Camera Kit For Hiking

How to comfortably carry camera gear

Carrying a heavy camera, a drone and it’s controller, a GoPro plus accessories, and of course additional lenses and accessories is not as difficult or as cumbersome as it sounds.

Why I got started assembling a camera kit

I needed a camera kit for hiking because I under certain circumstances I want to bring both photography and video equipment. My son gave me an RSS (Really Right Stuff) light weight carbon fiber tripod with an Arca quick release camera mount because he knows I have a couple of Canon cameras I enjoy using.  After purchasing a couple of Arca plates for my cameras my excitement in photography returned, so my wife purchased a medium-high end Canon telephoto zoom lens.

I can now record both video and still images

I also recently acquired a Hero 8 GoPro, and a DJI Air 2S drone so now arial and action video is possible. With the new Canon lens my ability to capture media is complete. The one slight issue would be when I want to use all three on a hike.  Cheri and I love to hike and other outdoor activities and having video footage and photographs to reminisce about our trips are wonderful.

What’s In the Backpack?

This camera kit for hiking is a repurposed military Camelback hydration pack with two roomy compartments to carry items. I am using those areas to carry GoPro camera case and a drone case, both containing accessories for the cameras. There is plenty of room for additional lenses and a variety of pockets into which one can store small parts. Also handy are the external pouch mounting straps for nearly countless configurations.

I only bring one camera at a time when hiking and it will be seated in either the strap clip or the belt clip depending on what I am doing. Carrying the camera on the backpack strap is most comfortable when walking. When browsing a store clipping the camera to the belt keeps both hands free to interact with the environment.

What about when you do not need all that equipment?

When traveling light (no drone) the belt clip alone should suffice and the backpack can stay home. My two DSLRs each are fitted with an Arca plate and the GoPro Hero 8 can clip anywhere, so a single DSLR and Hero should be enough for the typical jaunt off the grid. The Hero is so small it can fit in a pocket, be mounted on wrist, or just about anywhere.

Isn’t it risky to trust a “clip” to hold heavy camera equipment?

For years I simply mounted the camera to a climbing carabiner mounted on my belt. Now I’m using clips designed specifically for mounting cameras, but yes, there are no guarantees when using a clip. However, I am using a safety tether connected to the grab handle of the backpack.

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Links

Peak Designs Camera Clips
Really Right Stuff Tripods
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
A Walk Around Our Property
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