Wilderness & Water: A Colorado Fly Fishing and Photography Series

Join me on a six-part journey into Colorado’s rugged backcountry, where wild trout rise in alpine streams and every turn of the trail offers a photo worth framing. This blog series documents my hikes into the La Plata River and the Pine River Trail, packed with fly fishing strategies, camera gear breakdowns, nature photography tips, and personal reflections from life off-grid.

Backcountry Fly Fishing & Photography Gear List

Fly Fishing Gear

• Fly Rods

• 9’ 5wt (for larger water, versatile)

• 7.5–8.5’ 4wt (for tight quarters and small streams)

• Reel

• Sage Spectrum C Reel (smooth drag, durable)

• Fly Line

• Weight-forward floating lines for both rods

• Leaders & Tippet

• 3x to 6x Fluorocarbon (Seaguar Red Label)

• Tapered leaders 7.5’–9’

• Fly Box (Backcountry Loadout)

• Parachute Adams (#14–18)

• Yellow Stimulators (#12–14)

• Elk Hair Caddis (#14)

• Beadhead Pheasant Tail (#16)

• CDC Midges (#20)

• Olive/Black Woolly Buggers (#8–10)

• Hoppers and Ants (summer)

• Accessories

• Floatant (gel and powder)

• Nippers & forceps

• Fly patch / magnetic net release

• Landing net (lightweight, rubber basket)

• Tippet holder / zinger combo

• Strike indicators and split shot

Camera Gear

• Camera Body

• Canon R5 (high resolution, fast autofocus)

• Lenses

• 24–70mm f/2.8 (everyday and landscape shots)

• 70–200mm f/2.8 (wildlife, river compression shots)

• Tripod

• K&F Concept carbon fiber tripod (lightweight & strong)

• Filters

• Circular Polarizer (cut glare on water)

• ND Filter (for long exposures of rivers/waterfalls)

Accessories

• Extra batteries (x3 minimum)

• SD Cards (UHS-II, multiple backups)

• Lens cloths and rain sleeve

• Remote shutter or interval timer

• Storage & Protection

• K&F Concept Camera Backpack (modular, waterproof bottom, padded inserts)

• Dry bag for added protection during river crossings

• Lens hoods and weather-sealing tape (if needed)

Camping & Hiking Gear

• Backpack

• 50–65L capacity OR the K&F Concept camera backpack (if basecamping with lighter loads)

• Shelter

• Lightweight backpacking tent (2-person or 1-person)

• Ultralight rainfly/tarp

• Sleep System

• Down sleeping bag (rated to 20°F or better)

• Sleeping pad (inflatable or closed-cell foam)

• Cooking Gear

• Backpacking stove & fuel

• Lightweight cookware

• Utensils & mug

• Freeze-dried meals / protein bars

• Water

• Hydration bladder + Nalgene bottle

• Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn water filter

• Clothing

• Quick-dry base layers

• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic)

• Rain jacket & rain pants

• Buff/sun mask and gloves

• Extra socks, hat, and underwear

Navigation & Safety

• Navigation

• Gaia GPS or OnX with offline maps

• Compass and backup paper map

• Safety Gear

• Garmin inReach Mini (satellite communicator)

• First-aid kit

• Bear spray (depending on region)

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Emergency blanket & duct tape

• Repair kit (zip ties, patch tape, needle/thread)

Optional but Useful

• iPad Pro (for Lightroom Mobile editing in camp)

• Solar charger or power bank I recommend: (Anker SOLIX C300 DC Power Bank Station, Outdoor 288Wh)

• Lightweight camp chair or sit pad

• Journal or sketchbook

Check Out My Gear

Curious about the gear I use for fishing, photography, and backcountry trips? Head over to my Amazon page to see the rods, reels, camera gear, camping essentials, and other items I personally use and review. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or looking to upgrade your setup, you’ll find trusted gear recommendations all in one place.

Disclaimer: This blog description contains affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost for you. 

• Amazon

Clink the link above to see my gear and reviews