As I prepare for another trip to Iceland, I’m frequently looking for ways to have the most important pieces of equipment with me. I’m often lugging this photography gear and my personal gear on my back for several kilometers and so being selective and thoughtful with my choices is important. Whatever ends up in my camera pack has got to be important and worth the weight.
1 – Medium Microfiber Towel
Iceland isn’t known for having favorable weather. In fact, it’s much the opposite. Wind, rain, snow, blowing sand and volcanic ash. It’s really got the wind speeds to get just about anything airborne. With that said, there’s a high probability that I’m going to experience some weather and my camera is going to get wet or dusty. I like carrying a medium microfiber towel with me to quickly wipe up water, or dust off debris in the field. The small lens clothes just won’t cut it! So The cloth I’ve got with me these days is about 18inches x 12 inches.
2 – Neutral Density Filters & Polarizer
There is no doubt that these two filters can make a huge difference in your day-to-day photography in Iceland. Firstly, polarizers do wonders when you’re shooting next to water or ice, helping to cut glare from the sun. Additionally, a polarizer can increase the contrast of your images in certain scenarios. I’ll also bring a couple of levels worth of Neutral Density Filters, usually an ND8 & ND1000, to help with dropping down my shutter speed in some situations. Think of slowing your shutter to 1/5 of a second for the silky waterfall effect, or further, to maybe 10 seconds on a beach with crashing waves so create an ethereal smoothness on the shoreline. Great picks!
3 – A Sturdy Tripod
While weight is a main consideration on these trips with the international flight, and carrying into the field, I do recommend bringing a tripod that is sturdy, functional, and familiar. I use my tripod multiple times a day whenever I’m in Iceland and I never want to be without it. I have several styles of tripod at home. I have a compact travel tripod, a larger carbon fiber tripod with a great ball-head, and a super tiny gorilla-pod. For Iceland, I bring my large tripod every time. For the extra 1 or 2 pounds, the sturdiness, stability, and quality is well worth carrying around. It will get a ton of use.
4 – A Comfortable Camera Pack
Over the years I’ve moved around from different pack styles, sizes, but a few key features have always held true.
- I want my pack to have a strong and comfortable waist-belt. My camera equipment often comes through between 20 and 30 lbs, and I’ll need that support.
- Bulky and well-padded shoulder straps with chest clips also makes long treks more comfortable.
- A good sized top-pocket or top access. I love having this top compartment for storing layers, hats, gloves, etc and have them easily accessible.
- The exterior is made from a tear proof fabric. The number of times in a day I not-so-delicately lay my bag down onto volcanic rocks is high. I want the fabric of the bag to be exceptionally durable.
- A front-zip camera compartment. You’ve got to lay the back down and access the camera from where your back sits on the bag.
I’ve been using the F-Stop Gear Tilopa 37L for about a year, and before then the Mountainsmith Parallax. Both offer similar features and durability and I wouldn’t do a trip without it.
5 – Bring an amazing Camera Strap / Harness
For years I used to walk trails for hours with my camera clasped in a death-grip. Kit camera straps have their downfalls, all of which I’ve likely experienced. To me, the perfect camera strap/harness is hands-free for the user. Something that keeps the camera secure when your moving and climbing over obstacles and something that can almost act like a third hand when you’re changing lenses, filters, changing batteries, or any other assortment of uses. Since I began incorporating a camera harness, I’ve been able to walk with two trekking poles in hand, climb over huge boulders, step between a bouncing zodiac and a rocky beach, and so much more. It’s really enabled me to be a more versatile photographer. I use the Cotton Carrier G3 Harness, and in the past I’ve used the Black Rapid Camera Sling.
Conclusion
These accessories are by no means necessary for an awesome Iceland adventure and photography experience, but they’ll certainly help. Keep them in mind while your preparing your equipment!