My Photography Kit Recommendations
Hiking and photographing in the Canadian Rockies can be a pretty specialised and sometimes strenuous activity. You’ll most likely be battling some extreme weather and some steep, technical terrain in the hunt for those perfect shots. Over the years I’ve trialed lots of different bags, layers, lenses and accessories to find the best and most useful things for you to bring along with you!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If purchases are made through these links I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you and it helps support what I do! All these products are things I genuinely use and enjoy!
Camera Bags Designed to Hike with
PGYTech OneMo Tactical
A tough, comfortable backpack that holds a lot of gear with fantastic quick entry. You can customise and add extra capacity using the MOLLE carry system. This is my go too bag when shooting wildlife and wanting to keep a long lens attached and at quick access.
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You can see a full review video here!
Lightweight Tripods
Having a tripod that is sturdy, reliable and lightweight is super important in the Canadian Rockies. If you’re hiking and carrying equipment all day you want to find the perfect balance between weight and usability.
Leofoto LS-324C + LH-40 Ball Head
My go to daily driver for a tripod. This isn’t the tallest of the Leofoto ranger series tripods however I find it suits 95% of my needs without being too heavy or too bulky. It’s reliable and takes a beating.
12% Off with code: SIMONENNALS
K and F Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod
Now this little tripod is definitely a compromise but it has served me well and become my go to hiking tripod for longer trips. This thing is small and weighs less than 1 kg whilst still extending to a very decent height. Due to it’s lightweight nature it isn’t the most stable but this is all I brought with me to Berg Lake and other multi-day hikes.
You can see a video review by me here!
Must have accessories
When it comes to photograph we can argue all day over which camera brand is best on any given day however there are a few accessories that I think are an absolute must and make your day a hell of a lot easier!
Free Well M2 Magnetic Filters
Magnetic filters have to be the best thing since sliced bread. I actually use this because they are so easy to use! Simply pop them on and off in a flash and they come in a super nice leather case!
Peak Design Capture Clip
These things are a life saver when hiking and because your camera is close at hand you’ll take more pictures but have your hands free to use poles when you need to!
The PGYTech bags above also have the perfect attachment point
Peak Design Shell Camera Cover
Now this may seem a little silly but in the past I’ve had cameras give up when they’ve been too covered in snow and this helps keep the snow off. It is seldom used but super useful to have in the bag just in case!
Cameras and Lenses
Now of course there are lots of cameras and lots of lenses that will do the job just fine and I go in to more detail on what lenses to bring with you for certain photography locations in my Photography Location Guides. But here are the main cameras I use from lightweight options for longer days and bigger bodies with all the bells and whistles for when I’m feeling a little stronger!
Canon R6
My go to camera when out on a hike is the Canon R6 with 24 to 70 F2.8 Canon L Lens. This combo works for around 90% of what I shoot when out in the rockies and if I’m hiking this is often all I take!
Ricoh GR III
A lightweight but highly capable camera I find myself shooting with more and more nowadays is the Ricoh GR 3. The new version has just come out but the quality is still exceptional with an APSC sensor packed into a tiny body.
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