Best Cameras for Hiking: 2024 Ultimate Guide

The whole point of hiking is to enjoy the outdoors. That means unplugging from the noise of your smartphone, it means living in the present moment, and most of all, it gives you a chance to create lasting memories with people you love. 

That's why GoPro offers small, lightweight, and easy-to-use action cameras to capture all the excitement of your time off the grid. In this post, you'll learn about the best cameras for hiking, what hiking camera gear you should use, and what camera settings will give you the best results while you're on the move.

What Are The Best Cameras for Hiking in 2024?

GoPro HERO12 Black

Turn that smartphone off and commemorate your trip with the new and compact HERO12 Black from GoPro.

Not only is this the best lightweight camera for the outdoors at just 154 grams (or the even smaller and lighter HERO11 Black Mini at 133 grams), but it also features a ton of video capabilities that outperform some of the most expensive cameras on the market. For instance, no other hiking camera out there gives you 27-megapixel photos and 5.3K video recording at 60 fps, along with 4K video recording at 120 fps for some silky slow-motion. Plus, as you climb and jump over different terrains, the camera's HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization always keeps your shot steady and focused. 

You can submerge the camera into water up to 33ft (without a waterproof case), and once the sun starts to go down, you'll enjoy better low-light filming to capture that magical golden hour as you summit your trailhead. And when you're finished, you can use GoPro's Quik editing app to edit your footage and post it online for others to enjoy.

GoPro MAX

If you're looking for more creative freedom with a hiking camera, then GoPro MAX (360 camera) will bump your filmmaking game to the next level.

MAX is a rugged 360 camera that shoots incredible 6K footage. It features Max HyperSmooth to help stabilize even the most insane, complex shots, and it's waterproof down to 16ft—you can dive into a waterfall without skipping a beat. MAX is actually a combination of three cameras in one, paired with stereo audio from six built-in mics. So, if a particular moment has to go live on the spot, shooters can live stream footage instantly in 1080p. It's easily the best action camera for hiking, giving you flexibility and reliability at any moment.

What Are The Best Camera Accessories for Hiking?

GoPro offers a wide range of camera accessories for hiking that allow you to put more attention on the journey ahead.

No one wants to worry about holding something in their hands non-stop, especially while trying to navigate rocks, cliffs, forests or any other wildlife you may come across. Instead, you need reliable ways to carry your camera while hiking, all while getting a beautiful, steady shot.

Here are a few of our favorite camera accessories for hiking that never disappoint:

• 3-Way 2.0

Not just a solid tripod, 3-Way 2.0 (Camera Grip / Arm / Tripod) is also an extension arm for selfies, a hand-grip for tight action shots on the go and it features a built-in ball tripod so you can step away and get the perfect hands-free selfie.

• Daytripper Backpack

Every hiker needs a small camera backpack to carry their gear, and Daytripper Travel Backpack is a versatile, weather-resistant option for any adventure. It features an easy-to-access protective camera and accessory top storage compartment, a soft-lined sleeve for a 15in laptop and it can be outfitted with a 2L hydration bladder.

• Fetch Dog Harness

Another option is to turn your hiking companion into a cameraman! Fetch Dog Harness offers a range of camera mounts for you to easily strap your GoPro on to capture different perspectives of your furry friend. The harness itself is soft-padded and can be adjusted to dogs ranging between 20 to 120 lbs.

• Head Strap 2.0

Keep your hands free and the camera rolling with the Head Strap 2.0 camera mount combo from GoPro. Whether you strap this to a helmet or your head, it's fully adjustable and the QuickClip can also mount to traditional baseball caps, waistbands and belts.

• Enduro Extended Battery (HERO12, HERO11, HERO10, HERO9)

The worst thing that can happen is reaching an epic moment on your trip and not having the battery life to record it. Luckily, Enduro Extended Battery offers more recording time for both cameras—up to 40%—in moderate temperatures. It also boasts better performance in colder temperatures for all your winter activities.

• Get a GoPro Subscription to stay protected

For only $49.99 (Premium Subscription) - $99.99 (Premium+ Subscription) a year (50% off first year for new subscribers), a GoPro Subscription gets you discounts on new cameras, unlimited cloud backups + auto uploads, up to 50% off on select products on GoPro.com, as well as new camera replacements if something goes wrong! Our team knows that accidents happen, but as a subscriber, you'll never be left up creek without a paddle.

What Are The Best GoPro Settings For Hiking?

Now that you have your camera gear and accessories all figured out, the only thing you need is to dial in your camera settings to ensure a perfect shot at all times. While you can use GoPro straight out of the box and get world-class image quality, we also like to offer a glimpse into how more professional users are setting their cameras up.

To start, tap and hold the video settings pill to launch the settings menu. According to GoPro's own Abe Kislevitz, a longtime employee and avid filmmaker, here is a quick breakdown of his go-to settings when he's out shooting pro-quality video:

• Bit Rate: High
• Shutter: Auto
• EV Comp: -0.5
• White Balance: Auto
• ISO Min: 100
• ISO Max: 1600
• Sharpness: Low
• Color: Natural
• Wind: Auto

Of course, you have the freedom to customize your settings however you want, and your environment will also dictate how you record, but for the hiker who wants a reliable shot, you can't go wrong with these settings. Abe offers an amazing camera settings and features tutorial that you can easily follow along with!

Happy Hiking With GoPro

Your new discoveries are waiting, and no matter what you come across, you can trust that GoPro has your back to keep you prepared for any activity.

To send you off on your journey, here's a lovely quote by explorer John Muir: “Between every two pine trees there is a door leading to a new way of life.” 

Yours is out there waiting!