I'll be the first to admit it, I like new stuff. When I see an ad for a new backpack or some sort of new attachment for my camera, I have to fight the urge to run out and buy it right then. As of right now, I'm resisting the "need" to have a new carbon fiber tripod. Which brings up the question, what exactly do you need? Obviously lugging around my 6 pound aluminum tripod is a far cry from Ansel Adams' 60 pound glass plate camera. Below is a list of gear that you really should have (or something very similar) if you plan on taking your digital camera out into the wild.
Backpack
I think everyone has their preference but I really like Tamrac packs. I've owned three or four now and all of them have really performed well and protected all of my equipment. I've slowly gotten larger and larger packs and now I think I have the perfect size for an entire day out shooting. The Tamarac Expedition 8 provides all the space for my gear and allows a little extra room for food and water.
The best questions to ask yourself when buying a camera pack:
How comfortable is it? If it hurts to walk around with it for a few minutes in a store, just think how horrible you will feel after a full day with it on.
Is it the correct size? There's no use in carrying a pack with a bunch of dead space, or one that will not fit all your gear and leave a little room for essential survival gear.
Can I access my equipment easily? Sometimes you need to take a shot quickly and rummaging around for five minutes is not an option.
Is it built to withstand the environments in which I plan to take it? I always make sure that every pack I own has weatherproof zippers and the stitching is very durable and tight.
Tripods
It's always hard to decide whether to get a tripod that is extremely durable or one that is extremely light. I think that it is alway worth it to carry a little extra weight for gear that will work in any situation and will hold your camera steady no matter what. The ability to wield it as a weapon if needs be also has a certain attraction for me. Lets also not forget that this is the instrument that is holding up all your expensive gear and if it goes over, it's not going to be pretty.
I like the Bogen tripods and ballheads. A lot of their stuff may not be the lightest but you can be sure that your camera isn't going anywhere when you lock it down and their ballheads will work reliably for many many years.
Accessories
I like to make sure that I have a nice, clean, streak free cloth that I take with me everywhere I go. You never know when your lens could get something on it or you just need to wipe it off(humidity, rain, fog...). Extra batteries are an absolute must. Even though the newest generation of rechargeables are very good at holding a charge, you always want to have at least one spare (I would recommend two).
I've left lenses at home to save weight and it seems like every time I do, I regret it. So, when it comes to photography I now pack all the equipment I can, safely.
Point and Shoot
For the extreme minimalist or someone who just wants to leisurely enjoy hiking and not worry about all the gear, this is the gear for you.
Tamrac Velocity Sling Packs are a great way to carry a smaller amount of camera gear. Not only that, but if the elusive Sasquatch makes an appearance your camera gear is just a couple of seconds away. It's a very light and durable alternative to a large pack without sacrificing anything but space.
No, it's not a picture from a horrible remake with Tom Cruise. The Gorillapod is a great alternative to a full size tripod. You might have to be a little creative when using it but they work great (and pretty inexpensive). You'll be impressed at how sturdy they are and how well they can grip pretty much anything you can wrap its tentacles around.
One last thing - Don't forget the trail mix. Nothing makes for a more horrible hike then being hungry the entire time, especially when you have to be patient and wait for a shot to happen. Remember, chance favors the prepared mind.
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