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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Any tips for taking camera hiking/backpacking?
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 07/01/2005 12:26:48 PM · #1
I'm going to be going backpacking at Big South Fork National Park later this summer and would like to bring my camera along. I was hoping I could get some tips from other photographers who have done similar things.

I know I need batteries and storage media (I'm thinking I'll need some kind of mass storage device rather than loads of memory cards), but I am also wondering about waterproofing (in case of rain or if I fall into a river) and just any suggestions anyone has to offer. Thanks!
 07/01/2005 01:06:12 PM · #2
Just this week I went on a 3 day canoeing/camping trip. Just like backpacking, I would get a water proof bag wither it's raining or not. Condesation can get to your camera as well. See about getting one of these bags.
Dry Bag They come in many sizes. This is just the largest they have on display online. Find something simular. Trust me. Trash bags dont' cut it. I had left my canon 20D at home and took my Rebel instead...water got on it by condensation.

Power supplies..that a tough one. My guess, buy a few extra batteries with you.

Portable storge...again a power issue, if you out in the wilderness....with the money you use to buy a storge device, I would get a 3-4 1 gig cards. They are lighter than carring around a bucky storage device plus its batteries. You probably want to really concider the use of many cards. You must remember you have to haul weight around on your back...a portable mass storage devise adds weight.

I hop this helps.

Message edited by author 2005-07-01 13:09:59.
 07/01/2005 02:46:24 PM · #3
Thanks for the ideas, especially the dry bag. I knew I would want to get something taylored for this purpose rather than making something myself. You said you got condensation on your Rebel... was that with the dry bag or garbage bags?

I'm considering the memory cards, but i haven't ruled out something like the Ipod Photo, because I can get 30gb of storage for the price of 3 1gb memory cards, and I can also take the Ipod on trips that involve civilization as well. The weight is def. an issue though, so maybe I'll either due some extra situps or work some overtime and buy both (leaving the ipod at home for this trip)
 07/01/2005 02:55:43 PM · #4
I just keep a ziplock bag in my camera bag in case something happens. I attach my camera bag to my waist strap on my pack, so if it rains enough where it mught soak through the camera bag I'm probably wearing a rain coat anyway.
When crossing rivers/creeks I be sure not to fall :)

I take a camera with me hiking all the time and have been caught in the rain many times, made hundresds of creek/river crossings and have never had a problem. Just be careful with it and have a good time.
 07/01/2005 03:20:50 PM · #5
Originally posted by jpeters:
Thanks for the ideas, especially the dry bag. I knew I would want to get something taylored for this purpose rather than making something myself. You said you got condensation on your Rebel... was that with the dry bag or garbage bags?

I'm considering the memory cards, but i haven't ruled out something like the Ipod Photo, because I can get 30gb of storage for the price of 3 1gb memory cards, and I can also take the Ipod on trips that involve civilization as well. The weight is def. an issue though, so maybe I'll either due some extra situps or work some overtime and buy both (leaving the ipod at home for this trip)


The condensation issue was with the garbage bags. (that's all I had at the time) A dry bag will much worth it when morning comes around. My rebel is ok, but I wouldn't use anything else that a secured dry bag for long amounts of time outdoors.

I have used a ipod too. When shooting RAW, trasfers are long and drains your ipod power FAST. Also, you have to give up your camera while it down loads for a period of a time. Backbacking perhaps not a problem when there is really not a time issue. Which my experience with the ipod, it takes about 1.5 hours to down load 130 RAW files. It may depend with smaller jpeg files for downloads speeds as well. I shoot with most of the time now. Not sure about jpeg speed. Once you obtain a ipod and you find out that you will need to have extra devices and all its adaptors to have along with you, you'll see. :)

However, the ipod photo comes in handy for shorter trips. I can always plug the thing into my car lighter for tranfers and use my rebel to down load device and still keep on useing my 20D. Again, iphoto is a nice idea, but it need some work before I take it out for longer trips where I'm unable to plug in anywhere.

Message edited by author 2005-07-01 15:22:32.
 07/02/2005 02:14:50 AM · #6
I knew that I would have to take time out to tranfer files, but I didn't think about how much time. Now that you have mentioned this, I may definitely see your point about going with memory cards. Thanks.
 07/02/2005 11:11:58 AM · #7
i dont have any suggestions but i wanted to thank you for the link to the big south fork park. its not too far from me and i love to learn more about the surronding areas. tons of history there from what i can see so far. be sure to post some photos when ya get back. also be sure to visit the old mining camp..sound like a kewl place for some photos:o)
 07/02/2005 11:46:36 AM · #8
Jeff,

If you are going to be truely backpacking (as opposed to carcamping and dayhiking) everything is on your back. The longer you are out, you will learn less is more. For storage, I would carry extra memory cards rather than an iPod - much lighter. If you are considering bringing a tripod, I would reccommend a light one. Lenses are heavy and fragile so bring only ones you know you are likely to use.

Rain is not usually an issue as long as you have a reasonably water resistant pack and a dry tent at night. Zip lock bags are great in the backcountry but get the freezer variety, a little more thickness and durability and no real difference in weight.

As for falling in streams - expensive camera gear is a good reason not to... but carrying it higher in your pack can help you in the waist deep stuff.

Another tip... always have a polarizing filter, it really makes a difference more often than you think.
 07/02/2005 11:59:48 AM · #9
Originally posted by smilebig4me1x:
i dont have any suggestions but i wanted to thank you for the link to the big south fork park. its not too far from me and i love to learn more about the surronding areas. tons of history there from what i can see so far. be sure to post some photos when ya get back. also be sure to visit the old mining camp..sound like a kewl place for some photos:o)


i've backpacked there before, it is a very beautiful place.
 07/02/2005 12:02:44 PM · #10
Originally posted by photodude:
Another tip... always have a polarizing filter, it really makes a difference more often than you think.


Thanks for this tip. I've been meaning to get one for this camera but haven't yet. Do you have any reccomendations on brands?
 07/02/2005 12:09:14 PM · #11
My tip...

Sacrifice yourself before your camera...

:-)
 07/02/2005 12:15:25 PM · #12
Originally posted by jpeters:
Originally posted by photodude:
Another tip... always have a polarizing filter, it really makes a difference more often than you think.


Thanks for this tip. I've been meaning to get one for this camera but haven't yet. Do you have any reccomendations on brands?


I've had different brands with different cameras and lenses over the years and they all seem to do the job. In other words, I wouldn't spend too much extra to buy one brand because of it's "name". Make sure if your lens or camera requires a circular that you do get that.
 07/02/2005 12:25:09 PM · #13
Originally posted by photodude:
Originally posted by jpeters:
Originally posted by photodude:
Another tip... always have a polarizing filter, it really makes a difference more often than you think.


Thanks for this tip. I've been meaning to get one for this camera but haven't yet. Do you have any reccomendations on brands?


I've had different brands with different cameras and lenses over the years and they all seem to do the job. In other words, I wouldn't spend too much extra to buy one brand because of it's "name". Make sure if your lens or camera requires a circular that you do get that.


Thanks!
 07/02/2005 03:01:58 PM · #14
wear good boots
 07/02/2005 03:04:26 PM · #15
I use the Tamrac Expedition. Its a great backpack camera bag, waterproof and fully customizable to hold your camera securely. Plenty of room for lenses & accessories too.

Message edited by author 2005-07-03 06:59:27.
 07/13/2005 10:52:40 AM · #16
Originally posted by idnic:
I use the Tamrac Expedition. Its a great backpack camera bag, waterproof and fully customizable to hold your camera securely. Plenty of room for lenses & accessories too.


I'm getting ready to go on a similar expedition, however this one is supported, meaning we only carry a daypack + our own water. Sleeping bags and tents (or equivalent), food, etc. is handled by the expedition planners. We'll be in Glacier National Park.

The problem I've seen with the camera backpacks is that they offer TOO MUCH in the way of camera gadget storage, and not enough to accomodate other necessities. Unless one has a sherpa (or willing partner) to carry your extra clothing layers (my camping/hiking has been done in locations where temperatures vary from the 40s at night up to much warmer temperatures in the day).

My solution - unless I have a panic attack and reconsider: like those who travel to Europe, not a camera specific bag. My daypack is a Camelback CrossLite. I have a Dry Bag which will contain the camera/lenses not when not in use/or it's raining. In terms of protecting the lenses when not in use, I'm using socks - I found the lens containers just too bulky. Clean socks hold the lenses, clean and dirty socks around them to protect against jolts, etc.

The only dicey thing about this trip is that there is a half day of horseback riding to get to one of the camp sites. I don't intend to try to get up on the horse with my backpack on. Once I'm situated, I'll have them hand it up. I'm sure even those without camera equipment will ask for such assistance.

Wish me luck! Any comments welcome!
 07/13/2005 11:10:05 AM · #17
I have Pelican cases for all my electronics. The downside is that they're bulkier and heavier than bags so they're bad for long camping/hiking trips. The upside, however, is that they're waterproof, basically indestructable, have customizable foam inserts (so you can design them to hold exactly the equipment you have), and even float with the equipment inside in case you drop them in a lake. If I have room in my backpack I always use the Pelican case (but I'm paranoid about the safety of my camera :).

See Pelican cases at //www.pelican.com/
 07/13/2005 11:24:04 AM · #18
Originally posted by saiphfire:
I have Pelican cases for all my electronics. The downside is that they're bulkier and heavier than bags so they're bad for long camping/hiking trips. The upside, however, is that they're waterproof, basically indestructable, have customizable foam inserts (so you can design them to hold exactly the equipment you have), and even float with the equipment inside in case you drop them in a lake. If I have room in my backpack I always use the Pelican case (but I'm paranoid about the safety of my camera :).

See Pelican cases at //www.pelican.com/

I use pelican cases also, but especially with digital stay away from the pick and pluck foam and go with the padded divider set or make your own with closed cell foam. The pick and pluck breakdown easily and will end you in your camera and on your sensor. The foam is also a sponge (literally) for dust the cause havoc also.

I mounted a 1400 series case to an old north face external frame backpack, and it worked well for several years. I now use my kelty of quest internal frame backpacks with dry bags similar to the ones in the previous posts except I use smaller clear ones. Using multiple bags allows the weight to be distributed more evenly, and you can give priority to items that are used more often.

Also check out the ewa-marine camera housings & rain covers. The will allow you to keep the camera out of the pack more often, and allows some interesting photos when the weather would ruin your camera otherwise.
07/13/2005 11:26:36 AM · #19
Originally posted by hyperfocal:
I use pelican cases also, but especially with digital stay away from the pick and pluck foam and go with the padded divider set or make your own with closed cell foam. The pick and pluck breakdown easily and will end you in your camera and on your sensor. The foam is also a sponge (literally) for dust the cause havoc also.


Well shoot, maybe that explains my generally abysmal scores ;)
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