2023 | Backpacking With Camera Gear | Photography on the PCT
PHONE, POINT AND SHOOT, MIRRORLESS, OR DSLR?
There are endless options for cameras on the market, from a phone 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, 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, I started hiking and backpacking more. I also started placing a larger focus on photography, which is pretty easy to do around here. With more experience, came bigger goals. I wanted a camera that offered similar capabilities to the Canon, but less weight. Enter: mirrorless cameras.
When I started seriously considering the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, I decided on the Sony α7iii (22.9 oz) and Sony 24-105mm f/4 (23.4 oz). Okay, so the weight savings is negligible at just over a pound (17.25 oz), but after using the camera for a few months, it feels like so much more! I made the switch for a few reasons: weight and size, video, low-light capabilities, USB charging, and ability to transfer photos from camera to phone in seconds.
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. 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 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, 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 α7iii by USB was a major selling point. The John Muir Trail (section) 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 Renogy 5W Plus Solar Panel. The solar panel was a last-minute addition. My father suggested that bringing a solar panel would allow me to spend more time on the trail and less time charging batteries in town. I never ended up using it on the trail, as I found it too slow. I plan on testing charge times more at home to determine if it is truly worthwhile to continue carrying. I also carried three Sony batteries [1 in camera + 2 spares]. More than likely, I would carry an additional battery over the solar panel. 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, TrailPix DSLR Solo (Point and Shoot Solo), Leki Aergon Photoadapter