How to Safely Travel with Your Camera Gear

When travelling in different, unfamiliar locations, taking the necessary steps to be as safe as possible for yourself and your camera gear is essential. Travelling can be tiring and stressful, and when travelling with camera gear, it can be worrisome that your camera gear will be protected for the duration of your travels, both from damage and theft. Based on my experience, here are five tips to help you travel safely with your camera gear.

1. Pack Wisely

Regarding what you think you will need, it’s tempting to pack as much gear as possible in your camera bag. In my experience, if it’s something I think I “could” use, it usually doesn’t. I’ve taken prime, mid-range, and wide lenses on previous travels while only using one 95% of the time. I’ve also brought my drone for it to have never been in the air. My point is, if it’s gear you don’t use often at home, you probably won’t use it when you travel. The comfort level is not there, and you probably will not take your limited travel time to get comfortable with it.

Pack what you are most comfortable using and what you use at home, and you should be perfectly fine. Having many options can cause you to overthink how you photograph something. When options are limited, you can focus on how you will shoot with your limited choices and not miss photo opportunities.

Consider weight as well. If you bring something you think you will use, you will carry it everywhere. Less weight equals less fatigue. Leave a few pounds behind if you can. Also, extra space in a bag is a good thing; you can use the bag as a day bag for other non-camera items.

2. Carry-On Only

When travelling with camera gear, the golden rule is never to check any camera gear. Airlines encourage you not to. Unless you are going quite basic with your flight, most airlines allow at least one carry-on bag without additional cost, so take advantage of it and keep your camera gear close. You do not want to have your gear damaged; the last thing you want is to find your luggage and gear missing upon arrival. Whether you’re at a photography workshop or simply going on a vacation, it’s crucial to never let your gear out of sight.

3. Be Ready

When travelling with a laptop or camera equipment, it is common for security personnel to request that you power them on to ensure their functionality and legitimacy. This requirement is a precautionary measure by the airlines; therefore, being prepared and willing to comply with such requests during security screenings is essential. Laptops are usually ready to go and powered on with ease, and for your equipment, keep a battery in them for ease and efficiency.

4. Get a Great Camera Bag

When you start exploring, a good camera bag is essential to carry your gear and accessories and be comfortable wearing. There are various camera bags, including shoulder bags, slings, backpacks, and more, and it’s essential to pick the right one as each one serves a particular purpose and has advantages and shortcomings.

When choosing a camera bag, consider the following:

• Do you plan to work directly out of the bag as you walk around or use it primarily for carry?

• Do you want to be able to carry more than just camera gear? Laptop, snacks, small travel purchases, etc.

• Do you need space for necessary accessories, such as batteries, memory cards, chargers, filters, lenses, etc?

Furthermore, besides having a functional camera bag based on your needs, it’s equally important to have something insignificant in its presentation. As you will carry this around as you explore unfamiliar streets and areas, you do not want a bag that presents itself as expensive or gives a hint of what is inside. Fortunately, finding discreet bags and ones with small or inconspicuous logos is not difficult as manufacturers know of such requirements. Finally, a weatherproof bag or an optional cover is handy if you are in wet weather for long periods.

5. Be Attentive

If I’m exploring a new area, I’m absorbed in what is happening around me. And when I travel, I often use my Thule backpack, which is great. It’s comfortable to wear all day, holds a fair amount of equipment, and has room for a laptop if needed.

But with a backpack, I’m cautious in high-traffic or touristy areas. I constantly check the bag to ensure things are still zipped up. I’ve never used locks, but it’s a good option if you do not need frequent access. When using public transportation like buses or subways, I always have the bag in front of me with a firm grasp, never on my back. Pickpockets thrive where they know people are outsiders and are preoccupied; this is where a discreet camera bag has added value. It avoids drawing unnecessary attention to what is inside.

There will also be times when you don’t have your camera bag on your body, such as dining or sitting somewhere. In these scenarios, I always have one of the straps around my leg, or I at least have my foot on one of the straps. Or I have the camera bag between my legs and under the table. These are minor precautions, but without looking at my camera bag, I’ll know if it is moved.

Summary

Camera equipment is costly, and when travelling, it becomes crucial to prioritize protecting your gear against unexpected misfortunes such as damage or theft. Understanding the ideal equipment suited for your needs and ensuring that it is securely tucked away in a discreet camera bag will simplify your travel experience and enhance your overall comfort throughout the trip.