Equipment |
Electronics |
Equipment electronics
The less the better, however in some cases it might make our life easier.
Torch. Necessary. I use the headlamp to have free hands. For years I used Petzl or Black Diamond company. From the second one "Spot" model has good enough functions keeping in mind that the brighter the shorter battery life or higher weight. Just to find balance you need. For longer hikes I purchased Petzl's headtorch e+LITE model, which has even weaker light (26-50 lumens depends on model), but it is very lightweight (28 grams), what is my priority. It runs on lithium battery CR2032 (coin battery, as in watches). It worked excellent around the campsite, I could even wolk with it, but for most people it wouldn't be strong enough.
GPS for hikers I recommend Garmin GPS - eTrex or MAP series. ETrex is smaller and cheaper, works on AA batteries. I decided on the larger one from GPSMAP series, model 66i, at time was the leader on the market in terms of battery life (up to 200 hours on 30-minute tracking, power save mode) and the best satellite signal reception. It weighs 230 grams (with build-in lithium batteries) and it’s expensive (€500). What is great here is the possibility of two-way communication (InReach technology), you can send and receive sms, show your localisation on the share map, get weather alerts etc, however those extra functions require subscribtions - there are many different plans from the simplest and shortest one month to unlimited one year (roughly between €18-60 monthly).
Before an adventure I look at satellite images on Google Earth, I plan a path on it and convert the data to my GPS. During the walk I use the maps, and from time to time I’m checking my position on the GPS. NOTE - GPS should be used as a supplement, you shouldn’t rely on it as the ONLY source of navigation. Batteries may not work, can broke it, read it wrong way etc. In remote areas laminated maps (I use waterproof sprey) and compass must be in our equipment, while GPS not necessarily.
Camera. It’s difficult to recommend any as there are so many options on the market. Nowdays mobile phones have extraordinary cameras, however still on wide angle or astrophotography. Before I used to SLR cameras, as the high optics quality gives the unique pictures. Definitely the biggest disadvantage of SLR cameras is their size and weight. I downgraded full frame SLR to crop APS-C frame in 
mirrorless camera. Much lighter and close quality in most scenarios. Anyway, it's all about lenses. My Fuji XT3 comes with lens 18-55mm f2.8-4, prime lens 35mm f1.4, and zoom 50-140mm f2.8 with 2x teleconverter. Three spare batteries, a case bag, tripod (big or small depends on trip), series of NISI square filters etc. I found out that Fuji is the lightest for high quality photography.
If you enjoy making video, I propose to focus only on one activity - picture or video. Otherwise you will get gaps in both areas. When travelling with company it’s easy to designate the roles between each other. As drones becoming more and more popular, I would focus on quality vs weight vs charging possibilities - winner would be DJI Mavic Mini 2.
Besides, we can take much more electronic gadgets. In my opinion laptops are too big and too heavy for hiking adventure. It’s a bit ridiculous to be in an exotic place sitting in front of computer. I met many travellers which were very limited in contact with others, as they spent their time in front of the screens, rather than talking or walking. Unless your trip is a part of your job or you can find a good balance between travelling and computer, than no problem at all. In addition, each individual gadget requires adequate power supply, and sometimes requires a different charger. And it means an extra weight.
Batteries. The best on the market are lithium ones. 1.5V AA batteries are 30% lighter than alkaline ones, they are also running longer and better at low temperatures. Watch coin style lithium batteries CR2032 3V have the best performance, but they work only on a low powered gadgets (watch, e-lite headlamp etc).
Rechargeable batteries are almost twice weaker than the above alternatives. Currently the best are Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH). Non-Rechargeable lithium and alkaline batteries will serve twice longer, but when used we throw them away. So we need to carry spare ones. Rechargeable batteries we can use over and over again, but we need a battery charger or solar panel, where opinions are divided.
Charging the camera is another matter. Popular solution is to carry powerbank, just check if the power input is strong enough for your devices, let say most powerbanks will supply mobile, GPS etc with 5-8W, but let say to charge camera or small drone, you need to match Watt requirements. Another matter is that some more powerfull powerbanks won't be compatible with solar panels.
If we are planning trekking far away from the civilization, consider taking the emergency calling system. The easiest one would be a satellite phone, but it cost a fortune and it isn’t lightweight. Mobile phone can be helpful but only in areas where the network works. For me except written earlier GPS InReach technology, the solution is EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon), a small yellow box from which you can send a signal to a satellite. 70% of the world is covered under it frequency (406MHz). I don’t know how a rescue operation looks in the third world countries, however it works in Australia lands and seas, where you can get help in a life-saving situation. Someone will arrive within 24 hours. In Australia you won’t be charged for rescue if you can prove it wasn’t wrong preparation, but accident. In some countries park rangers require to have UHF radio while hiking. Or stay with the basics - whistle, mirror, flashlight – just other ways to call for help.