# Hiking camera backpacks **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 7, 2019, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiking-camera-backpacks/830700 "2019-03-07T16:14:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Strassia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e8c25b/32.png) [@Strassia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strassia)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2019, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiking-camera-backpacks/830700/1 "2019-03-07T16:14:07Z")
For years I have been using a shoulder sling to take my DSLR on hikes, but it is less then ideal on tricky trails or when using a pack. Recently on a winter trip to Yosemite, I saw a camera bag in the store that might solve my issues, but I didn’t think to take a picture of it and now I can’t find it it. I know it was a new brand with a high tech sounding name, but nothing similar is showing up in Google searches. I hope someone can identify it or point me to something similar. What it had that I am looking for: [ul] [li]Roomy daypack/camera bag hybrid[/li][li]Hydration bladder compartment that was very separate from the camera area[/li][li]Waist support[/li][li]Camera compartment that is easily accessible without taking the pack off[/li][/ul] The main thing is something that works as a hiking pack that takes minimal hassle to pull out the camera and take picture. The one I saw had the camera compartment set up so that it was on a slide that could be pulled to the front and opened without unstrapping or taking off the main pack. Any help or advice would be appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/marvin_the_martian/32/2898_2.png) [@Marvin\_the\_Martian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marvin_the_Martian)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2019, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiking-camera-backpacks/830700/2 "2019-03-07T18:49:02Z")
I have a couple of Clik Elite backpacks which hit all your points (except the quick access compartment is a bit tight with a D300 body). Unfortunately, it appears that the company went out of business last year. ETA: I have also been playing around with [this system](https://www.peakdesign.com/products/capture) for securely carrying a camera while hiking. Keeps the camera secure and tight to your body (no swinging from a strap) but still quickly accessible. Have used it on hikes at Grand Canyon (Kaibob Trail, not too tricky) and Sedona (scrambling up Bell Rock) with pretty good success. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2019, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiking-camera-backpacks/830700/3 "2019-03-07T19:02:09Z")
I have the Peak Design system in your link, and plan on using it next month in Bryce and Capitol Reef. It seems solid. If it goes well I may consider taking it to the Haute Route this summer but I’m not sure I want to carry the weight in the Alps. ---
**Author:** ![Edward\_The\_Head](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ce73a5/32.png) [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Post date:** [March 7, 2019, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiking-camera-backpacks/830700/4 "2019-03-07T19:29:45Z")
I might have exactly what you’re looking for. I have a [Lowepro 200](https://www.amazon.com/Photo-Sport-200-Lowepro-Mirrorless/dp/B004XNLR16/ref=sr_1_51?crid=XM84GG1G1PN8&keywords=camera+backpack&qid=1551986587&refinements=p_89%3ALowepro&rnid=2528832011&s=gateway&sprefix=camera+back%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-51) backpack. It has the camera pocket on the side that can store a camera and one lens. It also has a waist band, a pocket inside for a camelback, and extra storage. I’ve had it for a few years and take it on the plane with me and use it for day hikes. I have done 3-4 mile hikes with it and no problems. I can get the camera out of the side pocket without taking off the pack, though sometimes I need to take an arm out and slide it around a bit to reach it. I can fit a few extra shirts and things like that when I travel. Seems to hold up pretty good as well, though I don’t beat my bags up.