Securing your camera equipment from thieves and damage requires just a little preparation.
Travel photography is a fantastic excuse to see the world, snapping memories along the way. If you’re particularly talented, then you may even get paid for the pictures you take. There’s only one downside to being on the road though – the responsibility of looking after all of your camera equipment, which can sometimes be quite an extensive list. Two factors need to be considered when working out how to pack it all. Firstly, you need to be sure that your kit is secure and not on show to potential thieves. Secondly, it should be packed carefully to minimise the possibility of it being damaged. Here are some tips to help with both.
Deciding What To Pack
As tempting as it is to bring everything, you’ll be in for a miserable trip if you have to lug around your entire array of camera equipment. Alongside your main camera, opt for a couple of high-quality, versatile zoom lenses and a travel tripod. You should also bring a small, soft bristle brush, a microfibre cloth and some lens wipes so you can easily clean your camera in transit. Don’t forget your charger and memory cards but go light on batteries which you should be able to buy on your travels.
Of course, when planning which pieces of camera equipment to bring along, you may want to use your trip as an opportunity to part with your old kit and upgrade your gear. If you’re wondering where can I sell my Canon camera, never has it been easier to trade in your old camera on a dedicated camera sales platform, and receive a fair price to put towards a new model which will be perfect for your travels.
Choosing A Camera Bag
The best bags for your camera are also the smartest, and the biggest target for thieves. So it would be better to use a standard backpack or hold-all bag which isn’t as identifiable as being full of expensive camera gear. Ideally your choice of bag will have plenty of sections, but crucially it should be extremely well-padded to ensure your kit is protected even when it’s being knocked about in an overhead compartment. If you’re struggling to find the perfect bag, remember that rolled up clothes padded around the outside of your camera equipment will be enough to secure your kit.
Luggage Tracking
If you’re flying, it would be best to carry your camera bag onto the plane, due to the risks of losing checked baggage. But if you’re forced to check-in your kit, then there’s a few precautionary measures you can take to ensure you keep your equipment safe, even when it’s out of sight. As a must, you should have organised travel insurance which covers the entire cost of replacing your kit if necessary. You should also secure your case with a padlock or code, and install a smart GPS tracker so that you’re able to trace your lost case and share the details with your airlines if the worst is to happen.
Packing your camera equipment for safe travel is easy so long as you put in a little prep work. When you unpack it all at the other end, you’ll be relieved you put in the effort!
