PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I use another "all-in-one" lens. I go for memorable shots, not museum quality. But I use an APS-C body, so my lens won't work for you. If I were in your shoes, I would take the D850 and a 28-300 or 24-200 zoom as well as a bridge camera. I love my SX50 HS, but on my last trip I used the Lumix ZS100 because I wanted a pocketable one. I felt I needed more at the tele end and the 1" sensor wasn't worth limiting the zoom range, so I'd go with the ZS80 next time. Since it uses a USB cable, that with its' little adapter serves as its' charger.

I would have the flash and a spare battery for the D850 and for the flash. I would make sure I had enough storage media cards.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Two beauties Love that tree

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

All I need is the money Excellent shooting, so very much worth it

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

For a bit less $ you can get the Lumix DCZS80. It even has a viewfinder.

Or for even less, the DCZS70.

Quixdraw Loc: x

One factor that seems mostly missing in this conversation, is how important a part of your enjoyment is having your favorite gear along and using it. I have a couple of excellent small cameras, I have even tried substituting one for one of my FX Nikons. I barely used it. I enjoy having and using two camera bodies, ditto three or four lenses whatever fits my favorite camera bag. Unless I had a specific plan, I would not again carry a long zoom, that proved to be like a ball and chain. Any of the small cameras, the Leica D Lux 109 could do nearly any photo trip, but for me would be less fun, and I'd likely take less photos. It is what you enjoy - as an example, many of you like photo backpacks. I detest them as I find them too slow for the way I work and sweaty as well. Don't have one & never will. Pleasing yourself with your photography!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

This response is full of wisdom. I'm kind of shocked at the number of replies that suggest tearing the house down because one of the faucets is dripping.

I would never consider taking my Nikon Coolpix as my only camera to the Grand Canyon (or especially through Carlsbad Cavern). But with a little thought and perhaps a little practice, I could take my D850 and 24-120mm zoom with a grip and extra battery or two (and maybe a tripod) on a vacation to either (or both) places and be completely confident that I could capture not only the appropriate vacation snapshots but also pretty much any once-in-a-lifetime image that might present itself.

tenny52 Loc: San Francisco

I bought the Fuji-T10 with the (18-55 2.8) which can take good scenery but not low light and people, when compared to my older D610(24-85 4.0) while the weight reduction is 1.7 vs 2.7 lb.

btbg

I disagree with most of the other people who are saying to not take so much stuff. I realize I'm only 65, but I take a lot more than you.

There is one qualifier. If the entire trip is one single backpacking trip I would probably leave the 34-70. On the other hand if you are going to be back at your car from time to time I would actually take more than you have listed but leave some stuff hidden in the car on some of my stops. For example, I might leave the 70-200 in the car if we were hiking down into the Grand Canyon, then leave the 16-35 behind if we were in Monument Valley.

I normally take a Nikon D5, D500, a Sigma sport 150-600, a nikon 70-200e2,8, a sigma 24-70f2.8, a nikon 14-24f2.8, a teleconverter for the Sigma sport, a set of closeup rings, a set of filters, two headlamps, five or six small flashlights, so I can light entire caves if needed, a tripod that is big enough to extend to 7 feet, so weighs more than yours, two flash, two pocket wizards, and various other things depending on the destination.

I have taken all of that stuff before on backpacking trips, and as long as you don't have to carry more than a couple of gallons of water it's not that big of a deal. The more water I have to carry the less camera gear.

My personal opinion is I bought it so that I could use it. I can't use it if it's at home. I save weight by using ultra light camping gear and using freeze dried food on a miniature camp stove. Just be careful not to hurt yourself or hold your wife up. If my wife is really in a hurry I pack lighter or I can't keep up, since she will only camp if I carry all of the camp gear, food and water. Have a fun trip. I really enjoy portions of Arizona.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Yep, the FF D610 is lots better at both High ISO and DR than your Fuji, but for me, my X-T2 (with an 18-55) is half the size and half the weight of my Canon 5D4 with an equivalent lens, and its high ISO performance is about a stop worse, so I routinely use it with an f2 lens, wide open or nearly so at ISO 6400 in very low light without noticeable noise.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I don't hike and never have. As a result, some of the shots I want are far away and a telephoto capability is necessary. I'm a simple person with simple needs. On my travels (usually a tour group) I don't have a lot of time to plan shots and change lenses, so have to make do with what I'm carrying at the time. Currently that is a Nikon D7100 wearing Nikon's 18-200VR2 zoom lens. I don't carry a tripod, either. Wider shots are done with hand-held panorama series shots, to be stitched when I get home. Flower shots are done with the 200mm setting at minimal focus distance, which is a fair substitute for a macro lens. In low light I look for existing supports to stabilize the camera. It's amazing what can be done with that camera-lens combination if one chooses to. I do have my laptop with me and download my photos and GPS data every evening in the hotel room. Post processing, etc. all waits until I get home.

In Africa, I did have a second (rented) D7100 along in the 4x4 vehicle, with the Nikon 200-500VR zoom attached. I found use for both camera/lens combos on that tour, but I never actually attempted to carry the big rig--it accompanied me in the adjacent seat. I have another tour of Alaska scheduled this summer, and will have the same pairing of cameras/lenses on that trip.

The OP is obviously more "into" photography than I am, and also more active. I applaud that, but do think he could do well with much less gear.

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

Obvious, leave the flashlight. Headlamsps are far superior . Hands free, usually red lights for night vision, always pointed the direction you are looking and adjustable brightness. I do not know why people even consider flash lights any more. I would probably leave the iPad behind too. That short of trip you can wait to edit at home.

Joshr Loc: Rockland County NY

I’m just turned 60 and fantasize about backpacking the west with with photogear during my retirement years. I have been following this guy for a while. I believe you can find the type of information you are after (and so much more) here; www.davemorrowphotography.com.

JBRIII

One answer as far as when is too much, too much, is load up everything and take some long walks near home. You'll find out in a hurry if it's too much. Weigh yourself, then you and pack, if you can't do the pack alone, etc. That once you know the limit, easy to substitute. Also, always remember airline limits if flying, batteries must be in carry on for example. Local flights can be very limited in # and weight of bags.
In 2000, my wife and I did 4-5 weeks out west, didn't really know what we going to do, after 9-11, loaded hiking and skiing gear in a Saturn. Eventually did Carlsbad, Cactus country, Grand Canyon on mules, skiing in Utah (Got blasted over Thanksgiving). I don't see how by airplane we could have carried everything we did, especially if flying overseas. Even unpacking and repacking car became a pain, so we shipped things back home by mail several times.

We find airline limits becoming the biggest problem, especially if internal flights involved.

Just some thoughts;
Jim

risenhart Loc: New Hope,Minnesota

I’m 77 and my wife is 76. We pull a camper and stay mostly in national parks. We plan a 5 or 6 week vacation every year. The Southwest is a favorite. We have short hikes and day trips with a light lunch.
I am the photographer and my wife plays along with her point and shoot. She frequently gets the best shot. I leave her in bed when I get up for astrophotography or sunrise. At the camper or hotel I have a collection of gear equivalent to your list. Half of that is never used. But in my camera back pack I only take the minimum needed for that day.
I recommend using one day to scout locations and then return when the light is right with only the equipment needed for that shoot.
Besides the water and plastic bags, add a few granola bars. Oh, be on your way back BEFORE your wife gets tired.

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

For lenses I would carry just the 24-70. It is wide enough for almost any shot you will find here, and with all the mpx in your 850 you can crop if you need to without losing clarity and sharpness. With the bright sunshine here you will find a circular polarizing filter a real bonus. BTW, a trip to the mostly unknown Chiracahua Nat'l Mon is a MUST. Great trails, no crowds, spectacular scenery.