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 Osmo), 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.
UPDATED February 2025
ON THE TRAIL
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>> 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: Cotton Carrier Skout Camera Sling Style Harness, Zpacks Multi-Pack, Think Tank Photo Camera Support Straps, CTG Camera Bag, Hyperlite Camera Pod.
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>> 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 used this option for years. I also brought a Peak Design Shell Camera Cover but found it cumbersome when using a zoom lens. I have also carried OpTech Rain Sleeves, which work great for rain protection while shooting. I recently upgraded to the Adotec Gear Dyneema Camera Cover (similar to OpTech, but better construction) for shooting and Fomito Camera Rain Cover for cover while on my pack.
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>> POWER
As stated earlier, the ability to charge the Sony A7iv by USB-C was a major selling point. I carry 2-3 batteries, so charging while on trail usually only happens on longer sections or factoring in time-lapses, video, and battery loss from cold temperatures. I currently charge the batteries in-camera when I get to town to avoid carrying a wall charger. Additional battery power comes from multiple Nitecore NB10000 power banks.
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>> 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 self-portrait (I am trying to get better at taking pictures of myself). I usually carry an Aoka Carbon Fiber Tripod: 16” for longer trips or 28” for shorter trips. ALTERNATIVES: Pedco Ultrapod, JOBY GorillaPod 1K Kit (3K Kit), Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, Trekking Pole Tripod + 48" Carbon Fiber Tent Pole (recently found this option, have not tried)
CAMERA
WEIGHT: 22.9 oz
The A7III was my primary camera for years. It is now my secondary camera used on road trips and places like Yellowstone. One camera for landscapes and close up shots. The other with my 600mm lens for wildlife. It is still an amazing camera.
SONY A7III
WEIGHT: 23.2 oz
The A7IV is my primary camera while on trail and in everyday use. Despite its size, it goes on every hike with me, and has nearly 2,000 trail miles now. The A7IV included many improvements that people wanted after the A7III came out, including an improved menu, easier handling, improved video, and a more versatile screen (and more). Wildlife, landscapes, people, astrophotography, vlogging. 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 A7IV
LENSES
SONY 24-105MM F/4.0
WEIGHT: 23.4 oz | 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 16-35MM F/2.8
WEIGHT: 24 oz
SONY VARIO-TESSAR 16-35MM F/4.0
WEIGHT: 18.3 oz
SONY 24-70MM F/2.8 GM ii
WEIGHT: 24.5 oz | One of my newest lenses and my go to for 2023. Slightly less zoom than the 24-105, but with a f-stop of 2.8 for lower light and astrophotography. I ended up switching back to the 24-105 after Kennedy Meadows South.
SIGMA 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Sports
WEIGHT: 74.1 oz
POWER
SONY NP-FZ100 RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY
WEIGHT: 1 oz
I carry 2-3 additional batteries to allow for time lapses, video, and cold night photography.
NITECORE NB10000
WEIGHT: 5.3 oz
Quick to charge and lightweight. I’ve switched over from the trusty Anker 20100 for a little weight savings and quicker charge times. Typically carry 2-3
ANKER NANO 65W WALL CHARGER + 4”-12”CORDS
WEIGHT: 5.2 oz
Outlets are hard to come by at many resupply locations, so make the most of limited space and carry a dual or triple port wall charger (3.9 oz). Short and sweet cords. I prefer the 4” (8g) or 12” (10g) cords when backpacking. There have been few instances where I wanted longer cords. I also carry an Garmin adapter for my watch (2g) SD card adapter for my phone (8g).
ACCESSORIES
AOKA 16” CARBON FIBER TRIPOD
WEIGHT: 14.6 oz
A little bit more weight than the Pedco Ultrapod, but adds functionality and height. The Aoka brings your camera further from the ground and with a ball mount, the ability to angle your camera for the perfect shot. Also available in 28”
PEDCO ULTRAPOD III
WEIGHT: 4.2 oz
Minimalist and provides a little more stability and security than setting your camera on a rock.
* Not currently using
PEAK DESIGN CAPTURE CLIP
WEIGHT: 3 oz
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.
RODE VIDEO MICRO 2
WEIGHT: 2.3 oz
This is something new to my kit, with hopes of taking more video with better audio quality.
ACUVAR PLASTIC SD CARD CASE
WEIGHT: 15g
Easy organization for SD cards. I tend to carry a few too many cards, just in case.
SANDISK 64-128GB
WEIGHT: 2g
There are many options available: writing speed, capacity, and reliability. I generally carry a variety of capacities with a high speed. SanDisk or Sony.
FOMITO Camera Rain Cover
WEIGHT: 35g
Main protection for the camera while on my pack. It is stored in my hip pack when not in use.
ADOTEC RAIN COVER
WEIGHT: 18g
I also carry an Adotec Camera cover for shooting in the rain.
1TB BACKUP STORAGE
WEIGHT: 3g
LENSPEN MINI PRO II COMPACT LENS PEN, DUST CLOTH
WEIGHT: 9g / 2g
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!
FILTER
WEIGHT: 1 oz
I generally take a polarizing filter or graduated neutral density filter.
