I fell in love with photography at a young age. I carried around a disposable camera and loved capturing little moments. I can still remember a shot I took of some long lost GI Joe figurines that were discarded in my grandpas yard, covered in dirt and lying in a bed of bright green moss. The setting sun cast a soft, warm light upon the scene and enhanced the textures and colors in an unforgettable way. A story told in found objects, captured forever.

My grandpa had an A-frame shed where the roof touched the ground and as kids, my sisters and I would run up the roof as fast as we could to see who could reach the highest. I have photo evidence taken with that disposable camera, and I think this is where I began to discover my love for photography. Capturing my sisters mid-air, as if we were birds flying away, free falling into the soft grass.

I went on to study photography in high school and college, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art Photography.

My gear has been through a lot, and it shows.

This is the camera gear I love and use while hiking and traveling. My kit changes based on the length or type of trip. There is some overlapping with a few lenses, but I like to be able to have a lighter option if thru hiking. Gear is linked in title and may include affiliate links from which I may receive a very small commission.

Camera Body

Fujifilm X-T2

I shoot with the Fujifilm X-T2. I love the look and feel of this camera. It’s like I’m back in high school shooting with my old Canon AE-1 Program 35mm film camera. Retro vibes forever.

There have been new versions of this body since I bought the X-T2 new- the newest being the XT-5.

I haven’t switched to a newer version because they keep making the body bigger and heavier. I want a small, compact, lightweight(ish) camera for backpacking. You could go even smaller in a camera body, but I didn’t want to sacrifice photo quality. The X-T2 is the sweet spot for me and unless they come out with a new body in the same size/weight range, I’ll stick with this a bit longer. That being said, if I didn’t have a camera at all and was going to purchase a new body, I would get the newer Fujifilm X-T5. The photo capabilities are similar to the X-T2, but it is much better with video and has IBIS for shooting handheld low light scenes with ease.

I have taken this camera on hundreds of hikes and 3 entire thru hikes, totaling likely over 5,000 trail miles. I also use it for product and editorial photography for my jewelry business. This camera has been through a lot. A few drops and a few repairs, but it has held up through the desert dust and pouring rain.

Newer version, Fujifilm X-T5

Lenses

I don’t have a ton of fancy lenses. I have lusted over them throughout the years, but I usually buy used or wait for a sale. I’d like to build my prime lens collection eventually. Keep in mind these are crop sensor lenses.

Fujinon XF 18-55mm F 2.8-4 R

This is a kit lens that came with my Fuji X-T2. It is really an amazing lens. This lens was is on my camera most of the time while thru hiking. The ability to shoot details, portraits and landscapes without changing a lens is phenomenal. All around a great lens and compares to a full frame format 24-70mm lens. I’d recommend getting this lens if you aren’t sure what to get and want to shoot a variety of subjects.

Shot with Fujinon 18-55mm, a great lens for details and more.

Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 R OIS

I love this lens. It might be my favorite, maybe because it has captured some of the most spectacular scenes. The angle on this baby is WIDE. It’s great for getting a perspective that you otherwise would miss. A landscape becomes a scene from another planet, full of detail and wonder. Some distortion can be seen in images, but it is sometimes welcomed for effect.

I also love this lens for tight shots indoors.

If I had to rebuy, I would get the 10-24mm weather resistant version. It has come out only more recently. Considering the thru hiking drama I put my gear through, I think owning a lens that stands up to the elements is a no brainer.

Fujinon XF 14mm F 2.8 R

I purchased this lens to use exclusively on the Pacific Crest Trail. I found an ok quality USED version of this lens because I knew it was probably going to go through hell on the PCT. I have to have a wider angle lens when it comes to shooting landscapes. If I could lug around the 10-24 all the time I would, but it's so bulky it didn’t make sense to carry it for 5 months. The color temperature was a bit different (more green?) than what I was used to with the 10-24mm. It could be the copy I got, but it still takes some fantastic shots.

Shot on the Fujinon XF 14mm 2.8 R while on a thru hike of the PCT.

Samyang 12mm F 2.0 for Fuji

I use this lens mainly for starry night shots. It is manual focus, which gives you that old school feel of taking your time with a shot. I usually have it in my camera bag while traveling or on a 1-2 night backpacking trip in case inspiration to shoot at night strikes.

Fujinon XF 55-200mm F 3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

I bought this lens to fulfill a need for a longer zoom. Wild foxes moved in under my neighbors deck in 2020 and had babies! I watched these kits grow up all winter into spring and summer. In order to preserve their wild nature, I wanted to photograph them from afar, so this lens came to be. In addition to shooting wildlife, I like this lens for forcing perspective. I haven’t had a chance to use it much in the field, but am excited to take it into the mountains for some epic shots this summer.

Accessories + Extras

Sirui T-025X Carbon Fiber Tripod

This is a great travel tripod. It weighs only 2 lbs and has held up over the years. I use this tripod for low light situations or if I want to set up a scene and photograph myself.

Ultrapod Lightweight Tripod with Arca Style Plate

This is a decent tripod for backpacking. Its weighs 4 oz plus 2 oz with the updated plate. It works in a pinch if you need some stabilization or want to take a selfie/group shot.

SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Card

Memory cards to save the images you capture on your camera. I like the larger GB capacity, but have collected a variety of sizes over the years ranging from as low as 32GB-256GB. The 256GB holds a TON of photos even shooting at RAW + Large JPEG.

Kingston Mobilelite Plus SD Card Reader

Compact card reader with minimal design great for travel. Allows me to transfer images and videos to my computer when needed.

Vello FreeWave Remote Shutter

Compact and light, this remote shutter is super convenient when you want to jump in the frame. I also use it to shoot night shots and sunsets so there is no camera shake.

LaCie Rugged Mini 2TB External Hard Drive or LaCie 4TB

A durable hard drive that I use to back up my photos. I buy multiple smaller drives and also back up everything on a larger hard drive.

Rode VideoMicro

I purchased this mic to take video on the PCT, but I lost a screw in the mount and just decided to send it home. I easily found one to fix it, but decided I wasn’t using it enough to justify having it. I’m glad I have it around in case I want to do more video in the future.

Peak Design Capture Camera Clip

This is a great piece of gear to attach your camera to your backpack strap for quick access. I’ve used it, but not consistently for long hikes. I have a short frame, so the clip bumps into and rubs my shoulder. My camera can be pretty heavy on the front of the strap, so I like to sling the camera across my body instead. Darren loved using it when he carried the Fujifilm X-100T.

Peak Design Camera Leash

I love this camera strap. It is spendy, but well made and I like that the attachment loops can be changed out.

Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap

Another Peak Design piece worth taking a look at if you are doing a lot of shooting where a long strap would get in the way.

Fjallraven Laptop Backpack

I really like this backpack. It has held up over the years. It’s not the most comfortable fully loaded, but I like that it is minimal and flexible. My Topo Designs Camera Cube fits in it perfectly.

Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader

This gadget allows me to transfer RAW files from my SD card to my phone for easy editing.

Topo Designs Camera Cube

A minimalist accessory that fits perfectly into most bags, I transport a few lenses and camera in this cube.

Extra Batteries

I like buying Fujifilm Brand batteries because they last. I do have a number of Wasabi Power Batteries and they work fine, but over time they have bulged and I had a tough time removing the battery from my camera.

USB Battery Charger

When traveling, it’s convenient to have a USB charger. Alternatively, I use my Nitecore NB10000 power bank to charge the battery in the camera.

Camera Dust Cleaner

These dusters are convenient to have in your camera bag for removing that pesky dust on your lens or sensor.

Backup Camera

Fujifilm X100T

I owned this camera before I purchased the Fujifilm X-T2. I love this camera for its portability and versatility. It has a fixed lens, so there is less room for creativity. It’s a point and shoot, but with all the manual settings you need. Darren carried this camera with the Peak Designs camera capture clip on part of our PCT hike. It’s a great option if you don’t want to lug around a heavy camera body and lenses.