The Sony A7IV is a versatile workhorse, quite possibly the best “do it all” camera available. With a 33 megapixel full-frame sensor capable of 14.7 stops of dynamic range, 10 FPS with lightning fast focus, incredible low light performance and a vast array of lens options, this has been my go-to camera for over two years. I’ve flogged my Sony A7IV in the desert, on the coast, high in the mountains and everywhere in between, and not once has it failed me. The files are clean and easy to work with, and have allowed me to produce beautiful fine art prints at 40” x 60”.

The Sony 24-105mm F/4 G OSS lens lives on my A7IV at least 75% of the time. I find the focal length range to be ideal for most nature and adventure photography, providing flexibility to shoot everything from wide-angle landscapes to moderate telephoto scenes. The OSS (Optical SteadyShot) stabilization allows me to handhold the camera even when using slower shutter speeds and still create tack sharp images. The lens is extremely well built, with dust and moisture sealing, but it isn’t too large or too heavy. If I could have only one lens in my kit, this would be it.

Some scenes - like Mesa Arch - demand an ultra wide-angle lens. I’m drawn to grand landscapes with a near/far composition, which adds a tremendous sense of depth. I don’t use the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN lens daily but when I need it, there is no substitute. The images are sharp from corner to corner, with excellent color and contrast. The f/2.8 aperture makes it great for night sky photography, too. It’s a big, heavy lens with an outstanding build quality, exactly what you would expect from a “pro” level lens.

I bought the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8 - 5.6 Di III RXD lens for trips that required me to travel light, i.e. on a plane with a single lens. I assumed there would be compromises given the very wide focal length range and prosumer grade, but I quickly learned there were none. It’s sharp throughout the focal length range which, at 28 - 200, is diverse enough for just about any scenario. It’s well-built (though not pro level), fast focusing, and deceptively compact for all the punch it provides. If you’re headed somewhere and need to pack light, this lens should be on your packing list.

Induro was bought out by Benro, who now produces the same tripods under their own brand name. I have two Induro carbon fiber tripods, which are now named the Benro Mach 3. Tripods might be the most abused piece of outdoor photo kit. You can spend a little and have to buy a new tripod every year, or spend a little more for a Benro Mach 3 and use it for over a decade. Both of my tripods are well over ten years old. They look rough but despite the abuse they’re still serving me well. I’ve had to disassemble them several times over the years to clean and lube the legs but they’re as rock solid today as they were new. The 2 series is smaller and lighter than the 3 series. I carry the 2 series on longer hikes and use the 3 series for everything else.

When my kit has to be as minimalist as possible, I pack the Peak Designs Travel Tripod. It uses a unique folding design that allows the legs to fold back up and around the included Arca-Swiss compatible ballhead, thus making for a very compact and lightweight package. At just 15.5” long and 3.25” in diameter, and weighing only 3.4 pounds in aluminum, it’s easy to stuff the tripod into your luggage or backpack. And yet, at full extension, it’s 60” tall! The center column separates to allow the tripod to be used almost at ground level for a super low point of view. Despite the light weight and diminutive dimensions, it’s quite sturdy and is rated for camera gear up to 20 pounds. It includes a surprisingly nice soft carrying case and a hidden cell phone mount.

How many pieces of photography equipment have you owned for 15 years that work just as good today as they did brand new? Probably not many! I have two Acratech ballheads, the GXP and the Ultimate Ballhead, both with quick releases, and they’ve been in non-stop use for over 15 years. They’ve been battered on slot canyon walls, soaked in ocean surf, covered in sand and just generally abused and yet, the ballhead rotates smoothly and locks down tight with zero movement. The one and only issue I’ve ever had was a small spring that somehow fell out of the quick release mechanism. I contacted Acratech and they immediately sent me a replacement at no cost. You can find plenty of ballheads that cost more, but none that perform as well or will outlive an Acratech.

I only carry two filters, and both are manufactured by Breakthrough Filters; the X4 circular polarizer and X4 6 stop solid ND. Neither one is in regular rotation but I’m glad I have them when I need them. I use the polarizer all the time when photographing fall colors and usually when I’m shooting waterfalls. The ND filter is perfect when I need a slower exposure to blur water movement or smooth out fast moving clouds. I’ve used filters from all the top brands over the years and the Breakthrough filters are the best. They produce zero color cast, don’t get stuck on the end of my lens and there is no discernible loss of sharpness when I use them. Each filter comes in a nicely padded plastic case that fits neatly into my backpack and includes a small microfiber cleaning cloth.

The market is flooded with backpacks marketed toward outdoor photographers, and I’ve tried many of them. None were as comfortable, durable or offered as much utility as the f-stop gear Tilopa. The pack bag fabric, which f-stop calls DuraDiamond, is lightweight and durable, resisting all manner of scrapes and bumps. At 50 liters, it’s a large pack but for those of us who carry a lot of gear, the suspension system effortlessly supports the weight. Modular ICU’s allow you to easily configure your Tilopa to carry as much (or as little) camera gear as you need. A back access panel makes it easy to get to all your gear, too. This is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of outdoor photo packs.

As easy as it is to access my camera in the f-stop gear Tilopa backpack, it’s even easier when my camera is securely attached to the pack shoulder strap. Luckily, the Peak Design Capture Clip makes this possible. The Capture Clip secures to virtually any backpack shoulder strap using dual aluminum thumb screws and can be easily removed at any time. The camera locks into the Capture Clip using the included Arca-Swiss compatible plate. There’s even a safety that double locks your camera to prevent accidental release. With my camera locked in place it’s always easy to access, but also held securely without bouncing around while hiking.

Sometimes, you just need to run and gun with minimal gear and when I do, I wear the Evoc Capture hip pack. It holds my Sony A7IV with any one of my three lenses attached, a filter or two, remote shutter release and in a pinch, I can usually squeeze in a second lens. Straps on the bottom allow you to secure a tripod and a built-in rain cover keeps all your expensive gear dry when the rain starts to fall. I’ve worn my Evoc while mountain biking, running down the Oregon Coast, and on quick afternoon hikes when I don’t want to leave my camera behind but I also don’t want to carry a big backpack. Spin it around and you’ve got instant access to your camera!

I’m relatively new to drone photography but I didn’t have my DJI Mini 3 Pro long before I realized just how much fun it is to create images from the air. I bought this drone used as I had no idea if I’d enjoy or even have an eye for drone photography. I quickly fell in love with it. The Mini 3 Pro is a perfect starter drone. It’s easy to fly, relatively inexpensive, produces surprisingly high quality image files and is small enough to easily carry in a pack. At some point I’ll upgrade to a drone with a larger sensor but for now, I’m having a blast with my Mini 3 Pro.

With cameras, drones, laptops, phones, watches and all kinds of other electronic gadgets comes a giant bowl of cable spaghetti. I keep all of my cords, cables and gadgets organized in the Peak Design Tech Pouch (size large). Multiple pockets allow for easy organization and the clamshell design opens wide for ease of access to all your stuff. It’s relatively small but holds a ton of gear. The zipper should have blown out a long time ago but as with all my Peak Design products, it’s built to last and even after three years of use it still looks and functions like new.

I do not like to be cold. Nature photography often involves standing around for long periods of time waiting for the best light. When we do this in cold weather, it doesn’t take long for the chills to set in. That’s where the Voited Slumber Jacket comes in. It’s basically a wearable sleeping. bag. Windproof, water resistant and filled with Primaloft insulation, it keeps me warmer than anything else I’ve used. It’s also great for hanging around camp or snuggling up on the couch at home. Bonus: use the link below to purchase one & you’ll automatically receive a 20% discount.

Buying SD cards doesn’t provide the same rush as buying a new lens, but as digital photographers they are an essential - and often under-appreciated - part of our kit. I’ve used nothing but Sandisk SD cards for over fifteen years with zero issues or failures. While many photographers p[refer to use higher capacity SD cards, I think the sweet spot is 32 GB or 64 GB, at the most. Why? Imagine you’ve filled up a 128 GB (or larger) card with images from your once in a lifetime trip,, only to have it stolen, lost or corrupted. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use several smaller cards!