Glenn Charles’s Photo Kit for 1000 Miles Across Alaska

Glenn Charles’s Photo Kit for 1000 Miles Across Alaska

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Glenn Charles

My 1000-mile bikepacking journey across Alaska’s rugged trails, referenced on Gypsy by Trade, required a photography kit that balanced weight and function. Using an iPad and a compact camera in a Porcelain Rocket Slinger, I captured glaciers, grizzly tracks, and midnight sunsets. This guide shares my gear, the iPad workflow’s challenges, and tips for shooting on the trail, inspired by my Alaska adventure.

The Alaska Challenge

Bikepacking 1000 miles across Alaska—likely the Dalton Highway—meant harsh conditions: subzero nights, dusty gravel, and rain. As noted on Gypsy by Trade, I aimed for a minimalist kit within my 10.8-pound base weight (see my base weight guide). Photography was key to sharing Alaska’s wild beauty, but my iPad workflow proved cumbersome for high-res images. Here’s how I made it work, despite the hurdles.

My Alaska Photo Kit

My ultralight photography setup included:

  • Camera (1 pound): Sony RX100 (20MP, f/1.8 lens) for low-light shots of auroras and wildlife.
  • Storage (0.3 pounds): Porcelain Rocket Slinger, padded and handlebar-mounted for quick access.
  • Tablet (1 pound): iPad mini for editing, using Snapseed, as in my JPEG guide.
  • 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 my base weight.

iPad Workflow Challenges

As Gypsy by Trade noted, the iPad workflow was tough. Transferring high-res photos via a USB SD card reader (with Nexus Media Importer) was slow, and the WordPress app lagged for blogging. Storage was a bottleneck—64GB filled fast with RAW files, forcing frequent culling. Editing on Snapseed worked for quick adjustments, but complex edits were clunky compared to a laptop. I stuck with it to stay ultralight, but a MacBook Air would’ve been smoother, as Nicholas suggested.

Packing Strategy

The Slinger, mounted on my Surly Pugsley’s handlebars, kept my camera accessible yet protected from Alaska’s mud and rain. Batteries and SD cards stayed in a Revelate framebag pocket, low for stability on singletrack. A waterproof sleeve shielded the iPad during storms, and I backed up images nightly to a separate SD card. This setup let me shoot on the move, capturing a moose crossing the Dalton Highway without stopping.

Shooting in Alaska

Alaska’s extremes demanded adaptability. I shot in RAW for flexibility, adjusting exposures for bright glaciers. A polarizing filter cut lake glare, and burst mode caught fleeting wildlife. The Gorillapod, strapped to my forks, stabilized camp shots under the midnight sun. Cold drained batteries—I kept spares warm in my sleeping bag. Dust required daily lens cleaning, and I rigged a plastic bag with a lens hole for rain shots. These hacks kept my kit functional across 1000 miles.

Key Tips for Bikepacking Photography

  • Stay Light: Use a compact camera (under 1 pound) like the Sony RX100.
  • Protect Gear: Store in a padded, waterproof Slinger for rugged trails.
  • Manage Storage: Carry extra SD cards, cull images nightly.
  • Adapt to Conditions: Use filters and burst mode for dynamic shots.
  • Test Workflow: Try tablets on short trips before long hauls; laptops may be better for heavy editing.

Glenn’s Verdict

My Alaska photo kit captured a 1000-mile journey, but the iPad’s cumbersome workflow, as noted on Gypsy by Trade, taught me to prioritize simplicity. A compact camera and minimal accessories worked best. Explore more in my photography archive and legacy archive.

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