Using your action camera while hiking

  When you're out hiking, you sometimes want to hold on to memories of the landscapes you've seen, the moments of camaraderie shared with loved ones… But carrying a camera or a photo device can quickly become cumbersome! The solution is the action camera: small, it clips on everywhere and is extremely practical for filming intense activities. The first-person image quality is great and gives you the feeling, when watching it back, of reliving your memories.

While water and mountain sports enthusiasts are numerous advocates of action cameras, hikers can also make very good use of them. A challenging section, distant wildlife or a break by a riverside, for example, can be memories you want to capture and share with loved ones afterwards. And as some YouTubers already do, these videos can also be shared with a wider audience on social media to showcase hiking routes worth exploring.

From GoPro to more accessible models

The GoPro is the benchmark model for action cameras. But at over £500 for the latest version, it's a purchase you can't always afford. In specialist technology or sports accessory shops, you'll find many other brands that have developed similar action camera models at more affordable prices.

The price difference then lies in the options chosen: waterproof, with Wi-Fi, photo capability, screen, battery life… For an all-season hiker, it's important to make sure your camera is waterproof. In case of rain or heavy snow, protection will be welcome to safeguard your equipment while continuing to capture the moment. To share images quickly, locate yourself or record your altitude, some built-in cameras have integrated Wi-Fi.

Make the most of accessories to stay free

Whatever the action camera model you choose, the advantage is that you can attach them almost anywhere to vary your shots but also to keep your hands free. On a helmet, on your wrist, on a chest harness, at the end of a pole… a whole range of accessories exists for these small cameras. It's also important to look into the available accessories before purchasing a camera.

Filming routes to inspire others

Some YouTubers, like Randorama74, film their hikes with action cameras to then present routes in a more visual way. It can sometimes be difficult to assess the difficulty of a hike from a website, a brochure or a book, and so in video form you can more easily see what lies ahead. Beyond the educational aspect of this type of video, filming and sharing your hike can also give other people ideas for hiking routes to explore.