Equipment I use for hiking
I often get asked “What’s in my camera/hiking bag?” When venturing into the mountains, the contents of my camera and hiking bag are carefully selected for each hike. Each item serves a purpose, ensuring I am equipped for the ever changing weather conditions, long distance walking, safety in the mountains. From essential camera gear to practical hiking necessities, this is what I typically carry on every mountain expedition. It’s about the importance of staying safe in the mountains when venturing into remote landscapes of the mountains.
Clothing & Footwear
Clothing is one of the most important part of staying warm, dry and safe in the mountains. Here’s how I layer up:
Inner to Outer Layering System
1. Base Layer (Moisture Management): Base layers provide a layer of warmth while, at the same time, absorbing and removing your sweat to keep you comfortable while on the move
Mid-Layer (Insulation) – For mid layer, fleece will always be the best at moisture management
Down Jacket - Synthetic Insulated Jackets – This is the master jacket of keeping your warm in any situation
Outer Layer (Weather Protection):– Waterproof jacket & Waterproof trousers to keep you dry
Footwear:
Gaiters – They are designed to prevent dirt, rocks, and moisture from entering your shoes or trousers while hiking. Essentially, they act as a barrier between your boots and trousers, keeping your feet and lower legs protected and dry
Hiking Socks – There are many types of socks each type of socks have a different use. I use merino waterproof socks
Scarpa Hiking / Trekking Boots – Having the right fit boot is very important and should be a priority for comfort.
Scarpa B2 Mountain Boots ( WINTER ) – a type of mountaineering boot designed for challenging winter conditions and mid-grade climbing, offering a balance of stiffness and flexibility. They are suitable for activities like Scottish winter mountaineering, traversing glacial terrain, and some mixed climbing
Hiking Poles:
Black Diamond Trail Poles - Hiking poles is another important part of adventuring in the mountains, i never go without them, the poles are my best friend. They give me stability, support and help navigating through the mountain terrain.
Backpack
I believe picking the right backpack is the single most important thing you can do before any adventure or trip. This is the piece of gear that will be carrying everything for you. You will live out of it. My bag is divided with dry bags and compartments, keeping everything dry and organised:
Camera Bag / Camping Bag - Shimoda Explore 60 Backpack - Osprey Atmos AG 65
Dry Bag 1 – Space Socks, Spare gloves, warm hat, neck gaiter
Dry Bag 2 – Waterproof trousers & Waterproof jacket
Dry Bag 3 – Down Jacket, Fleece Jacket & Spare clothes
Extra Head Torches – I always bring extra head torches in case one fails or if i loose one
Therm-a-Rest Z Seat – Lightweight padded seat that is small to pack and easy to use on any terrain
Backpack Rain Cover – Essential in heavy downpours
First Aid Kit – My first aid kit has all the essentials needed for emergency’s on the mountains
Survival Shelter – A emergency shelter is one of the kits i use most in bad weather or winter conditions to shelter from the elements
Spare Boot Laces – I never had my laces broken but my friend had and it was a very uncomfortable walk back
Toilet essentials – Nature calls happen to everyone so be prepared ( See link for important information ) www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/health-and-hygiene/outdoor-toileting
Litter Bags – I always carry a waste bag to put all my litter in. It is also very useful to clean up the mountain from any litter being left behind.
Navigation
Hiking in the mountains is a very important part of my life, this means it comes with risks. Navigation is an essential part of mountain safety, without it we would be lost in the most severe weathers and when the sun light doesn’t guide you back. This is why i think it’s important to learn to get back home safely. The map and compass is the most reliable way to navigate through the mountains, by planning carefully your routes and mitigate danger. Technology has improved massively in recent years especially GPS devises and phones, this should never be your main source of navigation but can be powerful used together with map and compass.
What I Use:
Traditional Map and Compass ( Harvey’s Map ) – I always bring a paper map of the area i am hiking in. I study the routes i am walking and really go into detail to create the safest way. ( I always let 2 people know what route i am doing with an detailed explanation and timings )
Garmin GPS - Garmin Watch – This is a great way to stay connected in the most remote corners, it works with no signal and allows me to text or call for emergency rescue if needed.
iPhone (Outdooractive) – I use the Outdooractive app as a back-up map and found it to be a reliable source of navigation. I use harvey’s maps which can be acces by the Outdooractive app.
Camera System
When I started creating photographs 6/7 years ago it felt like a distraction of being connected with the landscape, it took me away from being in the moment. I wanted to connect the two things but how? I want to connect the emotion I felt and the visual storytelling of the world. This is where I started my quest of finding the right camera to connect with and to break free from the tripod that I carry for hours on end hiking.
This is where OM System came in with the ethos ‘Within all of us dwells a wild, curious heart, seeking beauty and meaning in nature.’
It made me realise how important finding the right camera was to connect with the mountains. Weight you carry is vital for the hiking experience and with the incredible camera stabilisation it made me feel free of worries and the tripod. I can press the shutter button without thinking about the right settings. It made me think deeper and connect with what I see.
OM System OM-3 – a powerful and compact weather sealed camera, perfect for the mountains with the incredible in body stabalization. The OM-3 is a M 4/3 camera with a 20 Megapixel Sensor and is designed for robust use, meeting the demands of creative outdoor photographers - from cityscapes to natural landscapes, rain or shine. The OM-3 weighs less than 500 grams while maintaining an IP53-rating. The OM-3 doesn’t compromise on image quality even in its compact size and with the class-leading image stablisation i never need to carry the tripod with me on my hikes and no physical filters with the amazing computational features in the camera like: the in camera ND filters, GND filters, High ress mode 50MP Handheld.
Lenses:
M.Zuiko 8-16mm f/4 Pro – (16-50mm Full Frame equivalent) Wide-angle & Weather sealed, my most used kit. The lens is a compact, lightweight, portable extending ultra wide to standard zoom lens with incredible image quality. The lens is incredible versatile and only 411 Grams
M.zuiko 40-150mm f/4 Pro – (80-300mm Full Frame equivalent) Mid-Telephoto weather sealed lens used for panoramic images and for isolating subjects or distant mountains. The lens produces stunning images with great sharpness, the compact size and the focal range is incredible. The lens is super small and compact at 382 grams.
Two Memory Cards – I never had one fail but i do carry one spare in case.
3x Camera Batteries – I always carry more camera batteries then i need.
1 / 2x Power Banks – I choose the number of power banks i take with me depending on how long the hikes will be,
2 / 3x Microfiber cloth – The best way to keep the camera clean and dry.
Magnetic Circular Polariser – Reduces glare and enhances contrast.
Hiking Thoughts
Hiking through the mountains is an incredible experience and is one that is hard to describe, after all safety is the most important aspect of a fun and adventure filled hike. Preparing your bag for the right terrain and hike making sure you minimise risk makes the experience so much better. Basic navigating knowledge can safe your life in the most difficult situation. Have fun and enjoy the mountains!
