Best Action Cameras for Hiking: Top Picks for 2023


best action cameras for hiking
Some links on posts are affiliate links and will earn us a commission from qualifying purchases

Hiking is an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. The right camera can help you capture the beautiful scenery and memories of your adventure. But with so many cameras on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs.

When it comes to selecting the best camera for hiking, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the camera should be lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you on your hike. Secondly, it should have a durable build that can withstand the rigours of outdoor activities. Finally, it should have features that allow you to capture high-quality images and videos in various lighting conditions.

After researching and testing various cameras, we have identified the best cameras for hiking. These cameras meet the criteria mentioned above and offer additional features that make them stand out from the competition. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional photographer, these cameras will help you capture stunning images of your hiking adventures.

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the best cameras for hiking and what makes them so great.

Best Cameras for Hiking

When it comes to capturing the beauty of the great outdoors, having the right camera is essential. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to snap some memories on your next hike, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the market and put together a list of the best cameras for hiking. Our top picks are durable, lightweight, and produce high-quality images that will make your adventures last a lifetime. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best cameras to take on your next hiking trip.

4K Action Camera

Capture beautiful and precious moments in life with this multifunctional sports camera

If you’re looking for an affordable camera that can capture stunning 4K videos and 20MP photos while you’re out hiking, the Generic 4K Action Camera could be a great option for you. With its compact size and waterproof case, this camera is perfect for capturing moments during any outdoor activity.

Pros
  • The 4K Ultra HD videos and 20MP photos provide vivid and realistic recordings of your outdoor adventures.
  • The 6-axis anti-shaking design and 40M underwater shooting capabilities make it easy to capture steady and smooth photos and videos, even in challenging conditions.
  • The 2.4G wireless remote control and 170° wide angle lens help you capture more shooting details and meet various shooting requirements in different outdoor sports.
Cons
  • The video compression format is H.264, which may not be compatible with all devices.
  • The battery life may not be sufficient for longer hikes or trips.
  • The camera may not have all the advanced features and settings of more expensive models.

The 4K Action Camera comes with a variety of accessories, including an external microphone, making it really convenient and easy to use in different scenarios, such as climbing, cycling, swimming, rafting, surfing, and more. With its built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily share your wonderful moments on social media or your friends in a moment.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable camera that can capture stunning recordings of your outdoor adventures, the 4K Action Camera could be a great choice for you.

Buy the 4K Action Camera on Amazon

BOBLOV A22 Body Camera

BOBLOV A22 Body Camera

If you’re looking for a lightweight body camera that’s perfect for hiking, the BOBLOV A22 is a great choice. With its 180-degree rotatable lens, FHD 1080P/30fps video recording, and 40M pixels photo, this camera can capture all the valuable moments of your daily life and fantastic travel.

Pros
  • 180-degree manually rotatable lens
  • FHD 1080P/30fps video recording and 40M pixels photo
  • 1.3 inch LCD screen support
Cons
  • Controls can be a bit fiddly to start with
  • Camera may not be completely straight when pressing down
  • Price could be a bit lower

We found the BOBLOV A22 body camera to be a great companion for hiking. Its 180-degree rotatable lens allowed us to capture all the beautiful scenery and wildlife around us, while its FHD 1080P/30fps video recording and 40M pixels photo ensured that the footage was clear and crisp. The 1.3 inch LCD screen support was also a great feature, allowing us to manage the recorded videos/audios/photos on the body camera freely without the need for a PC.

However, we did find that the controls could be a bit fiddly to start with and the camera may not be completely straight when pressing down. Additionally, we felt that the price could be a bit lower, but overall we were very happy with the BOBLOV A22 body camera and would recommend it to anyone looking for a lightweight, high-quality body camera for hiking.

See more about the Boblov A22 Body Camera on Amazon

Jadfezy Action Camera 4K

Jadfezy Action Camera 4K

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly action camera that can capture your outdoor adventures, the Jadfezy Action Camera 4K is worth considering.

Pros
  • The camera records 4K/30FPS video and takes 20MP photos, capturing every wonderful moment of your adventure.
  • The built-in microphone and external microphone allow for better sound recording.
  • The camera is waterproof up to 98ft and comes with two 1350mAh batteries, so you won’t miss any moments due to insufficient battery power.
Cons
  • The Wi-Fi connection is not always reliable, making it difficult to transfer files.
  • The camera’s image stabilization could be better, resulting in shaky footage.
  • The camera’s menu system is not very intuitive, requiring some time to figure out.

We took the Jadfezy Action Camera 4K on a hiking trip and were impressed with the video and photo quality for the price. The wide-angle lens allowed us to capture more of our surroundings, and the waterproof feature allowed us to take it on a rafting trip without any issues. The external microphone was a nice addition, but we did have some trouble with the Wi-Fi connection, making it difficult to transfer files to our phone. The camera’s image stabilization could be better, resulting in some shaky footage, but overall, the Jadfezy Action Camera 4K is a great option for those on a budget who want to capture their outdoor adventures.

Read more reviews on the Jadfezy Action Camera 4K on Amazon

WOLFANG GA100 Action Camera

WOLFANG GA100 Action Camera

If you’re looking for a reliable camera to capture your hiking adventures, the WOLFANG GA100 Action Camera is a great option to consider. With its waterproof case and a variety of recording modes, this camera can handle any outdoor activity.

Pros
  • 4K UHD video and 20MP photo resolution for high-quality footage
  • 40m waterproof case for underwater exploration and water sports
  • Dual microphone and plenty of accessories for versatile use
Cons
  • Some users reported issues with image stabilization during intense activities
  • The Live DV app may need updating for certain phone models
  • Not a true 4K camera

The WOLFANG GA100 Action Camera is a reliable and versatile option for capturing your hiking and outdoor adventures. With its 4K UHD video and 20MP photo resolution, you can be sure to capture all the details of your trip. The 40m waterproof case allows you to explore the underwater world and enjoy water sports without worrying about damaging the camera. Plus, the dual microphone and included accessories make it easy to use in a variety of scenarios.

However, some users have reported issues with the image stabilization during intense activities, so it may not be the best option for extreme sports. Additionally, the Live DV app may need updating for certain phone models, which could be a hassle for some users. And while the camera claims to be 4K, it’s not a true 4K camera, so keep that in mind when making your purchase decision.

Buy the Wolfgang GA100 Action Camera on Amazon

QZTCAMERA Body Camera

QZTCAMERA Body Camera

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly body camera for outdoor activities, the QZTCAMERA Body Camera is worth considering.

Pros
  • Independent buttons for video, audio, and photo make it easy to operate and avoid missing important content.
  • Four infrared night vision lights and a 180° rotating lens ensure that you can capture clear footage even in complete darkness and from different angles.
  • Small size and large capacity battery make it easy to carry and record for extended periods of time.
Cons
  • No way of knowing whether recording is working or not, which can be frustrating.
  • Conflicting descriptions regarding operating time and poor translation in the manual can make it difficult to use.
  • Unable to change date or time settings.

The QZTCAMERA Body Camera is a functional product that can be used for various outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, and biking. The camera’s independent buttons for video, audio, and photo make it easy to operate and avoid missing important content. Additionally, the four infrared night vision lights and 180° rotating lens ensure that you can capture clear footage even in complete darkness and from different angles. The small size and large capacity battery make it easy to carry and record for extended periods of time.

However, the camera has a few downsides. There is no way of knowing whether recording is working or not, which can be frustrating. Conflicting descriptions regarding operating time and poor translation in the manual can make it difficult to use. Additionally, users are unable to change date or time settings.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly body camera for outdoor activities and can overlook the downsides, the QZTCAMERA Body Camera is a good option to consider.

Check out more reviews about the QZTCamera Body Camera on Amazon

AKASO Brave 4 Pro Action Camera

AKASO Brave 4 Pro Action Camera

If you’re looking for a reliable action camera that can capture your outdoor adventures, the AKASO Brave 4 Pro is an excellent choice. With its dual-color screen design, 4K30FPS video capture, and built-in Electronic Image Stabilization, this camera can handle all your hiking needs.

Pros
  • The dual-color screen design allows you to easily change framing and monitoring views between back and front, making it easy to take selfies and monitor your shots.
  • The 4K30FPS video capture and 20MP photo clarity ensure that your footage is crisp and professional-quality.
  • The built-in Electronic Image Stabilization 2.0 with 6-axis gyroscope detects position and motion changes, so even if the camera tilts, moves, shakes or experiences impact, it can still produce stable video.
Cons
  • The camera supports an external microphone that captures sound from all directions with crisp details, but third-party external mics don’t work, so you’ll need to purchase the AKASO external mic separately.
  • The camera is waterproof down to 131ft with the waterproof case, but some users have reported that the case can be difficult to open and close.
  • The camera’s battery life can be relatively short, so you may need to bring extra batteries or a power bank on longer hikes.

The AKASO Brave 4 Pro is a great camera for hiking and outdoor adventures, with its dual-color screen design, 4K30FPS video capture, and built-in Electronic Image Stabilization. It’s also waterproof down to 131ft with the waterproof case, making it perfect for underwater shots. However, you’ll need to purchase the AKASO external mic separately if you want to capture high-quality sound, and the battery life can be relatively short.

See more about the Akaso Brave 4 Pro on Amazon

Buying Guide

Choosing the right camera for hiking can be a daunting task, but with a little knowledge, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when buying a camera for hiking:

Weight and Size

When hiking, every ounce counts, so you’ll want a camera that is lightweight and compact. Look for cameras that are easy to carry and won’t weigh you down. Mirrorless cameras are a great option since they are smaller and lighter than DSLRs.

Weather Resistance

When hiking, you never know what kind of weather you’ll encounter, so it’s important to have a camera that can withstand the elements. Look for cameras that are weather-sealed or have some level of weather resistance, so you can take photos in any conditions.

Battery Life

Long hikes mean you’ll be away from power sources for extended periods of time. Look for cameras with long battery life, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a hike. Consider bringing an extra battery or two as well.

Lens Options

The type of lens you need will depend on the type of hiking you plan on doing. If you’re doing landscape photography, you’ll want a wide-angle lens. If you’re photographing wildlife, you’ll want a telephoto lens. Consider the types of photos you want to take and choose a camera with the appropriate lens options.

Image Stabilization

Hiking can be bumpy and uneven, so having image stabilization can help ensure your photos come out sharp. Look for cameras with built-in image stabilization or lenses with stabilization built-in.

Other Features

Consider other features such as built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and video capabilities. These features can make it easier to share your photos and videos and can add to your overall hiking experience.

FactorConsiderations
Weight and SizeLook for lightweight and compact cameras
Weather ResistanceChoose cameras with weather-sealing or resistance
Battery LifeChoose cameras with long battery life or bring extra batteries
Lens OptionsConsider the types of photos you want to take and choose a camera with appropriate lens options
Image StabilizationChoose cameras or lenses with built-in image stabilization
Other FeaturesConsider features such as built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and video capabilities

Conclusion – best action cameras for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers

Hiking is an activity that many of us find rejuvenating. Capturing these moments is made easier with a quality action camera. With our recommendations in mind, you can now arm yourself with the gear necessary to have a fantastic outdoor experience and document your journey along the way. Choose from one of the top action cameras for hiking depending on your personal preference and technical needs. Lastly, remember not to let life pass you by without capturing its beauty; check our recommendations above and start your outdoor adventure today!

Recent Posts