Protecting a camera when hiking
By Bernard Dery
Carrying a digital camera along a hiking trail
The first thing to think about when hiking with a camera is how to carry it. Considering that hikers often use their hands for support along a trail, and given the many risks of hitting a rock or tree with the camera (especially if you trip or fall), a well-padded, weather resistant pouch is more or less mandatory.
Some hikers rightly prefer to impose strict limits to the total weight they carry, but camera and bag should be considered as a whole when hiking.
Small, pocket cameras can be fitted in a small pouch with a belt hook. Some pouches can also be fixed on the straps off a backpack.
Larger and heavier cameras should not be carried on your belt, because poor weight balance can lead to muscle fatigue and increased stress to your lower back. In addition, a large belt bag is more likely to get caught in branches or other hazards, and will limit your freedom of movement. A camera bag with a comfortable, padded shoulder strap is a better solution. That way, you can move the bag around as you walk to prevent it from being caught in obstacles, and the weight distribution will be better. It is easily feasible to carry both a backpack and a shoulder bag at the same time.
If you want to stop the bag from swaying and moving as you walk, select one with both a shoulder strap and a belt hook, and use both. Make sure the weight rests on your shoulders.
In short, while walking carry the camera in a comfortable and well-padded bag to protect both your muscles and the camera. And make sure to select a bag with easy access to the camera, so you will not fumble when you want to take a picture. The bag should be designed so that its contents will not spill when carrying it only partially closed.
Hazards to a digital camera while hiking
Be careful when taking the camera out of the bag to take a picture. I know of some photographers who dropped their cameras in water, and I personally lost a lens cap to a gust of wind because it was not tethered. Hiking trails are generally unfriendly environments for a camera, so always use the wrist or neck strap to avoid losing all your memories in one moment.
There are a few other hazards to be aware of on a hiking trail. First, mist and water sprays can deposit on your lens (sometimes without your being aware) and either ruin your pictures or damage your equipment. A soft cleaning cloth can often take care of such liquid droplets. However, if dust or other hard particles deposit on your lens, blowing air is a much safer solution. Be aware that when you blow air with your mouth, you also blow moisture. It’s a good idea to pack an air blower that is made to gently remove particles off camera lenses. They are small, lightweight and inexpensive and can be purchased online and in camera shops.
Swift humidity or temperature variations can also be harmful to any electronic device by creating condensation inside it. When possible, avoid abrupt climate changes. For example, taking a camera from a very cool air-conditioned car to a humid, warm environment could lead to malfunctions, although those are rare.
Keep your camera away from liquids
If you want to carry cold water, remember to keep your camera away from it! Cold water will create condensation that could damage the electronics. Remember, any bottle (bug spray, solar lotion) can leak or break, and damage the camera.
Break Time by Mike Goren ~ Creative Commons 2005
Water droplets on lens illustration by Bernard Dery
