A lot of my landscape work is done solo in the backcountry. To get myself and my photo gear there requires lightening the load and streamlining organization. I've designed a system that works quite well for my needs.

Camera Gear

I have 3 options for choosing photo gear:

  1. Film setup with 3 prime lenses, 2 dozen(+/-) rolls of film, 1-2 film backs, spot meters, filters

  2. Digital setup with a full quiver of prime lenses, filters, extra batteries, panoramic attachments, cable release

  3. Combination setup with both cameras, but less lenses for each. Typically 1 film lens and 2-3 prime digital lenses.

My camera gear goes into a LowePro Flipside 300 Backpack that straps to the outside of my main backpack. This allows me to get access to all my camera gear fast and easy while walking between camps. I always carry my tripod in hand or strap it to the side of my backpack if I need to scramble. My photo gear usually comes to 15lbs no matter which setup I choose to take. 

Base Backpacking Gear

I've been streamlining my photo backpacking base gear for years, making new adjustments after each trip. I now have it down to 12lbs without photo gear, food or water after these changes:

  • Removed tent, replaced with a hand-sewn bivy sack and hand-sewn tarp if the weather is going to be nasty.

  • Took out commercial made stove (MSR pocket rocket) and fuel canisters, replaced with handmade cat food tin stove and light water bottle filled with denatured alcohol as fuel.

    • this little stove costs .49$, has no moving parts and has never failed me. The alcohol fuel is non-corosive and can be found in any hardware store. It can also be used as a disinfectant if needed.

  • Since this stove is on/off, I do all freezer-bag cooking. Pre-making dehydrated meals placed in freezer-bags, just add boiling water to re-hydrate. Since there's no cooking there's no need for cookware.

  • Took out extra clothing and replaced with layers, the only exception being one pair of extra socks.

  • Stopped wearing heavy boots, replaced them with Merrell hiking shoes which are more comfortable and dry quickly after a stream crossing. And the best part about these shoes: no blisters!

 

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