Shotkit’s Ultimate Travel Packing Checklist for Photographers

Welcome to Shotkit’s ultimate travel packing checklist for photographers.

Planning a trip is not just about booking flights and places to stay; it’s about getting ready for all the adventures that await you.

Whether you’re traveling light with just a carry-on or bringing along your entire photography kit, packing efficiently can make or break your travel experience.

In this guide, we’ve compiled comprehensive packing lists tailored to different travel scenarios, from minimalistic carry-ons to well-organized luggage for photographers.

Discover the essential items you need to bring, keep your gear safe, and ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable, so you can focus on capturing unforgettable moments and exploring new destinations.

Over the years, we’ve traveled so much that packing has become almost a habit.

Having a system for both what to pack and where to pack it in each bag ensures we never forget anything essential.

It’s still great to double-check the packing list before leaving the house, and the better you get, the less you’ll find yourself running around grabbing last-minute things.

As you walk through these packing lists, you’ll want to customize your list based on your length of travel, destination, and activities you’ll be engaging in.

Similarly, you’ll want to customize the packing list and travel tips for the type of photography you do and your own unique gear set-up.

Clothes

Packing the right clothes is essential for staying comfortable and prepared, no matter where your photography journey takes you.

From durable footwear to weather-appropriate outerwear, this section covers the must-have clothing items for a successful trip.

When it comes to clothes for travel, you’ll need to take into account where you’re going and what you’re planning to do.

For example, while I tend to opt for comfortable travel clothes, certain destinations inspire more formal wear than others.

Customize your clothes list based on the weather and activities you plan to do at your destination.

• Tops: Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts, long-sleeve shirts for sun protection, casual shirts.
• Bottoms: Comfortable pants/jeans, shorts, quick-dry travel pants.
• Outerwear: Weather-appropriate jacket, rain jacket or poncho, fleece or hoodie.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots (if applicable), flip-flops or sandals.
• Undergarments: Moisture-wicking socks, bras, underwear.
• Hats: Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, beanie for cold weather.
• Sleepwear: Pajamas or comfortable clothes for sleeping.
• Swimwear: If applicable.
• Accessories: Belt, sunglasses, watch.

Accessories

The right accessories can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Whether it’s a handy daypack or sun protection essentials, these items will help you stay organized and ready for anything.

Again, you’ll want to customize your accessories based on your destination and activities.

• Bags: Daypack, camera bag, packing cubes, laundry bag, collapsable tote.
• Travel Wallet: RFID-blocking wallet, passport holder, money belt.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and sunglasses.
• Jewelry: Minimal, travel-friendly pieces.
• Gloves: Touchscreen gloves (if applicable).
• Scarves: Lightweight for layering.

Toiletries

Personal hygiene and comfort are crucial when traveling, especially on long photography trips.

This section ensures you have all the necessary toiletries to keep you feeling fresh and ready to capture stunning shots.

Sometimes it can be helpful to walk through a day in your life, paying attention to the various routines that are important to you.

Then, you’ll know how to customize your toiletries packing list to help you stick to your routines while traveling.

• Personal Hygiene: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor and shaving cream, menstrual products.
• Skincare: Moisturizer, face wash, sunscreen, after-sun lotion.
• Hair Care: Comb/brush, hair ties, travel-sized hair products.
• Health: Medications, pain relievers, vitamins, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, tissues. 
• Others: Travel towel, nail clippers, tweezers, insect repellent.

Electronics

In today’s digital world, electronics are indispensable for travel photographers.

From charging your devices to backing up your precious photos, this section includes all the tech essentials you need to bring along.

And don’t worry, we’ll talk more about your photography gear below.

• Devices: Phone, laptop, iPad/tablet.
• Power Solutions: Travel adapter, power strip, extra batteries.
• Storage: External hard drive, USB drives, extra memory cards.
• Charging: Camera chargers, phone chargers, car chargers, power bank.
• Communication: Smartphone, SIM card, or mobile hotspot.
• Entertainment: Tablet or e-reader, headphones, portable speaker.

Other Necessities

There are always a few extra items that don’t fit neatly into other categories but are still essential for a smooth trip.

From travel documents to snacks, this section ensures you don’t forget anything important.

• Travel Documents: Passport, visa (if needed), travel insurance, printed copies of important documents, including emergency contacts.
• Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, water bottle.
• Sleep Aids: Earplugs, eye mask, neck pillow.
• Comfort Items: Lightweight blanket, travel pillow.
• Fitness Items: Yoga strap, therapy bands, lacrosse ball, running shoes or other travel fitness devices to keep you at your best.
• Miscellaneous: Money, notepad, pen, travel guidebook, language phrasebook.

Photography Gear

Your photography gear is the heart of your journey.

This section lists all the crucial equipment you’ll need to capture breathtaking images, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and more.

If you want to see inside the camera bags of various travel photographers, check them out here.

• Camera Body: Primary camera, backup camera (if available).
• Lenses: Wide-angle lens, zoom lens, prime lens, lens filters.
• Tripods: Travel tripod, tabletop tripod, or tripod alternatives like beanbags.
• Support Gear: Camera straps, cleaning kit, lens cloth.
• Protection: Camera rain cover, waterproof camera bag, silica gel packs.
• Accessories: Remote shutter release, extra memory cards, extra batteries, battery grip, cases and mounts for action cameras.
• Editing Tools: Laptop, editing software, card reader.
• Lighting: Flash, flash trigger, portable LED light, reflectors.
• Drone: If applicable, with batteries.

Family Needs

Traveling with family adds another layer of complexity to your packing.

This section ensures you’re well-prepared to meet the needs of every family member, making your trip enjoyable and stress-free.

• Clothes: Outfits for each family member, appropriate for the weather.
• Baby/Toddler Essentials: Diapers, wipes, baby food, bottles, pacifiers.
• Kids’ Essentials: Toys, books, snacks, games for travel.
• Health: Any specific medications, first aid kit tailored for kids.
• Comfort: Blankets, favorite stuffed animals, stroller, baby carrier, car seats.
• Entertainment: Tablets, headphones, portable chargers for kids’ devices.

What to Pack in Your Carry-On

Your carry-on is your lifeline during travel, keeping all your essentials within reach and ensuring you’re prepared for any situation, from unexpected delays to capturing spontaneous moments.

Whether you’re traveling light with just a carry-on or bringing along your photography gear, this list will help you organize your items efficiently.

A few things to note as you read through these lists:

You’ll want to consider your specific travel scenario when packing your carry-on.

For example, on longer flights, you might want more snacks or entertainment.

If you’re traveling through big airports, you might want to consider how heavy and cumbersome your gear is.

You also want to make sure that you have everything you need if your checked bag is delayed.

Don’t go overboard preparing for the worst-case scenarios, but do try to be prepared.

Carry-On Only

If you’re traveling with only a carry-on and relying on your phone or a small compact camera or point-and-shoot (P&S) for photography, pack these essentials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:

• Clothes:
  • One change of clothes
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater
  • Scarf or wrap
• Toiletries:
  • Travel-sized personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
  • Face wipes or travel-size face wash
  • Hand sanitizer
• Accessories:
  • Sunglasses
  • Travel wallet with ID, credit cards, and cash
  • Power bank and charging cables
• Electronics:
  • Smartphone with charger
  • Small P&S camera with charger
  • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
  • E-reader or tablet
• Other Necessities:
  • Travel documents (passport, boarding passes, etc.)
  • Snacks and refillable water bottle
  • Pen and small notepad
• Comfort Items:
  • Neck pillow
  • Eye mask and earplugs
  • Lightweight blanket or shawl

Carry-On Only with Photography Gear

If you’re bringing your photography gear but still want to travel light with just a carry-on, here’s what to pack:

• Clothes:
  • One change of clothes
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater
  • Scarf or wrap
• Toiletries:
  • Travel-sized personal hygiene items
  • Face wipes or travel-size face wash
  • Hand sanitizer
• Accessories:
  • Sunglasses
  • Travel wallet with ID, credit cards, and cash
  • Power bank and charging cables
• Electronics:
  • Smartphone with charger
  • Laptop or tablet for photo editing
  • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
• Photography Gear:
  • Camera body (compact or mirrorless preferred)
  • One versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm)
  • Extra memory cards and batteries
  • Lightweight travel tripod (if essential)
  • Camera cleaning kit
• Other Necessities:
  • Travel documents
  • Snacks and refillable water bottle
  • Pen and small notepad
• Comfort Items:
  • Neck pillow
  • Eye mask and earplugs
  • Lightweight blanket or shawl

Carry-On + Checked Bag

When traveling with both a carry-on and a checked bag, your carry-on should hold essential items you’ll need during the flight and immediately upon arrival, including your photography gear.

Here’s what to pack in your carry-on:

• Clothes:
  • One change of clothes
  • Lightweight jacket or sweater
  • Scarf or wrap
• Toiletries:
  • Travel-sized personal hygiene items
  • Face wipes or travel-size face wash
  • Hand sanitizer
• Accessories:
  • Sunglasses
  • Travel wallet with ID, credit cards, and cash
  • Power bank and charging cables
• Electronics:
  • Smartphone with charger
  • Laptop or tablet for photo editing
  • Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds
• Photography Gear:
  • Camera body and one or two lenses
  • Extra memory cards and batteries
  • Camera cleaning kit
• Other Necessities:
  • Travel documents
  • Snacks and refillable water bottle
  • Pen and small notepad
• Comfort Items:
  • Neck pillow
  • Eye mask and earplugs
  • Lightweight blanket or shawl

10 Photography Gear Packing Tips

 

When it comes to traveling with photography gear, preparation is key to ensuring your equipment stays safe, accessible, and ready for every shot.

Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or an extended journey, packing your camera gear wisely can prevent damage, streamline your packing process, and enhance your shooting experience.

In this section, we’ll share essential tips for packing your photography gear efficiently, from choosing the right bag to protecting your equipment from the elements.

These strategies will help you travel with confidence, knowing your gear is organized and protected, so you can focus on capturing stunning images wherever your adventures take you.

1. Dedicated Camera Bag

Invest in a camera bag with padded compartments designed specifically for photography gear.

This protects your equipment from bumps and scratches while keeping it organized and easily accessible.

Many camera bags are designed to meet airline standards and some have great features like laptop sleeves.

We have a bunch of guides here at Shotkit where we’ve tested out different camera bags in real-world situations to find the best ones.

If you’re not sure which bag will serve you best on your travels, you can check out our guides to the best camera bags, best camera backpacks, best travel cases (soft & hard) and best packable backpacks for lightweight travels.

2. Pack Extra Memory Cards and Batteries

Always bring more memory cards and batteries than you think you’ll need.

Store them in a waterproof case to protect them from moisture and damage.

These are lightweight and compact compared to carrying around a bag full of camera gear that you can’t use because you don’t have the ability to charge your batteries.

3. Carry Gear as a Personal Item

Whenever possible, keep your essential photography gear in your carry-on or as a personal item.

This prevents it from being damaged or lost in checked luggage.

• What Is the Best Photography Kit for Tavel?

4. Secure Your Gear with Padding

If you need to pack camera gear in a suitcase, wrap each item in clothing or bubble wrap for added protection.

Use lens caps and covers to shield sensitive parts from dust and impact.

5. Prioritize Lightweight and Compact Gear

When it comes to camera gear in general, I always have lightweight and compact as priority features.

Traveling is a big part of photography for many of us, so traveling with our gear should be considered when choosing gear.

For example, if you need a tripod, opt for a lightweight, compact travel version that fits inside or attaches to your carry-on.

Ensure it’s sturdy enough for your camera setup while being easy to carry.

6. Label Your Gear

Use labels or tags on your camera bag and individual gear pieces.

This helps identify your equipment quickly and can be useful if you need to claim lost items.

7. Backup Your Photos

Bring a portable hard drive or cloud storage solution to back up your photos daily. This prevents the loss of precious images in case of equipment failure or theft.

8. Prepare for Security Checks

Have your camera and electronics easily accessible for airport security.

It’s often helpful to remove them from your bag and place them in a separate bin to speed up the screening process.

Or if your gear is all in one designated camera bag sometimes all you need to remove is the laptop.

• 77 Awesome Travel Tips for Photographers

9. Bring Cleaning Supplies

Pack a small cleaning kit with lens cloths, a blower brush, and a lens brush to keep your gear clean and free of dust during your travels.

10. Optimize Space and Stay Organized

Use every inch of your camera bag efficiently by utilizing small pockets and compartments for accessories like filters, cables, and spare batteries.

I like having a designated accessories pouch so that things are easy to find.

• Best Travel Photography Tips

FAQs

Below are some frequently asked questions about what to bring when you travel with your camera.

Let’s first just say that you should never travel without your camera!

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method?

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method is a minimalist approach to packing where you bring 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 pairs of shoes, 2 bags, and 1 accessory.

It’s designed to streamline your luggage while ensuring you have versatile options for various activities and weather conditions.

This method is especially useful for efficient, organized travel.

How do I pack my camera for travel?

Which lenses are essential for travel photography?

For travel photography, essential lenses include a versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm or 18-135mm) for capturing a wide range of scenes, a wide-angle lens (like 16-35mm) for landscapes and architecture, and a fast prime lens (like 50mm f/1.8) for low-light situations and portraits.

These lenses cover most shooting scenarios, from sweeping vistas to detailed close-ups.

Dive deeper into this topic in the article on the best lens for travel photography.

How many memory cards and batteries should I pack?

Pack at least 2-3 memory cards and 2-3 fully charged batteries to ensure you have enough storage and power for a full day of shooting.

If you plan on capturing high-resolution images or videos, consider bringing more to avoid running out of space or power during crucial moments.

It’s also wise to bring a portable charger or battery grip for extended sessions.

Should I bring a tripod when I travel?

Bringing a tripod when you travel is recommended if you plan to shoot long exposures, night photography, waterfalls, or stable video footage.

A lightweight, compact travel tripod is ideal, as it provides stability without adding too much bulk to your gear.

However, if you prioritize portability and spontaneous shooting, you might opt to leave it behind.

Conclusion

Packing for travel, whether you’re embarking on a short trip or a grand adventure, can be a meticulous process, especially when it involves camera gear and personal essentials.

From my own experience, I’ve found that each trip offers new insights into what works best, allowing me to refine my packing strategy and become more efficient over time.

By following the comprehensive packing lists and tips provided, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared for any situation that arises, keeping your photography equipment safe and your travel experience enjoyable.

Remember, thoughtful preparation not only helps in capturing stunning images but also makes your journey more comfortable and stress-free.

With your gear organized and your essentials in place, you’re ready to embrace every moment of your travels and create unforgettable memories. Safe travels and happy shooting!