Do you ever wonder what you absolutely need when travelling? Are you a photographer/videographer that is unsure of what type of gear is necessary? Perhaps you're just looking for some ideas of what you could bring on your next big road trip?
I want to help you come up with some ideas! These aren't necessarily what you may call ideal, but these are my main travel items that I bring with me on every road trip or adventure over seas.
The Essentials
There's a few items in the essentials that should come as no surprise but it's often the items that are necessary that we simply forget about. Here are a few you should never forget!
#1 - Passport
You would not believe how many times I get asked for a passport while travelling with airports and hostels being often necessary. It's a sure sign of identification and I keep this one close on me at all times.
#2 - Wallet
Not quite as important as a passport but like me, I'm sure there is some pretty important information you hold dearly in there as well. It's always good to hold a bit of cash with you incase a cash-only situation arises but be mindful of which currency you'll need.
#3 - Hygiene Items
Nobody likes a smelly traveller. Of course we have all run into them and perhaps been that person ourselves but it's not difficult to pack along some deodorant, a bar of soap and a toothbrush/toothpaste. These three items don't take up much space and can cover up a sweaty hike pretty easily.
#4 - Sunscreen and Lip Balm
No matter the season, the risk of sun burns is always present. I recommend carrying SPF 30 at the bare minimum.
Photography Items
To each their own when it comes to photography equipment and I don't wish to deter someone away from what they love to shoot with but this is meant to be a helpful guide, so here is my current travelling setup.
#1 - Wandrd 31L Prvke Camera Bag
This bag is AMAZING! I've been using it for quite some time now and it does absolutely everything I need it to do.
#2 - Sony a7iii
I switched over from the Canon 500d (t3i) a few years ago and can safely say I'll be continuing to shoot with Sony for years to come. The Sony a7iii allows me to shoot full-frame with the option to switch the APS-C for extended range and offers great video footage resolutions. #3 - Samyang 12mm Fisheye (Manual Focus) I've always been a fan of the fisheye look, especially when it comes to extreme sports and wide landscapes. Due to the wide range, having a manual focus isn't difficult to adjust quickly.
#4 - Sony 24-240mm f3.5-5.6 When on the road, you never know what kind of situation you may find yourself in. Same goes for when you may be hiking. This is usually the lens I'll have equipped while driving or walking in order to be prepared for a wildlife sighting of some sort in the distance.
#5 - Zhiyun Weebill LAB
For stable video, you need a stabilizer you can rely on. The Zhiyun Weebill LAB was one that met my needs for lightweight yet efficient stabilization when creating videos.
#6 - GoPro Hero 8 w/ Extension Handle Sometimes while out on adventures you may come across situations where you need to get into the water, splash through some mud or find yourself scaling mountains. Having the GoPro Hero 8 offers some in-body stabilization, high-quality video and easily adjustable to different situations.
#7 - A Disposable Camera
This one may come as a surprise to many but one item I love carrying around with me is a disposable camera. This allows me to take a couple dozen photos over an extended period of time that I tend to forget about, then have a surprise for myself when they get developed.
#8 - Cleaning Items
Every photographer knows that when you're out in the field, your equipment will get dirty no matter what. Having a small first aid kit for your camera is absolutely necessary.
#9 - Manfrotto BeFree Tripod
This tripod has been a staple in my bag for a few years now and offers a great balance in stability while weighing in at only 1.1kg.
#10 - 2017 MacBook Pro 15" + Lacie 5GB External Harddrive
Most important to me as a photographer/videographer is not only having the mobility to edit photos and video on the road, but to also have the necessary space to back up when the time calls.
If you're interested in watching a full video review (note that some items are now outdated) on this setup, you can watch the video below:
Camping Items
Along with the photography that I carry around, when the opportunity calls for a multi-day expedition into the backcountry, some items will be left behind but there is some very important items that will be brought with me no matter what.
#1 - Osprey Xenith 105L Backpack
I purchased this bag in Sweden prior to beginning my four day trek to Sweden's highest peak - Kebnekaise. At 105L, this bag can hold more than enough for any trek!
#2 - Osprey 2.5L Hydrapack + Sawyer Filter
I've customized my line by adding the Sawyer Filter which allows me to fill up my pack absolutely anywhere. Streams, lakes, and still ponds give me a reliable source of water for all my adventures.
#3 - MSR Hubba Hubba
Sticking with the attempt to be lightweight, this specific tent weighs in at only 1.54kg, Honestly, it's been a dream tent to have and I'm completely satisfied with how it's handled all types of conditions.
#4 - Alpine Design Micro-Lite Sleeping Bag
This sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm at temperatures of 7 Celsius or above and weighs in at only 2.4 pounds.
#5 - Sea to Summit Thermolite Liner
This liner adds an additional 11 degrees Celsius of warmth therefore combined with my Alpine Design Micro-Lite Sleeping Bag giving me a comfortable sleep down to -4 Celsius temperatures.
#6 - Thermarest Self-Inflating Mattress + Pillow
These two items are pretty much necessary if you're going to be in the backcountry on some rugged terrain. Not only does it give you some support but it also elevates you off the ground saving that necessary body heat from escaping. The straps on the Alpine Design Micro Lite Sleeping Bag can also be attached ensuring you don't roll off.
#7 - GSI Outdoors Portable Stove Kit
When you're out in the middle of nowhere or on the road, how are you going to cook those noodles or prepare that morning coffee?
#8 - Salomon Quest 3D Hiking Boots
Having comfortable feet while on the road is not necessary but highly recommended! I also enjoy having ankle support with high tops and Gore-Tex waterproof ensures that my feet also stay dry when dealing with different weather scenarios.
#9 - Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles
Weighing in at only 290 grams, these lightweight poles unfold and extend to 120cm. I had been against pole usage until I began trekking further and further, now I don't do any hike without them.
#10 - Sportmans Series Medical Kit
Nothing can come as important as having a proper First Aid Kit in your pack.
As I mentioned, these are merely my personal choices but as I continue to travel, I am always looking to upgrade and at the same time lighten my load. If you know of an item that may be of benefit, please don't hesitate to send me a message!