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Is This the Best Hiking Camera Backpack? My Honest BackLight Sprint Review

Close-up of the Think Tank BackLight Sprint camera backpack on a stone ledge with waterfalls in the background

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Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Think Tank Photo. As always, all opinions are my own, and I only share gear I personally use and genuinely love.

I’ve tested a lot of camera bags on the trail—but this is the first one that truly nailed it.

As a solo female traveler who also happens to lug around a mirrorless camera and a few favorite lenses everywhere from Minnesotan lakes to Balinese rice terraces, I’ve spent years searching for the best hiking camera backpack. Something compact, lightweight, rain-resistant, and actually comfortable to wear for more than 20 minutes.

Enter the Think Tank BackLight Sprint—a slim, 15L camera backpack designed with minimalist outdoor photographers in mind. After putting it to the test on multiple hikes and travel shoots, I can confidently say it just might be the one. In this review, I’ll share exactly why it stands out, what fits inside, and whether it’s the right choice for your next adventure.

I’ve tested a lot of camera backpacks—and this one finally stuck. See it for yourself.

Why It’s So Hard to Find the Best Hiking Camera Backpack

Hiking with camera gear is a delicate balance. You want to keep your equipment safe and accessible, but you also don’t want to feel like a sweaty, overstuffed turtle inching up a switchback.

I’ve tried my fair share of camera backpacks over the years. While each has its strengths, none of them quite nailed the combination of trail-worthy comfort and gear-friendly design. They were either too bulky for a day hike, didn’t have proper shoulder straps or hip belts, or lacked enough space for both camera cubes and everyday essentials.

Some left my back drenched in sweat within minutes (no breathable mesh), while others had poor weight distribution that made longer treks miserable. And let’s not even talk about the bags that forgot water bottle pockets exist—or worse, left your expensive gear vulnerable without a built-in rain cover.

In short, most camera backpacks lean either too far toward the photography side or too far toward the hiking backpack side—rarely both. That’s what makes the Think Tank BackLight Sprint such a pleasant surprise. It finally bridges that gap, making it a standout choice for travel photographers who love the trail as much as the shot.

If you’re wondering why I bother carrying a full camera setup on every trip, I wrote a post all about why I love travel photography and what it brings to my adventures.

First Impressions of the BackLight Sprint

A green Think Tank BackLight Sprint camera backpack sits upright on a rocky shoreline with Lake Superior in the background. A compact purple tripod is visible in the side pocket, and the water is calm under a hazy sky.

The first thing I noticed about the BackLight Sprint was just how compact and streamlined it looked—especially compared to the overbuilt beasts I’ve hauled around before. At 15L, this is a true minimal camera pack, designed for photographers who prefer to carry only the essentials.

It’s lightweight but sturdy, with a sleek silhouette that doesn’t scream “camera backpack” (a bonus if you’re traveling in cities or unfamiliar places). The woodland green version I tested blends in beautifully on the trail—equal parts functional and photogenic.

Created by Think Tank Photo, the BackLight Sprint carries on the thoughtful design legacy of MindShift Gear, which longtime adventure photographers will recognize. It’s clear this bag was built by people who actually spend time outside with a camera strapped to their chest and a tripod in hand.

Whether you’re a travel photographer, a day hiker with a mirrorless setup, or someone who just wants to carry a small amount of gear without sacrificing comfort, this pack is clearly made for you.

Want a camera backpack that’s built for the trail, not just the airport? Check this one out.

Features Breakdown – What Makes This Bag Great

The Think Tank BackLight Sprint may be small, but it’s packed with thoughtful features that make it one of the most functional camera backpacks I’ve ever used. Here’s what stood out the most:

Rear Panel Access

Top-down view of the Think Tank Backlight Sprint backpack unzipped on a bed, revealing a neatly packed camera kit including DSLR camera, extra lenses, drone controller, and GoPro.

This is hands-down one of my favorite features. The rear panel access means you can swing the bag around, unzip the back panel, and grab your camera without ever setting the bag down—perfect for solo travelers who don’t want to risk their gear getting swiped or dirty on the trail. It also keeps your gear safely pressed against your back while you’re walking—added peace of mind.

Camera Storage

Despite its compact size, the main compartment is impressively well-organized. I was able to fit a shocking amount of gear (more on that later) and keep it super well organized.

This is not the bag for carrying every piece of camera gear you own—but it’s ideal for day hikes or travel days when you want to stay light and mobile.

If you’re still figuring out what camera is right for your travels, don’t miss my guide on how to choose the best camera for travel photography—it’s perfect for narrowing down the options.

Comfort & Fit

The shoulder straps, hip belt and sternum strap, and airmesh-covered lumbar support make a huge difference in how the bag feels, especially on longer hikes. The padding is plush without being bulky, and the load feels well-balanced whether you’re trekking uphill or just wandering a city.

Materials & Weatherproofing

The bag is made with durable 420D velocity nylon and high-density materials that hold up to rough use. I’ve brushed against branches, set it on rocky trails, and had it survive light rain with zero issues.

There’s also a rain cover included for when it starts raining harder.

Additional Gear Storage

While it’s clearly designed with camera gear in mind, there’s space for a few extras. You’ll find:

  • Stretchy water bottle pockets on both sides
  • A small top zippered pocket for small things like sunglasses, lip balm, and your phone
  • A larger front zippered pocket for snacks and other essentials

It’s not a replacement for a full hiking backpack, but for minimalist outings or photo-focused hikes, it holds everything you need.

Overall Build Quality

This bag is amazing quality—strong zippers, reinforced stitching, and a design that feels like it was actually tested in the field. I’ve never once worried about seams popping or zippers snagging, even with the bag fully loaded.

Still on the fence? Read the specs and see if it’s right for you. Visit the official product page.

What Fits in the BackLight Sprint

Flat lay of camera gear and accessories arranged next to the Think Tank Backlight Sprint backpack on a bed, featuring cameras, tripods, lenses, drone, chargers, and a book-themed pouch.
This bag fits a shocking amount of gear in it!

For a compact 15L backpack, the BackLight Sprint fits a surprisingly impressive amount of camera and travel gear—perfect for lightweight setups or day trips where you don’t need to bring everything you own.

Here’s what I packed on my Minnesota North Shore road trip:

  • Sony Alpha A6300 with 18-105mm lens and a strap attached
  • Extra batteries and SD cards
  • 70-200mm large telephoto lens
  • 35mm prime lens (my go-to for everyday shots)
  • DJI Mavic Air drone with the controller, charger, and an extra battery
  • GoPro + floating handle for quick action clips
  • A small pouch with chargers, cords, and adapters
  • 60-inch tripod and mini bendy tripod in one side pocket
  • And yes—my 32 oz Owala water bottle even fit in the other side pocket!

The main compartment is customizable with padded dividers, so I was able to create snug spots for each camera body, lens, and accessory. While it’s not built for carrying every piece of gear you own, it’s more than capable of handling a small drone kit, a couple of standard zoom lenses, and extras for a full-day shoot.

If you’re like me and prefer to pack smart and travel light, the BackLight Sprint hits the sweet spot between space and simplicity.

Not sure what else to pack in your kit? Here’s a breakdown of my top travel photography essentials, including the lenses and accessories I never leave home without.

The Pros and Cons

Woman wearing the BackLight Sprint backpack taking a selfie with a waterfall on Minnesota’s North Shore in the background

No camera backpack is perfect—but the BackLight Sprint comes closer than most. Here’s what I loved (and what didn’t quite work) after putting it to the test on the trail:

Pros

  • Lightweight but protective – It feels featherlight on your back, but still keeps your gear safe and snug.
  • Sleek design – The low-profile look makes it ideal for solo travelers or women who don’t want to feel like they’re hauling a boulder up a trail.
  • Rear panel access – I can grab my camera without taking the whole bag off or worrying about someone reaching in while I’m in transit. A huge win for security while traveling solo.
  • Super comfortable – The shoulder straps and padded back panel make it genuinely comfy, even on longer hiking days.
  • Perfectly designed side pockets – I managed to fit a 60-inch tripod on one side and my 32 oz Owala water bottle on the other—something that has literally never happened with any other backpack I’ve tried. I even squeezed in a mini phone tripod, too.

Cons

  • Limited space for non-camera gear – If you need to pack extra layers, lunch, or camping gear, you’ll definitely run out of room. This isn’t made for overnights.
  • No laptop sleeve – That makes it less useful as an everyday backpack or for digital nomads who want one bag to do it all.
  • No hydration bladder compatibility – You’ll have to stick with water bottles, which may be a dealbreaker for long backcountry hikes.
  • Too small for big kits – If you shoot with a bulky DSLR and multiple lenses, or need to pack for a multi-day travel shoot, the 15L size might feel limiting.

Still, if you’re focused on day hikes, minimalist setups, or want a more streamlined pack for your next adventure, the BackLight Sprint makes an incredibly strong case for itself.

Think this might be your perfect hiking camera backpack too? You can find it here.

How It Compares to Other Popular Camera Backpacks

BackLight Sprint camera bag resting on the lakeshore with Split Rock Lighthouse in the distance on Minnesota’s North Shore
This backpack is perfect for the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior

When you start looking for the best camera backpack for hiking, you’ll inevitably come across big names like the WANDRD PRVKE, Peak Design Travel Backpack, Shimoda, Atlas Packs, and Lowepro. While I haven’t personally tested all of them, I’ve spent hours researching and reading reviews—and tried enough camera bags over the years to know what works for me as a solo traveler and photographer.

The WANDRD PRVKE and Peak Design Travel Backpack are both highly regarded and offer more internal space and modular options, but they’re also bigger and heavier. If you’re planning long-haul travel days or need to carry multiple camera bodies and lenses, they might make more sense. But for shorter hikes, quick-access shooting, and minimalist setups, the BackLight Sprint is easier to manage and far more comfortable on the trail.

Shimoda and Atlas Packs are built for serious outdoor pros with larger kits—think landscape photographers on multi-day expeditions. They offer amazing protection and support, but also come with a higher price tag and a much larger footprint.

Lowepro tends to be a go-to for beginners or budget-conscious travelers, and while they’ve got some solid models, they often lack the sleek design and thoughtful trail features I’ve found in the BackLight Sprint.

So, who is this backpack best for? If you carry a minimalist camera setup, love solo travel, and spend more time on day hikes than on overnight treks, the BackLight Sprint is honestly hard to beat.

If this sounds like the right fit for your next adventure, you can check it out here.

Who Should Buy the Think Tank BackLight Sprint?

Solo hiker standing in front of a multi-tiered waterfall wearing the Think Tank BackLight Sprint on her back
Day hiking at Gooseberry Falls in Minnesota

If you’re a day hiker, solo traveler, or urban explorer who wants to keep your camera close without lugging around a bulky backpack, the BackLight Sprint is a near-perfect fit.

It’s made for minimalist setups—think one camera body, a couple of lenses, and just enough room for essentials like snacks, a water bottle, and maybe your drone. At just 15L, it’s incredibly lightweight, compact, and easy to maneuver through both tight trails and crowded cities.

The rear panel access makes it easy to grab your gear on the go without digging through layers of stuff, and the streamlined design means you’ll actually want to wear it all day—not ditch it halfway through your hike.

Compared to larger and more expensive camera backpacks, the BackLight Sprint offers serious value. You’re getting premium Think Tank build quality, smart storage features, and just the right amount of space—without the weight or price tag of some of the big-name alternatives.

If you’re tired of camera bags that are too big, too heavy, or just don’t feel good on your back, this one’s definitely worth a look.

As a solo traveler, I’ve had to get creative behind (and in front of) the lens—so I put together all my best tips on how to take pictures of yourself when you’re traveling solo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size camera gear fits in the BackLight Sprint?

The BackLight Sprint can hold a standard camera body plus 1–3 standard zoom lenses, or a body with 3–6 prime lenses using the adjustable divider system. It even accommodates large telephoto lenses like a 150–600 mm zoom or a 300 mm f/2.8 attached to a body comfortably.

Is the Think Tank BackLight Sprint waterproof?

While it’s not fully waterproof, the fabric features a durable water‑repellent coating and polyurethane backing to shed light rain and condensation. Plus, it includes a sealed rain cover for added protection during heavier showers.

Can this camera backpack fit a tripod?

Yes! Tripods can be strapped to either side of the pack using the elastic water bottle pocket. In fact, side pockets are sized to fit a 1-liter Nalgene or a medium tripod. With a side pocket on either side, you can fit both!

Is the BackLight Sprint carry‑on friendly?

Absolutely. The Sprint meets most international and U.S. carry-on requirements, and because of its slim 15 L profile, it usually fits easily under airplane seats or in overhead bins.

What’s the difference between the BackLight Sprint and BackLight 18 L / 26 L?

The 18 L model offers almost the same camera capacity but adds more room in front for personal gear (up to 2 L), a laptop sleeve, and slightly more internal space overall.

The 26 L version gives even more external storage—ideal for light camping gear, drones, or extra layers—but doesn’t significantly increase internal camera-holding capacity compared to Sprint and 18 L.

If your priority is travel light with just camera gear and essentials, the BackLight Sprint strikes the best balance of compactness, ease of access, and comfort—especially when compared to larger models that add weight and bulk.

Final Thoughts – Is This the Best Hiking Camera Backpack?

The best hiking camera backpack sitting on a rocky beach overlooking Lake Superior under overcast skies

After putting the Think Tank BackLight Sprint through its paces on my North Shore road trip—hiking to waterfalls, scrambling over rocks, and shooting along the Lake Superior shoreline—I can confidently say this is the best hiking camera backpack I’ve ever used… for the kind of travel I do.

It’s lightweight, compact, and doesn’t get in the way when I’m trying to be present in a place. The rear access is genuinely game-changing when you’re hiking solo and don’t want to dig through a top-loading pack or set your gear down in the dirt. And somehow, the side pockets fit both my 60-inch tripod and my 32 oz Owala bottle—which feels like some kind of trail magic.

Of course, it’s not the right bag for every kind of photographer. If you’re packing multiple camera bodies, a full lens lineup, or camping gear for multi-day treks, you’ll need something larger. But if you’re a minimalist traveler, solo hiker, or just want something sleek, secure, and actually enjoyable to carry, then yes—the BackLight Sprint just might be the one.

Where to Buy the BackLight Sprint

If the Think Tank BackLight Sprint sounds like the perfect fit for your next adventure, you can check current prices or grab one through the link below:

I only recommend gear I’ve personally tested and genuinely love—and I’ve been reaching for this bag every time I head out with my camera. If you decide to buy through my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping keep this blog going!

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