Fall is my favorite season for photography and it’s right around the corner. Which means it’s time to optimize my camera gear for hiking. I am all about keeping my kits as lightweight as possible while maintaining quality. So, while I’m getting all of my gear organized, I wanted to toss a post up to show you all what I’m carrying.
Shot on Fujifilm X-T20 and 18-55mm
Lowepro Photosport 300 AW II
The most important part of any adventure is your backpack. It holds all of your gear. And it will make or break your time out.
While this is a hard title to give away, I have to say the Lowepro Photosport 300 is my favorite bag for hiking as a photographer. This backpack has been in my rotation for over a year and I always seem to go back to it. It holds plenty of gear for a full day of photography. And it’s very weather resistant (which is when I tend to love doing photography the most).
See my full review of the Lowepro Photosport 300 here
Shot on Fujifilm X-T2 and 23mm f1.4
Lightweight Photography Gear
Above, you’ll see the primary pieces of gear in my lightweight photography setup. I’ll detail exactly what those are below (top to bottom, left to right):
- Lowepro Photosport 300 AW II Backpack (See it on Amazon)
As seen above, my favorite camera hiking backpack. - Uberleben Dursten Kuksa (See it on Amazon)
Sip your tea or coffee in style. - GOBE Filters (See them on Amazon)
Excellent Filters + GOBE plants trees with every filter purchase. The lightweight GOBE 52mm Filter Kit adds a ton of capability to my Sony RX100V Setup. - Sony RX100V (See it on Amazon)
The Sony RX100V doesn’t come without its drawbacks. But it fits the bill for lightweight photography on the trails & is capable of producing some beautiful images (see below) – Full review coming soon. - ExoTac titanLIGHT (See it on Amazon)
A great, waterproof surefire lighter on the trails. - MSR Pocket Rocket (See it on Amazon)
This is actually a New for 2019, unreleased model that I’m field testing for MSR – So far, so great. - Mora Classic No.2 (See it on Amazon)
The perfect lightweight belt knife to carry into the woods, I’ve carried one for years. - Uberleben Lodern Pro 3/8″ Firesteel (See it on Amazon)
Attached to my Mora Classic No.2 Sheath is another reliable way to start a fire at any altitude or weather condition. - Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 264CT (See it on Amazon)
This is my all time favorite tripod. It’s a total beast for flat lay photography in my studio. But it gives me unlimited options in the field as well. For its robust size/capabilities, it is very lightweight.
Sony RX100V @ iso 160, 1/320s, f7.1
Sony RX100V @ iso 1250, 1/320s, f6.3
My Thoughts On This Setup
The main items you’ve seen above give me a lot of options on the trail, without bogging me down with a lot of weight. I can do all types of landscape photography with the Sony RX100V, Vanguard Tripod and GOBE Filters. I can cook with the Lightweight MSR Stove. And I have a couple of my emergency items covered as well. I do carry a few more items and I’ll cover those below…
Sony RX100V @ iso 6400, 1/250s, f8
Other Items I Carry
Below are some other pieces of gear that I like to carry. These are either added in for my job or to enhance the items I’ve listed above:
- Fujifilm X-T2 and 35f2 + 50f2 Lenses (See on Amazon)
The Fujifilm X-T2 Camera is my primary camera for client work & product photography. I love the way it fits with my style and what it offers. The f2 Lenses are weather sealed as well, which add a lot of versatility. - First Aid Kit
I have personalized my own first aid kit. I recommend everyone creates one and learns how to use it. - Bandana or Shemagh
Wiping sweat, lenses, whatever…I never leave home without either of these items. - Anker PowerCore 20100 (See it on Amazon)
This is my all time favorite battery bank/charger for my iPhone and Sony RX100V. Tons of recharging capacity…I’ve yet to drain it on a single trip. - Mountain House Meals (See on Amazon)
I love Mountain House Meals. They’re lightweight, delicious and pair perfectly with my MSR Pocket Rocket Stove. - 48oz. Nalgene Water Bottle (See on Amazon)
My favorite water bottle for maximum capacity. - Stanley Adventure Cookset (See on Amazon)
This is one of my favorite cooksets, which nests perfectly with my Nalgene.
Sony RX100V @ iso 1600, 1/500s, f7.1
DIG WHAT I’M DOING HERE?
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Read Next: Lowepro Photosport Review | GOBE Filters Review | Photography Blog
Sony RX100V @ iso 250, 1/320s, f5.6
Sony RX100V @ iso 2000, 1/250s, f6.3
