There are few things I enjoy more than hiking with my dog. Hiking allows me to combine two things I love to do the most - walk and take photographs of beautiful scenery. I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to hike at some incredible places in Canada and abroad and capture some breathtaking photos. My experience has taught me how to prepare for hiking trips to ensure I have the equipment I need while keeping my backpack light enough to prevent it from becoming a nuisance and potentially dangerous. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next trek.

1. Make a shot List

   Before you head on your hike, do some research of the trail and try to get a sense of what you may come across during your outing. If where you are going is known as a great place to catch birds or other wildlife, make sure to pack your telephoto. If you want to capture sweeping vistas, consider bringing a wide-angle lens. Knowing what you can expect to come across on your hike will help you make sure you bring the right equipment and more importantly, leave what you don’t need behind. It helps to make a list of the photos you want to capture.

2. Bring extra batteries and memory cards

   I cannot count the number of times I have been out on a hike and when I pull out my camera, I am immediately met with disappointment because I forgot to charge the battery the night before or my memory card is full. Camera batteries are expensive, but if you afford it, getting an extra battery or two is one of the best things you can do. Since getting a spare, I always try to charge the batteries the night before a hiking trip and keep an extra battery the bag I am bringing. I do the same with memory cards. Years ago, I picked up a Pelican case memory card holder for all of my SD cards. I keep several in there just in case. Unlike batteries, SD cards are fairly affordable, so I suggest picking a few extra ones. You never know when they will come in handy.

3. Pack your bag the night before

   I try to head out for my day hikes around the sun rises so I can get out nice and early to enjoy the peace and quiet and have the trails to myself. It helps to be out when others are still at home. It makes taking photos a lot easier. I usually pack my gear the evening before. I find this makes the morning less hectic and I am less prone to forgetting things that I need.

4. Maybe leave the camera at home

   Okay, this may seem like a weird tip especially since this post is about tips for hiking with camera gear. If you are going on a day-hike on a difficult trail or somewhere for the first time, the last thing you want is a heavy pack weighing you down. A heavy pack is not only going to tire you out faster, it can also be dangerous. Carrying a pack changes your centre of gravity. On some trails, you will need to physically climb up steep hills, up ropes, or maneuver over ladders. A heavy backpack full of camera gear makes it more difficult to do all these things. Save your backpack for the essentials - water, snacks and emergency equipment. Use your phone instead to capture the images you want. And once you have had a chance to complete the trail and you are confident you can do it again, return for another trip with the camera gear you need to get the photos you want.

5. Get a comfortable and practical backpack

   Make sure to get a comfortable backpack. I personally am using a Lowepro backpack with two shoulder straps. I am looking to upgrade my back to one that includes a chest strap and hip strap to better distribute weight. I used to carry almost all the gear I owned but quickly realized that on day-hikes, I only used one or two lenses depending on where I went. My backpack has sufficient space to carry my equipment, but I do wish it had additional straps so the weight isn’t sitting squarely on my shoulders. Also, look for a pack that will allow you to easily access your camera gear and has straps to tie on a tripod or hiking poles. A few brands I am exploring at the moment are Peak Design and Lowepro.

What’s in my camera bag

• Nikon Z50 + 16-50mm kit lens

• Nikon FTZ adapter

• Extra battery

• Zoom H6 Recorder

• Tokina 11-16mm ultra-wide

• Nikon 70-300mm VR

• DJI Ronin RS2