SNAP HAPPY: Cameras For Bikepacking & Adventure

SOME 30-PLUS YEARS AGO I SOMEHOW FIGURED out that by carrying a basic point-and-shoot film camera on my rides and bike trips that I could actually capture some pretty decent images, which, when laced together with a few hand-written words, turned into a living.

Strangely, things have come more or less full-circle for me, photographically: from progressing to carrying 15kg backpacks of pro DSLR gear on my back, to a return to photographic minimalism—which is in part due to the massive improvements in tiny digital cameras.

When it comes to choosing the best camera for carrying on rides and bike trips it can be very confusing. There is a great deal of hype and misinformation out there, often proliferated by YouTubers looking to earn a buck or two. Hopefully my experience and learning will help steer you in the right direction.

Do you really need a dedicated camera?

There is absolutely no doubt that recent-model mobile