Backpacking and photography

[ziggy53]

I know we have some avid, even a couple rabid, hikers and travellers in these forums.

Does anyone have helpful ideas and thoughts about photography on-the-go?

I'm thinking of the whole gamut, backpacking and tent camping, hiking and any other excursion which involves toting your equipment around for an extended period.

Thanks,

ziggy53

[Shay Stephens]

Hiking leads to pain. Pain leads to suffering. Suffering leads...to the dark side!

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/yoda.jpg

[Shay Stephens]

the wise and heroic space adventurer once said...

Take only what you need to SURVIVE!

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/spaceballs.jpg

[ginger_55]

I now have Singulair with which to breathe and a PT appt to keep my back going...............

Why do I need a backpack with 50 lbs of photo equipment just to survive on any trip no matter how short or how long?

If you don't take it, that will be the one thing you will need!

And don't forget the bug spray!

ginger

[kdog]

Large amount of gear
Lots of Miles
Comfortable Travel
Pick any two. :wink

[ziggy53]

I don't see too many specifics here, so I'll ask questions.

Digicam vs dSLR vs SLR film vs rangefinder? (For hiking and camping context.)

Your worst regret? If I only had ? I could have ?

Gear on a budget? (If I only had a couple hundred to spend)

Gear on deep pockets? (If I had an alomost unlimited budget, but don't want my back killing me at the end of the day.)

The importance of weather/water proof gear and equipment?

Yodas and SpaceBalls are both welcome to reply. :uhoh

Thanks,

ziggy53

[Jamoke]

K - Other than agreeing that it's heavy, I'll say it is possible with enough will power.

I went on a hike up to a great lookout, and there were clouds... I would have killed for a L lens, but I was worried about dropping, dust, weight... etc. I hated switching lenses - NOthing is accessible when actually backpacking except necessities - so even if you have a lens burried, plan on some time before having the opportunity to get the shot. Wide for landscapes are awesome, but something more powerful is a necessity for most wildlife.

I took a 28-105 and a 70-300 with me, and wished I had gone wider. (Still haven't bought that 12-24 sigma though) I caught an eagle with a 2X and my 70-300 (Moderately good shots) but it was better then not carrying a zoom. Tripod wasn't/hasn't ever been a necessity for me, but it depends on what shots you want to get. I've been sitting around a campfire wishing I could shoot the stars with a tripod - but couldn't handle the extra weight/bulk. I usually take a monopod/walking stick (Still need to screw in a mount on top of my walking stick...)

I usually take a bag that's seperate so I can take it out, and all my gear is still protected. Then I just slip it back into my bag - extra layer of waterproofing... Plan on dropping things in the dirt (Lens caps, filters, etc.) It just happens.

I've never taken lighting (But I had a 20D so built in flash) because I never planned on needing a strobe. And I never have regretted it.

There's my thoughts.

[photodoug]

I know we have some avid, even a couple rabid, hikers and travellers in these forums.

Does anyone have helpful ideas and thoughts about photography on-the-go?

I'm thinking of the whole gamut, backpacking and tent camping, hiking and any other excursion which involves toting your equipment around for an extended period.

Thanks,

ziggy53

off to Philmont? We're signed up for next year in July.

[Shay Stephens]

I don't see too many specifics here, so I'll ask questions.

Digicam vs dSLR vs SLR film vs rangefinder? (For hiking and camping context.)
If camping from a vehicle, bring what you can fit in the car. If you are lugging junk on your back, take as little as possible

Your worst regret? If I only had ? I could have ? Worst regret...hiking. If I only had...not hiked. I could have...driven :wink

Gear on a budget? (If I only had a couple hundred to spend) digicam, snickers, water bottles, matches, map, flashlight, sunglasses, hat, walking stick, knife, tent/bivy/plastic tarp.

Gear on deep pockets? (If I had an alomost unlimited budget, but don't want my back killing me at the end of the day.)
http://www.bdi.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog

The importance of weather/water proof gear and equipment? water kills. Protect everything from water...everything. It only takes a dunk in a river or sudden downpour to find out what gets destroyed, what washes away, and what little is still dry. Plastic bags, containers, etc are very important. If it can get damaged by water, it must be protected.

Don't rely on gravity to keep things on your pack or in pockets. Use closers, straps, etc to physically attach things you want to keep in the event of an upset of one sort or another. Pockets that do not close are not safe for storage.

[DanielB]

off to Philmont? We're signed up for next year in July.


i'm going in this June.:wink me and Ziggy were debating stuff to take and i need advice... thus this thread.:thumb

[gtc]

i am considering a trip to the Kimberly region of NW Aust

the plan is to have luxuries and comforts in the car, with a tent.

then a swag with camera pack ,light food and water for planned over- nights or walks which could end up that way.

a swag is a foam rubber bedroll with a hoop supporting a little canvas and mosquito net roof-there are other names for them.

my gear fits into a lowepro micro trekker II-it could be attached to the back of a large camping rucksack,but i think i prefer something smaller for the food and utensils in conjunct6ion with the camera pack.the swag could strap to the top of the microtrekker.

i carry a canon 20d,400,300,200 SMC Takumars,60mm macro , 50mm ,macro gear and tripod.

after a few hiking trips which had me overloaded and exhausted ,and now with photographic gear,i think light.

interesting discussion!

[ziggy53]

K - Other than agreeing that it's heavy, I'll say it is possible with enough will power.

I went on a hike up to a great lookout, and there were clouds... I would have killed for a L lens, but I was worried about dropping, dust, weight... etc. I hated switching lenses - NOthing is accessible when actually backpacking except necessities - so even if you have a lens burried, plan on some time before having the opportunity to get the shot. Wide for landscapes are awesome, but something more powerful is a necessity for most wildlife.

I took a 28-105 and a 70-300 with me, and wished I had gone wider. (Still haven't bought that 12-24 sigma though) I caught an eagle with a 2X and my 70-300 (Moderately good shots) but it was better then not carrying a zoom. Tripod wasn't/hasn't ever been a necessity for me, but it depends on what shots you want to get. I've been sitting around a campfire wishing I could shoot the stars with a tripod - but couldn't handle the extra weight/bulk. I usually take a monopod/walking stick (Still need to screw in a mount on top of my walking stick...)

I usually take a bag that's seperate so I can take it out, and all my gear is still protected. Then I just slip it back into my bag - extra layer of waterproofing... Plan on dropping things in the dirt (Lens caps, filters, etc.) It just happens.

I've never taken lighting (But I had a 20D so built in flash) because I never planned on needing a strobe. And I never have regretted it.

There's my thoughts.

Thanks Jamoke, That's what I was looking for!

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

off to Philmont? We're signed up for next year in July.

Doug,

You'll have to compare notes with Daniel. I envy you both, but then I'll probably have a comfortable bed most of this year. My son is getting to "that" age where other stuff interferes, like girls and sports and ... other stuff. (I'm sorry, is there anything besides girls and sports?)

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

If camping from a vehicle, bring what you can fit in the car. If you are lugging junk on your back, take as little as possible

Good.

Worst regret...hiking. If I only had...not hiked. I could have...driven :wink.

Must be one o' them "city" folks, huh?

digicam, snickers, water bottles, matches, map, flashlight, sunglasses, hat, walking stick, knife, tent/bivy/plastic tarp.


A digicam with what qualities? Special considerations? (Like batteries, etc.)

http://www.bdi.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog

Yep, that's cool. I'm not sure the 120 lbs. capacity is enough?

water kills. Protect everything from water...everything. It only takes a dunk in a river or sudden downpour to find out what gets destroyed, what washes away, and what little is still dry. Plastic bags, containers, etc are very important. If it can get damaged by water, it must be protected.

Don't rely on gravity to keep things on your pack or in pockets. Use closers, straps, etc to physically attach things you want to keep in the event of an upset of one sort or another. Pockets that do not close are not safe for storage.

Now that's great advice.

Thanks Shay,

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

i'm going in this June.:wink me and Ziggy were debating stuff to take and i need advice... thus this thread.:thumb

Daniel,

I'm really hoping you and Doug start a dialog here in this thread, before and after. It's all about learning and sharing.

I'm kinda hoping for more first-person testimonials of what worked vs what didn't work or wasn't needed.

There's a million stories out there.

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

i am considering a trip to the Kimberly region of NW Aust

the plan is to have luxuries and comforts in the car, with a tent.

then a swag with camera pack ,light food and water for planned over- nights or walks which could end up that way.

a swag is a foam rubber bedroll with a hoop supporting a little canvas and mosquito net roof-there are other names for them.

my gear fits into a lowepro micro trekker II-it could be attached to the back of a large camping rucksack,but i think i prefer something smaller for the food and utensils in conjunct6ion with the camera pack.the swag could strap to the top of the microtrekker.

i carry a canon 20d,400,300,200 SMC Takumars,60mm macro , 50mm ,macro gear and tripod.

after a few hiking trips which had me overloaded and exhausted ,and now with photographic gear,i think light.

interesting discussion!

Greg,

Sounds fascinating. I love how you still use older photography technology along with new.

Do you have any images of your setup or links to the specialized stuff?

Thanks,

ziggy53

[Shay Stephens]

Must be one o' them "city" folks, huh? You would think so wouldn't you hehehe. Actually I spent my youth in hard core hiking from fully loaded, to dangerously lacking. I guess you could say I am burned out on it and avoid it whenever possible :rofl

A digicam with what qualities? Special considerations? (Like batteries, etc.) I have hiked using an SLR slung over my pack frame to a pocket digicam. The distance you will hike will determine what equipment you take. I would not feel bad taking any modern digicam on a hike and most should last a good week with just a spare battery change or two. You will need to have some cleaning methods with you for the camera lens and something for the sensor if taking an SLR.

But I would rather take more food than more camera equipment. It's hard to enjoy life when you are tired and hungry :wink.

And bring a pillow. Nothing ruins a nights sleep like not having your head supported properly.

Depending on how often you hike, bring moleskin and put it on at the first and slightest hint of blister.

I just visited the Campmor store in New Jersey for the first time on Monday. Sweet store, and huge. Kind of like the big REI stores but a little less formal. Leaning more toward the A16 store in San Diego but without A16's atmosphere.

Yep, that's cool. I'm not sure the 120 lbs. capacity is enough? How big of a pack can you carry?!?! :rofl

[David_S85]

How big of a pack can you carry?!?! :rofl

As for me, my limit is 11 or 12 pounds tops. But I'm small, weak and old. :rolleyes

[photodoug]

Daniel,

I'm really hoping you and Doug start a dialog here in this thread, before and after. It's all about learning and sharing.

I'm kinda hoping for more first-person testimonials of what worked vs what didn't work or wasn't needed.

There's a million stories out there.

ziggy53
My advice is to not forget things. My own experience on my last major hike was that my camera was safe and warm....in my driveway. I was hours away and not able to return for it. So, no shots. I really regretted it...but less now that I'm planning a return trip to the same location...with family members in tow. They've heard the stories and are willing to come along. It's the Trinity Alps in California....high mountains west of Redding, CA. Destination are mountain lakes high at the peaks.

So, a checklist....derive it from the conversations here. Make it dummy-proof so you don't repeat my bonehead mistake. Man, I can recall the exact moment setting my camera bag down to help a buddy lift his pack into the truck.

I think I'd insist on a tripod. Need that help to make photos as sharp as possible. I strap at least a mini pod to my bag at all times. It was mentioned to add a tripod screw to the top of the hiking staff...I'll get to that one! you can always tie a string to your camera and let the end drop to the ground...step on it and pull the string tight...poorest man's monopod. At least it eliminates vertical movement.

I hear Philmont will be 50-80 miles in two weeks. That's not a bad pace, but I don't want "spare parts" to make it a drudge. Need to have lots of energy for activities. Us old men need so much more than boys. New Mexico should be quite toasty in July. I'll scale all of my gear down in size. I'll choose this time to take what I calculate I'll need and not extra. Making the effort to conserve while on the trail will be my concern.

Oh yea, not using the digital display on the camera will greatly conserve my power too.

Tomorrow it's a 10 miler through the redwoods and and the rain with the troop. Tomorrow night is a cub pack crossover ceremony. I don't mind these many years of work for the scouts...my trooper will be soon to discover women-folk and rock-and-roll.

Think I'll subscribe to this thread.

[DanielB]

i've got a monopod, but my biggest thing is what should i take... and should i even take my camera?:dunno i really wanna take it, i think i could get some sweet photos. but at what risk? it'll be 67 miles in 11 days, where am i gonna put it? the monopod can work as a walking stick, i supposed i could just leave my camear there, or keep it slung around my neck. but then should i take any spare lenses? or just buy a 17-40 and keep it on there with a protective filter. i'll probably buy a couple more batteries to keep. so i'll end up just having the camera, 17-40, and about 5 batteries. :dunno i have yet to go out and buy all of my camping gear i'll need. so i guess i'll be able to figure weight into the equation once i get my stuff, and then i'll decide if i have enough room even to take it. plastic bags will be a must to keep my stuff in when not using it to fend off water. and i'll be sure to get a bag that has a rain-fly.

this will be my first major hiking/camping trip. am i missing anything? oh yeah, and we can't tie anything to the trees or else we get fined i think 200 dollars. but we have to hang bear-bags, which i guarrantee my camera will be in every night. about 4 years ago we had a kid that had cheetos in his tent and a bear came up in the night and gave him a couple swipes across the face/behind the ear.:uhoh i think it came to 140 stitches.

[Jamoke]

oh yeah, and we can't tie anything to the trees or else we get fined i think 200 dollars. but we have to hang bear-bags, which i guarrantee my camera will be in every night.
Since you mentioned bears... Once up by Mammoth mountain, I was backpacking, and we were advised not to use trees. So we found a 25 foot cliff, and a big rock at the top. We counterweighted all of our bags, and slung them over the cliff during the night. And around midnight a bear found a piece of fruitcake or something in one of the hikers bags. It was his day bag, so he had it just outside his tent. The bear tore open the bag, and munched on the bread - but woke a few of us up. Who in turn woke up our whole camp. We then gathered, and were startled at the sound of pots and pans falling to the floor below the cliff. We ran over, and fended off the bear (Throwing rocks and yelling) While I wouldn't advise this it saved our bags / food.

The bear had climbed up about 5 feet up the cliff, and took a swipe at some of the bags, ripping them open and knocking their contents down. We returned to sleep around 3:00 am, and were again woken up at 4:00 to the sound of more pans hitting the floor. We went to the bottom of the cliff, but didn't see anything - not even our bags. The bear had pulled them up from the top of the cliff - and ripped the remainder of them open, and had finished off almost an entire jar of jelly. (Irrisistable to him)

Anyway - long story short - I wouldn't keep my camera next to my food. Especially if I new bears were probable or a possibility. If the bear is determined enough, he'll get to the food and possibly damage your camera. Additionally - I woulud have wanted a camera to snap a picture if I had dared (Again not advised... but just a thought)

[DanielB]

yeah... i just don't want my camera to attract any bears since i'm almost positive i've probably gotten food on is at some point. or sugar. or something that would appease a bear. but maybe a ziplock bag would eliminate the odor:dunno

[Jamoke]

yeah... i just don't want my camera to attract any bears since i'm almost positive i've probably gotten food on is at some point. or sugar. or something that would appease a bear. but maybe a ziplock bag would eliminate the odor
The bread and the Jam were both in zip lock bags....:dunno But a camera isn't Jam!
Myabe just wipe it down really well...

[R Johns]

Add, Compass or breadcrums... :D

[DanielB]

Add, Compass or breadcrums...

or maybe i should just avoid the house made out of candy.:dunno





:lol3

[ziggy53]

You would think so wouldn't you hehehe. Actually I spent my youth in hard core hiking from fully loaded, to dangerously lacking. I guess you could say I am burned out on it and avoid it whenever possible :rofl

I have hiked using an SLR slung over my pack frame to a pocket digicam. The distance you will hike will determine what equipment you take. I would not feel bad taking any modern digicam on a hike and most should last a good week with just a spare battery change or two. You will need to have some cleaning methods with you for the camera lens and something for the sensor if taking an SLR.

But I would rather take more food than more camera equipment. It's hard to enjoy life when you are tired and hungry :wink.

And bring a pillow. Nothing ruins a nights sleep like not having your head supported properly.

Depending on how often you hike, bring moleskin and put it on at the first and slightest hint of blister.

I just visited the Campmor store in New Jersey for the first time on Monday. Sweet store, and huge. Kind of like the big REI stores but a little less formal. Leaning more toward the A16 store in San Diego but without A16's atmosphere.

How big of a pack can you carry?!?! :rofl

Thanks Shay! Lotsa good stuff here.

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

As for me, my limit is 11 or 12 pounds tops. But I'm small, weak and old. :rolleyes

Hi David,

I hear you. I've had 2 heart attacks (angioplasty with 2 stents and then open-heart last Oct.), a stroke, got hit by a car while I was crossing the street (broken leg), and some fairly bad back problems.

My true backpacking days are probably over, but I still do limited hiking and walking.

I'm sooo glad for the modern technologies available to lighten the load nowadays.

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

My advice is to not forget things. My own experience on my last major hike was that my camera was safe and warm....in my driveway. I was hours away and not able to return for it. So, no shots. I really regretted it...but less now that I'm planning a return trip to the same location...with family members in tow. They've heard the stories and are willing to come along. It's the Trinity Alps in California....high mountains west of Redding, CA. Destination are mountain lakes high at the peaks.

So, a checklist....derive it from the conversations here. Make it dummy-proof so you don't repeat my bonehead mistake. Man, I can recall the exact moment setting my camera bag down to help a buddy lift his pack into the truck.

I think I'd insist on a tripod. Need that help to make photos as sharp as possible. I strap at least a mini pod to my bag at all times. It was mentioned to add a tripod screw to the top of the hiking staff...I'll get to that one! you can always tie a string to your camera and let the end drop to the ground...step on it and pull the string tight...poorest man's monopod. At least it eliminates vertical movement.

I hear Philmont will be 50-80 miles in two weeks. That's not a bad pace, but I don't want "spare parts" to make it a drudge. Need to have lots of energy for activities. Us old men need so much more than boys. New Mexico should be quite toasty in July. I'll scale all of my gear down in size. I'll choose this time to take what I calculate I'll need and not extra. Making the effort to conserve while on the trail will be my concern.

Oh yea, not using the digital display on the camera will greatly conserve my power too.

Tomorrow it's a 10 miler through the redwoods and and the rain with the troop. Tomorrow night is a cub pack crossover ceremony. I don't mind these many years of work for the scouts...my trooper will be soon to discover women-folk and rock-and-roll.

Think I'll subscribe to this thread.

Doug,

Great story. Great advice.

[ziggy53]

i've got a monopod, but my biggest thing is what should i take... and should i even take my camera?:dunno i really wanna take it, i think i could get some sweet photos. but at what risk? it'll be 67 miles in 11 days, where am i gonna put it? the monopod can work as a walking stick, i supposed i could just leave my camear there, or keep it slung around my neck. but then should i take any spare lenses? or just buy a 17-40 and keep it on there with a protective filter. i'll probably buy a couple more batteries to keep. so i'll end up just having the camera, 17-40, and about 5 batteries. :dunno i have yet to go out and buy all of my camping gear i'll need. so i guess i'll be able to figure weight into the equation once i get my stuff, and then i'll decide if i have enough room even to take it. plastic bags will be a must to keep my stuff in when not using it to fend off water. and i'll be sure to get a bag that has a rain-fly.

this will be my first major hiking/camping trip. am i missing anything? oh yeah, and we can't tie anything to the trees or else we get fined i think 200 dollars. but we have to hang bear-bags, which i guarrantee my camera will be in every night. about 4 years ago we had a kid that had cheetos in his tent and a bear came up in the night and gave him a couple swipes across the face/behind the ear.:uhoh i think it came to 140 stitches.

Daniel,

I guess you are the only one to make the decision about taking your camera. You have to balance the actual purpose of the trip and what you "need" to accomplish, with what you "want" to do.

11 days without an electrical outlet could be a major problem for instance. How many spare batteries would be required and could you depend on them to go the distance?

If it were me, I would do some "tuneup" hikes. Maybe a day or two to help determine what's practical and do-able. You might find your wishes considerably changed after something like that.

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

Since you mentioned bears... Once up by Mammoth mountain, I was backpacking, and we were advised not to use trees. So we found a 25 foot cliff, and a big rock at the top. We counterweighted all of our bags, and slung them over the cliff during the night. And around midnight a bear found a piece of fruitcake or something in one of the hikers bags. It was his day bag, so he had it just outside his tent. The bear tore open the bag, and munched on the bread - but woke a few of us up. Who in turn woke up our whole camp. We then gathered, and were startled at the sound of pots and pans falling to the floor below the cliff. We ran over, and fended off the bear (Throwing rocks and yelling) While I wouldn't advise this it saved our bags / food.

The bear had climbed up about 5 feet up the cliff, and took a swipe at some of the bags, ripping them open and knocking their contents down. We returned to sleep around 3:00 am, and were again woken up at 4:00 to the sound of more pans hitting the floor. We went to the bottom of the cliff, but didn't see anything - not even our bags. The bear had pulled them up from the top of the cliff - and ripped the remainder of them open, and had finished off almost an entire jar of jelly. (Irrisistable to him)

Anyway - long story short - I wouldn't keep my camera next to my food. Especially if I new bears were probable or a possibility. If the bear is determined enough, he'll get to the food and possibly damage your camera. Additionally - I woulud have wanted a camera to snap a picture if I had dared (Again not advised... but just a thought)

Jamoke,

Great story, and I'm glad it had a (mostly) happy ending. Good advice.

I used to solo out in the Rockies. I always went in the winter, partly because of the bears. They might come out in the winter, but they're kinda sluggish and I never had a problem.

My personal weather record was -15F, 70 mile-an-hour winds, at around 12,000 feet or so, in a two-man 5x7 tent. I got caught in the first storm of the season, and underestimated it's fury. It was pretty dang stupid and I'm lucky to be alive. I had good equipment, and that made the difference.

ziggy53

[R Johns]

Ziggy wrote,

I've had 2 heart attacks (angioplasty with 2 stents and then open-heart last Oct.), a stroke, got hit by a car while I was crossing the street (broken leg), and some fairly bad back problems.
Wow! Might want to stay home and use a webcam...

Seriously, I haven't had heart trouble, but my back is in pretty bad shape, and I've some other health concerns that keep me from straying too far from home, as well. I definetly understand your concern. It's amazing how much 10-15lbs can feel like, after a few miles.

My suggestion might balk a few people, but in your case, a digicam like the Fuji S9000 might serve you very well. It's light, has a 28mm to 300mm zoom range, and accepts filters. Also, DXO just added the camera to its line-up of supported digicams (meaning you need not worry about lens distortion, CA and fringing)

I say keep it light, but definetly go for it!

Take care and good luck...

Russ

[ziggy53]

yeah... i just don't want my camera to attract any bears since i'm almost positive i've probably gotten food on is at some point. or sugar. or something that would appease a bear. but maybe a ziplock bag would eliminate the odor:dunno

One "trick" that works pretty well for raccoons, dogs and cats, is to use an actual pepper-mill to fresh grind some black pepper and sprinkle it around the camp, especially near the food provisions. That smell is fairly strong to most animals, but not so much to people. (Sometimes you can hear the 'coons "sneezing" in the night.)

The commercial previous-ground pepper isn't odoriferous enough to work. It has to be fresh ground.

Never tried it on bears, and I don't think I'd recommend it either.

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

yeah... i just don't want my camera to attract any bears since i'm almost positive i've probably gotten food on is at some point. or sugar. or something that would appease a bear. but maybe a ziplock bag would eliminate the odor:dunno

The plastics used in regular ziplocks allow some odor to permeate. Freezer type ziplocks seem to work much better, but not the ones with the plastic "zipper". Try it yourself with sliced onion.

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

Wow! Might want to stay home and use a webcam...

Seriously, I haven't had heart trouble, but my back is in pretty bad shape, and I've some other health concerns that keep me from straying too far from home, as well. I definetly understand your concern. It's amazing how much 10-15lbs can feel like, after a few miles.

My suggestion might balk a few people, but in your case, a digicam like the Fuji S9000 might serve you very well. It's light, has a 28mm to 300mm zoom range, and accepts filters. Also, DXO just added the camera to its line-up of supported digicams (meaning you need not worry about lens distortion, CA and fringing)

I say keep it light, but definetly go for it!

Take care and good luck...

Russ

Russ,

When I do a one to three day trip with the Scouts, I usually take my Minolta A2. It has IS and works pretty well in low-light, although I sometimes have to manual focus.

I'm not sure that I could trust it for an extended outing.

I also have an old film 35mm rangefinder, that is manual everything and no batteries. I have used that in some pretty wierd circumstances, and I know it'll probably work just about anywhere in anything. I only have a 50mm lens for it, although it can use interchangeable lenses.

I'm wondering if something like that might be more preferable for an 11 day outing like Daniel's? Maybe less is more?

ziggy53

[photodoug]

i've got a monopod, but my biggest thing is what should i take... and should i even take my camera?:dunno i really wanna take it, i think i could get some sweet photos. but at what risk? it'll be 67 miles in 11 days, where am i gonna put it? the monopod can work as a walking stick, i supposed i could just leave my camear there, or keep it slung around my neck. but then should i take any spare lenses? or just buy a 17-40 and keep it on there with a protective filter. i'll probably buy a couple more batteries to keep. so i'll end up just having the camera, 17-40, and about 5 batteries. :dunno i have yet to go out and buy all of my camping gear i'll need. so i guess i'll be able to figure weight into the equation once i get my stuff, and then i'll decide if i have enough room even to take it. plastic bags will be a must to keep my stuff in when not using it to fend off water. and i'll be sure to get a bag that has a rain-fly.

this will be my first major hiking/camping trip. am i missing anything? oh yeah, and we can't tie anything to the trees or else we get fined i think 200 dollars. but we have to hang bear-bags, which i guarrantee my camera will be in every night. about 4 years ago we had a kid that had cheetos in his tent and a bear came up in the night and gave him a couple swipes across the face/behind the ear.:uhoh i think it came to 140 stitches.
Consider sharing a tent with a buddy: that'll cut your tent weight by 1/2. Bring a good rain poncho and use it as your tarp under your tent at night...saving you the weight of a separate tarp. Small camping pillow is worth it's weight and more. Inflatable, expensive sleeping pad is probably worth it too. A bad night's sleep is just not worth it. External frame pack only. No bungie cords, nothing strapped to and hanging from the outside of your pack. Everything needs to be tight and secure. A bouncing or floppy load isn't comfortable.

No food near your sleeping area, ever. Cooking/eating area far from your tent also. Washing and all other things far from your tent also. Just keep all the scents away from your tent area. Chapstick. Bug spray. Floppy brimmed hat. Sunglasses and sunscreen. Emergency mirror. Whistle.

Take my advice, if you don't take a camera you'll regret it for a long time. Memories rock though, so don't spend too much time taking shots. Take this time to be in the moment and have fun with your hiking buddies.

oh yea, don't forget toilet paper. baby wipes are an excellent treat also!!:thumb

[ziggy53]

Here's the link to a world traveller and photographer, Martin Wierzbicki. He has some interesting shots, but he talkes about his equipment:

http://photosbymartin.com/faq.htm

Nice shots here:

http://photosbymartin.com/north_america/california_ansel_adams_wilderness_hiking_pictures.htm

Of couse, Ansel Adams didn't do anything very compact, and he travelled the High Sierras. Then again, he had a different agenda.

[BigAl]

Ziggy, when I still hiked (film slr days), I built a harness which clipped onto the straps of my backpack, which in turn clipped on to my camera bag. With this, I could get to any lens, film etc without taking off my backpack. A disadvantage of this of course, was on difficult climbs when the camera bag had to be put in the backpack.

[ziggy53]

Consider sharing a tent with a buddy: that'll cut your tent weight by 1/2. Bring a good rain poncho and use it as your tarp under your tent at night...saving you the weight of a separate tarp. Small camping pillow is worth it's weight and more. Inflatable, expensive sleeping pad is probably worth it too. A bad night's sleep is just not worth it. External frame pack only. No bungie cords, nothing strapped to and hanging from the outside of your pack. Everything needs to be tight and secure. A bouncing or floppy load isn't comfortable.

No food near your sleeping area, ever. Cooking/eating area far from your tent also. Washing and all other things far from your tent also. Just keep all the scents away from your tent area. Chapstick. Bug spray. Floppy brimmed hat. Sunglasses and sunscreen. Emergency mirror. Whistle.

Take my advice, if you don't take a camera you'll regret it for a long time. Memories rock though, so don't spend too much time taking shots. Take this time to be in the moment and have fun with your hiking buddies.

oh yea, don't forget toilet paper. baby wipes are an excellent treat also!!:thumb

Doug,

Great ideas. Thanks,

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

Ziggy, when I still hiked (film slr days), I built a harness which clipped onto the straps of my backpack, which in turn clipped on to my camera bag. With this, I could get to any lens, film etc without taking off my backpack. A disadvantage of this of course, was on difficult climbs when the camera bag had to be put in the backpack.

Thanks BigAl.

There are all sorts of harnesses you can buy, of course. Like you, I'd rather improvise or DIY something, tailor made for my purpose.

I'm having a tough time trying to visualize what you made. Can you describe a little differently how it worked?

ziggy53

[Sam]

Seems like there is a lot of good advice here. I think number 1, 2, and 3 is a GOOD pair of boots! Number 4, and 5 is a GOOD pair of broken in boots. Number 6, and 7 are a couple of GOOD pairs of socks. Sometimes, one very thin pair and one thick pair.

Take a few test hikes with ALL the gear you plan to take, and I mean ALL.

OH yea, don't forget the mountain gold. :D

Sam

[photodoug]

Seems like there is a lot of good advice here. I think number 1, 2, and 3 is a GOOD pair of boots! Number 4, and 5 is a GOOD pair of broken in boots. Number 6, and 7 are a couple of GOOD pairs of socks. Sometimes, one very thin pair and one thick pair.

Take a few test hikes with ALL the gear you plan to take, and I mean ALL.

OH yea, don't forget the mountain gold. :D

Sam

oh yea! take a bit of moleskin along. poorman takes duct tape.

[BigAl]

I'm having a tough time trying to visualize what you made. Can you describe a little differently how it worked?I'll see if I can find a pic of me carrying it (unfortunately, one seldom has pics of oneself). It's not too easy to describe without a drawing, and I don't have the harness anymore either. I used a top-loading camera bag with the zip opening at my belly (to stop stuff falling out). The harness hooked onto the camera bag's shoulder strap loops and from there hooked onto loops on the front of my backpack shoulder straps. I also had a stabilizing strap from the harness around the camera bag which clipped onto the hip belt of the backpack. (The camera bag also made a very nice table top for my bineys).

I carried a 500mm mirror lens and a 28-70mm zoom lens and a Kenko 2x macro converter with a Minolta X-700 body, which gave me a fairly wide spread in focal lengths at not too much cost in weight.

[ziggy53]

... a couple of GOOD pairs of socks. Sometimes, one very thin pair and one thick pair.

Sam,

Very good advice. I always tell the Scouts to wear 2 pair when hiking, one thin nylon sock near the skin, and a thicker sock on top. The socks rub each other instead of your foot, and the incidence of blisters is much less. There is nothing like having to walk on blistered feet, 'tis true torture. (Wicking socks work better than plain nylon dress socks, but can cost much more.)

Our Scouts walk the Lincoln Pilgrimage every year, and I think my son has walked 4 of them. 21 miles, 5 brief stops, 1 day. A hilly trail for about the first fifth of the way, hilly twisty roads for the rest. It's either hot or cool, and rainy or dry. A lot of Troops use it as a tuneup and test for Philmont and other trips. I see a few people that carry full backpacks the full distance.

I usually run the "sag wagon" with the food and first aid stuff. I patrol the road portion and "volunteer" as needed, for our Troop and any others. Last year, Sue walked the first leg with the boys, and then we both walked a couple of "first-year" Scouts the last couple of miles to the end.

Two pairs of socks made all the difference in the world.

Thanks,

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

oh yea! take a bit of moleskin along. poorman takes duct tape.

Duct tape and maleable wire and nylon cord are our friends! :D

[ziggy53]

... I carried a 500mm mirror lens and a 28-70mm zoom lens and a Kenko 2x macro converter with a Minolta X-700 body, which gave me a fairly wide spread in focal lengths at not too much cost in weight.

Sounds like an interesting kit!

Thanks,

ziggy53

[Sam]

One thing I thought of today, was I have a camera backpack, but when day hiking I normally carry the camera in my hand, but I also have a holster type camera bag clipped to the front of the backpack harness, so I f I need my hands free to climb all I need to do is slip it in the holster and sip it shut. Fast and easy. This might work for you on longer hikes where it would be too tiring to carry it your hand all day, or day after day.

Sam

[ziggy53]

One thing I thought of today, was I have a camera backpack, but when day hiking I normally carry the camera in my hand, but I also have a holster type camera bag clipped to the front of the backpack harness, so I f I need my hands free to climb all I need to do is slip it in the holster and sip it shut. Fast and easy. This might work for you on longer hikes where it would be too tiring to carry it your hand all day, or day after day.

Sam

Sam,

That sounds awfully interesting. Do you have a link to further information or purchase?

Thanks,

ziggy53

[Sam]

Sam,

That sounds awfully interesting. Do you have a link to further information or purchase?

Thanks,

ziggy53

Ziggy,

It's not really a purchased system. The holster style camera bag has round metal rings sewn into the bag for the neck / shoulder strap to hook into. You can leave the strap conected, or remove it. You just need 2 caribeaners (sp) (metal kidney shaped hooks with a spring loaded section to clip onto the ring). If you need it I can try to take a photo. Just let me know.

Sam

[Jamoke]

Here's the link to a world traveller and photographer, Martin Wierzbicki. He has some interesting shots, but he talkes about his equipment:

Nice shots here:

http://photosbymartin.com/north_america/california_ansel_adams_wilderness_hiking_pictures.htm

Of couse, Ansel Adams didn't do anything very compact, and he travelled the High Sierras. Then again, he had a different agenda.

Holy Crap!!! Seriously I was at Thousand Island lake when the bear visited us. There's pictures on that site. I've all but planned a trip back there looking for pictures of that area. - Thanks for the link.

[ziggy53]

Ziggy,

It's not really a purchased system. The holster style camera bag has round metal rings sewn into the bag for the neck / shoulder strap to hook into. You can leave the strap conected, or remove it. You just need 2 caribeaners (sp) (metal kidney shaped hooks with a spring loaded section to clip onto the ring). If you need it I can try to take a photo. Just let me know.

Sam

I have 2 camera holster bags, but all they have are a single belt loop on the back. It sounds like you have something better, at least better for this application.

I'll have a look around.

Thanks,

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

Holy Crap!!! Seriously I was at Thousand Island lake when the bear visited us. There's pictures on that site. I've all but planned a trip back there looking for pictures of that area. - Thanks for the link.

Sounds and looks like a great place to go, except for the bear stuff, that is. Keep us posted.

Thanks,

ziggy53

[StevenV]

i'm going [to Philmont] in this June.:wink me and Ziggy were debating stuff to take and i need advice... thus this thread.:thumb

Have fun. I'm a Sea Base (http://miltonsports.smugmug.com/Sailing) guy myself, though my older son loved Philmont.

[arroyoshark]

i've got a monopod, but my biggest thing is what should i take... and should i even take my camera?:dunno i really wanna take it, i think i could get some sweet photos. but at what risk? it'll be 67 miles in 11 days, where am i gonna put it? the monopod can work as a walking stick, i supposed i could just leave my camear there, or keep it slung around my neck. but then should i take any spare lenses? or just buy a 17-40 and keep it on there with a protective filter. i'll probably buy a couple more batteries to keep. so i'll end up just having the camera, 17-40, and about 5 batteries. :dunno i have yet to go out and buy all of my camping gear i'll need. so i guess i'll be able to figure weight into the equation once i get my stuff, and then i'll decide if i have enough room even to take it. plastic bags will be a must to keep my stuff in when not using it to fend off water. and i'll be sure to get a bag that has a rain-fly.

this will be my first major hiking/camping trip. am i missing anything? oh yeah, and we can't tie anything to the trees or else we get fined i think 200 dollars. but we have to hang bear-bags, which i guarrantee my camera will be in every night. about 4 years ago we had a kid that had cheetos in his tent and a bear came up in the night and gave him a couple swipes across the face/behind the ear.:uhoh i think it came to 140 stitches.


Hi Daniel,

I came here kind of late to the discussion, but....

Guy, you are going to have some great adventure out here at Philmont. I went when I was 14, hiked it from north (Ponil) to south (hogback and fish camp). Could be a life-changing experience...it was for me (I moved to NM, have hunted elk in upper Ponil Canon). I didn't even have a 35mm slr back in the 1960's...I used a Kodak 126 format camera and shot slides. Still great memories....and slightly faded slides.

As a young fellow, I know you don't have a lot of budget for alternate cameras, so be it. One thing to remember, tho, and I'm sure your leaders must be prepping you for this, is that you are living in Kansas (around 1000'?) and will be immediately heading to the wilderness at 7,500-9.500'. That is going to be a shock on your system for a few days. You will notice every pound you carry on your back, or around your neck, as if it were 10 pounds. That's something to think about as you are packing all your stuff. In addition to your personal stuff, you will also pack water, some part of your shelter (tent) and some of the group food. Depending on exactly when you will be there the weather will be both hot and at times rainy. Expect to get soaked a couple of times. Leaders like everyone to hike in a group...so it can be difficult to stop and set up a shot, with tripod, lens breakout and such at every opportunity. Based upon my experience as both a scouter, and a leader, at Philomont, I suggest you set up your photo kit as a hand-held camera and take a lens you can leave on your camera for most of time. The spectacular scenery of Philmont favors wide angles, except if you find wildlife, on the ground or in the air, but you need to compromise somewhere. For low light, or group shots, try a small cloth bag ,you can fill with sand or gravel on the spot, and place on rock or stump to support camera. Pack an ample supply of memory cards, plus some spare batteries. Some nights will be out in the wilderness, but several stops will be at base camps, and they will have power, so you could recharge batteries if you need to. Just need to determine which is heavier and more bulky to pack...chargers or more batteries.

Any way you cut it tho, Daniel, your camera kit should be more on minimal side. When you get to Philmont and go through orientation, they will counsel scouters to leave anything one might be able to live without at headquarters simply to cut down on weight. Many of the trails are steep, rocky or loose and slippery in places. You will fall on your ass a couple of times, but you won't want to fall on your DSLR.

If it were in the budget, my recommendation would be to take a nice P&S digital w/zoom that I could stuff in my chest pocket or such. In my fantasy, it would either be a Canon S70, because of the wider angle lens and that it shoots in Camera Raw, or maybe a Fuji E900, because it shoots RAW and uses AA batteries (rechargeable or lith-ion disposable (which are likely available for sale at base camps)).

buenas suerte, amigo! :thumb

[ziggy53]

Arroyoshark,

Great advice and explanation.

Thanks,

ziggy53

[ziggy53]

I found this about the unprovoked bear attack at Philmont in 1997:

http://w4.lns.cornell.edu/~seb/philmont-bear.html

[arroyoshark]

Philmont Bears.....?

Coupla summers ago, in August, I was driving across Philmont up Ponil Canyon (north of Cimarron), towards the Elliot Barker Wildlife area, for a little pre-season scouting. Within about a 1/2 mile of the Ponil base camp, I came across a foraging bear near the trail road. All I had at the time was a disposable camera, but was able to quietly approach to within 60-70 feet and observe for a few minutes.

Not the best wildlife image, but here is the poor hot mangy bear:

[arroyoshark]

Philmont bear....

Here is another image of the same bear:

[arroyoshark]

Philmont bear...

The Ponil base camp was closed the summer of '02, due to previous year forest fire that swept through some of Philmont, particularly the Ponil canyon area.

This changed wildlife habits in the area also. Here is the south side of Ponil Canyon in Philmont. This is typical Philmont terrain, tho...up and down. :lol3

[DanielB]

Have fun. I'm a Sea Base (http://miltonsports.smugmug.com/Sailing) guy myself, though my older son loved Philmont.

they're doing sea base next year.... but i can't afford it if i'm doing Philmont too....


i think if i take my camera it'll be batteries, camera. and 17-40. thats it. plus maybe the charger and a bunch of cards.:thumb would 17=27 on 10D be wide enough for most of my stuff? or should i go get a 12-24 for the trip, then be done with it and get the 17-40:dunno i think i'd take a monopod. not tripod. Philmont sounds like a great place....

[DanielB]

hopefully theres a little more green when i go up there:wink

[Jamoke]

they're doing sea base next year.... but i can't afford it if i'm doing Philmont too....


i think if i take my camera it'll be batteries, camera. and 17-40. thats it. plus maybe the charger and a bunch of cards.:thumb would 17=27 on 10D be wide enough for most of my stuff? or should i go get a 12-24 for the trip, then be done with it and get the 17-40:dunno i think i'd take a monopod. not tripod. Philmont sounds like a great place....
I'd buy a slighly used 12-24 Sigma that just went to Phillmont. (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=31306)

My suggestion (FWIW):

For the Trip - Canon 10D, 28-105, Sigma 12-24
Sell me the 12-24 (http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=15443f2b9d10ba4/shopdata/0020_Lenses/0010_Zoom/0020_Wide+Zoom/product_details.shopscript?article=0060_Sigma%2B12-24mm%2Bf%3D26slash%3D3B4%3D252E5-5%3D252E6%2BEX%2BDG%2BAspherical%2BHSM%2Bfor%2BCanon%2BAF%2B%3D28SG1224F45CA%3D29), and buy your 17-40 4L not an ovation celebrity :uhoh or both.

Canon 10D - 1.742 lbs
28-105 - 0.82 lbs
Sigma 12-24 - 1.356 lbs

Total - 3.918 lbs

Doesn't sound like a lot - but after about 20 miles it'll start to feel like 10 lbs, and after 40 miles it will feel like 20 lbs. But I think it's the smartest 4 lbs a photographer could take.

3 1/2 lbs boat (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062L59W/002-9139984-4649624?v=glance&n=3375251)
Just get a light tent (http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet/index.cfm?fa=products.showDetail&sku=400102662203)
Or pick a light sleeping bag (http://www.backpacking.net/gearbag-chart.html)


12-24 = 19-38 on 10D

[arroyoshark]

(http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=31306)....

Canon 10D - 1.742 lbs
28-105 - 0.82 lbs
Sigma 12-24 - 1.356 lbs

Total - 3.918 lbs

Doesn't sound like a lot - but after about 20 miles it'll start to feel like 10 lbs, and after 40 miles it will feel like 20 lbs. But I think it's the smartest 4 lbs a photographer could take.



Guess I cannot debate that your recommended kit is not the smartest 4 lbs. a photographer could take. But....it is my opinion that it is not the smartest 4 lbs. a philmont backpacker could take.

Scouters backpacks will likely weigh in at around 35+ lbs, with pack & frame, personal stuff and group stuff, plus water. It stays fun if you keep pack weight at a level a scouter can carry all day.

If its going to be a DSLR in the kit, then I'd take just one lens that I would leave on the camera all the time. That way you can keep weight down and dust off the sensor. I think I would opt to buy the Sigma 17-70mm digital zoom for this trip, rather than the Canon 17-40mm. All reports I can find indicate its a sharp lens, weighs only 16 oz. and costs 1/2 the 17-40mm. It covers, what I believe, the most useful range for Philmont in one lens.

I like the idea of securing a camera to both shoulder straps to keep it from swinging. There is nothing so irritating as a camera or binocular banging against your chest as you hike rugged terrain. Also a swinging camera is going to slam a lot of rock outcrop along the trail out here. Wait till you take out the horses, which seem to know which side your camera is on, and which aim to brush you into a tree or outcrop on that side. I would not take a tripod or even a monopod...you will tire of carrying it. Maybe one of theos ultralight table top tripods that fold flat would work....easy to set up on boulder.

After Philmont, then one could sell the Sigma 17-70mm and get the Canon 17-40mm. Or...one might discover it a most effective travel lens.

I kinda think that it is important to remember Philmont is an outdoor high adventure experience first of all. A camera is great to record the experience and sights, but it is not really a photo safari where the emphasis is on taking lots and lots of photographs.

[DanielB]

i agree... but i've yet to see a review on the Sigma 17-70:dunno

[arroyoshark]

i agree... but i've yet to see a review on the Sigma 17-70:dunno




Try:

www.ephotomagazine.com/tests/ (http://www.ephotomagazine.com/tests/)

www.photozine.de/8Reviews/ (http://www.photozine.de/8Reviews/)

www.pbase.com (http://www.pbase.com) (this site has lots of posted photos with various lenses)


Also Popular Photography magazine reviewed the lens in most current issue.

Hope that helps

[DanielB]

update:

End of July... Trek 13...Philmont Scout Reservation.

oiy. this is going to be a hot-one. but we chose a trek with enough free time so i'll be able to get some shaweeet photos.:click...i think a 4 gig is in order.

[StevenV]

Backpacking Light.com article:
Boy Scout Gear List: Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, Summer (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/boy_scout_gear_list_philmont.html)
Philmont Guidebook to Adventure: "Remember, the key to successful backpacking is to go lightly."

[arroyoshark]

Backpacking Light.com article: Boy Scout Gear List: Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico, Summer (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/boy_scout_gear_list_philmont.html)
Philmont Guidebook to Adventure: "Remember, the key to successful backpacking is to go lightly."





That's a pretty good and informative article. A scouter is pretty much going to carry a 30 lb. back pack. Could be a bit more too.

The Philimont experience is so much more high tech these days. Used to be scouters would pick up a felt cowboy hat in Cimarron on their way to headquarters...now it's a Dorf-hat. But a hat of anykind is a necessity.

One area that I disagree with in the article is choice of fill for sleeping bags. I believe a scouter is better served with a light weight 25-degree synthetic filled mummy bag. Kelty makes an excellent one for around $75-80 that packs not much larger than a down bag. The sythetic bags dry quicker and when wet will still insulate. Down is all gone if it gets wet. July in New Mexico is "monsoon" season. Plan for one or two 10-20 minute rainstorms each day.

Philmont tents and cook gear are heavier than high tech stuff, but it still won't be a deal-breaker.

Having seperate sleeping clothes that never get near food odors is right on.

A ultra-lite therma-rest inflatable pad trumps a folding rigid foam pad by along shot. Just be sure to also take a tube of seam sealer, especially if you decide to use a tent without a floor.

Preparing your body for the trek is also right on. My son and I already live at 7000', but took many long walks, including some with loaded backpack, before the trek.

[jaysonmc]

Just some suggestions from my personal experiences.

Day Hiking:
Domke Shoulder Bag
D200
35mm f2 Prime
20mm f2.8 Prime
Lens cloth and cleaning solution

Trekking Poles - Convert one into a mono pod using some velcro and a tripod head mount

Lens Caps - Put velcro on lens cap and bottom of the camera so you can stick it real quick.

Backpacking
Keep main gear around ~30lbs
Hang D200 from neck. Stick in bag for serious climbing
35mm f2 Prime
20mm f2.8 Prime
Lens cloth and cleaning solution

I recently hiked 22 miles round trip on a backpacking excursion. Did not have any issues.

[dups41]

And bring a pillow. Nothing ruins a nights sleep like not having your head supported properly.



:roflQuoted for truth!

Easy to forget before a trip. Easy to remember when a sleeping bag stuff sack with a jacket inside is making sleep difficult after a day spent covering too many miles.

[ysr612]

I have done Philmont twice and one trip was the hardest they offered (+ a side hike over baldy) the other was a nice 86 mile walk. both trips the lightest pack was 42# heaviest was 51#.

I took a Minolta weathermatic and a disposable pan camara. Mostly you will be shooting wide angle. It will not be too cold (lows low 50 high 40) you may be in the snow in Jul.

it depends on your group in both of our groups we redistributed the wgt to make things fair. One they just blanced needed items the other they did full packs ie.(camp chairs exct.)

if I did it again. I would try to split the photo tools among the group. lots of memory and a photo voltic charger.

these are what I got just scanned in and nothing else.

http://ysr612.smugmug.com/gallery/1452989

[maljo]

I take a D2X + 12-24 zoom + 105 macro
and a Gitzo carbon tripod

If you're expecting wildlife (Alaska or Yellowstone)
add an 300 f4 or 80-400 zoom.

keep it as light as possible but bring what you're
likely to need.

maljo

Nikon D2X + 12-24 zoom + tripod backpacking:
http://homepage.mac.com/jmallery/.Pictures/HalfDome/rainbow%20falls%20flowers.jpg

[DanielB]

i'm thinking just have like a 1 gig and 2 2gig memory cards, my 3 batteries. and a battery charger for when we hit camps maybe:dunno , anyways. have all that in a ziplock bag inside a ziplock bag. then keep my 10D and 17-40 inside a toploader bag that i can keep around me that won't be too heavy...:dunno i'm using an exterior frame back pack BTW, so i could just tie it on there i suppose.:dunno

[gtc]

also think about a photographers vest with lens pockets etc-you may be able to get away without needing a separate camera pack that way-although a small lowepro ,say the micro trekker 11 ,will attach to your larger hiking pack.

a vest though is useful for day walks away from camp as it allows you to change lenses faster than having to go into a pack

[DanielB]

also think about a photographers vest with lens pockets etc-you may be able to get away without needing a separate camera pack that way-although a small lowepro ,say the micro trekker 11 ,will attach to your larger hiking pack.

a vest though is useful for day walks away from camp as it allows you to change lenses faster than having to go into a pack

only taking the 1 lens. i'm not too much for taking my 70-200 on the trip...


BTW, heres my trek i'm doing
http://www.danyoder.com/philmont/trek.asp?trek=11 should be fun:wink looks like some great photo-ops of the valleys.

[vangogh]

If camping from a vehicle, bring what you can fit in the car. If you are lugging junk on your back, take as little as possible

Worst regret...hiking. If I only had...not hiked. I could have...driven :wink

digicam, snickers, water bottles, matches, map, flashlight, sunglasses, hat, walking stick, knife, tent/bivy/plastic tarp.


http://www.bdi.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog

water kills. Protect everything from water...everything. It only takes a dunk in a river or sudden downpour to find out what gets destroyed, what washes away, and what little is still dry. Plastic bags, containers, etc are very important. If it can get damaged by water, it must be protected.

Don't rely on gravity to keep things on your pack or in pockets. Use closers, straps, etc to physically attach things you want to keep in the event of an upset of one sort or another. Pockets that do not close are not safe for storage.

Plastic bin bags to lie on so your clothes don't get wet. Siwss Army knife or similar to cut things that have got aught on wire etc or to fish bits of of things if necessary. Mobile phone & charged battery to call for the Light Brigade. Extra lens cloths, you bound to get spot of rain on the lens. Suntan cream.

[StevenV]

Plastic bin bags ...

clear plastic bags, if you can at all find them. way too many people in our troop have used rubbish bags to keep stuff dry - and way too many other people have been 'helpful' taking the trash to the dumpster when they leave the campsite. you can imagine the outcome.

[DanielB]

okay, i leave on tuesday evening. got any last advice? i'm just gonna take my 10D and 17-40 in a toploader i'll strap around my waist.

thanks and i'll be sure to post photos for when i get back:thumb

Daniel

Philmont here i come.

[wxwax]

Take a pint of the good stuff.

[DanielB]

Take a pint of the good stuff.
:lol3

sid, this is a Boy scout camp... but i'll make that suggestion to the adults going.

[Lord Barthok Soc]

okay, i leave on tuesday evening. got any last advice? i'm just gonna take my 10D and 17-40 in a toploader i'll strap around my waist.

thanks and i'll be sure to post photos for when i get back:thumb

Daniel

Philmont here i come.

I envy you.

Well, as you've decided on your camera equipment (good choice IMO, doesn't look like the sort of trip you'll be wanting a lot of gear for) I'll just give general advice :thumb

Make sure that toploader is strong enough to take lots of hard knocks without damage to your camera, waterproof (don't ever trust just one layer of waterproofing/ziplocks etc) and tight against you. You don't want it bouncing around as you walk, or putting too much strain on you.

Also, you make no mention of who exactly you'll be hiking with. Security may be a factor to consider...I know I wouldn't want to leave my camera outside my tent.

Not sure how much you've already been told, but for general camping/hiking, the advice on well worn-in boots (or even trainers) and two pairs of socks is very true. This is not the time to break in new boots! I've seen people sorely regret trying to do that, as the results were invariably bloody... Keeping your shoes done up as tight as possible will also help prevent sore feet.

In addition, make sure you take as many changes of socks as you can, wash your feet regularly and use talcom powder, especially between the toes. Sweaty/wet skin will rub, soften and blister. This doesn't just apply to feet, so make sure you're soaking up the sweat around waistbands/shoulder straps etc.

Bug spray, wet wipes (for easily refreshing those sweaty areas) and liquid antibacterial gel soap that doesn't require water (for the hands before meals/first aid) and a multitool/knife are handy things to take along, take up little space and make your life so much more comfortable. Toilet paper you never want to forget. Some people's bowels don't take kindly to the change in diet when they go camping, so, yeah..... :uhoh

[arroyoshark]

okay, i leave on tuesday evening. got any last advice? i'm just gonna take my 10D and 17-40 in a toploader i'll strap around my waist.

thanks and i'll be sure to post photos for when i get back:thumb

Daniel

Philmont here i come.


He should be having a good trip. Finally, we have been having a couple of weeks of daily rains in NM...some have been real soakers. In fact in fanta se, its fixing to rain again shortly. Most of the National Forests have re-opened with only stage 1 restrictions (campfires at improved campsites in established firerings). This should have a positive effect in keeping dust at bay. Hope he took a plastic bag to put his camera in.

[DanielB]

Also, you make no mention of who exactly you'll be hiking with. Security may be a factor to consider...I know I wouldn't want to leave my camera outside my tent.

i don't have a worry about that, i've known all the people i'm going with and the dads since i was a Tiger Cub *kindergarden* and they respect my photograhy passion. oh, and good deal! i'm Crew leader so i get to plan how far we walk and when we stop on what i want. so that means i can take photo breaks as often as needed:clap

Not sure how much you've already been told, but for general camping/hiking, the advice on well worn-in boots (or even trainers) and two pairs of socks is very true. This is not the time to break in new boots! I've seen people sorely regret trying to do that, as the results were invariably bloody... Keeping your shoes done up as tight as possible will also help prevent sore feet.

In addition, make sure you take as many changes of socks as you can, wash your feet regularly and use talcom powder, especially between the toes. Sweaty/wet skin will rub, soften and blister. This doesn't just apply to feet, so make sure you're soaking up the sweat around waistbands/shoulder straps etc.

:nod i've got ultra thick padded socks, broken in hiking boots, and sock liners.

[DanielB]

He should be having a good trip. Finally, we have been having a couple of weeks of daily rains in NM...some have been real soakers. In fact in fanta se, its fixing to rain again shortly. Most of the National Forests have re-opened with only stage 1 restrictions (campfires at improved campsites in established firerings). This should have a positive effect in keeping dust at bay. Hope he took a plastic bag to put his camera in.

haven't left yet:wink lol. but we'll be getting there Wed. morning and heading out on thursday. i guess theres gonna be some bad rain those days so we'll have to deal with that. but i'm really looking forward to this and i can't wait to get on the trail.

[arroyoshark]

You'll do fine. The mountains and canyons can be spectacular in moody weather.

[ian408]

Daniel,

NM will be great. I was there for a few minutes a couple of weeks ago (ok,
maybe seconds--however long it took to transit that corner of the Four
Corners Monument :D). Any how, we rode motorcycles. The rain offered
a cool change from the heat of the day. We were only held up once on the
trip by rain--and that was for an hour while a thunderstorm passed through.

Seriously. The rain will be a welcome respit from the heat. Not to mention
the T-storms you'll likely get to see as well as the wonderful light both before
and after the storm.

Have a great time and be sure to bring back lots of pictures.

Ian

[ziggy53]

i don't have a worry about that, i've known all the people i'm going with and the dads since i was a Tiger Cub *kindergarden* and they respect my photograhy passion. oh, and good deal! i'm Crew leader so i get to plan how far we walk and when we stop on what i want. so that means i can take photo breaks as often as needed:clap



:nod i've got ultra thick padded socks, broken in hiking boots, and sock liners.

Daniel,

Just take care of yourself. This is a wonderful opportunity for lots of amazing and memorable things, but safety is still paramount.

I recommend 2 socks while hiking, one thin pair next your foot, and the thick pair over that. It greatly reduces blisters having sock rub against sock, instead of your feet constantly rubbing. You also get more days out of the thick socks. Just alternate between days to give the "off" pair a breather. (Ideally, the thin sock should be a "wicking" type, but nylon dress socks work pretty well.)

I hope you get tons of images, but it's the experience that matters most. Have fun and be safe.

Later,

ziggy53

[DanielB]

last time i'll be on probably till i get back. talk to you guys later and look for me in the Journey's section when i get back:wink

adios, i'm off to new mexico!:jose

Daniel

[ian408]

last time i'll be on probably till i get back. talk to you guys later and look for me in the Journey's section when i get back:wink

adios, i'm off to new mexico!:jose

Daniel

Hasta La Vista Baby! Have a great time and be safe.

Ian

[DanielB]

here (http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=355514#post355514) she is:lust

[dbd]

In all the discussions of gear to carry, I've missed the item I've always found most useful: the sherpa.

Note in this image that my tripod is tied to the top of Rich's pack. It was only his 17th annual Mt. Whitney dayhike and my 31st so he had junior status.

http://dbdimages.smugmug.com/photos/82879407-L.jpg

As to why the tripod, while some of my panoramas, such as the above work OK handheld, some need a lot more stability. See below:

http://dbdimages.smugmug.com/photos/82879275-L.jpg
and
http://dbdimages.smugmug.com/photos/84434955-L.jpg

Try these at 'O' size

Dale Dalrymple
dbdimages.smugmug.com

[ltdesignphotovideo]

I'm an avid hiker but I haven't been out for very long, a matter of a few days. As far as clothes, that depends on how long you're gone, where you're going and what time of year it is.

For a week of hiking I take:

one pair of warm clothes

3 or 4 pair of seasonal clothes (ex. shorts and tees) I usually do my hiking in spring and fall, it's cooler here in North Carolina during those times.

one pair of boots (water proof or water resistant)

water bottle (you determine the size)

plenty of socks

a tent

sleeping pad

sleeping bag or blanket (usually a blanket works for me)

some small cans of food

dried food (jerky is a wonderful thing)

and of course,

Camera Gear (camera, lenses, memory cards, batteries)

I don't take a tripod or monopod but that's personal choice. I find I can ly on the ground or lean against a tree to get the stability I want.

All this depends on how "primitive" you want to be. Vehicle access also determines what else I take. Think minimal when you go hiking. Last time I was hiking I had about 35 pounds of gear.

Also, gear balance is important. If your pack isn't balanced it will make the trip awful. Unbalanced equipment sucks on long hikes.

Pain is the name of the game. If you don't like pain, don't go hiking.

On a final note, Tamrac has the new adventure series of camera bags. They are pretty affordable. The bottom half is for camera gear and the top is for clothing, etc..... www.tamrac.com

B & H Photo also has something called "The Pod" that is basically a bean bag with a tripod screw in it that you can use as an alternative to the tripod. They have 3 different sizes.

[richmoffitt]

Seems a few people here are fans of the TLZ series of bags, and actually I was looking for an all weather verison of one at a few stores and couldn't find them (out of stock). So, I had to look for an alternative.

I settled on a Lowepro Apex 140 AW (http://lowepro.com/Products/Shoulder_Bags/allWeather/Apex_140_AW.aspx). With 2 small carabiners I was able to secure it to the chest straps of my backpack. Has anyone else tried this out? It seems pretty comfy for now, though I haven't gone on a long hike with it yet.

It will go with me on a 4 day hike along the Appalachian Trail to Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

[Art Scott]

I am a fan of the Lowe Pro 75AW (http://lowepro.com/Products/Toploading/allWeather/Toploader_75_AW.aspx), works as a belt pack, chest pack or back pack......I use 2 of them on a military pistorl belst with the accompanying pistol belt suspenders.....works great.

[richmoffitt]

Well, I returned from the AT hiking trip and I feel pretty good! I brought:

In the Lowepro Apex 140AW:
- Nikon D50
- Nikkor 18-70mm F/3.5-4.5G ED
- Nikkor 50mm F/1.8 D

In a standalone lens case:
- Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 APO

This was all strapped to a Gregory Z 55 backpack, which has nylon loops along the shoulder straps and a belt strap (along with a ton of other straps).

In retrospect, I didn't use the prime lens very much and probably didn't need to bring it (but I got some nice plant photos with it). Can't really change lenses while walking, so I mostly used the 18-70mm. The 70-300 was occasionally useful, but I never seemed to be able to swap lenses fast enough before my targets of interest (animals) escaped from view.

The major downside I ran into was shoulder fatigue. The Apex case is comfy, but the few pounds were still enough to put pressure on my shoulders. The other downside was that I started to tear one of the loops on my pack, so now I need to do a sewing job.

All in all, I think it turned out nicely. I had a couple of close encounters sliding down rock faces, but the rubberized case took hits well. After about 20 miles of hiking, I think I'll try to reduce pack weight a little more and maybe stick to one or two lenses.

[Marc Muench]

For what its worth, the standard 5000 cubic inch backpack, used for most overnight backcountry adventures, weighs in at around 12 lbs. Here (http://www.wildthingsgear.com/specandinista.html) is a 3 lb 9 oz pack with 5500 ci of space. I figured this saved me about the weight of my camera equipment when trudging through the woods for multi day trips.

Yes it is made for climbing and is therefore one stuff sack. But I cramed all my camera gear in a lightweight daypack which I load on the very top of the sack for easy access. The best part is that now I have a camera bag for working out of while in the field :ivar

[anwmn1]

For what its worth, the standard 5000 cubic inch backpack, used for most overnight backcountry adventures, weighs in at around 12 lbs. Here (http://www.wildthingsgear.com/specandinista.html) is a 3 lb 9 oz pack with 5500 ci of space. I figured this saved me about the weight of my camera equipment when trudging through the woods for multi day trips.

Yes it is made for climbing and is therefore one stuff sack. But I cramed all my camera gear in a lightweight daypack which I load on the very top of the sack for easy access. The best part is that now I have a camera bag for working out of while in the field :ivar

I am looking at doing something similar but useing a belt harness system with sliplock accessories.

http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Belts_and_Harnesses/harness/S_and_F_Vest_Harness.aspx

Idea is I can toss all the components in the large stuff sack while hiking then assemble as much or as little for actual shooting once I set up a base. Since components are slip lock or have rings I can also attach to the shoulder straps or belt to allow access to a couple of items while hiking.

This system would also be usefull at sporting events or any photojournalism work.

[richmoffitt]

I should have noted more clearly before -- my goal was to have the camera accessible without removing the backpack. I secured the camera bag to my chest by suspending it from the shoulder straps.

Marc, that pack is HUGE. 90 liters?? Good for a long multiday hike, I suppose. How do you like it for shorter trips?

[Prezwoodz]

Heya! I am suprised I didnt see this post earlier. ;) I have taken lots of trips recenctly and have used 3 totally different cameras. The trips have been between 5 months and 10 days. So I hope i can give a bit of an idea what to bring if you are on a long trip where everything you own will be on your back. ;)

Digicam vs dSLR vs SLR film vs rangefinder? (For hiking and camping context.)
Film to me on a long trip is much to annoying. Not to mention that if you are on a long trip normally you need all the money you can get. If you are on a budget buy an Ipod and get the camera picture downloading extension. Just load all your pictures onto it as you go and you wont need to spend all the money on film. Also carrying all that film you will have to worry about it in some contries as they may not have safe xray machines. I normally bring my laptop which is a real heavy one. If you have the money get a nice small sony or dell, one of the new ones where its basically just a tiny computer but you can load photoshop or the like. It is great to be able to edit your pictures on downtime. Digicams are really nice to have since they are easy to carry, if you get a small one, and when you go from a big pack to a smaller pack for easy day trips its nice to have room for food and water. I am currently backpacking and have brought a one person tent, sleeping bag, some climbing gear, and a very small amount of clothes. My bag weighs 30 kilo's when I add my laptop and camera so its not to heavy but you don't want to walk around all day with it. If you axed out the climbing gear it would probably be and extra 4 kilos or so for more lenses or equipment. Either way the lighter the better and I only have about 3 shirts 1 pant and 2 shorts plus some socks. Its hard to decide what you bring if you are travelling as such. I brought a photo book from National Geographic and havnt read it once. I also have a tiny little tripod which is about 3 inchs long and a monopod. The monopod has not helped me much sicne you cant use it as a walking stick so I don't bring it much. If you are going to be hiking definatly get one of these you will not regret it :
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/310,98114_Komperdell-Anti-Shock-Guide-Trekking-Pole-Single.html

Also my pack is an 80 Liter pack and packed completly full with my tent on the outside when all is said and done. But I am a big guy so my clothes and stuff takes up lots of space.

Your worst regret? If I only had ? I could have ?
I only had a little money so I bought a Canon 20D. That was my best buy and I am completly happy with it. My worst regret is that I didnt have the money for a good lense or that I didnt buy another one that is better then the kit lens. It really is a crappy lens. Also I wish I had a larger range. Bringing only up to 55mm is not good. When I had the point and shoot cams I regretted not having the quailty associated with a really nice camera. It is something that when you see something incredible you will be happy you had a camera but sad you know it wont be the quailty you want it to be.

Gear on a budget? (If I only had a couple hundred to spend)
Buy something used. For trekking its nice because you know its not brand new and you don't baby it as much (usually). Get extra batteries instead of the large battery grips. The are often heavier and larger anyway and having small batteries is a bonus. I only have two and have not yet had a problem. If you are on a budget get a small card or two (a few gigs) and bring along a laptop. If you have an ipod spend $30 on the adapter and save on buying large amounts of space. If you are completly short on money a lot of internet shops will have cd's that you can buy and burn along your journey. This even works often in foreign countries as I have seen cd's for sale in Thailand, Scotland, Costa Rica, Italy, Swiss, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain. Also instead of buying an expensive camera case get one that is water resistant and a waist belt. I bought one that has been my only case and It has worked great in all kinds of conditions including rain and hiking around waterfalls.
This is the updated version of the one I bought.
http://www.bentgate.com/auiicalupaby.html
Pelican cases are to big and bulky to carry around in my backpack, they take up a lot of space for a single camera. Plus I only have one lens and its on the camera. If you have a big lens it wont fit on the camera and into the case. It is also a waist strap so it works great for climbing and going on treks you wont want to remove your backpack on.

Gear on deep pockets? (If I had an alomost unlimited budget, but don't want my back killing me at the eand of the day.)
Big super comfy backpack from Osprey or Gregory. Spend the money on a good backpack with the support for an extended expedition. They know what they are doing and when you buy a backpack meant for walking around town in you will suffer. Buy atleast two lenses one long and one short. Get a fisheye as well. Great stuff in the outdoors can be done with a fisheye and thats another regret of something I dont have.

The importance of weather/water proof gear and equipment?
Honestly I havent had to put to much thought into it. I have probably just been lucky but I don't pull my camera out all the time in the rain and the Moutain Smith case I have is partially waterproof so it works really well. Its had plenty of water on it. Plus my backpack is water resistant as well. Mainly I just air it out when i get a chance and I am good to go.


Hope some of this information helps. :)

[Marc Muench]

Marc, that pack is HUGE. 90 liters?? Good for a long multiday hike, I suppose. How do you like it for shorter trips?[/quote]

I use it for just about every overnight venture! There are certainly diff methods ideal for each length of time one spends in the woods, but I prefer to keep my systems simple. For example, by using this pack only, I am able to permanently keep many small necessary items in the pack. This allows me to be able to grab that one pack, stuff food camera gear and cloths in and I am ready, no more wandering around my house wondering what I am going to forget this time :scratch

The Epson viewer is one piece of equipment that has become a must for me, it also provides entertainment during the evening hours:wink Cigar is optional.

http://muenchphotography.smugmug.com/photos/174758690-S.jpg

This fella brought a necessity he called "little johnny" for using during the evening in the tent when his bladder filled. BTW he was a urologist!

http://muenchphotography.smugmug.com/photos/174758704-M.jpg

[Prezwoodz]

Marc, that pack is HUGE. 90 liters?? Good for a long multiday hike, I suppose. How do you like it for shorter trips?
I use it for just about every overnight venture! There are certainly diff methods ideal for each length of time one spends in the woods, but I prefer to keep my systems simple. For example, by using this pack only, I am able to permanently keep many small necessary items in the pack. This allows me to be able to grab that one pack, stuff food camera gear and cloths in and I am ready, no more wandering around my house wondering what I am going to forget this time :scratch

The Epson viewer is one piece of equipment that has become a must for me, it also provides entertainment during the evening hours:wink Cigar is optional.



This fella brought a necessity he called "little johnny" for using during the evening in the tent when his bladder filled. BTW he was a urologist!

[/quote]

That is certianly a nice looking pack! Its always amazing to me how camping for 3 or 4 days takes almost as much stuff as camping for one day. It never seems as though my bag is less full! A large pack certiantly comes in handy. When I think about it the amount of stuff you bring really is not that much different.

1 night:
tent
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
food
water
clothes
Camera

3 nights
tent
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
more food
water filtration system
maybe a few extra clothes.
Camera

Start packing that with climbing gear and my backs already complaining!

[The Wild Eye]

If you KNOW the weather will be nice (NO RAIN OR SNOW) I like to leave the tent in the car and just take my sleeping bag. There is NOTHING BETTER THAN SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS!! Take lots of water and take only the lenses you must have (less is more) and digital is best....that way you don't have to carry all that film around!

I hope this helps and wasn't as vague as all the rest!!

[Nikolai]

...that way you don't have to carry all that film around! ...
What in the name of god is film? Do you use it as the rain cover? :scratch Or a fire starter? :wink

[jdryan3]

What in the name of god is film? Do you use it as the rain cover? :scratch Or a fire starter? :wink

It's what he wraps himself in for the sleeping bag :thumb