The gear we choose to use is based on multiple criteria. We want to get the best for our money and the right equipment for the purchased use.
Travel Luggage: Rolling Bag VS Backpack
This is one question that we tend to get asked a lot – which type of bag do we usually bring with us? There are three main types: a backpack, suitcase, and rolling duffel. The best type to bring with you comes down to both personal preferences, as well as the type of travel that you plan on doing. If you are planning on traveling via bus through Mexico or hitchhiking around Europe, you will want something that is versatile and lightweight such as a backpack; but if you plan on spending a lot of time in bigger cities, or flying often, you will probably opt-in for a duffel bag or suitcase.
When we first started traveling 6 years ago, we brought backpacks with us. But now, our travel style has changed so we bring rolling bags. Additionally, these are better for carrying around expensive camera equipment.
The Bags We Use
Currently, we use 4 different bags for travel. Each one has a specific, designated purpose for us. For instance, I use a rolling bag, a backpack for outdoor adventures, and a carry on bag for my camera. Usually, I only need to check one bag during travel; as the hiking backpack can fit inside the duffel. However, for larger trips that require more gear, I will usually check both.
We are big fans of Pacsafe products and they are top of the list on the gear we choose. We know that the safety of our luggage and thousands of dollars of camera gear is paramount. To lose this on a shoot would be a disaster and would cost $1000s of dollars to replace in some foreign country. There are four reasons within their LockDown Products that make them so beneficial in regard to the safety of your belongings. You can check out our post on Best Travel Backpack: An Option to Fit Every Need.
PacSafe LockDown Products
Know your bag will stay where you want it and enjoy the moment. Their range of locking cables and secure straps make it the easiest way to secure your valuables to any solid object. Stay mobile with your things safe… wherever you go. Loop it, lock it, relax.
Turn and Lock Security Hooks
Secure your bag to a fixture to help avoid bag theft. Keep your bag safe from a snatch and grab. The turn & lock hook system fixes your bag in two easy steps. Clip – Snap – Secure.
PopNLock Security Clip
Secured buckle to help protect against bag thieves. Secure your bag to an immovable object with a simple pop and lock action. Peace of mind in just a few seconds.
Locking cable
Keep your bag where you want it. Secure your bag to a fixture to help avoid gear theft. This versatile locking cable is easy to secure and can be looped around any bag with a Roobar™ Deluxe.
1. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP29 83L Anti Theft Wheeled Luggage
2. Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP45 Anti-Theft Carry-On Travel Backpack
3. PacSafe Camsafe X17 Anti-theft Camera Backpack
4. PacSafe Camsafe X9 Anti-theft Camera Sling Backpack
Other Pacsafe Products We Use
1. Pacsafe Coversafe X100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Waist Wallet
2. Pacsafe Rfidsafe V150 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Compact Passport Wallet
3. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS120 Anti-Theft Hip Pack
Laurels Favorite:
4. Pacsafe Camsafe V8 Anti-Theft Camera Shoulder Bag
Basic Travel Gear
Listed below is our basic travel gear that we bring with us on every trip. It includes items that make flights more comfortable, as well as gear to keep us more organized.
1. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottles
3. SMALLRIG Folding Tool Set with Seven Functional Tools Included
5. Ear Pugs for Sleeping, 2 Pairs Noise Cancelling Sound Blocking Earplugs Reusable
6. CAMPTU Improved 3″ 10 Pcs Aluminum Large Carabiners Keychain D Shape
Travel Clothing and Apparel
Because we prefer to travel light, we don’t tend to have a huge wardrobe while traveling. Some of the types of clothing that we use when traveling are listed below. We try to buy items that are both lightweight, and wrinkle resistant. As for the quantity? Generally, we will pack: 2 pairs of pants, 1 pair of shorts, 5 t-shirts, 2 sweatshirts/sweaters, 5 pairs of underwear, 5 pairs of socks, Shemagh Head Neck Scarf and 1 swimsuit; each of these is per person.
It should also be kept in mind that the amount of clothing that you bring with you may change depending on how long you plan to be traveling. Time of year you travel and weather conditions at your destinations are also important in your clothing choices.
Electronics
You would not be reading this travel blog if we did not have some computer equipment with us when we travel. Not all electronics are needed, but they add to our quality of life while on the road.
1. Universal All in One Travel Adapter with USB
3. Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II
5. Acer Spin 5 SP513-53N-53Y5, Convertible Laptop
6. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 N960U 128GB GSM Unlocked Phone
7. WD My Passport Portable External Hard Drive
Our Travel Photography Gear
This section is going to be interesting to the photographers out there, for this is the camera equipment that I use when we travel. In addition to shooting images for this blog, I also sell images to magazines, brands, and national tourism boards. That is why I tend to carry more expensive camera equipment than the average traveler. This is my main source of income.
We carry more expensive equipment than when we were first starting out. I found that the investment was well worth the payoff. Additionally, with a video being increasingly higher-paying, I have started to shoot videos for my business.
Below are the most cost-effective tools that we use:
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 4K Wi-Fi Digital Camera & 14-42mm Lens
2. DJI Spark, Fly More Combo, Alpine White
4. DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Axis Gimbal Camera and Expansion Kit Combo Bundle
5. Panasonic LUMIX G Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH
6. Manfrotto Element Traveller Small Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Ball Head
7. Black Rapid Shoulder Stabilizer-Must For Shaky Hands Like Mine
8. Neewer LCD Timer Shutter Release Remote Control
9. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS350 15 Liter Anti Theft Laptop Daypack/Backpack
Why Not Travel Carry-On Only
While I have traveled carry-on before, and still do if it is a relatively short trip, the more equipment that I obtained for my business, the more that I had to bring with me. Unfortunately, this meant checking at least one bag. I have nothing but good things to say about the airlines that we have flown with; in the last 6 years of travel, they have only lost my bag a few times. And in those few cases, generally, my bag appeared the next day. While only once did my bag disappear for about a week, only having that experience one time in the amount of time that I have been doing this is not bad.