Glenn Charles’s Photo Kit for 1000 Miles Across Alaska

Editor’s note: This tribute reflects on Glenn Charles’s original blog post and kit setup from 2012, republished with context and commentary by The Traveling Vagabond. The reflections below include paraphrased insights and lessons I’ve taken from his published account—honoring his minimalist approach to bikepacking photography. This page is a legacy archive celebrating his contributions, as featured on Gypsy by Trade, and is not an impersonation but a tribute to his impact. Last updated: July 1, 2025.

Glenn Charles’s Photo Kit for 1000 Miles Across Alaska

The Glenn Charles Alaska photo kit from his 1000-mile bikepacking journey across Alaska’s rugged trails, referenced on Gypsy by Trade, inspired a setup that balanced weight and function. He used an iPad and a compact camera in a Porcelain Rocket Slinger, capturing glaciers, grizzly tracks, and midnight sunsets. This guide shares his gear, the iPad workflow’s challenges, and tips that now guide my own trail photography, drawing from his Alaskan adventure.

The Alaska Challenge

His 1000-mile trek across Alaska—likely the Dalton Highway—faced harsh conditions: subzero nights, dusty gravel, and rain. As noted on Gypsy by Trade, he aimed for a minimalist kit within his 10.8-pound base weight, detailed in his base weight guide. His focus on photography to share Alaska’s wild beauty taught me the value of a lightweight setup, though his iPad workflow proved challenging for high-res images—a lesson I’ve adapted in my gear choices.

Glenn’s Alaskan Setup

His Alaskan setup included:

  • Camera (1 pound): Sony RX100 (20MP, f/1.8 lens) for low-light shots of auroras and wildlife, a choice that influences my compact camera selections.
  • Storage (0.3 pounds): A padded, handlebar-mounted solution for quick access, inspiring my own gear protection strategies.
  • Tablet (1 pound): iPad mini for editing with Snapseed, as explored in his JPEG guide, which I’ve tested on shorter trips.
  • Accessories (0.5 pounds): Micro-USB to USB OTG cable, 64GB SD card, Gorillapod tripod, extra battery.
  • Protection (0.2 pounds): Waterproof sleeve for rain, microfiber cloth for dust.
Total: 3 pounds, integrated into his ultralight base weight, a standard I strive to emulate.

iPad Workflow Challenges

He found the iPad workflow tough, as noted in discussions. Transferring high-res photos via a USB SD card reader with Nexus Media Importer was slow, and the WordPress app lagged for blogging. His 64GB storage filled fast with RAW files, requiring frequent culling—a challenge that taught me to plan storage more effectively. Editing on Snapseed worked for quick fixes, but complex edits were clunky compared to a laptop, a tradeoff I’ve considered for future trips.

Packing Strategy

He mounted the Slinger on his Surly Pugsley’s handlebars, keeping his camera accessible yet protected from Alaska’s mud and rain—a technique I’ve adopted for my rides. He stored batteries and SD cards in a Revelate framebag pocket, low for stability on singletrack. A waterproof sleeve shielded his iPad during storms, and he backed up images nightly to a separate SD card, a practice I now follow to ensure data safety.

Shooting in Alaska

Alaska’s extremes demanded adaptability from him. He shot in RAW for flexibility, adjusting exposures for bright glaciers, a skill I’ve practiced on my own shoots. A polarizing filter cut lake glare, and burst mode caught fleeting wildlife. His Gorillapod, strapped to his forks, stabilized camp shots under the midnight sun, while cold drained batteries—spares kept warm in his sleeping bag. Dust required daily lens cleaning, and he rigged a plastic bag with a lens hole for rain shots, tips I’ve incorporated into my gear prep.

Key Tips for Bikepacking Photography

  • Stay Light: Use a compact camera (under 1 pound) like the Sony RX100, as he did.
  • Protect Gear: Store in a padded, waterproof mount for rugged trails, inspired by his Slinger use.
  • Manage Storage: Carry extra SD cards, cull images nightly, a lesson from his storage challenges.
  • Adapt to Conditions: Use filters and burst mode for dynamic shots, following his techniques.
  • Test Workflow: Try tablets on short trips before long hauls; laptops may be better for heavy editing, a takeaway from his iPad experience.

Glenn’s Reflection

The Glenn Charles Alaska photo kit captured a 1000-mile journey, but the iPad’s cumbersome workflow taught him to prioritize simplicity—a lesson that shapes my own gear choices. A compact camera and minimal accessories proved most effective, a principle I apply today. Explore more in his photography archive and legacy archive.

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