Spring is a great time to shake off the winter doldrums, so if you’ve been hiding in your hobbit hole for the last few months, it’s time to get out there and get your hike on!
Mt. Zion National Park – A beautiful place to hike – Photo by Alex DePew
If you are looking for a day pack, this bag is an absolute winner. It solves the annoying problem of having to take your bag off your shoulders to access your camera by using an innovative hip belt rotation system that slides the camera compartment around to the front of your body. This is the quickest and easiest way to access a camera in any backpack I have ever seen. The bag is also lightweight and has room for other accessories or hiking necessities such as water, a jacket, food or other small items. There are also two ways to attach a tripod, which is great as I much prefer attaching my tripod to the front of the pack when I have plenty of space. I much prefer attaching my tripod to the side for most circumstances though when there is the danger of getting my tripod stuck on the underbrush or just bashing it into people or things. This is the pack I take when I am going on day hikes and don’t need my sleeping bag, tent or any of the extras that I need for multi-day hikes. This is just the right size for me, but Mindshift makes a few different versions in both the blue color below and a more traditional grey. If you want a smaller and less expensive version, their 22L version may serve your purposes. If you want more space at 38L, the MindShift rotation 180 deg. Professional Backpack is their top of the line backpack. I have been very happy with the bag below and if this bag meets your needs I suggest you give it some serious consideration.
Peak Design Shell Form-Fitting Rain and Dust Cover
The Peak Design Shell is an amazing rain and dust cover from a company that puts out great camera accessories. I have been a big supporter of Peak Design and this accessory adds to their list of high quality products. This shell is super useful for doing it’s one job very well, keeping your camera safe from the elements. You can still access the viewfinder and controls while it is on your camera, and when you’re not taking pictures it completely cinches down to keep your camera well protected. It also works with their line of Capture Clips and straps. Definitely a must have if you plan any trips in less than ideal situations like rainforests, deserts, snow, etc.
Peak Design CapturePRO Camera Clip with PROplate
Another product from Peak Design and one that works with the Shell above, the Capture Clip from Peak Design is a great tool that will attach your camera to most backpack straps as well as a belt or several other types of straps. This accessory keeps your camera easily and quickly accessible while also allowing you to keep your hands free, which is perfect for hiking.
Joby Gorillapod SLR – Zoom, Tripod / Grip Combo with BH-1 Ball Head
The Gorillapod is a great little tripod that you can manipulate into different positions and wrap around things like tree branches or poles to get stable shots while maintaining a low carry weight and small form factor. I have one and use it quite often. It is definitely great when you don’t want to carry your bigger, heavier tripod.
A tripod is definitely one of the heavier pieces of equipment you will likely be taking on a trek with you, so you definitely need to assess whether or not it is worth the weight. I always waiver as to whether or not I will bring it. But I know if I don’t, I will almost certainly have wished I brought it! The MeFoto Roadtrip Aluminum makes the decision a little easier by being a great balance of low weight, small footprint and reasonable price. It weighs in at 3.6 lbs (1.63 kg) and is only 15.4″ (39.11 cm) when folded. At the time this article was posted, the price was $199.00, which is a great bargain for such a great performing, lightweight tripod. If you are willing to spend a little more, MeFOTO’s carbon fiber version weighs in at 3.13 lbs (1.42 kg). There are also a large assortment of colors, but I prefer the standard black just like Johnny Cash would.
Manfrotto Off Road Red Sticks – Monopod Trekking Poles
If you are looking for a multi-purpose monopod solution, Manfrotto’s Trekking poles may just fit your bill. While I haven’t gotten to use these yet, they seem to be great and I have great faith in Manfrotto to make quality products.
The most important tool you bring with you though is your enthusiasm. So get out there and see some great countryside and make sure to take a lot of nice pictures/videos and I’ll make sure to do the same!
