From 2016 to 2020 he cycled through 16 different countries as he explored the Americas from tip to toe. He’s the author of three books and an outdoor photographer who uses his camera and the written word to document his adventures. 

Electronics

A Garmin InReach Mini provides me with a locator beacon, two-way text comms and basic weather forecasts, but usually there will be a dedicated locator beacon in the party too. I record all trips and navigate with a Garmin eTrex 22, but also use a smartphone with OsmAnd and Backcountry Navigator apps for map reading and planning. I carry a powerbank to charge my devices.

Sleep system

For much of the year I use a Big Agnes Fussell UL 850 fill-power quilt, because it’s more comfortable in a wide range of conditions than a sleeping bag and the down is where you need it: on top. I pair this with a Big Agnes air chamber mat, but when I really want to save weight I take a cut-down Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite.

Footwear 

My Salomon Quest GTX boots are light, have a precise feel and are stiff enough for long days, heavy packs and crampon use.

Pack

My close companion on many trips now has been the Black Diamond Epic 45. It’s not made anymore, but I like its low weight, durability, simplicity and low profile shape, which works well for bush bashing. When carrying all my photography kit and several days’ food, I use a 60l pack. 

Shelter

I try to get away with a three-season tent whenever I can in order to save weight. Current favourites are from Big Agnes: the Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack and the Fly Creek HV UL2 Bikepack. Both come with extra-short poles for stowing in a tramping pack as well as on a bike. When I’m going really light I use an OR Helium bivvy bag.

Clothes

I pick and choose what to take based on season, expected weather and weight concerns. When I’m tramping and climbing, I always take a windshirt (Macpac or Marmot) for a combination of warmth and windproofing in one garment. I usually wear merino-blend baselayers and my mid-layer is always a hooded Powergrid-style fleece. I use hooded garments because they are so much warmer and better for temperature regulation on the go. A recent discovery is TEMRES 282-02 fishing gloves: brilliant in the cold and wet.

Camera and lenses

My Sony A7RII mirrorlessis fantastic in low light and for its dynamic range. On some trips I just carry a 24-105mm f4, but when I want a larger focal length range for more serious work, I’ll carry a 16-35mm, a 55mm and a 70-300mm, plus a Sirui carbon fibre tripod. 

Axe and crampons (not pictured)

I use a Black Diamond Raven Pro ice axe and Grivel Air Tech Light aluminium crampons.

Cooking and eating

The Toaks titanium alcohol stove and 700ml pot is super light and efficient. To eat and drink I use a Fozzils Snapfold bowl, which flattens after use. I always carry a basic locking-blade pocket knife and a Macpac titanium Spork.