There are endless options for cameras on the market, from a cellphone to DSLR, and everything in between (some even choose film). What you decide to take depends on what you want out of your hike and photographs. For the vast majority of people, a phone, action camera (such as a GoPro or DJI), or point and shoot is more than enough. For others, like myself, something more substantial is desired.
For as long as I can remember, I have hiked with my “big” camera. Both of my parents are photographers, therefore I got the hand me down Canon DSLRs (30d, 50d, and 5d Mark ii). I usually hiked with the Canon 5d Mark ii (29.98 oz) and 24-70mm f/2.8 (33.6 oz), as well as the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (48.7 oz) if wildlife was the focus of the hike.
After moving to Washington in 2016, I started hiking and backpacking more. With more experience, came bigger goals in terms of hiking and photography. I wanted a camera that offered similar capabilities to the Canon, but less weight. Enter: mirrorless cameras.
ON THE TRAIL
>> EASY ACCESS:
The Peak Design Capture Clip offers quick access. If I am carrying nearly three pounds of camera, I want to make the most of it. Carrying it in the pack would offer greater protection; however, it would require removing your pack each time you wanted to take a picture. This may work for the majority of landscape shots but forget about capturing that bear that is standing down the trail or the little pika popping out of the rocks. ALTERNATIVES: Keyhole Hands-Free Camera Harness, Cotton Carrier Skout Camera Sling Style Harness, Fstop Hiniyana (chest and hip mounting), Zpacks Multi-Pack, Think Tank Photo Camera Support Straps
>> PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS:
I still have yet to find the perfect solution for shooting in the rain. As far as general protection when it is raining or snowing, a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Dry Sack has proved to work wonderfully and weighs less than an ounce. I also brought a Peak Design Shell Camera Cover to test out but had no rain. I have since tried it on two rainy hikes and was not overly impressed. I found it cumbersome when using a zoom lens and found it difficult to zoom (worked great at 24mm, but too short at 105mm). Adding a clear “window” over the LCD screen would allow for great protection for shooting in the rain (you have to pull the cover up and over the top of the camera in order to shoot). On the second hike, I switched to an OpTech Rain Sleeve, which worked great for rain protection initially, but created a large amount of condensation inside the sleeve. What has worked well for you?
>> POWER:
As stated earlier, the ability to charge the Sony A7iii by USB was a major selling point. The John Muir Trail is the longest backpacking trip I have completed so far. I was unsure of how much battery I would drain over 5-7 days on the trail—factoring in time-lapses, video, and battery loss from cold temperatures. I also have a phone and Garmin inReach to charge, so I carried an Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 and three extra batteries. I currently charge the batteries in-camera but have considered carrying a wall charger in order to charge more than one battery at once.
>> TRIPOD:
Whether or not to bring a tripod is up to you. The only reason I brought a tripod is for night photography, and the occasional timelapse or waterfall. I decided to bring a Pedco UltraPod II with a Quick Release Clamp. The clamp was added last minute to save weight over my Fotopro Tripod Head. ALTERNATIVES: JOBY GorillaPod 1K Kit (3K Kit), Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, AOKA Compact Carbon Fiber Tripod 16” (or 28”), TrailPix DSLR Solo (Point and Shoot Solo), Leki Aergon Photoadapter
CAMERA
WEIGHT: 22.9 ounces
The beast. This thing goes everywhere I go, no matter how short or long the hike. Is it a little big for long-distance? Maybe. But it is worth every ounce for its photo and video quality (plus, I feel more comfortable using it over a smaller point and shoot). Paired with a Peak Design Capture Clip, its weight is barely noticed on my shoulder strap.
SONY A7III
WEIGHT: 23.2 ounces
SONY A7IV
LENSES
WEIGHT: 23.4 ounces | My go to lens for backpacking. While it is not as wide as I would like, it is a great range for landscape shots, as well as wildlife.
SONY 24-105MM F/4.0
WEIGHT: 24 ounces
SONY 16-35MM F/2.8
WEIGHT: 18.3 ounces
SONY VARIO-TESSAR 16-35MM F/4.0
WEIGHT: 24.5 ounces | One of my newest lenses and my go to for 2023. Slightly less zoom than the 25-105, but with a f-stop of 2.8 for lower light and astrophotography.
SONY 24-70MM F/2.8 GM ii
WEIGHT: 24.5 ounces | One of my newest lenses and my go to for 2023. Slightly less zoom than the 25-105, but with a f-stop of 2.8 for lower light and astrophotography.
SIGMA 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports
SONY NP-FZ100 RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
WEIGHT: 2.7 ounces | I carried 3 additional batteries to allow for time lapses, video, and cold night photography.
NITECORE NB10000 (2)
Quick to charge and lightweight. I’ve switched over from the trusty Anker 20100 for a little weight savings and quicker charge times.
ANKER DUAL PORT WALL CHARGER + 4”-12”CORDS
WEIGHT: __ ounces | Outlets are hard to come by at many resupply locations, so make the most of limited space and carry a dual port. Short and sweet cords. I prefer the 4”-12” cords when backpacking. These cord works to charge Sony batteries (via the camera), Garmin inReach, and other electronics.
POWER
AOKA COMPACT CARBON FIBER TRIPOD
WEIGHT: 14.6 ounces | A little bit more weight that the Ultrapod, but adds functionality. The Aoka brings your camera further from the ground and with a ball mount, the ability to angle your camera for the perfect shot.
PEDCO ULTRAPOD II
WEIGHT: 4.2 ounces | Minimalist and provides a little more stability and security that setting your camera on a rock.
PEAK DESIGN CAPTURE CLIP
WEIGHT: 3 ounces | Absolute must if you are carrying a camera that doesn’t fit in a fanny pack or pocket. Make the most of the weight you are carrying and have your camera easily accessible. Your camera doesn’t do much good when it is packed away, especially when thru hiking.
THINK TANK PHOTO SD PIXEL POCKET ROCKET MEMORY CARD CASE
WEIGHT: 1.6 ounces | Easy organization for SD cards. I tend to carry a few too many cards, just in case.
SANDISK 64-128GB
WEIGHT: 0.8 ounces | There are many options available: writing speed, capacity, and reliability. I generally carry a variety of capacities with a high speed. SanDisk or Sony.
RODE VIDEOMICRO
WEIGHT: 1.5 ounces | This is something new to my kit, with hopes of taking more video with better audio quality.
VSGO MINI PORTABLE AIR BLOWER DUST BLASTER
WEIGHT: 0.64 ounces | Let’s face it, dust happens. Don’t let it get in the way of your picture.
SEA TO SUMMIT ULTRA-SIL NANO 8L DRY SACK
WEIGHT: 0.8 ounces | Used for camera protection from the elements. Slips up and over camera + lens while on the Peak Design Capture Clip. If raining heavily, sack can be clipped under lens. I use the having the “structured” lip of the sack on top.
ACCESSORIES
FILTER
WEIGHT: __ ounces | I generally take a polarizing filter or graduated neutral density filter.
SONY WIRELESS REMOTE COMMANDER
WEIGHT: 1 ounce | As a solo hiker, this is essential for getting in the shot. It also makes life a little easier when setting a timer and running is not convenient.
LENSPEN MINI PRO II COMPACT LENS PEN, DUST CLOTH
WEIGHT: __ ounces | Aside from the blaster and pen, I generally carry a lens cloth, as well as one or two sensor cleaning swabs. Clean gear lasts longer—take care of it!
