I would describe myself as a passionate, amateur photographer. I work with professional photographers in my day job and would never dream of comparing myself to them. But having watched them for years I’ve picked up some tricks and think I’m turning into a rather good photographer, if I do say so myself.
Traveling Solo means no one to split the load with, so any gear I want with me I have to carry.
I should preface all this by saying I hate looking like a tourist. I typically try to dress for my destination and carry a large purse rather than a backpack. Nothing screams tourist like walking around Paris with a backpack, a nice oversized purse however, and I could be one of the locals.
CAMERA – Fuji XT2 & XF Lenses
I shoot on a mirrorless Fuji XT2 – which I cannot recommend enough, I had a Fuji XT10 for 4 years and also loved it. One of the bonuses about going mirrorless is the camera is physically smaller and lighter than many DSLRs, so I typically just wrap a scarf around it and throw it in my purse. In Paris I also had a smaller scarf wrapped around a 55-200mm zoom lens – all in my purse.
STRAP
Before I used to just have a small hand strap, but when it came time to shoot my Brother’s wedding, I knew I was going to need my hands free at points. So I now have a crossbody strap that is connected to the bottom tripod mount with a D-Ring screw and two swivel clips – best decision ever! I can literally take a photo and drop my camera, and it swings down on to my back.
I can have my camera at my side, sort of hidden below my purse, or push it all the way back and it fits below a backpack – either way my hands are free to fix hair, move a leaf or scramble up some rocks on a hike. Love it! I’m using a Black Rapid fastener they don’t appear to make anymore, but I’m sure the newer models are just as amazing.
TRIPOD – Manfrotto Element Traveler Small
Before going to Iceland I was determined to shoot the Northern Lights as well as the Milky Way, and you can’t do that without a tripod. I have one of the original little Joby Gorillapods – but escaping light pollution and being in a space open enough to shoot the Milky Way means there isn’t a lot to attach one of those to and I wanted to be more than 8″ off the ground.
Because I’m not a professional photographer and no one is paying for my gear I wanted the best I could find, but without breaking the bank, which ruled out carbon fiber. So I went down the ‘travel/portable/aluminium’ tripod rabbit-hole on the internet and wow, that sucker doesn’t have a bottom.
I’ll save you the leg work – Manfrotto is an excellent company, and they have a great little Aluminium Traveler, that’s actually only 100g heavier than their carbon fiber version for $120 less. Sold!
BACKPACK – Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack
I know I said I hated looking like a tourist with a backpack on – but there are times when you just have to. Hiking in Iceland is not the same thing as walking the Champs d’Elysee – dress and accessorize appropriately.
Some of the hikes I did in Iceland were a couple of hours long, and I knew I was going to have my camera, two additional lenses, my tripod, spare batteries, additional clothing and water.
If you’ve done any research into camera backpacks you’ll know most of them have 100% of the space allocated to camera equipment, which is not what I was looking for. I wanted a place for my wallet, my water bottle, and to stuff my down jacket and toque when I broke a sweat. Plus almost every one I found was from brands everyone knows are camera bags.
As a Solo Female Traveler I’m very aware of not looking like someone you should rob – and a $300 camera backpack from one of the big brands screams ‘rob me!’ Also I’m not that big, I don’t want a huge backpack that I’m going to load up and then only have it tire me out.
I got a Thule backpack from work a few years ago and love it, so when I discovered the Thule Aspect DSLR Backpack for half the price of the big brands, and the top section was open for miscellaneous items I was sold. It’s perfect.
The camera is accessed from the side, so you can swing the bag off one shoulder and unzip, while the other side has an exterior pocket and strap where the tripod goes. The main top compartment is big, but without being able to fit your whole world so it doesn’t get too heavy.
Oh and did I mention you can fit both a 15″ laptop and an iPad? Because you can. Granted that makes it heavier, but I wasn’t taking them on any of my hikes – they only went in there on the plane.
The Aspect is also the perfect carry on size. Put the tripod in your checked luggage and that exterior side pocket is perfect for you reusable water bottle. I absolutely love this thing.
I’m extremely happy with all my camera gear and would recommend any piece to anyone, especially women – all my equipment has been purchased with a mind to size and weight without sacrificing quality and I think I’ve struck a perfect balance.
I have not been paid to endorse any of these products, I researched the heck out of all of them and I’m so happy with my purchases I wanted to share my knowledge. But I’m always open to testing gear if anyone out there is looking for feedback.