Best Camera For Hiking And Backpacking Adventures
Are you looking for a great camera to take with you on your next hiking trip?
Whether you are an amateur photographer or a professional, you need the best backpacking camera to capture the beauty of the outdoors.
With so many types of cameras on the market – from cameras like action cams to compacts to DSLR or mirrorless cameras – it can be difficult to choose which one is best for your situation.
We have reviewed the best cameras for hiking and backpacking trips.
Check out our reviews and find out which camera is best for your needs.
Best Action Cameras & 360 Cameras For Outdoor Adventurers
Action cameras and 360 action cameras are the best hiking companions. They are weather-sealed cameras that can cope with the elements. The new GoPro Hero11 and the Insta360 X3 are water resistant, reliable and can take a beating.
So if you want to take a small camera and don't want to lug around heavy camera gear then this is probably the best type of hiking or backpacking camera to bring with you.
GoPro Hero11 Black
The GoPro Hero11 Black is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to capture amazing memories on their hiking and backpacking trips.
This might be the best lightweight camera for hiking and moreover, this action camera features a sleek, lightweight design that makes it easy to carry with you wherever your journey takes you. Its 12MP photo resolution ensures high-quality images and videos, while its HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization mode allows for smooth footage even when shooting in extreme conditions.
The long battery life lets users record up to 30 minutes of 4K video at 60 frames per second without worrying about recharging too often. Plus, this action camera is waterproof up to 33 feet deep for capturing underwater shots or using it in wet weather.
This GoPro camera also includes advanced editing software that can be used from any smartphone or tablet device. The Gopro Hero11 is the newest version of this camera and the common GoPro issue of the camera freezing mid shot seems to be fixed with the Hero11. The inbody image stabilization is so reliable it might be the best feature of this camera.
Insta360 X3
The Insta360 X3 is the best lightweight camera for your backpacking and hiking trips. This action camera packs 8K resolution, 30fps video recording capabilities, and a 3-axis gyroscope in an incredibly small package.
You can attach it to your backpack or mount it with standard GoPro accessories or dedicated Insta360 accessories for hands-free use. Like the new extended selfie stick which removes itself from the image or videos with a little help of the app.
You can mount the X3 on any sturdy surface and get a camera with a selfie stick so you don't even have to think about placing the Insta360. You can decide on which shots make it in your video after recording.
In addition, this compact hiking camera has a wide array of features designed to make capturing high-quality footage easier than ever before.
The X3 has FlowState stabilization technology that allows you to capture smooth videos even when you are walking or running on rough terrain.
It also features HDR Photo Mode that makes sure all your photos have perfect lighting and color balance no matter the time of day or night.
With its 360° audio recording capabilities, you can even capture ambient sound from all directions during your hikes and backpacking trips.
Best Compact Camera For Traveling And Outdoor Activities
Point and shoot cameras are also a great option for a hiking adventure. This canon camera produces beautiful skin tones, because of Canons color science and the buttons of the camera body are quickly accessible.
This might be one best travel camera on this list.
Canon Powershot G7X Mark III
Traveling is an exciting experience. Whether you’re planning a getaway or out on an adventure, having the right camera can make all the difference in capturing those special moments.
The Canon Powershot G7X Mark III is a great choice for any outdoor lover looking to take stunning photos with minimal effort.
This point-and-shoot camera system features a 20.1 megapixel sensor and 4K video resolution that delivers sharp images even in low light settings.
The G7X Mark III also has an impressive range of features to make photography easier than ever.
It comes equipped with eye-detection autofocus, letting you capture beautiful portrait shots at just the press of a button, as well as subject tracking for more challenging shots such as wildlife or sports photography.
Sony ZV-1
Are you looking for a compact camera that doesn't compromise on image quality, but is small enough to fit in your pocket? The Sony ZV-1 is the perfect point and shoot camera for travelers and those who love outdoor activities and can easily become your dedicated camera for video. This camera has a fixed lens with wide angle capabilities, allowing you to capture all the details of any landscape or vista. It comes equipped with a 20 megapixel sensor and an ultra-fast autofocus system, so you can be sure to get the best shot every time.
The Sony ZV-1 is the best for capturng high-quality videos - even in low light conditions - thanks to its new Real Time Eye AF technology. You'll also get great audio quality from the two built-in microphones, just remember to bring the wind muff to cancel out the wind.
Just make sure to bring a waterproof compact camera bag with you, because the body of the camera is not weather-sealed.
Best Rugged Camera For Hiking Trips
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 camera is the perfect companion for any hiking and backpacking adventure being a waterproof camera.
It is highly durable, waterproof up to 15m (50ft), shockproof up to 2.1m (7ft), and freezeproof down to -10°C (14°F).
This backpacking camera also has a variety of features that make it a decent camera for hikers and backpackers, such as its 4x zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f2.0, 25mm wide angle lens, and built-in macro mode which allows you to take detailed close-up shots of small objects.
Additionally, this compact rugged camera can be used in temperatures ranging from -10°C (14°F) to 40°C (104°F), making it suitable for extreme outdoor conditions.
Best DSLR Camera For Backpacking And Hiking Outdoors
It does not need to be an expensive camera, because these digital cameras highly depend on a great lens for capturing those beautiful photos and videos of the nature around you. So in order to get the best image make sure that you pick up a nice wide-angle lens for landscape photos and a telephoto lens to capture wildlife from afar.
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 is a great DSLR camera that is perfect for taking on your next hiking or backpacking adventure.
This camera has been on the market for over three years, however, it stands up to the test of time and remains one of the best cameras for backpacking on a budget.
It features a 24-megapixel resolution, 1080p HD video recording, an ISO range from 100-25600, and 11 focus points so you can capture stunning images with ease.
Additionally, it is weather sealed so you don’t have to worry about rain or dust damaging your equipment when exploring in the elements.
The Nikon D3500 is lightweight and ergonomically designed which makes it easy to hold and carry with you during long hikes or treks while still providing superior performance when capturing photos.
Best Mirrorless Camera For Capturing Your Outdoor Adventures
Introducing another new camera that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get the best image quality. Just remember that deciding which lens to bring on your adventure is as important as the camera you take on a backpacking trip.
No matter if you bring a mirrorless or DSLR camera you want to bring the right focal lengths for hiking projects and you want to choose a camera with multiple lenses.
Nikon Z30
The Nikon Z30, the newest addition to Nikon’s APS-C camera lineup, is an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and powerful camera for hiking adventures.
This versatile camera has been newly released in 2022 and features a weather-sealed body that can withstand even the toughest terrains.
It also boasts an impressive 24 megapixel CMOS sensor and 14 FPS continuous shooting speed that are sure to capture stunning shots of nature’s beauty.
Additionally, its large 3 inch flip out LCD screen allows you to easily review your shots without having to worry about angle or position restrictions due to its flexibility.
The Z30 also comes with several useful features such as scene recognition autofocus, 4K video recording capability, built-in Wi-Fi connection, and Bluetooth technology which allow users to quickly share their photos with friends and family back at home.
Best Cameras For Wildlife And Landscape Photography
Sony A7R IV
The Sony A7R IV is the perfect full frame mirrorless camera for hikers, backpacking trippers and outdoor adventurers.
With its weather-sealing capabilities, it can stand up against any harsh conditions while you explore. It also offers an amazing resolution of 61 megapixels to capture every detail of your journey with incredible clarity.
This camera is outfitted with a 35mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor which allows you to take high-resolution photos and videos that are sure to impress.
Additionally, it has a wide ISO range from 100 - 32000, making this camera great for shooting in low-light environments like sunrise or sunset hikes.
On top of all these features, the A7R IV boasts fast autofocus speeds so you won’t miss out on capturing any special moments during your trek.
Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is the best camera for any hiking or backpacking adventure. This full-frame camera packs an impressive array of features that make it ideal for any outdoor photography enthusiast.
Thanks to its weather-sealed body, photographers don't have to worry about taking it out in inclement weather conditions.
The EOS R5 also has a 45-megapixel resolution which ensures that photos come out crisp and clear with plenty of detail.
The Canon EOS R5 also offers 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, allowing users to capture amazing footage while they are on their hiking trip.
Additionally, the camera has dual pixel autofocus along with eye and animal detect AF so you never miss a shot of your favorite wildlife while you're adventuring outdoors.
How To Choose The Best Cameras for Hiking and Backpacking
Are you heading out on a backpacking or hiking trip and want to capture the stunning views? Knowing what to look for in a camera for your excursion can be difficult but there are some key features that will help you make the right decision.
Weather sealing is essential when buying a camera for hiking and backpacking trips as it will give you peace of mind in knowing your device won't get damaged no matter what kind of terrain or climate you find yourself in.
Size and weight are also important considerations - if you'll be packing light, look for cameras with smaller form factors that won't take up too much space in your bag.
Aperture is also worth considering as it will determine how well low light shots turn out - wider apertures like f/1.4 or f/2.8 are ideal for shooting landscapes at night or capturing amazing sunsets.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing is a key feature to consider when selecting a camera for outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking.
Look out for cameras that have weather-sealed bodies, as this indicates that they are less likely to be damaged by rain or dust.
Not all cameras offer full protection against these environmental conditions, so be sure to check reviews before buying any equipment.
Camera Size & Weight
Hiking and backpacking trips are the perfect opportunity to take stunning photographs of the natural landscape. When choosing a camera for these activities, it is important to consider both weight and size.
Heavy cameras may be cumbersome when carrying them on your back, while larger models can be uncomfortable in a pocket or a daypack.
To find the best camera for hiking and backpacking trips, look for one that balances weight with performance.
Compact mirrorless cameras tend to offer superior image quality compared to their heavier DSLR counterparts and won't weigh you down during long hikes or climbs.
Look for features such as weatherproofing and dust protection so you don't have to worry about damaging your camera in inclement conditions, as well as ergonomic designs that fit comfortably in your hand and make taking pictures easier during outdoor excursions.
Aperture
It is important to look for a camera with good aperture settings. The aperture is the size of the opening in a lens which controls how much light enters and affects the depth of field.
A wide aperture will let more light into your image, allowing you to take sharper photos even in darker conditions like at dusk or dawn, making it ideal for shooting in harsh outdoor environments like mountains and forests with a lot of trees overshadowing the perfect shot.
In addition to aperture settings, another factor to consider when selecting a camera for hiking or backpacking trips is how well-equipped it is with low-light capabilities.
Battery Life
When it comes to choosing the best camera for your hiking and backpacking trips, battery life is an important factor to consider.
This is especially true if you’re traveling somewhere with limited access to power outlets or if you’re planning on taking lots of pictures while in transit.
To ensure you can take as many photos or videos as possible without worrying about running out of juice, it’s wise to seek out cameras that have larger batteries, come with a battery grip, or are compatible with a charger or power bank so they can be recharged on the go.
For those who want even greater peace of mind when out in the wild, some cameras offer extended battery life thanks to their energy-saving features such as optimized power allocation and automatic shut-off after periods of non-use.
Camera Accessories for Hiking and Backpacking
Are you an avid hiker and backpacker looking for the best camera accessories for your next adventure? Look no further!
To make sure you get the most out of your experience, there are a few essential camera accessories that you must have.
This guide to the best cameras and accessories shows you what you need to be aware of before starting your adventure.
From waterproofing your gear to power supply and lens filters for safety, here’s a list of must-have camera accessories for hiking and backpacking trips.
First, waterproofing is imperative when selecting a camera for outdoor activities. Make sure your model is resistant to moisture, dust, and other elements that can damage it.
Additionally, invest in a lock or safety system to keep your equipment safe while on the move. A water-resistant bag will protect it from scratches as well as dirt and debris outside.
Waterproofing
Best Photography Gloves To Operate Camera During Hiking Trip
Vallerret Markhof Pro V3 Photography Glove
Going on a hiking or backpacking trip can be an excellent opportunity to take stunning photos of the great outdoors.
But, choosing the best camera for your trek and equipping it with the right accessories is essential for capturing beautiful images.
First, you'll want to ensure that your equipment is waterproof in case of rain or unexpected water crossings.
You can find specially designed cases and covers that will keep your camera safe from moisture damage.
Investing in a pair of photography gloves will help you maintain a firm grip on your camera even when temperatures are low or hands are wet.
Additionally, consider investing in a rain cover if you're expecting wet weather during your trip; these simple devices provide physical protection against wind and precipitation while allowing full access to all control dials.
Locks & Safety
Best Safety Lock For Camera Bags On A Hiking Trip
Master Lock 8418D Python Cable Lock with Key, 1 Pack
Whether it's for work or fun, knowing your gear is safe is essential.
If you plan on staying in a hotel or leaving your gear unattended for any amount of time, make sure to purchase a lock for your bag as an added security measure.
You might get lost in the moment trying to catch that perfect shot of the sun setting or a rare wild animal and might even forget that you left your camera bag behind. Better be safe than sorry.
Camera Bag
If you’re looking for the perfect camera bag to fit all your camera accessories, you won’t be disappointed.
With strong zippers, many compartments, and water resistance, these bags make sure you have everything necessary for a successful photoshoot.
You can pack in your laptop for editing on the go, lenses for capturing different shots, camera bodies, and even tripods if needed.
Camera bags are designed with convenience in mind; allowing you to access all your equipment quickly and easily when it comes time to take pictures.
The top models come with adjustable straps that let you customize the bag size as well as detachable sections so that you can prioritize what needs to fit inside depending on the shoot.
Additionally, most models offer plenty of pockets so that smaller items such as memory cards or batteries are within reach at any given time.
Lens Filters
Best Camera Lens Filter System For Hiking And Backpacking
Freewell 82mm Versatile Magnetic Variable ND (VND) Filter System
Camera accessories are a must-have for photographers and videographers of all skill levels.
One of the most important accessories any photographer or videographer needs is lens filters. Lens filters have many helpful effects, from simply protecting the lens to altering the light coming in for creative purposes.
When choosing camera lens filters, it's important to consider what type of photography or video is being shot and what effects are desired.
Neutral density (ND) filters are great for adjusting the amount of sunlight coming into a shot, while UV filters can be used to protect a camera lens from potential damage caused by ultraviolet light.
Glow or mist filters can give photos an ethereal look with soft focus effects, making them perfect for scenic photography.
Lightweight & Adjustable Tripods
Best Lightweight Tripod For Hiking And Backpacking
K&F Concept 78 inch Camera Tripod
When it comes to camera accessories, monopods and tripods are a must-have for any serious photographer.
Whether you’re shooting an outdoor event or capturing the perfect sunset, having the right tripod ensures that your shots will look their best.
But if you’re planning on taking your photography to uneven surfaces like mountains or beaches, you need something more than just a standard tripod - you need one that’s lightweight and adjustable.
The best choice for these conditions is a foldable tripod with adjustable legs.
This type of tripod allows for easy transport and setup in difficult terrain while still providing stability and support for your camera equipment.
The great thing about this type of tripod is that it’s also incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for long hikes and outdoor activities where every ounce counts.
Spare Batteries & Powerbanks
Best Power Bank For Hiking Trips (Laptop, Camera, Phone Charger)
Zendure 100W Power Bank, 26800mAh USB C Portable Charger
Having a power bank, battery charger or spare batteries on hand is an incredibly helpful solution for outdoor adventures.
Whether it’s charging a laptop, camera battery, or other hiking necessities, having a reliable source of power supply can drastically improve the quality of your experience.
Power banks and portable chargers are capable of storing electricity and allowing users to conveniently charge their devices while on-the-go.
These small and lightweight devices come with multiple USB ports to simultaneously charge several devices at once.
Additionally, they are often equipped with smart charging technology that protects against overcharging, thereby ensuring optimal performance and longer-lasting use.
Spare batteries for your camera are also a must-have when it comes to extended trips away from home - such as overnight camping or long hikes - where access to electricity may not be available.
Best Cameras For Backpacking FAQs
Are you a traveler looking for the best camera to take along on your next backpacking or hiking adventure?
Having the right equipment can be daunting, so many travelers find themselves asking common questions about what type of camera is best when it comes to backpacking and hiking.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best cameras for backpacking and their answers to help make your decision easier.
What type of camera would be best for a hiking trip?
When it comes to capturing the perfect photos on a hiking trip, having the right camera is key. But what type of camera should you use?
With so many different options available, it can be difficult to decide which one will work best for your outdoor adventures.
The first thing you should consider when choosing a camera for hiking is portability.
Since you'll be trekking through rough terrain and carrying all your gear with you, a lightweight and compact model will give you more freedom of movement.
Look for cameras that offer robust yet slim designs that won't weigh down your bag or take up too much space in your backpack.
Another important factor when selecting the best camera for hiking is durability and weather-sealing.
Read our blog post about the best camera types and which one is right for you by clicking here. > article
Should I take my camera backpacking?
Backpacking is an adventure like no other and capturing the journey along the way is a great way to remember all your experiences.
But when it comes to deciding what type of camera you should bring, there are many factors to consider.
When choosing the best camera for hiking, you want something lightweight and durable that won't take up too much room in your backpack.
Smartphone cameras are convenient as they are light, powerful, and can fit right in your pocket.
However, if you're looking for higher quality images with better pixels for photography, then an SLR or mirrorless might be more suitable for your needs.
Whichever option you choose depends on what kind of shots you want to capture while backpacking - whether it's landscapes or wildlife - but don’t forget the most important rule: having fun!
Which camera is best for adventure?
When it comes to adventuring, everyone wants to capture the perfect shot.
Whether you're hiking through mountains, diving in the ocean, or just exploring a new city, having the right camera can make all of the difference. But which one is best for capturing your action-packed journey?
To make sure you get the most out of your adventure photos and videos, it’s important to consider what type of camera you need.
If you’re looking for something lightweight and portable that records high-quality images and videos, then an action camera is a great choice.
These cameras are designed specifically for adventure activities such as hiking and biking and come with features like chest straps that allow hands-free recording.
Alternatively, if you want ultra HD footage with 360° views then a 360° camera could be an ideal option - allowing you to capture every angle of your trip!
We hope you have your best camera for hiking and backpacking in mind and it would mean the world to us if you would like to check the price on Amazon below to see if you can get a good deal on it!
Your friend,
Ben
