JohanEickmeyer wrote:
Sorry if going a little off topic, but...
What type of backpack are you using for extended treks?
Also what are your main types of boots? Do you use ultralight approach shoes or something more traditional?
This last summer I've been weight training with a new Gregory Baltoro 85L backpack with up to 65 pounds. I never knew the choice of backpack could make such a huge difference for my hiking ability. I did try some other similar packs like the Osprey Xenith 88, but they did not work out right.
I also went through about 10 different pairs of boots and shoes and finally settled on the Salewa Firetail EVO mid GTX approach shoes and a pair of Skechers Go Walk 3 shoes for river fording and backup. Both pairs weigh only 3.3 pounds together for size 10.5 men's.
I sort of find the backpack and shoes are more important than the type of camera or lens, for hardcore adventure landscape photography. ...Show more →
Currently, I use Arcteryx Altra 85 liters backpack and Lowa Tybet GTX shoes. I also take with me New Balance trail running shoes for rivers crossing and such. I am very satisfied with this gear and I recommend it. I also have a custom made camera bag that I attach to my backpack straps in front of me so I don't need to take the backpack off all the time for taking photos. In terms of photographic gear, I take minimum possible quantity of lenses and usually just 1 camera. If I go for 2 weeks plus off civilization, I prefer to have more food than more lenses. During this year tour in Baffin Island, my backpack weighed 40 kg (without camera).
ArturS wrote:
This is probably the most memorable view from my most recent, Baffin Island Photo Adventure. To me the combination of these remarkable mountain peaks surrounding the immense valley is an essence of the Canadian Arctic. I have seen and photographed this particular place in many different conditions, but from the moment when I saw it for the first time I have been trying to imagine how it would look like with aurora.
But it wasn’t until this year when all necessary elements came together. That night aurora started its dance early, but its full blast happened many hours later. It was well after midnight when the sky exploded and awaken the landscape invigorating my senses. This kick of “green energy” over the Mt.Thor kept me in awe for a while.
Out of many aurora shots that I took that night, this single shot captured all elements I could wish for.
Comments as usually appreciated!...Show more →
Epic shot, thanks for sharing it with us. I'm not sure what impresses me more, the quality of the shot or the work it takes to get there and get it! I'd love to be able to try some excursions like that...maybe one day!
ArturS wrote:
Currently, I use Arcteryx Altra 85 liters backpack and Lowa Tybet GTX shoes. I also take with me New Balance trail running shoes for rivers crossing and such. I am very satisfied with this gear and I recommend it. I also have a custom made camera bag that I attach to my backpack straps in front of me so I don't need to take the backpack off all the time for taking photos. In terms of photographic gear, I take minimum possible quantity of lenses and usually just 1 camera. If I go for 2 weeks plus off civilization, I prefer to have more food than more lenses. During this year tour in Baffin Island, my backpack weighed 40 kg (without camera). ...Show more →
Yikes! What are you carrying that weighs 40 Kg (88 lbs)? Lead weight collection?
Climbing gear?
I've packed for 2 weeks food and come out around 60 lbs (27 Kg) with camera gear. But that is for 3 season trips. 2 weeks of winter camping would add about 5-10 lbs on top of that for extra food and warmer clothes. My camera, two lenses, and tripod come out to 6 pounds, which is pretty light for a camera setup. I also have a tripod where two of the legs detach into trekking poles, so there's another 450 grams I don't need to carry extra.
I guess I could see getting to 40 Kg if packing for arctic weather and 3 weeks. I've never done more than 2 weeks without resupply, so my experience is limited.
I actually did try that Altra backpack for a short period, but found it just didn't fit my tall skinny ass very well. The hip rotation is awesome for heavy loads and retaining body movement. The Gregory Baltoro has a similar system for both the hips and shoulders, I think that is what makes it work so much better than other packs.
