Electronics & Camera Gear List

Whether you're going away for a few days, a couple of weeks, or several months, everyone's packing list looks different.
We all have things that are easier to bring along, and others we prefer to leave behind.

Speaking for myself, when it comes to electronics, I’d rather be a bit overprepared. Especially because in many places, these kinds of items are hard or even impossible to find.

This list covers the essentials, but also includes more specific electronics for photography and videography.

Below you'll find all the items with explanations on why I bring them. Prefer a simple overview without the details? Download the complete checklist as a PDF

Overview: Electronics & Accessories for (Photography/Videography) Backpackers

Tracking & Safety

• AirTag in backpack
  One is enough. I always place it in my large backpack that goes in the plane’s hold. If anything happens, at least I know where my bag is.
  
  

Banking

• Bank card readers (2x)
  Some banks require a physical card reader or device to log in or approve (larger) payments, like booking domestic flights, applying for visas, or paying by bank transfer. I use the Rabobank reader myself.
  
  I always take two, because I’ve had one break during a trip. And if your reader doesn’t work, you might be stuck — no transfers, no access. So bring a backup just in case.
  
  Before you travel, check if your bank requires a physical device or if you can manage everything through an app.
  

Bags & Carry Options

• Daypack camera bag: Shimoda 35L

• Peak Design Sling 5L

• Mini camera backpack: Tenba Fulton V2 10L All Weather

Charging & Cables

• TRVLMORE universal travel adapter (with USB & USB-C)
  A travel adapter with multiple USB ports and one USB-C port is ideal. This way, you can charge multiple devices at once, and you won’t need to carry an extra power strip.
  

• Kabel Organizer

• Sony charging cable
  

• Sony dual battery charger
  If you take a lot of photos and videos, I recommend bringing a dual charger for your camera batteries. You can charge two at once without having to keep your camera plugged in.
  

• iPhone charging cable

• Extra charger plug

• Laptop charger

• DJI Action 5 Pro + charging hub

• Drone charging hub

• Small powerbank cable (built-in or separate)
  

• Small powerbank (10,000 mAh, with built-in cables)
  A big 20,000 mAh powerbank is useful, but also heavy. I prefer a lighter 10,000 mAh version with built-in cables — no need to carry extras. It even does wireless charging. Perfect for daily use.
  

• DJI accessory cables
  
  

Audio

• Wired earphones
  Before AirPods, everyone had wired earphones — and I still bring mine. They’re perfect for long bus rides or falling asleep. AirPods are annoying if you sleep on your side, because the pressure pauses the music. Wired earphones don’t have that problem.
  

• AirPods
  
  

Communication Backup

• Extra iPhone (with second SIM card)
  You never know what could happen — your phone might get stolen or break. That’s why I always bring an old iPhone with a second SIM card, just in case. Nowadays, a phone is essential, so having a backup is really smart.
  
  

Camera Gear + Accessories
Since space is limited, I try to use the same cables for multiple devices. That way, I don’t need to pack a charger for every single item. Make sure you bring the right cable for each device you plan to take.

• Main camera: Sony A7IV with 24–105mm f/4
  This camera is a beast! It’s professional, sharp, and perfect for both photography and video. I only bring this one lens — 24mm gives me wide shots, and with crop mode I can shoot up to 157.5mm without losing quality. f/4 is perfect for travel and even works well at night.
  

• Going-out camera (compact)
  I love taking photos while traveling. But when I go out or it gets dark, I don’t bring my professional gear — it’s too valuable and fragile. I also avoid pulling out my phone in busy or sketchy places. That’s why I carry a small, discreet camera — perfect for spontaneous moments.
  

• Charger for going-out camera
  

• SD card reader (for iPhone and iPad)
  I like to transfer photos to my iPad or iPhone quickly, so I use a reliable SD card reader from a proper camera store. Never buy cheap ones from AliExpress — I once lost all my photos because of a faulty reader.
  

• Ulanzi ST-06S Cold Shoe Phone Holder
  This lets me mount my phone on my camera’s cold shoe. Perfect for behind-the-scenes shots.
  

• DJI Action 5 Pro + underwater case

• DJI Action 5 Pro long selfie stick

• Earh ND filter 77mm

• Camera cleaning kit

Drone Gear

• DJI Mini 4 Pro drone

• Extra propellers
  
  

Microphones

• Sony ECM-B10 for my Sony A7IV, small, light, and delivers great vlog-quality audio.

• DJI Wireless Mic: mostly used with my drone and action camera. Compact but excellent sound.
  
  

Tripods: GorillaPod & Full Tripod

I bring two tripods:

• GorillaPod 3K for everyday use (fits in my daypack).

• Larger tripod for extra height, only when I know I’ll need it.
  Tip: buy a tripod that can handle the weight of your camera setup!

Data Backup

• External hard drive (min. 4TB, water/shock resistant)
  I back up my footage to the cloud every day, but I also carry a 4TB+ hard drive for extra safety. I keep it locked in my locker or daypack. Double backups = peace of mind.

• iCloud 2TB

• SD cards (microSD, standard SD, high-performance SD for video)
  If you're bringing camera gear, you’ll need SD cards. How many depends on how much you shoot. I always bring enough to last a few days without needing to clear or transfer files. I use everything from microSDs (for drone/action cam) to high-capacity cards for video.
  
  
  

Work & Creative

• iPhone 13 Pro 256GB
  

• MacBook Pro 2020 M2 (14", 16GB RAM, 128GB SSD)
  Not everyone needs a laptop while traveling. If you mostly take phone photos, you’re fine without one. But if you travel longer, book a lot of things, work remotely, or handle lots of footage like I do, a laptop is really handy. Just make sure you really need it, because it takes up space and needs extra care.
  

• iPad 2020 128GB (for work, reading, notes)
  One of my favorite travel items! I use it for work, notes, reading (no need for a separate e-reader), and quick tasks — it’s often more convenient than my laptop. Everything’s on it: documents, books, client work. Lightweight and super useful.
  

• Instax Mini Printer (with refills)
  I love taking portraits of locals. As a thank-you, I print and give them the photo. That’s why I carry a compact Instax Mini Printer. It’s easy to use and film refills are available worldwide. Just remember to take it out of your bag at airport security — X-rays can damage the film.
  
  

Other

• Wireless mini curling brush (for my curtain bangs) https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0DGLF843M?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1