The holidays are coming and though this is not about that, there might something in here that you could give to your favourite photographer, especially if that’s you! This is decidedly less philosophical than some of my blog posts, but I thought I’d show you what’s in my camera bag. Not the cameras and lenses, but the other stuff, the little things that I’ve learned to bring with me to make life just a little easier, and sometimes safer.
If you’re short on time, and you just want the list, keep reading, but if you’ve got a couple minutes, join me in my studio through the video below and let’s talk about it.
Of course it all depends what I’m photographing and where, but as my work leans more towards the outdoors and wilder subjects, you’ll see that reflected in this list. Here are the little extra things you’ll almost always find in my my bag (my camera bag is a GuraGear Kiboko 30L, I love these bags and have used them for over 15 years. Use DUCHEMIN when you check out and you’ll save 10%).
The links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you use them Jeff Bezos has to buy me a coffee. Apologies in advance if some of the links don’t go to the specific product, but most of them should work fine.
1. Dry-bag, Sea to Summit, 35L
Great for protecting the camera in rain, or sitting on, or collecting trailside trash, etc. A million uses.
2. Small first aid kit, with some Tylenol and a tick-remover added. I can’t find this on Amazon but there many similar kits.
Here’s a link to the Original Tick Key
3. Way too many lens cloths. Something like these. I like the larger size.
4. Headlamp, or flashlight, specifically one that’s chargeable by USB. My headlamp is by NEBO and I really like it. The Wuben G5 is also good, though it’s not a headlamp.
5. Apple air tags
6. Journal and pen. I like these journals in Lochby covers.
7. Buff / Neck gaiter. I like this one, but there are hundreds of different kinds.
8. Small microfiber towel. Something like this.
10. Clif Bars, preferably the crunchy peanut butter flavour.
11. 2-Battery USB-C charger
12. Small binoculars, mine are Leica Trinovid 8×20
13. Rick Young Outdoors Harness
What about you? What’s in the little pockets of your camera bag that you don’t like to leave home without? What am I missing?
For the Love of the Photograph,
David
Comments
Hi David.
Ex mountain sheep farmer here. Part of the life cycle of the tick involves the underside of bracken and ferns and you are more likely to pick them up from there than from anywhere else. And you are right to be wary of the little horrors as they carry a peculiarly nasty virus so if you do get bitten keep an eye on the bite site and your general health.
Meantime, keep up the good work and enjoy the crazy season.
All the best from Italy.
Thanks, Will. Never heard the words “ex mountain sheep farmer” all in the same sentence before. LOL. Cin Cin 🥂
In Scotland, we also pack midge (tiny biting devils) repellent, which has saved many a shoot with clients outdoors.
I have a French friend with whom I was trading stories about Scotland. He recalled a particularly nasty camping trip and his trouble with the midges. But in a way only a very charismatic Frenchman can do we got words only very slightly wrong and the story was, in fact, about “swarming midgets.” To this day the word “midge” conjures a VERY funny image in my head. 😂
I always have a couple of shower caps (hotel complimentary type) to cover camera/lens when it’s just damp enough outdoors to need some coverage but not the full “Raincoat”.
I think your list is quite comprehensive – very much like my gear list based on experiences. Of course I have no satellite communicator because around here my iPhone + iWatch works everywhere. Almost like an imitation /joke, but Buff gaiters are also my favorites – at sea the wind is not throwing them to sea like some basic caps or hats. One with tiny visor on my head and one around neck – perfect.
You did not mention a water bottle … And one thing you did not mention – in the autumn I always have a suitable bag for mushrooms in my backpack. I just can not leave any perfect chanterelles or “Boletus edulis” in the forest – even if I get some good photos.
I usually have a water bottle but NEVER in the bad. After a 1L jar of Bosnian honey broke in my camera bag and I spent a long night cleaning honey off my gear in some town hours outside of Sarajevo, I have a strict policy: no liquid in the bag. Ever. Ever, Ever. As for mushrooms, I do not trust myself not to poison myself. I buy the mushrooms from those who know better. But the bag is a good idea. My dry bag could work for that. And trailside trash, etc.
First thing in my bag is a dust blower. The best gadget I use is the peak design shoulder strap clip for my camera – fantastic when up in the hills. And a bucket hat – no peak to interfere with my camera.
Hi David. One thing I have to have in all my camera bags, tied on the camera straps and in my car, but I don’t think they would be of any use to you! I have long hair and carry many scrunchies to tie it back with, totally invaluable. I can’t tell you how many I’ve lost, which is why I carry so many. When the wind starts to blow the hair is all over the place and needs controlling.
It’s the Harry Potter Kiboko bag with 10,000 square meters of space inside for all that stuff plus actual camera gear.
And still fits in the overhead bin and weighs less than 20 lbs! My dream bag!
Mine too! And Gura Gear and I will be giving one away in a few weeks.
Good list, David! There are a few ideas in there that I am going to run with. That little Gerber Dime tool is impressively tiny. I think, for most of us, our accessories are a reflection of our past problems. Here are the places where my bag differs from yours (doesn’t mean my list is better than yours, just that my needs and experiences may be different):
– Samsung SmartTags – compatible with my Samsung phone.
– instead of a journal, a non-networked notepad app on my phone. My handwriting sucks BAD, and a journal would be write-only memory.
– Zoleo instead of Garmin InReach mini – cheaper, Canadian, works well, and will use cell or WiFi rather than satellite if it happens to be available.
– Clif Bars – must be the Oatmeal Raisin ones! They are not only the best tasting, they are the only ones that don’t leave your fingers gooey, which matters if you have to go quickly to your camera after stuffing your face!
– about 500,000 silica gel packets.
I recently ran into a situation where it was snowing and I had to change lenses. I found what I thought was a protected spot, so I had my pack on the ground (rain cover on the ground side), opened it, and just as I was in mid lens change, a branch flung some snow in sideways. I’ve been debating in my head what would be the best solution to protect against a similar problem in the future. I want to come up with a solution that will be usable more than once during an outing. The best I’ve come up with in my head is a lightweight clear plastic poncho where I can tuck the front side into the far side of the backpack’s rain cover. If you or any of your commenters here have a better idea, I’d be very appreciative.
Hey Gord, sounds like you’ve cleverly discovered the risks of lens changes in weather. I keep my camera facing down when changing lenses. The worst the weather, the more I try to keep the opening parallel-ish to the ground. Scary stuff. I hope your camera was OK.
I like to have kind bars in my bag. They keep me going
Mark
I like the idea of the wet bag, and since binoculars are on the list for this year, thank you for the recommendation about the harness. I assume you pack the Gerber in your checked luggage when you fly.
I am not sure about the Garmin, but as my plans for 2026 include travel with you to remote places, it is good to know you have one!
You’ll be well connected in 2026. Wifi at all the lodges.
Thanks for the interesting post. Sorry to get rather political but I was a bit sad about your comment re Bezos. This man has deliberately sold his soul to the devil by supporting a fascist regime, which among other things has considered taking over your own country. Maybe it’s not a good look to be actively supporting Amazon.
All I said was these are affiliate links. The reference to Bezos was a joke. You have the choice about which retailer you purchase from. Every choice was make is a double-edged sword, Paul. Thanks for weighing in, we don’t fundamentally disagree but a conversation like this requires far more nuance than is possible in a blog comment.
Hi David…Thanks for the video. Besides what you have I always carry a spare poncho, a very light water purifier, a light weight bivy bag. I have a full first aide kit, with a signal mirror. I use all this because I hike a lot. Depending on the hike, I carry bear spray which is also good in the big city for late night photography. I always strap on a knee pad on my right knee. Works well especially well when it’s wet.
Great stuff, Jim. If I were really in the backwoods my packing list would be a whole lot different!
I also carry a comprehensive first aid kit in a gallon ziplock bag. A couple of those compact light reflective ‘blankets’ for shock, bloodstop bandages and Israeli battlefield dressing added to ‘regular’ stuff. I’m in some very remote areas at times and it could save someone. A few years back I was driving in an area near a park that was maybe 30 minutes from a small city. I saw a guy run his vehicle off the road and overturn a couple times. I called 911 and waited with him, but realized if he’d been bleeding badly, might have bled out because it took forever for ambulance to arrive. We have places here in Arkansas 2 or 3 hours from a hospital, so I assembled items for major bleeding. And as David said, ticks are of great concern. I was seriously ill with RMSF a few years ago. It can kill. I treat my clothing and non toxic stuff for skin.
I liked your list of the ‘extras’ you have in your camera bag, but one thing I feel is essential is a carabiner and cord to attach my bag to a table or chair leg when sitting in a cafe or restaurant. It’s so easy for someone to walk past and lift your bag whilst you are deep in conversation. I friend of mine lost most of her gear that way in a restaurant in Buenos Aires on the first night of a photography trip!
Yes! I always have a locking ‘biner on every bag.
Nice, David. I’m collecting ideas for my upcoming Africa trip…
How do you use the AirTags ?
Thanks!
I just put them in my bag. But mostly I use them for piece of mind to know where my stuff is. Sometimes it backfires, I don’t see my bags, and they’re there but no one with an iphone has walked by. I just like the insurance of knowing I have a chance of locating the bags if they get delayed. I also have an airtag in my wallet, on my keys, in my passport holder, in my journal, and in my laptop bag.
Thank you for these helpful ideas, David & others who have responded to David’s post. May I encourage you to recommend vendors other than Amazon? I realize it’s convenient and cheap, but Jeff Bezos doesn’t need our $$ and these days those $$ are going to fund very destructive politics in the US and internationally as well as undermine independent retail. For folks who like photographing landscapes and wildlife, Amazon’s corporate and political practice is not friendly towards either. Thanks for your consideration.
I agree, Steven, but I have a global audience and this is the easiest way to show people the products I’m talking about. We can all make our decisions about the vendors we purchase from. I prefer local brick and mortar when I can but linking you to them won’t help. I appreciate your encouragement towards ethical purchasing decisions.
Great video, David. Great minds and all… that’s a very similar kit to mine. A small roll of gaffer tape and a handful of zip ties is about the only addition. I like the size of your Gerber.
Let this be the last time you talk about the size of my Gerber, Dan! 😂
Sensor clearers are useful as well
Very. But I carry them in a different kit. I’ll have an article about that soon too.
In addition …………………..On safari – always have to bring Werter’s originals – sweets to suck for us and our guides or liquorice [thanks Joan], Always have a couple of carabiner clips to hook things on to me or bag so I don’t lose them eg slip the hook through the washing/brand tag on my big lens cloth or woolly hat!
The Werthers are an excellent idea. I used to pack their caramels until I had an assignment somewhere blisteringly hot and they all melted in my camera bag. That bag still has sticky parts.
David, Made me go look! One thing I have is duct tape Gorrilla tape to be exact, and not a full roll just a couple feet wound on a piece of 1/2″ PVC pipe. I like the Gorills brand because in addition to being very “sticky” it doesn’t leave much if any residue when you peel it off. A very important consideration on the multitool… Coming back from our Kenya trek in February, after three other previous flights with my multitool in my camera bag I got pulled out of the security line in Abu Dubai! Over an hour getting it scrutinized, two more levels of supervisors, documentation, photos measurements of the blade (under 3 inches mind you) All the while I’m thinking I’m going to miss my flight! I don’t have it anymore, they kept it! So the word to the wise is MOVE IT TO YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE before you get to the airport.
I’ll be publishing another article soon about my “Oh Sh*it Kit” and that includes small duct tape, and my pocket knife and multitool while in transit, also small screw-drivers, etc. I’m tired of giving TSA people my multi-tools!
I wind duct tape around my monopod near the handle. The number of times a bit of duct tape has saved me is amazing. Side note, I also do the same with my ski poles when touring!
During the colder and cold season, I always carry a foldable thermal seat cushion with me. You can sit on it, of course. But it is also helpful to kneel on it when photographing from a low position.
There’s always one more thing to carry, isn’t there? This is a good idea, Sabine. Thanks.
Bug spray! Yucky on your skin but you won’t scratch an itch in the middle of your “prize winning” photo..
I do also carry some bug repellent wipes. I like the ones made by Ben’s.
I have really bad allergies, so I tend to carry a lot of tissues and/or handkerchiefs. I also carry a tool that allows me to tighten up my tripod when needed, and a wide heavy-weight rubber band to help me unscrew tight filters when necessary (yes I could go with magnetic filters, but the rubber band is so much cheaper!).
Oh, the rubber band! Great idea!
Can I suggest one of those circular jar openers or a rubber glove as I find it gives better traction over a wider area making it easier to grip?
Lip balm! Admittedly, I have lip balm in every jacket pocket, hand bag, and drawer, but lip balm is a must in my bag. Okay, okay. Lip balms. Many lip balms. And I always tuck a little bit of cash somewhere. I think that’s a throwback to the golden age of paper money, because I rarely use it. Maybe I just like “finding” it later.
Yes! Lip Balm!!!
I just kiss Cynthia. She usually has plenty on and it transfers well. 🙂
Works for you! Could be trouble if I used that application!
I do the same, but not the same “Cynthia”!
I stick to a very strict “Bring Your Own Cynthia” policy. 😉
I always have a small roll of gaffers tape to patch, fix and hold stuff and it doesn’t leave the sticky residue of duct tape. I also cary a large plastic bag so I can put the pack down on the plastic bag if the grass is wet or the dirt muddy. It also can be an emergency rain coat, cover the camera gear, or used to pick up some other human’s trash.
Good idea. I got tired of throwing out plastic bags, so that’s what I carry the dry-bag for. A million uses and it’s not disposable.
I have a plastic dinner plate in my bag, when you are out photographing and you want to kneel down without messing up your clothes drop it on the ground and kneel on it. The idea came from a wedding photographer who had to wear a suit and didn’t want to ruin it when kneeling to take a picture.
Well that’s a first, Martin! Never heard that one. Makes perfect sense. I use knee pads but that also requires that i remember to bring them.
Since I do a lot of nature close-ups and prefer not to use artificial lightening, my #2 accessory after a good hat is a foldable Silver/Gold reflector which goes into my back pocket – without its cover – ready to be opened and positioned within few seconds. Thanks for your great recommendations!
Great idea. I used to carry tin-foil for that. Your idea is much more elegant.
I’m so happy to see journal and pen. One never knows when one will be inspired to remember a scene with a haiku.
The scene before me
So achingly beautiful
Where is my notebook?
😂