When Swedish photographer Roger Vikström sent us his spontaneous review of the Boris IV, we immediately noticed something interesting. The review wasn’t really about a backpack. It was about the philosophy behind it: carrying only what you need, moving efficiently, and focusing on the experience rather than the equipment. So we asked him what more than thirty years of photography have taught him about packing for a day in the field.
Stop carrying everything
Roger has worked as a press photographer, shooting everything from royal weddings to natural disasters. Today, he spends most of his time photographing birds and wildlife in Sweden’s forests and mountains. Over the years, his approach to equipment has changed considerably.
Like many photographers, Roger spent years carrying equipment “just in case”. Eventually, he realised that there is a significant difference between bringing all your equipment and bringing the right equipment.
“The farther away from civilisation I go, the more carefully I think about what I really need.”
His rule is simple: if something is unlikely to be used, it stays at home.
The lesson from Runde
One experience in particular completely changed Roger’s approach.
Several years ago, he travelled to the Norwegian island of Runde, famous for its puffins and seabird colonies. His backpack weighed somewhere between 30 and 35 kilograms.
“I looked up and thought I could see the top of the mountain. But fifteen minutes later, it felt as though I hadn’t moved at all.”
When he finally reached the summit, he discovered that the steepest section still lay ahead. Eventually, he made it to the top. The landscape was spectacular, filled with puffins and countless other seabirds. “It was well worth the visit. But I promised myself I would never carry that much equipment again.”
The next morning, he completely changed his approach. Instead of carrying his full setup, he took only two camera bodies, a 600 mm lens, a 200–400 mm lens, and a monopod. “The difference was enormous. I moved faster, enjoyed the experience more and didn’t miss any of the equipment I had left behind.”
What's in Roger's backpack?
Today, Roger’s packing list has become remarkably consistent. For a typical day of bird photography, he usually carries:
- Two Nikon Z9 camera bodies
- A Nikon 400 mm f/2.8
- A Nikon 70–200 mm f/2.8
- Teleconverters
- Spare batteries and memory cards
- A tripod with a Wimberley head
- Extra clothing
- A thermos and food
Depending on the location, he may also carry a small folding stool. “Eventually, packing becomes second nature. You learn what you need and what you don’t.”
What matters in the field
After three decades of photography, Roger has developed strong opinions about camera backpacks.
What matters is comfort, accessibility, weight distribution and weather protection. But perhaps the most important factor is organisation. “A good backpack should help you concentrate on photography instead of on your equipment.”
The details that make a difference
Roger says that the Boris IV stands out because of its straightforward design.
The large compartments allow him to organise his equipment without relying on countless small pockets and pouches.
He also appreciates the lighter interior, which makes equipment easier to find in low-light conditions.
The bag gives him enough space for his camera equipment, clothing and food while encouraging him to pack thoughtfully. “It’s always a balance. You need to decide what to leave behind, but you also need to make sure you can comfortably carry the things you choose to bring.”
His final advice? “I think the most important thing remains to spend time outdoors. And to observe and be patient. The best images rarely belong to the photographer carrying the most equipment. They belong to the one who stayed long enough to witness the moment.”
All images © Roger Vikström
