My Gear
Here is an extensive list of my current photography and adventure gear. I spend a lot of time finding the best tools out there so I would certainly recommend anything on the list below.
I’m not using everything all the time, and some of the gear is only for specific activities and/or seasons.
Full disclaimer, some of the items below link to an Amazon affiliate page, or when possible directly to the local brand store. I might earn some money if you decide to buy from one of the links. Thank you!
You don’t need to have the best (and/or priciest) gear to have fun in the backcountry! But it is also true that having good quality gear will likely make your experience more enjoyable: it will last longer, keep you warmer and probably be easier and lighter to carry around!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Cameras
After using several generations of Nikon’s D5x series of APS-C cameras, I did the big switch to Sony with the a7rIII and I never looked back. This camera has no limit! I love how light/compact and easy it is to use, and the quality of the images is incredible. I must have cut 75% of my post-process Photoshop/Lightroom editing just because the output is no much cleaner and sharper.
After years of using a CAT S31 that I intentionally bought to never have to use a phone camera, I decided to catch up with the technology and recently got a Pixel 5. The photo quality for such a small device is simply mind-blowing.
I actually rarely use it cause video editing requires a whole lot of extra resources (storage, editing time, …) that I don’t currently have.
Lenses
My go-to lens for hiking and night photography. It’s extremely light/compact which makes it easy to carry directly on my backpack shoulder strap (using my PD Capture Clip).
Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS
Quite a bit heavier so I use it less but it’s an amazing lens once at the campsite to capture detailed mountain landscape or have that “little person in huge environment” type of shot!
Lens Accessories
Tripods
Manfrotto Befree Advanced for Sony α
One of the best travel tripod out there. It’s light, slick and really durable. This one is a special edition with a custom mount for Sony cameras.
I actually got it for free on B&H with my Manfrotto tripod. I use it on smaller day-hike where I want to keep a light backpack while still being able to have the benefits of a tripod.
Accessories
Peak Design Capture Clip (v2 & v3)
The magic tool that made Peak Design famous! I’ve been using their second and now third generation of capture clip on every single adventure, whether clipped on my backpack shoulder strap or my belt. I cannot imagine going out without it, it makes it so much easier to shoot at any time without having to remove your backpack or kill your neck.
Peak Design Shell camera cover
Also using PD’s camera cover to protect my camera from heavy rain/snow. It might not be the most practical option to shoot under the elements but it does a great job in between and honestly, it simply does look much better than a plastic bag!
Sony RMT-VP1K Remote Control / Shutter Release
The OEM remote for Sony’s cameras. There is plenty of option out there… I went for this one to be able to control it from far away, for auto-portrait and group picture. Make sure to check the batteries before heading for a long night of shoot.
A few memory cards
Wait for Black Friday and you will find really good ones at 80% off. Always have a few spare ones just in case. Also, make sure to have at least one in your camera… You sure look stupid when you realise you carried your camera all this way and forgot your card at home.
A spare battery for my camera
Especially useful on winter overnights if you plan to shoot astrophotography and/or long exposure. The Sony battery does actually work for quite a long time and I’m usually fine for a full weekend, but it doesn’t hurt to have a spare anyway.
Especially if it’s raining or snowing… Believe me, you don’t want to remove hundreds of dust-spot in post because you had a dirty lens.
Applications
Phone
The phone app to plan a sunset/sunrise/night photoshoot. You will be able to see where and when the Sun/Moon/Milky Way/… will rise and set in a specific location. A must-have to prepare your dream shot!
There is plenty of similar apps to look at the night skies… I bought this one a few years ago and still use it regularly to identify stars/planets or plan my night shoot.
Computer
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Google Earth Pro
ADVENTURE
Backpacks
I upgraded from an Atmos 50AG to be able to carry more gear and get more comfortable on longer adventures. Certainly the best backpack I ever had! I love how you can convert it to a smaller day pack for fast summit ascent.
My go-to winter backpack! I use it for snowboarding but also for snowshoeing… I loved how durable and expendable it is, and you have some great winter-specific features such as an insulated bladder pouch or the ability to attach your board/skis/ice axe/snow shovel directly on/in the backpack.
Shoes
Now discontinued, these futuristic hiking boots took me on hundreds of hikes over the past 4 years. I really loved the design with a separate liner shoe, a must-have for relaxing at the camp or in the cabin.
One of the numerous pairs of Speedcross that I’ve owned over time, looking forward to trying their latest version!
My trail-running shoes. I went for those ones cause they are extremely light and I loved their tight profile. Pros: The grip is simply incredible. Cons: They lack side-protection, so be careful if you are using them on rocky terrain, it can get really painful.
I had some quality issues with them but the amazing Salomon Warranty program covered it!
If running on icy and packed-snow terrain is your thing, these shoes are a beast! I decided to get them to run the Snowshoe Grind on Grouse Mountain this winter… and they are simply amazing, incredible grip downhill, keep your feet warm and dry. They also look super badass, I love them!
Sleep
It has been our tent for the past 5+ years and it went through everything with us, from pouring rain to arctic cold and hot summer nights! I broke a pole on a -40 night but the MSR warranty covered that without question!
I did a lot of research to find the best sleeping pads for winter and this one ended up at the top of my list! I love how light and compact it was while protecting us from the cold.
Marmot ‘Never Summer’ Men -40° Sleeping Bag
Marmot ‘Ouray’ Women -40° Sleeping Bag
I spent countless hours trying to find an ‘affordable’ winter sleeping bag and ended up with this one. It’s incredibly warm and light and is rated for -20/-40! As an awesome bonus if you buy two of them with opposite zipper you can zip them together, a must-have for couples!
Therm-a-Rest Slacker Double Hammock
If you haven’t already you have to try the hammock experience! It’s so easy to set up anywhere, on the beach, in the forest… I even did a full week of backpacking on the Juan de Fuca trail using it (while my tent remained in my bag). I love using it on a warm summer day with a good book and fresh beer.
Safety
Having a satellite device is a must-have when you start being more serious about your adventure and you regularly explore outside of cellular phone networks. I went for the Spot 3 a few years ago cause it was the most affordable one at the time but there is plenty of new alternatives now.
Websites & Applications
Going more in-depth about how I used those apps here.
Navigation
My first “navigation/sport/connected” watch! I really love how durable and simple it is to use and it gave me an extra safety net when going on new or longer hikes! I also loved the third-party app such as the one that converts your calorie consumption into a number of beers!
Only got this baby a couple this year so I will have to test it properly, but it already seems like a major update from my beloved Traverse!
The traditional compass that I mostly used on some bushwhacking adventures to learn how to use a map!
These maps are the best tool you can dream of when looking for a new adventure destination! I love browsing through the pages to find some new hidden gems that you would never find on the internet!
Food & Drink
We have been testing so many different mugs but this one is the ultimate one! Coupled with the mag-slider lid it will keep your coffee warm for hours! Perfect for camping coffee or simply WorkFromHome!
YETI Rambler Colster Can Insulator
A must-have to keep your beer cold in a hot tub or on a hot summer day… or in a liquid state during winter adventures! Also, a great way to safely carry your can in your backpack!
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Soft Cooler
Our go-to cooler for Whistler when there is no fridge available in the hotel room, for front-country camping or a sunny day at the beach!