From Cameras to Clothing: Preparing your Kit for the Outdoors

As a landscape photographer, I’ve learned that having the right gear is just as important as preparation when heading into the wild. The environments we photograph are often unpredictable, remote, and unforgiving, which makes selecting dependable equipment crucial. Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to ensure I’m ready to capture stunning images without compromising safety of efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the essential gear I rely on when photographing in the great Pacific Northwest.

P.S. All the gear I mention here has the links attached, just click :)

Cameras & Lenses

At the heart of every photographer’s kit is your camera and lens options. I take a single-body and single-lens out when I hike, backpack, or camp. Often this isn’t the most recommended approach, in case a lens gets damaged and you’re left with nothing else. This, however, is my approach only when the trip I go on is less than a few days at max. Any longer and I most certainly bring multiple camera bodies and lenses. The duo I most often bring is my Nikon D850 body and Sigma 24-105mm f4 lens. This is an unstoppable pair to use out in the environment, with the durability of the D850 and the versatility of the 24-105mm, there’s generally never an environment I cannot photograph how I want. Some may say f4 is simply not low enough of an aperture, but I say much differently. Depending on the environments you are photographing, of course, f4 is all you really need in daylight when matched with a full-frame camera. The only time I ever need/utilize a lens with a lower aperture is when taking astrophotography images, and I prepare for those accordingly.

Tripod

A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable for sharp, long-exposure shots. You’ll most likely see a hundred different “Tips for Sharper Photos” videos on the internet, and the most important takeaway from any of those is going to be to use a tripod. It isn’t too often I take a landscape photo without using one. Can you? Absolutely and you’ll be perfectly fine for it as long as there’s enough light in the environment. However, when your goal is to print your photos, you’re going to want to do everything you can to maximize the sharpness of your images. That is why I use the K&F Concept X-Series Carbon Fiber Tripod. No sponsorship here, this is just the tripod I’ve been using for years now. Great mid-weight tripod with durability and versatility. Works great in deep snow, and rivers, and packs up nicely with a great carrying case if that’s your style.

Backpack

A reliable backpack designed for photographers is a must - is what you’d hear most photographers say, and they aren’t wrong at all. I just use a different system than the usual “camera backpack” because that’s what works for me. My backpack is a normal 40L hiking bag with an internal water-carrying system. Where does my camera go then, in the bag? Sure sometimes, if it’s absolutely pouring out. But most of the time I carry my one camera on an external harness carrier, the Cotton Carrier G3. This thing is an absolute beast let me tell you. First of all, does it look silly? Most definitely, but if you don’t look just a little bit silly when out in the wilderness then you’re doing something wrong in my opinion. This thing has been through some of the worst conditions and survived with no damage or issues. Again, no paid promotion here, just a genuinely great piece of equipment that is always at the center of my kit. Holds my camera, lens, and extra SD cards, and is way more comfortable than it looks. I prefer this method because it helps distribute the weight of your camera across your body more evenly, leading to fewer back pain miles into a hike. It also allows you to get your camera out way faster than having to take your bag off or open a side pocket. Everyone has their own system they enjoy, this is just mine that I’ve cultivated over a decade.

Weather Protection

There’s not too much to say here, other than always have multiple forms of weather protection on you. Backpack rain covers rain shell jacket, microfiber cloths, lens hoods, and most of all - extra socks. Seems to be the most forgotten item in everyone’s bag as soon as it starts raining out.

Being prepared with the right gear can make all the difference between a frustrating outing and a successful shoot. Over time, I’ve learned that investing in high-quality, reliable equipment is well worth it. Not only does it help me capture the images I envision, but it also gives me peace of mind, allowing me to focus on the creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, having the right tools in your bag will set you up for success in the ever-changing landscapes we’re drawn to explore.