What Camera Gear to Pack for a Hike (2023)

If you’re traveling to a new place, it’s hard to know what equipment you’ll need. What if you plan on hiking up mountains? Or maybe kayaking around a lake? Will your camera survive those conditions? The truth is that no matter where you’re going or what activities you plan on doing, there are certain accessories that will be useful for every trip. If you want to get the most out of your adventure, here are some essential items for packing along with your camera:

Hiking / Camera Bags

Your bag is going to be your most important piece of gear, so you’ll want to make sure it’s comfortable and sturdy. If a bag is too heavy, or doesn’t fit well on your body, then it won’t be able to serve its purpose. You should be still able to moving freely, and not be limited in how far you can walk.

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The first thing you should look for in a good bag is that it’s waterproof. The last thing you want is your gear to be ruined during your trek. Especially when travelling through mountainous areas, weather conditions can be quite unpredictable. While there are some lightweight raincoats available for sale online (like this one), they’re not always feasible when considering how much stuff you need to carry around with yourself at all times during trekking trips like these ones where everything needs room in order not only survive but thrive through whatever challenges may come up along the way!

Cleaning Kits

Cleaning kits are a must-have for anyone who wants to keep their equipment in good shape. When trekking, it’s important that you have a kit that is easy to carry and can clean the lenses of all your different types of cameras.

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There are many different cleaning kits available, but these are three that we would recommend:

  • LensPen Cleaner Kit (The LensPen Cleaner is designed specifically for camera lenses)
  • Kombi Kit (The Kombi Kit comes with everything you need to clean almost any type of lens)
  • Nano Cloth (This microfiber cloth works great on all types of surfaces)

Tripod

A tripod is very useful for shooting in low light conditions, like shooting at night or in the shade of the forest. It’s also great for time-lapse photography and panoramas, which are both common subjects on any trek. Depending on the length of your trek, it may not be a necessity as you do need to factor in how much weight you want to carry, but if possible definitely a handy addition.

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Spare batteries and chargers

The best way to ensure that your camera is ready for the day is to carry at least one spare battery. Keeping your batteries fresh will ensure that you don’t miss any important shots!

Also remember to bring chargers and cables if possible. A portable charge can be super important if you don’t have access to electricity.

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Spare memory cards

  • Spare memory cards

I can’t say it enough: don’t forget to pack extra memory cards. You don’t want to be caught up in the middle of nowhere without any way of getting photos off your camera, or with a ton of great photos that you can’t store or share. A spare 16 GB SD Card is just $10 on Amazon, so there’s no excuse not to have an extra one along for the ride. I recommend two—one for backup and another that you can use freely during your trip without worrying about filling up all your storage space too quickly.

  • USB cable

You’ll also want to make sure you have a USB cable with which to connect your camera directly into a computer so that you can do things like transfer photos from one device onto another (and back). If nothing else, this is good practice so that none of those pictures get lost forever in some unknown digital abyss somewhere between devices!

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Lens Filter

  • UV Filter: This is a must-have for any photographer. It protects your lens from scratches and dust, which could damage the lens if you accidentally knock it against something while trekking. It also keeps the lens clean so that you can get good shots without worrying about smudges getting in the way, and it helps to reduce flare when shooting directly into bright lights.
  • ND Filter: A Neutral Density filter reduces light coming into the camera so that you can use slower shutter speeds than usual when shooting handheld or in low-light situations like twilight or sunrise/sunset. For example, if your camera can only be hand held with shutter speeds up to 1/60th of a second (or 1/30th on some higher-end cameras), adding an ND filter would allow you to shoot at slower speeds like 2 seconds while still keeping everything sharp due to being able to use such slow shutter speeds without having any movement blur caused by shaky hands! That’s why we recommend packing one in addition to your UV filter – having both will give options for different types of photography conditions encountered during travel adventures!

Cleaning Cloth

  • A microfiber cleaning cloth
  • Use it to wipe away dust on your lens. This is the most important tool, so make sure you pack a soft one that won’t scratch the glass. Some people use their shirts as a cleaning cloth, but that can be problematic because shirts tend to have lint on them and can leave dust particles behind when you wipe down your camera gear.

Paper towels are also out—they can leave scratches along the length of your lens if you’re not careful with them!

Telephoto Lens/ Wide Angle Lens and Flexible Tripods(useful for panorama shots) for DSLRs

  • A telephoto lens is great for taking pictures of subjects that are further away or to make them appear closer. You will be able to capture a landscape or wildlife in the distance, for example.
  • A wide-angle lens is useful if you are taking photos of things close up, such as flowers and monuments. The wider angle means that more of the scene can fit into your picture, which helps give it a more dramatic effect (for example, making an imposing mountain look like it’s towering over you).
  • A tripod is also useful for taking panorama shots—you can click over a long sequence with one shot (usually about 10-15 seconds) and then combine those photos together using software later on to create one massive image!

You may not need all the equipment listed. Only pack what you need and what you can carry comfortably.

  • You may not need all the equipment listed. Only pack what you need and what you can carry comfortably.
  • You can buy things along the way, or rent them at your destination.
  • If you have friends or family traveling with you, see if they have any of the items that are on your list that they’d be willing to loan out for a few days.

Conclusion

Now you know the camera gear to pack for a trek! Make sure that you don’t go overboard with the amount of equipment you bring because it can get really heavy. The best thing to do is find out what kind of photography you plan to do and make sure that your camera bag has enough space for what you need along with extra battery power. You never know when there will be an emergency or something unexpected could happen on your trip so always keep an extra set of batteries just in case.

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FAQs

How do you pack a camera for hiking? ›

Camera Holster/Bag Attached to Pack Straps

You simply attach the camera holster to your backpack straps instead of wearing it around your neck. Think Tank makes straps specifically for this purpose. Carabiners would also work well enough. Leave the holster unzipped and you'll have quick access to your camera.

What gear should I buy for hiking? ›

These items should be on your hiking checklist:
  • Hiking backpack.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
  • Hiking boots or shoes.
  • Plenty of food.
  • Plenty of water.
  • Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Knife or multi-tool.

What would be a good digital camera to purchase and bring on your hiking trip? ›

The best cameras for hiking in 2023
  • Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. The best all-around camera for hiking, a highly capable mirrorless shooter. ...
  • Panasonic Lumix FZ2500. An all-in-one hiking camera with a powerful zoom lens. ...
  • DJI Pocket 2. ...
  • Olympus Tough TG-6. ...
  • GoPro Hero11 Black. ...
  • Sony A7 II. ...
  • Insta360 Go 2. ...
  • GoPro Max.
Jan 11, 2023

What type of digital camera would be best for taking on a hike or camping backpacking trip? ›

Most hikers find that they need a camera with speedy performance, and the Sony RX100 VII delivers just that. It has a BIONZ X processor and 20.1-megapixel sensor that produces superior image quality with speed. It also has a quick autofocus feature that allows you to take pictures quickly on the trail.

How do you travel with a lot of camera gear? ›

Table of Contents
  1. Use Padded Cases.
  2. Shoulder Bag.
  3. Carry Your Gear In Your Hand Luggage.
  4. Hide or Remove Camera Branding.
  5. Shoot on Film.
  6. Wire Camera Strap.
  7. Clean Your Camera Daily.
  8. Use Multiple Memory Cards.

Which 4 essential items do you need when hiking? ›

What equipment do you need?
  • Two different pairs of shoes: a pair of strong and waterproof hiking shoes, and a lighter pair (sneakers or sandals)
  • Rain and windproof jacket and pants.
  • Sun cream.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Hat or cap.
Jun 17, 2018

Which 4 essential items do you need when hiking *? ›

Updated Ten Essential Systems
  • Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger. ...
  • Headlamp: plus extra batteries. ...
  • Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen. ...
  • First aid including foot care and insect repellent (as needed) ...
  • Knife plus a gear repair kit.

What lens is best for hiking? ›

Best set of lenses to take on hikes?
  • The two-lens option: 1457g (total including a7c body) Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G (or some other wide angle option like the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8) ...
  • The three-lens lightweight option: 1594g. Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G. ...
  • The three-lens longer reach option: 2184g. Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G.
Mar 14, 2021

What is the best camera bundle for beginners? ›

What is the best camera for beginners? Walmart's Canon EOS 250D bundle is ZDNET's top choice for its excellent value, and it includes everything you need to get started.

What is the best action camera for hiking? ›

Best Action Cameras 2023 | Our Favourites
  • GoPro Hero 10.
  • GoPro Hero 9.
  • Insta360 One RS 1-Inch Edition.
  • DJI Action 2.
  • Akaso Brave 8.
  • Insta360 Go 2.
  • GoPro Max.
  • DJI Pocket 2.
Nov 9, 2022

Is A GoPro good for hiking? ›

GoPro cameras are perfect for hikers – they are lightweight, waterproof (and shockproof – you know you'll drop it) and shoot in 4K video.

What is the most convenient digital camera to take on a backpacking trip? ›

When picking the best travel camera, we're focusing on portability, and the dinky but mighty Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is one of the best portable cameras around. Not only does it have an incredibly lightweight body, with tactile dial-led controls, but it also uses the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Is it worth getting a camera for travel? ›

Buying a real, quality camera for travel is a big investment. While cameras today are more affordable than ever, they still cost a good amount of money. Travelers – especially budget travelers – may be inclined to forego purchasing a real camera for a trip, opting instead to use their phone camera.

How do you pack camera gear in a backpack? ›

Extra Hacks

If you have toiletries or a water bottle in your bag, consider using plastic ziplock bags to protect things further. Simply slide the lense or body inside, seal it closed and voila. Protection against liquidy mishaps.

What should I pack in my camera bag? ›

10 Important Things to Keep in Your Camera Bag
  1. Spare Batteries and Memory Cards. ...
  2. Multitool. ...
  3. Lens Cleaning Wipes. ...
  4. LED Head Torch. ...
  5. Map & Compass. ...
  6. Tripod. ...
  7. Waterproof Notebook. ...
  8. Binoculars.

Can I use any bag as a camera bag? ›

All you really need to make your own camera bag is a good quality, padded camera bag insert AND a bag that is large enough to fit the insert that also has durable straps for carrying heavier items.

Should you bring a camera on a hike? ›

Hiking with a camera is all about easy access. After all, the point of having it on you while you're traveling, hiking, or on your next outdoor adventure is being able to capture the moment and document experiences as they come.

How do you pack a camera without a camera bag? ›

If you don't have a camera bag but want a safe way of taking your camera on a plane, I'd recommend going with a camera cube. This will allow you to snugly store your camera equipment inside a standard backpack and will keep your gear secure without sacrificing much in terms of safety.

How do I protect my camera in my backpack? ›

Tips To Safely Pack Camera Equipment In A Backpack
  1. Keep Your Lens Caps On. ...
  2. Make Sure Your Equipment Doesn't Shift Around. ...
  3. Store Loose Accessories In Zipper Pockets. ...
  4. Keep Your Equipment In Separate Compartments. ...
  5. Don't Overfill Your Bag.

Videos

1. Packing Video Gear For A Hike | Hiking Gear
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2. Best Way to Carry Your Camera While Hiking: SOLVED!!
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3. Ultimate Guide to Backpacking(Trekking) with Photography Gear ( Equipment List Included )
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4. Backpacking Saddle Bags: Easy Access to Camera Gear While Hiking
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5. LIGHTWEIGHT Camera Gear I Use For HIKING
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6. DIY Ultralight DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Carry System For Hiking & Backpacking
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