Camera recommendations for backcountry adventures

If I had to recommend an APS mirrorless, the a6000 would be it. I don't know if it's quite as durable as the M.

Right on. I think I'd look at the a6300 over the a6000 because the body is made of a magnesium-alloy and is sealed against dust and moisture, although it is more $$$

Great timing on this subject. Trying to get something between my phone and DSLR.

I'm looking at the Sony mirror-less line and was surprised the a6000 and above does not have a built in flash.

Tradeoff between the 5100 and 6000/6300 worth it? Cost not really an issue. I'd rather pay a lot for a good, compact product.

Is this a big deal?

Would my phone cover anything I might need a flash for in the bsckcountry?

Thanks!

I'm looking at the Sony mirror-less line and was surprised the a6000 and above does not have a built in flash.

Both the a6000 and a6300 have a built-in pop-up flash, although it's not too powerful. The camera's High ISO capabilities allow you to take pictures in very low light. But, is case you need more flash power, the camera comes with a hot-shoe to mount an external flash unit. I've never used flash in the backcountry. You can take all your after dark hut shenanigan photos using high ISO.

If cost isn't an issue the a6300 is better for backcounty because it has improved auto-focus (the a6000 is already good), better battery life, more rugged construction and it's weather-sealed (a definite plus outdoors).

Go for it.

For those of us on a budget, does anyone have experience with the Olympus PEN line of micro 4/3 mirrorless cameras? I am looking to upgrade from my phone camera, which is already on the crap end of the phone camera spectrum. Worth getting a cheaper mirrorless, or should I just get a point-and-shoot? Thanks!

I've tried various sizes of cameras over the years and find that I, personally, don't take anything that won't fit into a jacket pocket. So, the a6300 (and olypus PEN series) are too big for me.

Take a gander at the Sony Rx100. If it's good enough for Scott Rinckenberger, it's good enough for me.

For similar quality, smaller, lighter, cheaper, but with a touch screen and slightly slower lens, check out the Canon G9X. The G9X is the spiritual successor to the S90/S100/S120 mentioned above. This is an amazing small and light camera, and was actually too small for my hands.

Take a gander at the Sony Rx100. If it's good enough for Scott Rinckenberger, it's good enough for me.

I've been using an RX100 for several years and I like it a lot.

Be aware that if you knock over your tripod onto concrete while shooting a bunch of high school kids, the camera WILL break.

After doing that, I looked at the newer versions of the RX100, but decided to stay with the original version. Cheaper and it meets my needs.