I think there are two types of photographers in this world: those who carry just one lens and body in one carry-on backpack, and those who bring all the gear just in case. I wish I could say I’m a minimalist, but then my experiences have shown that having a back up camera body can be a great ideas sometimes.
There has got to be a happy medium, right? One where you have enough gear to create the images you want, but not so much that you’re struggling to carry it all and stressing over extra baggage charges. Landscape photographer Andy Mumford is a very experienced traveller and has packing camera gear down to a fine art. We could all learn a thing or two from this video.
Why Less is More
Most hikers hit trails for the joy of walking, but landscape photographers like Andy do it for that one breathtaking shot at the end. They have to carry the gear that makes that shot possible as well as food, water, and protection from the elements.
On a recent trip to Patagonia, Andy realised that carrying less gear didn’t just make him faster or lighter, it made the entire experience more enjoyable. A lighter load meant less strain on his back, more energy at the summit, and less temptation to skip that extra viewpoint the next morning. And crucially, it meant not missing the golden light because he needed a rest. This works for anywhere you’re travelling to, not just outdoor locations.
Hiking Pack vs Camera Pack
Andy’s key change wasn’t just what he carried but how he carried it. Instead of using a traditional F-Stop camera backpack designed for easy gear access, he switched to a dedicated trekking backpack. There were several reasons for this.
Firstly, the trekking back has better ergonomics, which better fit Andy’s build and size and distributed weight more evenly. Its trampoline-style back panel kept air flowing, avoiding the dreaded sweaty back and gave better ventilation. And finally, the trekking backpack was better designed for comfort over long distances with thicker straps and a curved back panel.
The tradeoff was slightly slower access to camera gear. But for Andy, a landscape shooter who sets up and waits for light, a 30-second delay was no big deal. The takeaway then, is that not all bags are created equal, and many serve different bodies and different locations and conditions better than others. Find one that caters to what you need the most.
The Minimalist Gear List
At the heart of Andy’s minimalist setup is his Fujifilm XT-5, paired with just three lenses:
- Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8: A compact ultra-wide lens that’s sharp, fast enough for astro and aurora photography, and significantly lighter than its Fujifilm counterpart.
- Fujifilm 16-50mm kit lens: Lightweight, weather-sealed, and versatile and perfect for mid-range compositions.
- Fujifilm 55-200mm: An old workhorse that’s travelled the world with Andy. Not the fastest telephoto, but reliable and light enough to earn its place in the pack.
This setup covers everything from 10mm to 200mm (15–300mm full-frame equivalent), with a total camera weight of around 1.66 kg.
Filter Simplicity
Andy also carries a streamlined filter kit using Kase magnetic filters. Because they’re magnetic, you can pop them on and off even while wearing gloves.
- 3-stop ND for subtle water motion
- 6-stop ND for long exposures at blue hour
- 10-stop ND for dramatic, multi-minute shots
- Polarizer to cut glare and haze
The Right Tripod (That Doesn’t Suck to Carry)
Andy took a lightweight model with no centre column (for stability). It might not fold as small as “travel tripods,” but nevermind, it straps to the side of the pack and performs flawlessly in the field. Paired with a reliable Really Right Stuff BH-30 ball head, it’s a setup that’s served Andy well.
Packing for the Trail: Essentials Only
Here’s how Andy organises his gear:
- Side pockets: Water bottle on one side, tripod on the other.
- Hip pockets: Snacks, multitool, headlamp, and spare batteries so he can access them on the move.
- Top lid: Gloves, beanie, sunglasses.
- Main compartment: Camera body and lenses in a slim internal camera unit.
- Bottom compartment: Layers for warmth. An insulated jacket, a rain shell, and a packable down jacket (for when he stops moving).
He avoids wearing his down jacket while hiking to prevent overheating, saving it for when he’s standing still, waiting for that perfect light.
Fully loaded with camera gear, tripod, layers, filters, food, and trail essentials, Andy’s pack tips the scale at just 8.03 kg. That’s light enough for full-day hikes without feeling burdened, and heavy enough to ensure he’s still fully equipped.
Less Weight, More Creativity
A return to minimalist packing isn’t about gear for the sake of gear, it’s about making room for the experience. By choosing versatile lenses, a smart backpack, and trimming down to what really matters, you can find more energy for creativity and more joy in the experience itself.
Andy’s advice is simple: go light, shoot smart, and bring only what you love using. Because in the end, the best camera setup is the one that lets you actually enjoy the journey.
