So, you decided to get away last minute for the weekend? You are super excited for your trip. However, the last challenge you want to face is packing all of your belongings. The best way to prepare for a last minute trip is to have your packing list all ready! Try out this packing list designed specifically for travel photographers.

Last minute packing does not have to be a complicated task. When you have your packing list designed for any trip you take, just check off the items and head out. It is as simple as that for any trip. Of course, taking the time beforehand, saves you a ton of agony on all of your adventures. So, why would you not?

The hard part is to narrow down your packing list to the essentials. However, you will be so happy when you have all the right items and none of the excess weighing you down. Too much and you will quickly regret your strategy. Remember, you need much less than you think you do.

The key is to pack the right amount. You do not want to forget an important piece of gear, but you definitely should not pack your entire bedroom. Check out this packing list to make getting ready for a last-minute trip easy. Throw everything into your backpack and get ready for an adventure.

Basic Weekend Adventure Getaway Packing List for Travel Photographers

Following is a basic outline of the items you need for a typical getaway. Of course, if you plan to do any specific outdoor activity, then plan to adjust the gear list. Thus, customize your specific packing list to fit your exact needs.

• A backpack or duffel bag
• Camera bag
• Packing cubes
• Water bottle and filtration system
• Phone with charger
• Laptop with charger, external hard drives
• Headlamp with spare batteries

Remember, a headlamp is essential as you will be venturing out in the dark. The best shooting times will require you to start before the sunrise and end after the sunset. Do not get stuck out there in the dark.

Clothing

If you are a travel photographer, you will walk quite a bit. A comfortable pair of shoes is crucial. The rest of your clothing will be highly dependent on your traveling style and your planned itinerary. Here are the basics to get started with on any trip:

• Underwear (2 pairs)
• Socks (2 pairs)
• T-shirts (2)
• Dressier Shirt (1)
• Pants (1)
• Shorts (1-2, depending on season)
• Bathing Suit
• Base Layers (top and bottoms)
• Jacket (light and compact)
• Raincoat/Shell
• 2 pairs of footwear
• Accessories: hat, belt, sunglasses, scarf

Toiletries

Make sure to only bring the essential toiletries. It is easy to grab everything from your bathroom closet. However, most likely you will be by some type of store if you really need an item you leave behind. Only bring what you normally use everyday and cannot go without.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Facial moisturizer
• Deodorant
• Hair gel or spray
• Contact Solution
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Make-up and accessories
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Personal medications

Camera Gear Packing List

The easiest way to travel with camera gear is with a backpack. The ability to carry all your gear together is incredibly efficient and easy. Lugging around multiple camera bags is no fun. Honestly, you will probably end up leaving some behind as it gets difficult. One bag allows you all the flexibility to capture all your shots no matter where you are.

Another key point when thinking about camera gear is weather. Water can create a huge challenge. Expensive camera gear must be protected when traveling to all of the different landscapes. In fact, when selecting a camera bag always make sure it is water resistant. Additionally, the use of dry bags can add extra protection and peace of mind.

Following is a basic list of all your camera gear essentials to shoot stunning travel photos and videos.

Cameras

• Camera with Charger
• Action Camera
• Drone

Accessories

• Spare Batteries
• Extra lenses
  • 16 mm: great for wide landscape shots
  • 35 mm: perfect for portrait shots
  • 70 – 200 mm: a great zoom lens for various adventure photography
• Lens Cleaning Kit
• ND Filters
• Extra Memory Card
• Compact Tripod
• Gimbal
• Intervalometer
  • Depending on your camera, some having a timer mode built right in so this would not be needed.
• Carry Clip
  • Having your camera on your backpack is a must. Accessibility will encourage you to take more photos. The more you take the better your chance to capturing that perfect shot. Not to mention, the worst is having to take off your pack the entire day to grab a shot. Also, who knows what amazing sight you may miss because you were too slow.

How to Pack Everything?

Camera gear can be hard to pack and become heavy. However, if you are a photographer, you know that you are willing to leave behind clothes before leaving behind part of your camera gear.

Therefore, it is so important to have one single camera bag for all your gear. Otherwise, it becomes a nightmare unpacking each time to get the perfect shot. In addition, multiple camera bags often get neglected and could easily get stolen.

Organization is huge when it comes to fitting all your gear in one bag. Packing cubes are great for organization. With a variety of sizes, all your clothing and random gear can be packed neatly.

Camera Protection

Always have insurance on your camera gear. Travel photography will put you in the elements and in some rough situations. The peace of mind of having your gear protected is important.

A broken camera is a bummer. However, a broken camera with no insurance will leave you with a hefty bill to replace.

You will definitely not regret having insurance. An accidental drop is likely to happen over time. Just plan ahead and get yourself covered prior to leaving for your first adventure.

What to Leave Off Your Packing List for Travel Photographers?

Avoid the mistake of packing everything! While it can be tempting, limit yourself to the essentials. A heavy pack while traveling is the worst. Ultimately, the least amount of gear you can get away with is best while traveling.

However, you will want to make sure you have all the right gear to create incredible landscapes and portraits while on your trip. Pack only the items you use daily while shooting at home. You will be happy you left those extra pounds at home.

Additionally, always be familiar with all your equipment. Whether new, or just not comfortable yet, fumbling around to get equipment working in a new environment is a pain. Typically, you will get frustrated and not even use the gear anyways. So, just leave it at home.

The best advice is to only bring gear you thoroughly know how to operate. So, avoid that last minute gimbal purchase or drone accessory. A trip is not the place to learn a new piece of equipment.

Phone Apps to Help While With Travel Photography

• • Maps.me is a great addition to google maps for reaching destinations when offline or without service.
  • AllTrails is an app designed to track your location and progress while hiking.
  • Weather app to check for sunrise/sunset times and best shooting windows for weather.
  • Lightroom Mobile, or any other editing software.

Your Bags Are Packed and You Are Ready to Go!

The life of a travel photographer involves a lot of packing and unpacking. The best way to avoid stress is to master the art of packing. Being able to quickly pack all your gear will lead you to heading out on more adventures. Make the process effortless!

Now, you already have a starting point. This packing list specifically designed for travel photographers is a great head start for creating your own customized list. So, the only task left to do is finalize your list and plan your next travel adventure!