The 6 Pieces of Gear Adventure Photographer Chris Burkard Can’t Live Without

While Burkard wasn’t shooting photos during the Silk Mountain Road Race (he was racing), there’s not many places he doesn’t bring this Sony Alpha. “This is my go-to point-and-shoot,” he says. “It’s light, powerful, easy to use, and pretty dang weatherproof. You can’t always carry a big camera body and a bunch of lenses, so this little piece is pretty versatile to still capture high-quality moments on adventures.”

Sunglasses are a crucial tool in the arsenal of someone who makes their living with their eyeballs. As Burkard says, “I’m a sunglasses guy. Arguably, my eye is my most valued asset as a photographer—so I try to take good care of them and do that with a little splash of style.”

This pair from Roka offers “good protection from bugs and dust while on the bike.”

Riding in a challenging endurance bike race like the Silk Mountain one requires letting go of most grooming habits. As Burkard explains, “When you spend 8 days consecutively with no shower and the vast majority of your time on the saddle of a bike, this one really comes in handy.”

When it comes to shoes, for so many of the varied adventures Burkard tackles he’s in need of something versatile and comfortable. “These shoes are my bread and butter of useful footwear that can handle aggressive terrain while keeping my feet aired out,” he says. “Easy to slip off during long plane rides. Love these things.”

Earbuds are one of the top items you’ll find in any seasoned travelers’ kit (Burkard has been to over 80 countries). As Chris says, “Music is one of my greatest joys and areas of creative inspiration in life—so a quality listening experience is huge. I also love that the open-ear design keeps me aware of my surroundings while I’m traveling.”

Travel snacks can be a polarizing subject because everyone has their long-time favorites. For Burkard, it’s the humble gummy bear. “Gummies keep you happy and energized in a pinch,” he says. “Sometimes, a little burst of sweet goodness is all you need to get through a 7,000-foot climb over a mountain pass in the middle of the night.”