Confession: I am a bag lady. But you might have already known that.

When I head to the suburbs to visit my parents for the weekend, I somehow arrive with at least 3 bags (yes, for one night … no one knows why), and then when I get back to our apartment in Chicago, I have 7. It drives Phil crazy. I always try to justify it by the fact that I went grocery shopping or I had to pick up a “few” things at Target. But the bottom line is, I have a bag problem. (The first step is admitting it, right?)

So when it comes to packing up THE most important thing (my camera!) I bring on all our extended trips, I get a little anxious. I am used to having my huge suitcase on wheels with all my lenses, backup camera bodies, extra batteries, flashes, light stands, etc, but that is usually not an option for me (unless I am traveling for a wedding / shoot).

Here is a little look at what is in my travel camera bag, and what I think works for photographers when traveling.

 

> Nikon D600 camera body

> Nikon 50mm f1.4 lens

> Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens

> Nikon 35mm f1.4 lens

> (2) Nikon camera batteries + charger

> Leopard print camera strap (I normally don’t shoot with a camera strap, but when traveling it is a must!)

> Remote camera triggers (mine are from Calumet)

> Canon Powershot S120 (It shoots HD movies + RAW files in manual, great for when I don’t want to lug my full kit)

> 3 neoprene lens bags

> 1 neoprene camera bag (for when I just want to toss my camera + 50mm inside a larger tote bag)

> SD card case + tons of SanDisk 32 GB SD cards

> SD card reader

> 1 GB WD My Passport external hard drive + hard carrying case

> Camera blower for cleaning + pre-moistened lens cloths

> iPhone 6

> Selfie stick

A few things that are not pictured that I also include in my bag is a GoPro with underwater housing, ziploc bags (in case it rains, and you want to protect your camera / gear), and my MeFoto Roadtrip travel tripod.

I pack all my gear inside my Lowepro passport sling bag. It is the perfect bag for afternoons exploring new places and it has enough room for things like my wallet, chapstick, hotel keys, etc.

Your kit might vary depending on where you are going and what you will be shooting, but this kit has been working perfectly for me on our recent trips. The bag can get a little heavy, so I only take what gear I need with me each day.

Make sure your gear is insured internationally before you travel abroad. I always have peace of mind that all my equipment is insured in case of theft or accident when we travel.

Keep chasing your wanderlust.