every need and budget; you can see even more backpacks at Adorama.com.
