Combining Passions: Climbing & Photography
How do you combine 2 passions on a single trip overseas when weight needs to be managed carefully?
My interests in photography and climbing require careful planning. Both activities involve equipment that can test the allowance for baggage weight – on long-distance buses in the UK, and on flights.
This week I am returning to the winter climbing mecca that is the Costa Blanca. The preparation and packing for the adventure are akin to completing a Rubik cube.
Weight needs careful consideration.
Climbing equipment, even in the modern age, is heavy. 7-8 kg just for the rope. Add carabiners, harness, helmet, etc. etc. and it soon adds up to the baggage weight allowed on various forms of transport.
Photographic equipment, when considering a DSLR and accompanying lenses becomes equally heavy.
Considering both activities ensures planning and compromise.
My travel partner is leaving from a completely different part of the UK and using a budget airline that restricts weight heavily. My airline has a reasonable weight allowance for hold baggage – 23 kg, along with a cabin allowance of hand baggage with a separately carried laptop. This enables me to carry the heavier climbing gear, saving the hassle of my partner but requires careful consideration of the camera gear I take.
24 hours to go until I leave. I’m still trying various combinations of equipment and clothing.
It could be that I wear the same clothes for a week. But that could ensure I am given a wide berth by anyone I meet… and my climbing partner spends the week wearing a gas mask.
The following photographs are from last years trip to the same location. They are part of my ‘What did I learn, and how will I use the experience for this trip?’ I’m looking forward to hitting the crags again in the winter sun. I’m looking forward to creating images of the experience with whatever photographic equipment I manage to take with me.
Rob Thomas Photography 