My feet. I’ll admit…they’re not my favorite piece of camera equipment. Heck, they’re not even camera equipment…but I find more and more they’re so vital to ensuring I get good images.

When I decided to head to Iceland this past June for 67 days of hiking and photography I knew without question my feet were going to be in for an ordeal…which is where my Wigwams’ come into play. I use primarily the Hiking/Outdoor Pro model and the Outlast Weather Shield. I pick these socks for 3 primary functions.

1. Comfort. When people think of photography they don’t usually associate it with much hiking. For landscape and wildlife photographers, it’s all we do. Getting the perfect shot requires walking, and lots of it all over uneven and punishing terrain; during my Iceland trek I walked nearly 450 miles…averaging 10-15miles on a typical day…and longer days of 20-25 miles thrown in for fun. It was hard on my feet. If I wore any other sock, I’m convinced my feet would’ve just fallen off in protest. The socks I used kept them padded and comfortable…ALL the time.

Landscape and wildlife photography brings me to many different places to make presentations. I get a lot of questions about the kinds of gear I use. Obviously, the camera equipment I use is important. However, what most people don’t realize is that the gear I wear in many regards is just as important as what I use to create my images.

In other words, my socks are JUST as important as my lenses, or filter systems. Your socks!? You’re kidding, right? Let me explain.