Staff Picks: Photography Gear for the Outdoor Adventurer

While the holidays have come and gone, it doesn't mean that you can't get an awesome gift for that special person in your life who loves to be outside taking photos. Better yet, treat yourself! We live in the Golden Age of gadgets, gizmos and easy access to information, so your options are limitless. Step up your photography setup with one (or all) of the below gear staff picks.

Sony Alpha 6000 Camera

People always ask us what is the most affordable way to get into taking high quality photos. It is hard to get really nice images without spending at least a small chunk of change, and in my opinion, few compact rigs pack the same punch as the Sony a6000. While out of the price range for most gift givers, this would be the ultimate way to show your spouse or special someone that you support their desire to get deeper into nature and adventure photography. 

Price range: $450 to $600 with a basic lens. Find out more and buy one HERE.

Nikon KeyMission Action Camera

With a lot of big contenders in the world of action cams, it's not easy to stand out, but we've loving Nikon's new lineup. Offering stunning media quality and seamless online sharing in a waterproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof package, say goodbye to that old, chunky camcorder and enjoy capturing your most rugged adventures to come from all angles. Choose between three models: 80 degree, 170 degree, and the full monty 360 degree. 

Price range: $279.99 to $499.99 depending on model choice. Learn more and buy one HERE.

GNARBOX

You may or may not have heard of GNARBOX and their revolutionary product to make file storage and editing easy and fun while you are on the go. If you haven't heard of them yet, prepare to have your mind blown. With their rugged and portable device and their easy-to-use phone application (iOS or Andriod), you are well on your way to store, backup, organize, edit, and share HD videos and photos - all from the great outdoors! 

Price range: $299.99 for 128GB, $399.99 for 256GB. Learn more and buy one HERE.

evoc Sports Photo Op Backpack

For that person who gets outside and loves going fast, look no further than evoc's photo lineup for a backpack worthy of flowy singletrack rides and backcountry ski outings. Built for outdoor adventures, these sporty packs offer an unparalleled rugged design, compartmentalized storage, and even carry straps for skis or a snowboard and an emergency avalanche pocket for fast decision-making while in the elements. Whether you're gifting to a professional outdoor sports photographer or someone dabbling in the scene, this is a gift that you'll be proud to give - or receive. 

Price range: $180 to $399.99 depending on the model and size. Learn more and buy HERE.

Matador Camera and Lens Base Layers

Maybe a backpack isn't the right direction? Consider Matador's Base Layer system for cameras and lenses. Not only will you or your lucky loved one have toasty tech while exploring year-round with its technical shell and synthetic insulation, but the padding will keep everything safe and sound for all of those bucket list adventures lined up for 2019 and beyond. Leave the bulk of the pack back at home and explore freely with affordable and "adaptive camera protection for the active photographer."

Price range: $39.99 to $59.99. Learn more and buy HERE.

Joby Gorillapod 

This fun, affordable, and versatile device is easy to keep in your small camera bag without taking up much space, but it gives you a wide array of options for creative camera positions. It can be used as a traditional tripod, or it can be wrapped around poles, tree branches, pillars, or rocks to give you unexpected vantage points for video or stills.

Price range: Between $20 and $120 depending on the model. Find out more and buy one HERE.

Peak Design Slide Padded Camera Strap

Comfort and function meet with the Peak Design Slide Padded Camera Strap. Gone are the days of sore necks and annoying straps. Instead, welcome versatility and durability with this easy-to-use, reconfigurable camera strap that checks all of the boxes. And if the giftee doesn't need as much support? Check out the Slide Lite.

Price range: $49.95 - 64.95. Learn more and buy HERE.

Adobe Creative Cloud 

It was not very long ago that you needed to spend over $700 to get your hands on a legal copy of Photoshop. The investment was usually too much for anyone aside from professionals or the wealthy, but that's no longer the case. Thanks to Adobe's Creative Cloud, you can access Photoshop and Lightroom on a monthly basis rather than with a large commitment. This is the top tier of photo editing software, and it can really provide many fun and creative outlets for the recipient. The photographer's package is only $10 a month, which is an absolute steal compared to the old pricing structure.

Price range: $9.99 per month - approximately $120 for a year. Learn more HERE.

Camera Harness

Nature moves pretty quickly sometimes, and it's hard to get a spontaneous shot without easy access to your rig. Chest and hip harnesses allow photographers to remain hands free between shooting and still quickly access their device when necessary. Note: There are lots of models, makes and styles, so this will take some research to get the right one.

Price range: $15 up to $200 depending on quality and the camera weight capacity.

Online Classes

The weather outside is frightful, and the fire is so delightful. Now is a perfect time to brush up on some new techniques you can easily find within the massive world of online photography courses. There are a a ton of great choices with competitive prices and high quality. You will definitely want to compare a few online and check out their reviews, but some of the most popular have been Lynda, Photography Institute and the NatGeo involved Great Courses. There is no better teacher than real world experience, but this is a great way to increase your abilities when you can't be out on the trail.

Price range: Between $10 and $30 per month.

Books!

Remember these? They are like iPads made out of paper that don't need batteries, and they are great! The fun part is that it does not have to necessarily be about photography to be perfect for your adventure photographer. Getting someone a trail guidebook in their local area will be practical and inspiring. You can't go wrong with adventure novels from the likes of Krakauer or Abbey to stir the juices of your white elephant participants, and everyone loves a great coffee table book of large nature photographs from our favorite artists like Peter Lik or the timeless Ansel Adams.

Price range: from $10 to $75. 

Bonus: Micro Fiber Cloths and Lens Pens 

If you need a cheap gift for your mudding buddies, micro-fiber cloths or lens cleaning pens are always a great option. It is just a matter of time before their lens gets dirty while adventuring, so these things never go out of style. They are also easy to lose or misplace, so loading someone up with extras is never a bad idea. Save your friend's gear from the curse of the t-shirt sleeve cleaning cloth; they will definitely appreciate it.

Price range: As low as $5 to $10.