Photography, Backpacking, Adventure. The gear I trust on the trail.


I rely heavily on the gear I use on the trail. As such, all the items I’ve listed below are tried and true. I’ve used some of these items for so long they’re no longer sold and links are unavailable, but they are trusted brands and there are great alternatives available. I’ve included links below for all items currently sold.

 

 Home away from home


Kelty Gunnison 2.1

My go-to tent for trips in harsh conditions

Sierra Designs Flashlight UL

My preferred tent for backpacking

Tarp shelter

When weight and space are a priority

 

All weather bivy

A small, weatherproof option

Calm weather bivy

When you just need to keep the bugs out

Pop-up Blind

An easy-to-use pop-up blind

 

All within a backpack…


Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32

Late spring - early fall sleeping bag

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0

Winter bag, truly a joy to climb into!

Sleeping bag liner

Helps keep your bag clean while also adding a bit of extra warmth

Pillow

The best part of camping!

Sleeping pad

Every season but the coldest winter

Winter sleeping pad

Warmth on the coldest nights

Backpacking stove

Lightweight and efficient

Wind-screen

Protect your stove from the weather

 

Titanium mug

Tried and true, my only pot

Titanium spoon

Lightweight and sturdy

Seasoning on the trail

All you need to flavor your food

Headlamp

I’ve used many different headlamps, this is my favorite so far

Pump filter

Great filter for multiple people

Gravity/squeeze filter

Lightweight, small, my favorite filter

Foldable bucket

No need to leave camp to get water

Main backpack

Very comfortable and spacious

 

Camera, Photo/Video Gear


Canon 1DX II

My main camera for still images

Video camera

Main camera for vlogging and wildlife footage

Landscape lens

The lens I use for vlogging and landscapes, both photo and video

Wildlife lens

The main lens I use for wildlife photography

Drone

Small, lightweight, great for backpacking

GoPro

Quick and easy. Great in any weather

Teleconverter 1.4x

Helps get you just a bit closer

Gimbal head

Great tripod head for still images

Fluid head

Great tripod head for shooting video and occasionally for photo

Main tripod

Six years and counting, great tripod

Vlogging tripod

Small and compact, great for backpacking

Microphone

My one and only mic, great sound quality

 

Seasonal/special use items


Waders

Thick, warm waders. Perfect for hours in the river

Bear spray

I’ve never used it, but still carry in bear country

Bear vault

Keep your food and scented items safe in bear country

Bear fence

Help keep your camp safe from curious bears

Snowshoes

Great for rough, winter terrain

 

Skis

Great way to move through snowy landscapes

Camera rain cover

Keep your camera and lens safe in the rain

Satellite phone

Contact family and loved ones anywhere in the world

Power on the trail

Recharge camera batteries and other electronics

Solar panels

Recharge electronics and power-banks

 

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Outdoor Gear 101


Whether you’re just getting into backpacking, an experienced outdoor photographer, an expert world traveler, or anywhere in between, my goal is to provide all the information you may need to get out and enjoy nature safely and responsibly. As a backcountry wildlife photographer, I spend a lot of time backpacking while looking for wildlife. I’m a gear junkie (both camera and backpacking) and have created this page as a helpful resource for your outdoor adventures. Check back periodically for new videos covering a variety of gear.

 

My complete sleep system

Gear to keep you safe in Bear country

Make your own dehydrated meals for backpacking

All about water filters

Fluid Tripod Heads, what you need to know