Camera Backpack for Hiking: 20 Top Picks for UK Adventures

Below you’ll find the 20 camera backpacks UK hikers rate highest for protecting kit, carrying comfortably and coping with British weather.

Purpose-built packs keep lenses from rattling, shift weight to your hips instead of your shoulders, and shrug off sideways rain—something a regular day-sack rarely manages. Whether you shoot full-frame DSLRs, travel with a drone, or just want space for a mirrorless body and sandwiches, the picks ahead cover quick weekend rambles, Lakeland ridge walks and multi-day wild camps. For each bag we’ve listed capacity, access points, weight, trail pros and niggles, plus a direct link to buy from trusted UK retailers.

Mini buying guide: Aim for 20–40 L so clothing and tripod fit beside camera cubes; pick an internal-frame harness if you often carry more than 10 kg.
Check the label for DWR or an included rain cover; both are non-negotiable when Pennine skies open.

Ready to shoulder a pack and chase light? Scroll straight to the shortlist or skim the FAQ at the end for sizing, packing and maintenance tips.

1. Lowepro PhotoSport BP 24L AW III

If you prefer fast, light miles but still want your camera within arm’s reach, Lowepro’s latest PhotoSport 24 L hits a sweet spot between minimalist day-pack and fully featured photo hauler. The removable GearUp insert swallows a mid-sized mirrorless body plus two lenses, leaving the roll-top-style main compartment free for layers, trail snacks and the inevitable emergency pasty.

Overview & Standout Features

• Featherweight build: ≈ 1.6 kg on the home scales, yet tough thanks to recycled Dyneema and 210 D rip-stop nylon.
• Eco credentials: bluesign-approved fabrics and PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR).
• GearUp camera cube clips to the pack frame or pulls out to stash in your tent at night.
• Stow-away All-Weather (AW) rain cover rated to shrug off a Lake District squall.
• Stretch side pockets for 1 L Nalgene or lightweight tripod; front daisy chain accepts trekking-pole loops.

Trail Performance (Fit, Comfort & Weatherproofing)

The ActivZone back panel combines ventilated foam ridges with a suspended mesh channel, boosting airflow when you’re grinding up Helvellyn’s zig-zags. Load-lifters, an adjustable sternum strap and a lightly padded hip-belt spread up to about 10 kg comfortably across torsos 40–53 cm long. Because the camera insert sits tight against the frame, weight remains centred and stable on scrambles, and the included rain cover adds a second barrier over the already DWR-treated shell—handy when horizontal drizzle sneaks under the lid.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Day-hikers, travel vloggers and sunrise chasers who carry a mirrorless kit, compact drone or action cam will love the weight-to-protection ratio. However, the insert maxes out at a 70-200 mm f/4; wildlife shooters with bigger glass should look further down this list. The hip-belt pocket swallows an energy bar but not a plus-size smartphone, and the slim shoulder straps can feel terse once the load pushes double figures in kilos.

2. Shimoda Explore V2 35 Backpack

Built for photographers who bounce between Scottish glens, airport lounges and city pavements, the Shimoda Explore V2 35 is the rare camera backpack that feels equally at home on a boggy trail and in an overhead bin. A clever aluminium frame gives it genuine load-bearing chops, while the brand’s modular Core Unit system lets you swap from a mirrorless cube to a drone insert in seconds—no more owning five different bags for one kit.

Overview & Standout Features

• 35 L internal volume, yet still carry-on compliant for most UK airlines (55 × 32 × 23 cm).
• Rear, side and top access points: grab a lens without dumping the pack in wet heather.
• Weather defence straight from the factory: 420 D rip-stop nylon impregnated with PU resin plus YKK AquaGuard zips; seam-taped rain cover included.
• Modular Core Units clip to the inner frame; choose Small, Medium or Large DSLR cubes or the new DV insert for cinema rigs.
• Lash loops and compression straps secure skis or trekking poles when your creative brief includes sunrise on Ben Nevis.

Trail Performance

Shimoda’s height-adjustable harness slides to S, M or L positions, fitting torso lengths from roughly 40–53 cm. Generous lumbar padding and concave shoulder straps take pressure off collarbones, and the aluminium frame transfers weight to the plush hip-belt better than most 35 L rivals. The back panel’s dual-density foam sheds moisture, so you’re not finishing the Pennine Way with a sweat-soaked shirt.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Landscape shooters who juggle air travel, day hikes and the odd overnight camp will appreciate the Explore V2’s flexibility. It swallows a full-frame DSLR with 24-70 mm, 70-200 mm f/2.8, drone and tripod without teetering. Downsides? The bag alone costs more than some entry-level cameras, and serious wildlife kits demand extra-large Core Units sold separately. At 2.1 kg when empty, it’s not the lightest camera backpack for hiking, but the carry comfort justifies the grams.

3. WANDRD PRVKE 31L Photo Bundle Lite

Utah-based WANDRD took its cult-favourite PRVKE roll-top and trimmed a few bells to create the Photo Bundle Lite—still rugged enough for muddy bridleways, just lighter on your wallet and shoulders.

Overview & Standout Features

• 31 L base volume (roll-top opens to ≈ 36 L for extra layers or a meal-deal).
• Shell combines weather-proof tarpaulin with 1680 D Robic ballistic nylon; all external zips are YKK AquaGuard.
• Included Essential Camera Cube Lite fits a mirrorless body plus three small lenses and clips to the side access door for “sling-style” grabs.
• Magnetic tote handles, hidden passport pocket and luggage-pass-through for airport runs.
• Side webbing straps stow a Peak Design Travel Tripod; lash patches accept WANDRD’s accessory straps for a bed-roll or wet waterproofs.

Trail Performance

An EVA-moulded back panel follows the curve of your spine and channels air up the centre—useful when hoofing it up Snowdon’s Pyg Track. The shoulder straps are broad and pliable, although there’s no internal frame sheet; keep total weight under about 10 kg or the bag will slump on scramble moves. A discreet, padded sleeve swallows a 16-inch MacBook (or OS Explorer maps) behind the back panel without jabbing your kidneys. On test, drizzle beaded off the fabric, and the bundled rain cover stayed in the lid pocket.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

The PRVKE 31L suits hybrid shooters who split time between café edits, city streets and weekend fell walks—think Fujifilm X-T5, DJI Mini drone, waterproof, and lunch. Lack of a frame means serious telephoto kits feel floppy, and the stiff tarpaulin can squeak when new. Still, as a mid-weight camera backpack for hiking and everyday carry, it punches above its price and looks slick doing it.

4. f-stop Tilopa 50L DuraDiamond

The Tilopa sits at the expedition end of f-stop’s line-up, pairing a cavernous 50 L chassis with the brand’s new DuraDiamond fabric—an ultra-tough rip-stop that shrugs off 1 500 mm of water pressure and years of baggage-handler abuse.

Overview & Standout Features

• True 50 L internal volume plus oversized exterior stash pockets for down jacket or crampons
• DuraDiamond nylon shell: 210 D warp with double-diamond rip-stop, silicone/PU coating and YKK AquaGuard zips
• Internal aluminium frame and glove-friendly GateKeeper straps for skis, tripod or snow shovel
• Rear-panel camera cavity accepts Large, Extra-Large or Cine ICU; XL swallows a pro DSLR with battery grip and a 600 mm f/4 attached
• Dual hip-belt pockets, top-lid organiser and hydration-sleeve with tube port

Trail Performance

With the XL ICU loaded, the pack tips 2.4 kg empty, yet the beefy frame and load-lifters move weight to the generously padded hip-belt so shoulders stay fresh on a three-day Cairngorm traverse. The snow-shedding back panel is firm enough for heavy cinema rigs and wipes clean when peat bogs strike. Side-panel cinch straps temper bounce, and the high-visibility orange lining speeds lens swaps at dawn. A separate rain cover is included, though the coated fabric already fends off sustained drizzle.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Wild-camp photographers, wildlife pros and anyone hauling extra food, water and camping gear will appreciate the Tilopa’s balance of volume and support. It also suits winter mountaineers thanks to ski loops and ice-axe retainers. Downsides? It’s overkill for a single-day shoot, costs a small fortune once you add an ICU, and the rigid back may feel boxy squeezing through kissing gates. Still, if you need one camera backpack for hiking that handles everything from stewardship jobs to Arctic aurora hunts, the Tilopa is a near-bombproof choice.

5. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L v2

A darling of YouTube creators, the updated 30-litre Everyday Backpack blends slick city styling with enough trail savvy to earn a spot in any camera backpack for hiking shortlist.

Overview & Standout Features

• 400 D recycled nylon canvas shell with a beefy 900 D waterproof bottom panel.
• MagLatch lid offers four ladder positions for fast, one-hand tweaks; dual weather-sealed side zips give full clamshell access.
• Three FlexFold “origami” dividers fold, hinge and stack so you can park a camera body, two lenses and a drone vertically without wasted space.
• External carry straps hide behind magnet-closed flaps; perfect for lashing a tripod or wet jacket without snagging office doors.
• Quick-stash top pocket, dedicated 15″ laptop sleeve and twin stretch side pockets that swallow a 1 L bottle or Peak Design Travel Tripod.

Trail Performance

At 1.6 kg empty the bag feels feather-light, yet the formed EVA back panel and pivoting shoulder straps spread weight evenly. Both straps tuck away, letting the pack slide neatly under a train seat, and the sternum strap lives on a slick rail so there are no loose tails to flap about in wind. Aluminium hardware shrugs off grit, and the shoulder webbing is pre-notched for a Capture Clip—ideal when you want the camera ready on Striding Edge. Note, however, that the hinge-style opening means rain can creep inside if you flip the lid wide during a shower; use the integrated rain cover (sold separately) or shield the zip gap with your body.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Commuters who shoot on lunch breaks, travel vloggers, and weekend ridge walkers will appreciate the laptop slot and fast side access. The minimalist hip belt (an optional extra) limits comfort once the load tops 12 kg, and the sleek exterior offers fewer attachment points than specialist mountain packs.

6. MindShift Gear Rotation180° 34L

At first glance it looks like a regular trekking rucksack, but flick the magnetic latch on the hip-belt and the Rotation180° 34 L reveals its party trick: a camera pod that swings from your back to your front in one smooth move. You can swap lenses without dropping the pack in wet bracken or balancing it on a stile—gold for British footpaths where there’s rarely a dry perch. The design does add a few grams, yet for shooters who value speed over absolute minimalism the trade-off is worth it.

Overview & Standout Features

• Patented rotating belt-pack fits a gripped DSLR with 24-70 mm mounted; packs away under a magnetic flap.
• 34 L main compartment for jackets, stove and a Thermos; internal sleeve takes a 3 L hydration bladder.
• 100 D high-tenacity nylon with polyurethane coating; seam-taped rain cover included as standard.
• Top-lid pocket lined with orange rip-stop so SD cards and cable releases don’t vanish.
• External compression straps cinch the load or carry a tripod diagonally.

Trail Performance

An internal aluminium frame bar and trampoline-mesh back panel keep the load stable while venting sweat on steeper Lake District ascents. Shoulder straps are contoured and softly padded, and the rotating belt fits waists 76–122 cm via chunky pull-forward adjusters. The swing mechanism stays smooth even when the bag is caked in peat; just remember to lock the magnetic clasp before leaning forward, or gravity will deploy the pod for you.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Birders, sports shooters and anyone who needs lightning-fast lens changes will love the Rotation system—no more missed buzzard fly-bys. The camera tray, however, is smaller than it looks; a pro body with battery grip plus 70-200 mm f/2.8 is a squeeze, and the learning curve means your first few swings can feel ungainly. At 2 kg empty it’s not the lightest camera backpack for hiking, but the convenience often outweighs the heft.

7. Manfrotto Pro Light Backloader Backpack S

Manfrotto’s Backloader S is the stealth option in this list—a compact, cabin-friendly camera backpack for hiking that opens only from the back panel, keeping expensive glass away from opportunistic hands or rain-soaked tussock.

Overview & Standout Features

• Full clamshell rear door reveals a single, modular cavity; move or remove the padded cubes to make space for waterproofs or a drone.
• DuoFace rain and thermal cover: reflective silver side keeps summer heat off black gear; flip it for a PU-coated waterproof barrier during showers.
• M-Guard EVA dividers are rib-reinforced so they won’t collapse when a flask or guidebook presses against them.
• External tripod cradle with quick-release buckle; stows flat when not in use.
• Cabin-size (≈ 48 × 30 × 18 cm) and 1.5 kg empty, so it slips under most UK train seats as easily as it slides into an EasyJet overhead locker.

Trail Performance

The low-profile harness hugs your back, useful for squeezing through hawthorn gaps or crowded festival gates. Shoulder straps are thin but wide enough to spread a sub-12 kg load, and a ventilated mesh panel eases sweat on humid South Downs rambles. Zips are YKK AquaGuard with oversized pullers that work in liner gloves, and the DuoFace cover deploys in seconds from its dedicated base pocket. Because the camera bay sits flush to your spine, the pack stays balanced when you hop boggy stepping-stones, though the minimal hip-belt offers little weight transfer for heavier kits.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Mirrorless shooters, location wedding photographers and hybrid creators who carry a body, three lenses, flash and a drone will find the Backloader S roomy enough yet streamlined. Lack of serious hip support and a narrow back length mean tall hikers or anyone carting long telephotos should consider a larger, framed option further down the list.

8. Vanguard Alta Sky 45D

Think of the Alta Sky 45D as the Swiss-army knife of mid-sized camera rucksacks: one bag that morphs from padded kit hauler to regular hiking pack depending on the day’s plan. Its clever divider setup and triple-access design mean you rarely need to unload everything just to grab a filter or waterproof, a real boon when the heavens open halfway up Kinder Scout.

Overview & Standout Features

• Three ways in: quick-draw side hatch for the camera, top lid for spare layers, and a full back-panel that lies flat like a suitcase.
• Removable interior divider converts the 45 D (≈ 30 L usable volume) into a plain gear sack—handy for hut approaches when the camera stays at home.
• Dual tripod mounts (front cradle and side pocket) plus daisy chains for trekking poles.
• High-vis orange lining stops tiny SD cards from vanishing.
• Front harness clip doubles as a safety whistle.

Trail Performance

Vanguard fits the 45D with chunky, S-curved shoulder straps and an adjustable torso slider, so both petite and lanky frames can dial in the fit. The broad hip-belt carries weight surprisingly well for a pack without a metal frame, and the ventilated back panel prevents that clammy rucksack-shadow effect. A water-resistant base fabric shrugs off bog mud, while the integrated rain cover unfurls from a Velcro garage in seconds.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

DSLR or drone shooters who want rapid access without sacrificing traditional top-loading carry will feel right at home. There’s room for a full-frame body, 70-200 mm lens attached, two extras, Mavic-class drone and lunch. On the flip side, the generous 24 cm depth can snag on narrow stiles and squeeze space in bus luggage racks, and at 2 kg empty it’s not the lightest option in this camera backpack for hiking roundup.

9. Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop 32L

Swedish brand Thule is best known for roof-boxes, yet its Covert Rolltop 32 L shows the same engineering chops in rucksack form—mixing city-smart styling with trail-ready protection for a full-frame DSLR kit. A removable, hard-shelled SafeZone pod keeps your camera cocooned close to your back, while the expandable roll-top swallows an extra fleece or block of Cheddar without fuss.

Overview & Standout Features

• 23 L base volume plus 9 L roll-top expansion—enough for waterproofs, lunch and a lightweight drone.
• SafeZone pod: crush-proof, fleece-lined, and slides out to stash in the tent or under a café table.
• Dual-layer water defence: 420 D nylon canvas under a PU top-coat; YKK AquaGuard zips on the pod door.
• Side and rear access points let you grab the camera without opening the roll-top in rain.
• Discreet valuables pocket sits against your back; fits passport and contactless card.

Trail Performance

Weight is a moderate 1.9 kg empty. EVA-moulded shoulder straps contour neatly around collarbones, and a slim stabiliser strap clicks across the chest to stop sway on limestone scrambles. The rear-entry camera bay keeps mass tight to your spine, boosting balance when hopping peat hags. A generously padded laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration-bladder slot on longer hill days. Water beads off the fabric for hours, but an aftermarket rain cover is wise for all-day downpours.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Weekend adventurers who split time between shoots in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and cloud inversions on the Mam Tor ridge will appreciate the Covert’s urban-trail crossover. Interior fabric is dark, so micro-SD cards disappear fast—carry a coloured pouch. The hip-belt is minimal, making loads over 12 kg tiring on multi-day treks, and the rigid pod limits space for 400 mm-plus glass. For most hikers carrying a body, three lenses and daily essentials, though, it’s a tidy, durable solution.

10. Atlas Packs Athlete Pack 40L

Designed on Arizona’s red-rock trails and refined by globe-trotting pros, the Athlete Pack is Atlas Packs’ mid-volume workhorse. At 40 L it swallows a winter layers stack plus long glass, yet the chassis still fits in most intercity train racks—handy when your Scottish Highlands shoot starts with a Caledonian Sleeper.

Overview & Standout Features

• Variable-depth “V-d” camera cavity expands from 8 cm to 20 cm at the pull of a zip, so a Sony A7 with pancake lens or a 400 mm f/2.8 sit equally snug.
• Stout aluminium alloy frame anchors the load; shell is 1000 D nylon with a DWR finish and YKK AquaGuard zips.
• Two-stage roll-top adds ±5 L for a belay jacket or stove; dual front stash pockets take maps and gloves.
• Full-length side door for quick lens swaps without unloading tripod.
• Removable hip-belt with MOLLE points; compatible atlas pouch system for filters or bear spray (swap for midge repellent in the Cairngorms).

Trail Performance

Atlas offers Short and Tall torso options, plus swappable hip-belt sizes—rare customisation in a camera backpack for hiking. The thermo-moulded back panel creates an air channel that vents hot climbs up Great Gable, while contoured shoulder straps sit clear of camera straps. Load-lifters and a rigid frame keep 18 kg stable when you’re boulder-hopping to a bothy.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Made for taller photographers and wildlife shooters packing ultra-telephoto lenses, the Athlete also shines on two-day wild camps where extra food rides beside the kit. Downsides? Empty weight nudges 2.2 kg, U.S. direct ordering means 4–6 week lead times, and HMRC may sting you for import VAT. If you can stomach that, few bags balance volume, protection and carry comfort as deftly.

11. Deuter Futura Pro 34L + Camera Cube (DIY Combo)

Some photographers swear by a pure trekking rucksack paired with a padded insert, and Deuter’s Futura Pro 34 L shows why. You get the German brand’s legendary carry comfort and ventilation, then drop in a Tenba BYOB 10 or Lowepro GearUp cube to cushion the camera kit. The result is a do-it-yourself camera backpack for hiking that costs less than many dedicated photo packs yet feels better on long, load-heavy days.

Overview & Standout Features

• Aircomfort Sensic mesh back creates a tensioned trampoline that keeps pack fabric off your spine.
• Spring-steel internal frame and pivoting Variflex ECL hip-belt move with your hips on rocky ridges.
• 34 L main compartment plus floating lid: space for waterproofs, Jetboil and a stuffed camera cube.
• Dual-zip front pocket fits filters; oversized stretch side pockets swallow a 1.5 L Nalgene or travel tripod.
• Hydration bladder sleeve, integrated rain cover and trekking-pole loops all standard.

Trail Performance

On the hill the Futura Pro carries like a dream. Weight settles onto the contoured hips, while the mesh back funnels breeze up your lumbar—glorious on muggy Peak District ascents. Because the cube sits central and low, balance stays dialled even when scrambling, and the hip-belt pockets keep spare batteries handy. Swap the cube out and you’ve got a pure hiking pack for non-photo days.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Best for hikers who value ventilated carry comfort over lightning-fast lens swaps: think landscape shooters happy to pause, drop the pack and compose. Access is slower than side-door camera bags, and the DIY route offers less weather sealing around the zip of the insert. Still, for under £200 all-in, this combo beats many pricier “proper” camera packs when the miles stack up.

12. Tenba Solstice 20L Camera Backpack

Small but mighty, the Tenba Solstice 20 L proves you don’t need a hulking pack to hike with a serious mirrorless or cropped-sensor DSLR kit. Its compact chassis hugs the body—great on narrow ridge paths—while a clever 60/40 split leaves just enough room for spare layers and a Scotch egg without sacrificing lens slots.

Overview & Standout Features

• Holds a body with 70-200 mm f/2.8 detached, two extra lenses and a drone thanks to deep, crush-proof dividers
• Bright blue interior fabric boosts visibility of black cables and SD cards
• Back-panel opening deters pickpockets and keeps muddy ground away from padding
• Stretch side pockets fit a travel tripod or 750 ml flask; hidden rain cover tucks into the base
• Lid organiser with zip mesh for filters, batteries and snack bars

Trail Performance

At just 1.4 kg, the Solstice is feather-light yet supportive: sculpted shoulder straps and a removable, padded waist belt spread up to ~9 kg comfortably across shorter torsos and petite frames. The water-repellent 420 D rip-stop nylon shrugs off drizzle, and the included WeatherWrap cover adds a full seal when Pennine showers turn biblical. Air-channel foam along the spine vents heat, so you won’t reach the summit with a soaked shirt.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Perfect for day-hikers, travel photographers and female shooters who struggle with bulkier designs. The 20 L capacity, however, limits winter layers or large pro bodies; think Fuji X-T5 rather than Nikon Z9. Front-heavy loads can tip if the waist belt is removed, but keep weights sensible and this is a supremely comfortable camera backpack for hiking shorter UK adventures.

13. Osprey Daylite Plus + Camera Insert Kit

Marry a proven hiking day-pack with a padded cube and you get an ultralight solution that costs peanuts yet still coddles your mirrorless kit.

Overview & Standout Features

• Bare-bones 20 L capacity, and only 540 g empty—leave excuses, not lenses, at home.
• Same AirScape back panel and BioStretch harness you’ll find on Osprey’s pricier rucksacks, just trimmed for day missions.
• Internal sleeve fits a 13″ laptop in town or a 2 L hydration bladder on the trail.
• We like pairing the pack with the Osprey PhotoKit Medium or Lowepro GearUp Creator Box M II; both nest snugly in the bottom and secure with the internal buckle.
• Oversize U-shaped front pocket swallows a rain jacket; front daisy chain doubles as tripod lash points.

Trail Performance

The ventilated mesh back creates a chimney effect that dumps heat on South Downs rambles, while flexible shoulder straps move with you when scrambling grassy tors. With no frame sheet the Daylite Plus stays floppy—great for stuffing in hand luggage, less so for loads over 8 kg. Water resistance comes from a PFC-free DWR; add a £15 pack-away rain cover for proper Scottish deluges. Side mesh sleeves grip 1 L bottles or a travel tripod, although heavy carbon legs can waggle on uneven ground.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Budget-minded hikers, travel vloggers and trail-running photographers will love the freedom of a sub-kilogram camera backpack for hiking. Just remember the trade-offs: slower access versus dedicated side doors, zero hip support for big telephotos, and DIY weatherproofing. Treat it as a fast ‘n’ light grab-bag and the Daylite Plus punches well above its price tag.

14. Neewer 37L Waterproof Camera Backpack

Need a big-volume camera backpack for hiking that won’t torch the overdraft? Neewer’s 37-litre waterproof pack hits that brief, pairing entry-level pricing with specs you usually see on bags twice the cost.

Overview & Standout Features

• IPX5-rated tarpaulin front panel and seam-sealed YKK zips keep kit dry in horizontal rain
• Hard-shell EVA lid doubles as a crush-proof drone garage (fits a DJI Mavic/Mini size)
• 11 customisable dividers, velcro-secured, line the main cavity; fluorescent pull tabs aid low-light rummaging
• Integrated USB pass-through port lets you top up a GoPro without unpacking (supply your own power bank)
• Tripod cradle, side MOLLE loops and a stow-away rain cover round out the feature list

Trail Performance

At 2.3 kg empty it’s no feather, yet a padded hip-belt and load-control straps shift most of that heft to your hips, keeping shoulders fresher on the ascent to Pen y Fan. The back panel uses ridged, breathable foam; airflow is decent if not class-leading. Compression straps cinch the tall profile so it doesn’t wobble on rough steps, and the bright-orange interior makes black lens caps easy to spot when light is fading.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Perfect for new content creators or students who juggle a DSLR body, three lenses, a drone and a mic kit but still want change from £120. Just remember the bargain comes with trade-offs: the bag is bulkier and heavier than premium 30 L rivals, the tarpaulin can scuff on gritstone, and the harness lacks fine torso adjustment for very short hikers.

15. Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW II

Lowepro’s second-gen ProTactic 450 takes a battle-ready approach to trail photography—molle-style webbing everywhere, semi-rigid armour plates and access points on three sides so you’re never more than a zip pull from the shot.

Overview & Standout Features

• 25–30 L usable volume, yet the boxy shell accepts a gripped DSLR, 70-200 mm f/2.8 mounted, three extra lenses and a Mavic-size drone.
• SlipLock modular system: attach supplied bottle pouch, tripod cup, accessory bag and hip-belt pocket exactly where you want them.
• Quad access: twin side doors, top “turret” hatch and full back panel.
• FormShell composite exterior resists knocks better than soft nylons; YKK AquaGuard zips shrug drizzle.
• Detachable All-Weather AW cover lives under the base; 15″ laptop sleeve hidden against the back panel.

Trail Performance

Lowepro’s ActivZone harness uses thickly sculpted foam pads that sit clear of the spine, creating vent slots to dump sweat on the slog up Snowdon’s Watkin Path. The sternum strap slides on a rail—no dangling webbing—and the hip-belt is wide enough to transfer 12 kg without pinching. A twin-rib internal frame keeps the rectangular silhouette from folding when you cinch the side straps around a tripod.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Great for photographers who customise layouts for every mission—weddings one weekend, ridge walks the next. The camera backpack for hiking purists will praise the rapid side doors, but the boxy shape can feel stiff squeezing through stone stiles, and at 2.1 kg empty you’ll notice the armour on longer ascents. Still, if you want military-style versatility and bomber protection, the ProTactic 450 earns its stripes.

16. TARION XH 40L Camera Hiking Backpack

TARION’s XH 40 L flies under the radar compared with big-name rivals, yet it bundles a surprising haul of pro-level touches into a very reasonable price tag. Think of it as the halfway house between a pure trekking rucksack and a padded photo bag—big enough for an overnight bivvy, but compartmentalised so lenses don’t rattle.

Overview & Standout Features

• 40 L total volume split 60 / 40 between a shock-proof camera core and roll-top stuff sack
• 420 D nylon shell with PU coating plus an included rain cover for monsoon-grade defence
• Aluminium frame sheet maintains shape; upper roll-top expands by ≈5 L for a puffy jacket or food bag
• Front MOLLE webbing, side compression straps and bottom lash points for a sleeping pad or compact tent
• Quick-draw side door lets you pull a body with 24-70 mm attached without opening the main zip

Trail Performance

The internal frame sheet and S-curve shoulder straps spread 14 kg comfortably, while the breathable mesh back panel stops the familiar “sweaty stamp” after a Cairngorm slog. Hip-belt pockets take a plus-size phone on one side and spare batteries on the other, and load-lifters cinch the top in when the roll-top is half full. Water beads off the PU fabric, though the bright-orange rain cover adds peace of mind in persistent drizzle.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

A solid choice for photographers tackling overnight wild-camps where stove, quilt and tripod all need a ride. Durability is decent but not yet proven over years of heather thrashes, and the zipper pulls feel flimsier than premium packs. Still, if you want maximum space and solid carry support without breaking £200, the TARION XH 40 L is hard to ignore.

17. PGYTECH OneMo 2 35 L Backpack

DJI’s accessory off-shoot PGYTECH took feedback from travelling filmmakers and re-engineered its cult OneMo into a more trail-friendly v2. The result is a mid-volume camera backpack for hiking that hides pro video features inside a chassis tough enough for Snowdon scree.

Overview & Standout Features

• 35 L main bag plus an 11 L shoulder bag that snaps inside, then converts to a sling for summit scrambles
• Scratch-proof, water-resistant PU shell, seam-sealed YKK AquaGuard zips and auto-locking sliders that won’t creep open on the move
• Pre-labelled pockets for batteries, cards and ND filters—no more rummaging
• Quick-draw side door sized for a mirrorless body with 24-70 mm attached
• Hard-shell top pocket protects a Mavic-class drone or sunglasses

Trail Performance

The bag weighs about 2 kg with the inner sling fitted. A ventilated, 3D-mesh back panel funnels sweat away, while broad shoulder straps and a lightly-padded hip-belt spread 12 kg comfortably along ridge lines. The rigid outer walls keep weight close to your spine, so the pack stays stable when you hop boggy tussocks. Front daisy chains lash a small tripod or trekking poles.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Drone pilots, hybrid shooters and vloggers running DJI rigs will love the colour-coded battery slots and charging-port routing. The glossy PU coating shrugs rain but can show scuffs after weeks against gritstone, and the hip-belt lacks structure for loads above 14 kg. Keep weight reasonable and the OneMo 2 is a slick, feature-rich companion for UK photo missions.

18. K&F Concept Alpha Large 25L

Proof that a decent camera backpack for hiking doesn’t have to empty the student loan, the K&F Concept Alpha Large delivers sensible trail features and proper padding for well under £100. It isn’t the burliest bag on the list, yet for weekend hillwalks or college photo assignments it offers a lot of protection per quid.

Overview & Standout Features

• Dual access: zip-open the full back panel to lay gear out flat, or dive in via the quick-draw side door.
• 25 L internal volume with 15 mm thick, fleece-lined dividers that won’t scuff lens barrels.
• External tripod foot pocket and top bungee cord stop a three-section tripod from wagging against your legs.
• Scratch-resistant 600 D polyester shell treated with water-repellent PU; hidden rain cover lives in the base.
• Laptop sleeve fits a 14-inch ultrabook or A4 sketch pad.

Trail Performance

S-curve shoulder straps use breathable honeycomb mesh, while a vented back panel channels air up the spine—welcome when slogging up Catbells in July. The bag hugs the torso nicely; side compression straps cinch slack fabric so the load doesn’t sway. Weight is a modest 1.3 kg, so even smaller frames can shoulder a body, two lenses and lunch without aches.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

Perfect for students, hobbyists and travellers after a first dedicated photo pack. Stitching and zip quality vary between production runs, so give seams a tug on delivery and keep the receipt. Treat it kindly and the Alpha Large 25 L is a wallet-friendly gateway into more serious trail photography.

19. Pacsafe Camsafe V25 Anti-Theft Backpack

The Camsafe V25 mixes respectable trail ergonomics with Pacsafe’s trademark security tech—ideal if your photo trip weaves through busy stations before hitting the moors.

Overview & Standout Features

• eXomesh slash-guard panels run through the front, sides and base, stopping knife attacks on packed trains.
• Lockable, puncture-resistant zips pair with a stainless-steel anchor cable so you can secure the bag to a hostel bunk.
• RFIDsafe pocket blocks 13.56 MHz skimmers; perfect for passports and contactless cards.
• 25 L capacity; removable padded insert fits a mirrorless/DSLR with 70-200 mm detached and two extra lenses.
• 210 D water-resistant nylon shell plus built-in rainfly stowed in the lid.

Trail Performance

A multi-stage torso slider lets hikers 160–195 cm tall dial in length, while the contoured shoulder straps carry 10 kg without hot spots. The sternum buckle doubles as an emergency whistle, and twin stretch pockets grip a 1 L bottle or compact tripod. The added metal mesh only adds about 250 g, keeping empty weight to a manageable 1.7 kg.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

City-to-trail travellers, festival photographers and solo backpackers who worry about theft will sleep easier with the Camsafe V25. Security hardware does add cost and a touch of stiffness, and the metal lining can creak slightly until broken in. For pure wilderness missions lighter packs exist, but few guard your kit this well en route.

20. Amazon Basics Hiker Camera & Laptop Backpack

Amazon’s own-brand rucksack proves you don’t need to splash big money to haul a full kit up the fells. At roughly half the cost of other 40-plus-litre bags, it still packs in dividers, weather protection and laptop space.

Overview & Standout Features

• Generous 44 L capacity split between a removable, velcro-lined camera pod and a top-loading stuff sack.
• Pod swallows a DSLR with 24-70 mm attached, three extra lenses and a flash; lift it out to convert the pack into a plain hiking bag.
• Included rain cover tucks into the base pocket; shell is 600 D polyester with a light PU coating.
• Padded sleeve fits a 17-inch laptop or hydration bladder.
• Consistently under £70 online—handy if you’d rather spend cash on glass.

Trail Performance

Wide, foam-filled shoulder straps and a surprisingly chunky hip-belt distribute 12 kg without major hotspots. Side compression straps tame the tall silhouette, and two stretch pockets carry a 1 L flask or tripod legs. Ventilation is basic—expect a sweaty back on humid Lakeland climbs—and the pack tips the scales at 2.1 kg empty, so gram-counters will look elsewhere.

Ideal For & Potential Drawbacks

A solid starter camera backpack for hiking newcomers, students or anyone who wants maximum volume on a shoestring. Just manage expectations: the fabrics feel plasticky, corner stitching can fray after a season of gate snags, and the bulky shape won’t squeeze through narrow kissing gates with the grace of pricier rivals. Treat it gently and it’s a bargain gateway to trail photography.

Pack It Up & Capture the View

Match the pack to the trip and you’ll spend more time framing shots than shrugging sore shoulders. Day-walkers carrying a mirrorless kit can stick to 20–25 L, while weekend wild-campers with tents or monster telephotos should push into the 35–50 L bracket and insist on an internal frame. However big you go, make sure the harness length adjusts to your torso, the hip-belt is wide enough to share the load, and the back panel lets heat escape on those rare blue-sky days. Weather sealing is the other non-negotiable: look for a PFC-free DWR finish backed by a seam-taped rain cover or at least AquaGuard zips, because British drizzle rarely reads the forecast. Nail those three points—capacity, fit and protection—and any of the packs above will safeguard your glass from car park to cairn. Need more trail-tested gear? Browse our curated backpack and accessory lineup at Take a Hike UK before your next photo mission.