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If you’re anything like me, your gear is everything.
As a solo travel and adventure content creator, reliable, high-quality gear is essential. The right equipment can make or break your content, especially when you’re constantly on the go. Portability, durability, and travel-friendly design are key to capturing stunning content no matter where your journey leads.
Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of equipment, discovered what works best, and refined a setup that I absolutely swear by.
Today, I’m excited to share my ultimate must-have gear list, packed with essentials I rely on daily—from cameras and gear to editing tools and game-changing accessories. Whether you’re a beginner building your kit or a seasoned creator ready to upgrade, these tried-and-true recommendations are perfect for travel content creators.
JUMP To ITEM:
Cameras:
Audio / Lighting /Tripod
Camera Bags
Nomatic McKinnon 25L Camera Pack
Editing software
Accessories
SanDisk Extreme Pro V60 SD Cards (250GB & 500GB)
Cameras
for Photography & Videography
SONY A7IV
The Sony a7IV is my ride-or-die professional camera. This mirrorless powerhouse delivers incredible image quality, 4K video, and outstanding dynamic range. Its advanced autofocus system ensures I never miss a moment, even in challenging conditions. Whether I’m shooting a serene sunrise or fast-paced city scenes, it handles both photography and videography like a dream. It’s the perfect tool for creators who demand versatility and reliability.
Sony 20-70mm G F4 Lens
Paired with the Sony 20-70mm G F4 Lens, I can capture everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits without switching lenses. Its compact design makes it ideal for travel photographers, while the lens’s sharpness and versatility make it perfect for both casual shoots and professional projects.
Why I love it: Lightweight, versatile, and superb low-light performance.
DJI MINI 4 PRO
When it comes to drones, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is my top pick. At under 250 grams, it’s lightweight enough that you don’t need a license to fly in recreationally, making it great for beginners. Despite its small size, this drone delivers 4K HDR at 60fps with incredible stabilization. With features like obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes, it’s a reliable tool for capturing stunning shots. Whether it’s capturing stunning landscapes or unforgettable moments, this compact drone has transformed the way I document my adventures!
GOPRO HERO 13
Adventure creators, this one’s for you. The GoPro Hero 13 has been a game-changer for my backpacking and wild off-trail hikes where bringing my professional camera gear isn’t an option. It’s rugged, waterproof, and the perfect size to take anywhere. With HyperSmooth stabilization, it captures incredible footage, even on unpredictable terrain or underwater. Plus, it shoots in stunning 5K, helping me create amazing videos of my adventures, no matter how remote or challenging the trail.
Audio Equipment
for Crystal Clear Sound
DJI MINI MICS
No great video is complete without stellar audio, and I swear by the DJI Mini Mics. They’re compact and perfect for travel, without sacrificing professional-grade sound quality. Whether you’re narrating a vlog, interviewing someone, or capturing ambient sounds, these mics always deliver crystal-clear audio. They’re easy to pair with any camera setup, including your phone, and even come with an optional cold-shoe adapter for Sony cameras, allowing them to double as a wireless receiver for even more versatility. Deadcat windshields included.
Pro Tip: Use a deadcat windshield for outdoor shoots to block wind noise.
Compact Lighting
For portability
ZHIYUN MOLUS X100 PRO
Good lighting can make or break your shot, and the Zhiyun Molus X100 Pro is my go-to portable lighting setup. It’s compact enough to fit in my bag yet powerful enough to light up indoor and outdoor scenes perfectly. With its portable rechargeable battery, it can be used wirelessly, giving you even more flexibility during shoots. Plus, its durable build makes it perfect for adventure shoots.
Why you’ll love it: Great for low-light environments, adding depth to your content, and for professional photo shoots.
Tripods & stabilizers
For Smooth Shots
PEAK DESIGN TRIPODS
I keep both a carbon fiber and an aluminum Peak Design tripod in my arsenal. These are sturdy yet lightweight, making them ideal for hiking and shooting in remote spots. Having two options also gives me flexibility depending on the situation.
Pro Tip: Use the carbon fiber version for longer hikes to reduce weight, and the aluminum option for studio-like stability.
Insta360 Flow Gimbal
For buttery-smooth shots, the Insta360 Gimbal is unbeatable. It’s portable, easy to set up, and essential for walk-and-talk videos or cinematic pans.
Bags & Packs
To Keep Your Gear Safe
NOMATIC MCKINNON 25L CAMERA BACKPACK
The Nomatic McKinnon 25L is my ride-or-die camera backpack. It fits all my essential gear, offers excellent organization with its internal cube system, and is comfortable for those long travel days. Not to mention, it’s durable enough to handle everything from city streets to rough trails.
I use the large camera cube inside of mine, and it fits all of my camera gear and drone in it perfectly.
Nomatic 8L Camera Sling
For everyday use, the Nomatic 8L Camera Sling is perfect. I use it everyday and love it. Compact, stylish, functional, and super durable, it’s ideal for light setups when you don’t need your entire arsenal. It even has add on straps for the bottom to attach your tripod!
It also comes in 5L and 10L.
Perfect for: Carrying all day, hikes, or quick urban shoots.
Editing Essentials
to Bring It All Together
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
The ultimate editing suite! With Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom, Adobe Creative Cloud offers everything I need to perfect my photos and videos.
CAPCUT PRO
For quick, mobile-friendly video edits, CapCut Pro is awesome. It’s user-friendly, has tons of features, and makes editing on the go a breeze.
EPIDEMIC SOUND
Great content needs the perfect soundtrack, and that’s where Epidemic Sound comes in. It’s a platform that offers a massive library of royalty-free music and sound effects, perfect for creators.
Accessories
That I can’t shoot without
SANDISK EXTREME PRO V60 SD CARDS
Reliable storage is a must. I use SanDisk Extreme Pro V60 SD cards in 250GB and 512GB. These cards are fast, durable, and can handle my 4K footage without skipping a beat.
POLAR PRO FILTERS
Last but definitely not least (these are my FAVORITE)
For added visual flair, I absolutely love Polar Pro Filters. My favorites are the VNDPL II, Gold Mist, Everyday Filter, GoldCine; the Vivid Collection ND/PL for my drone, and the iPhone Lightcaser16 with PL Mist Filter. These transform your images and videos with professional-level effects. I honestly don’t shoot without them anymore
Share Your Picks
That’s my travel creator gear list! Every single item I’ve highlighted has been tried and tested in some incredible locations, and I wouldn’t recommend anything I don’t use myself.
What’s your favorite piece of travel content creation gear? Drop your recommendations below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!