Challenge

Adventure travel is a great opportunity for photography, but it has its own challenges.  You are always on the move.  There may be a schedule to keep.   Even if your adventure travel takes you to famously photographed scenes, the light at your arrival might not be good or the weather may be terrible.  There may not be time for a set shot with a tripod.  If your adventure travel includes hiking, you will have to be able to carry the gear.  If you want to enjoy the photography of adventure travel, these challenges should be accepted.

Galen Rowell famously said that the best camera in the world is the one you have with you.  It is equally true that the best photos of your trip are from the scenery that is there. 

The light on your trip may offer unanticipated opportunities. Go out and see the light at dawn, at sunset or after a storm.  Adventure photography means taking advantage of the opportunities that are offered, even if they were not the opportunities hoped for.  Forget that wonderful morning cup of coffee or tea or a relaxing beer in the room in the evening.  Go outside. See what the light might be doing.  

A lightweight camera and lens is key.  The best place for the tripod is in your closet.  Modern mirrorless cameras have less glass and less weight.  New levels of in-body-image-stabilization (IBIS) reduce camera shake and enable excellent images at 1 second shutter speeds or even slower.  Maybe you should reevaluate that f2.8 lens that weighs a ton.  A pro quality f4 lens may be all you need.  Lighter weight equipment is not just easier to carry; it is also easier to steady for the longer shutter speeds. 

Outside the scene may be changing quickly. The adventure photographer should be light as well as quick.