Top pick · OM System£970
OM System OM-5 Mark II + Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III
Body £800 + lens £170 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 28-300mm equivalent · 703g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 418g body.
Buying guide · updated 5 November 2026
What camera is best for hiking and backpacking?
On the trail every gram counts, and the weather won't wait. A hiking camera should be light, weather sealed and pair with one versatile zoom.
Quick answer
For most people, the best camera for hiking and backpacking is the Sony Alpha A7C II with the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS, about £1,970. Under £1,000 · Under £2,000 · Under £3,000
What to look for
Weather sealingLight body and lensGood battery life or USB-C chargingVersatile zoom
Lens advice: One weather-sealed zoom from wide to short telephoto (such as 24-105mm or 12-45mm on Micro Four Thirds) covers views and summit shots.
Best camera for hiking and backpacking under £1,000
Best Sony option£870
Sony Alpha A6400 + Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS
Body £540 + lens £330 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 27-203mm equivalent · 728g
Why: 403g body.
Best Fujifilm option£920
Fujifilm X-T30 III + Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS
Body £740 + lens £180 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 27-83mm equivalent · 688g
Why: 378g body.
Best Canon option£750
Canon EOS R50 + Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Body £420 + lens £330 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 27-225mm equivalent · 685g
Why: 375g body.
Best Nikon option£750
Nikon Z50 II + Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
Body £640 + lens £110 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-75mm equivalent · 685g
Why: 550g body.
Best camera for hiking and backpacking under £2,000
Top pick · Sony£1,970
Sony Alpha A7C II + Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS
Body £1,450 + lens £520 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-105mm equivalent · 1177g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 514g body.
Best Fujifilm option£1,670
Fujifilm X-T5 + Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Body £1,210 + lens £460 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 27-75mm equivalent · 847g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 557g body.
Best OM System option£1,160
OM System OM-5 Mark II + OM System M.Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 PRO
Body £800 + lens £360 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-90mm equivalent · 672g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 418g body.
Best Canon option£1,880
Canon EOS R8 + Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
Body £850 + lens £1,030 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 28-70mm equivalent · 956g
Why: 461g body.
Best Nikon option£1,670
Nikon Z5 II + Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Body £1,020 + lens £650 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-120mm equivalent · 1330g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 700g body.
Best camera for hiking and backpacking under £3,000
Top pick · Sony£2,900
Sony Alpha A7C R + Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
Body £1,620 + lens £1,280 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-70mm equivalent · 1210g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 515g body.
Best OM System option£1,160
OM System OM-5 Mark II + OM System M.Zuiko 12-45mm f/4 PRO
Body £800 + lens £360 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-90mm equivalent · 672g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 418g body.
Best Fujifilm option£1,550
Fujifilm X-T5 + Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR
Body £1,210 + lens £340 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-120mm equivalent · 997g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 557g body.
Best Panasonic option£2,130
Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE + Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS
Body £1,630 + lens £500 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 24-105mm equivalent · 1480g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 800g body.
Best Canon option£2,650
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
Body £1,620 + lens £1,030 (typical MPB used price where listed, otherwise new) · 28-70mm equivalent · 1233g
Why: in-body stabilisation, 738g body.
Each pick is the best body and lens we found from that brand within budget, priced with the body used where MPB lists it. Scores weigh the specs that matter for hiking and backpacking.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What camera is best for hiking and backpacking?
For most people, the Sony Alpha A7C II with the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS at about £1,970. Under £1,000: OM System OM-5 Mark II. Under £2,000: Sony Alpha A7C II. Under £3,000: Sony Alpha A7C R.
Is full frame worth carrying on hikes?
Modern full-frame bodies are lighter than they were, but APS-C and Micro Four Thirds kits save the most weight. Lenses are where the weight adds up.
Do I need weather sealing for UK hiking?
It helps a lot. Even sealed cameras aren't waterproof, so carry a rain cover too.
What lens do I need for hiking and backpacking?
One weather-sealed zoom from wide to short telephoto (such as 24-105mm or 12-45mm on Micro Four Thirds) covers views and summit shots.