My Top 6 Outdoor Photography Essentials:

Before any of this was a career - it was just me and a camera, chasing times in the mountains. That’s where this whole thing started. Gear in a pack, no plan, and see what I could make out of it. No pressure, no expectations. I dig that.

When you're “out there out there”, you learn quick weight adds up, and time is more unforgiving than any other factor one faces. That being said, I’m not a fan of fidgeting with cumbersome gear and taking away from my favorite moments of life. Throughout the years these pieces of gear have made my core setup. The stuff that’s earned its place because it works.. whether I’m filming in the backcountry, on the road, or somewhere in between.

These six pieces have been through it with me. They’re in the bag for a reason.

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1. Peak Design Capture Clip

The capture clip keeps my camera secure, steady, and instantly accessible while hiking or moving fast on location.

Never looked back. It locks onto your backpack strap and holds your camera in place, tight and solid. No swinging around while you hike. No digging through your bag every time you want to grab a shot. It’s fast, easy, and secure, like having a holster for your sidearm. Say when.

2. Peak Design Tripod

Packs down small but holds solid in any terrain. Quick to set up and super reliable

Tough pill to swallow with the price tag at first. Worth every single penny. No flimsy legs, no twist knobs. Wind resistance, and the same mount system as the capture clip add to the draw. I’ve used it in some wild places where the shot wouldnt happen without it.

3. Wandrd Prvke Backpack (31L) - 9L Sling bag

My everyday bags. The Prvke handles big shoots, the Sling’s perfect for quick missions.

Every part of these packs is well thought out.

These two bags cover 95% of what I do. The Prvke is my go-to for longer treks or shoots. Durable, and built with a layout that actually makes sense. The roll-top makes me feel at home like a new age rucksack, and the removable camera cube means I can pack heavy or run light.

But for shorter shoots or quick-hit creative missions, I love the 9L Sling. It’s compact, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. Great when I just want to move fast with a lean setup;camera, lens, mic, maybe a can of bear spray. Both bags are low-key and functional, and between the two, I’m covered for almost anything.

4. DJI Mic 2's

Easy, clean audio. No wires, no stress. Just clip it on and roll.

These little guys are reliable, even at a distance, and the internal backup recordings have saved me more than once. The magnetic clips are handy, and the charging case keeps everything slick. Whether I’m filming silently deep in the woods or just grabbing sound on the run, these mics make it easy without slowing me down or getting in the way.

5. Atomos Shinobi Monitor

It's nice to see what you're actually filming.

If you’ve ever tried to shoot off your camera’s screen in bright sunlight, you know the pain. The Shinobi solves that in a packable manner. It accurately displays live feed so you can see what you’re doing. whether you’re previewing LUT's or checking exposure on the fly. For no nonsense video work, it’s a must.

6.SmallRig Half Cage

Simple setup that adds balance and grip. The top handle makes hiking and handheld way smoother.

I keep my rigs light and mobile, but sometimes you need a little more control. The SmallRig half cage gives me added stability without turning my setup into a semi.

When I’m going for a more polished, film-style setup and don’t want to rely on a strap, I’ll wear a simple wrist cuff and hold the top handle as I move. It keeps everything steady and secure without being bulky or overbuilt.

If it’s in the bag, it’s been tested, on real jobs, in real conditions, over and over again. These six tools help me stay quick and creative.

That’s really what it’s about. being out there. Being immersed. The gear just helps me stay ready when I feel like capturing it

Late summer growth