Every now and then, I would put all my travel gear in front of me and start reviewing which gear needs an upgrade and which one I could probably leave at home the next time I travel. My goal is to minimize the weight I carry in my everyday bag and keep my gear manageable.
Since traveling internationally is not possible at the moment due to COVID-19, I have decided to do a thorough review of all the things I used to carry in my everyday bag.
Through several adjustments, I believe I have perfected a strategy on how to balance the quality of my gear with the weight I have to carry, and I would like to share it with you here in this article.
Without further ado, let's begin by answering the many "Why" questions you are probably wondering before we go into the nitty-gritty detail of what gear is currently in my everyday bag.
Why Do I Need to Keep My Travel Kit Light?
Minimizing the weight is very important for a content creator like me, as I often find myself trying out all kinds of new camera gear to improve the content of this blog. This eventually leads me to carrying more than a 9kg load in my everyday backpack, which is not ideal.
As you can see from my work here on the BucketListly Blog, I am a hybrid shooter, which basically means that I need camera gear that allows me to shoot both photos and videos well enough to produce a variety of engaging content for you.
With the work I do here, I often find myself hiking in one of the most remote places in the world and trekking through forests for days on end. Even though I would like to have all the gear with me to maximize the quality of my content, that is just not feasible. Hence, why I need to keep my travel kit as light as I can without sacrificing too much.
Now that you know why I need to carry a lot of gear and why it is important for me to be reasonable with the weight I carry, let's take a look at the heaviest load of them all: my camera gear.
My Camera Gear
Camera Body
Sony a6500: This is my go-to camera for both photos and videos. In fact, it is the only camera body I have with me when I travel. The Sony a6500 is an APS-C camera, which means that the sensor is smaller than the full-frame cameras like the Sony a7 series, which in turn reduces the size of all the camera gear I would have to carry with it.
The Sony a6500 has built-in stabilization, which is great for shooting videos and fast-moving subjects while I go run and gun. The sensor is small, so all the lenses I need to carry with me are also smaller than their full-frame counterparts.
The video capability of the Sony a6500 is also exceptional, with the ability to take crisp 4K footage, which is great for my travel videos. The 24-megapixel sensor also allows me to take some stunning travel photos, as well as having the ability to capture over 10 frames per second. This is perfect for travel, as everything tends to happen randomly, and having a camera that allows me to shoot immediately is essential.
Not to mention, the Sony autofocus system is top-of-the-class, and that has allowed me to capture many spontaneous moments that I would not have otherwise been able to capture with other cameras.
That said, with such a small body, sacrifices have to be made. With a smaller APS-C sensor, the Sony a6500 is not as good in low light, and due to the crop factor, the bokeh you get won't be as creamy as that of its full-frame counterparts.
But in order to keep the weight of my everyday bag manageable, some sacrifices have to be made, and I think these sacrifices are reasonable enough for the space I saved in my backpack.
Camera Lenses
As mentioned above, one of the reasons why I stick to the APS-C camera is because of the decrease in weight and size of the camera body, as well as all the interchangeable lenses that I have to carry with me.
The Sony 16-55mm F2.8 lens is my all-purpose travel lens that stays on my camera 90% of the time. The focal length of 16-55mm (24-82.5mm full-frame equivalent) gives me a good enough reach for most of the photos I want to take.
The quality you get from this lens is pro-grade, with tack-sharp detail from corner to corner. There are no compromises here with this lens... except maybe its retail price of $1299 USD. Other than that, I am extremely happy with this lens.
The Sony 70-350mm super telephoto lens is a new addition to my camera arsenal. With its super compact size and the focal length of 70-350mm (105-525mm full-frame equivalent), the lens gives me the reach I never thought was possible without a giant, impossible-to-handhold lens.
The quality of the images is also great at most focal lengths, and it is priced quite reasonably at only 999 USD. What takes the cake for me is the size relative to its focal length. If I were using a full-frame camera, finding a lens this small with the same focal length would be impossible.
The Rokinon 12mm F2 is an ultra-wide, fast manual lens that I often use for my astrophotography or when I want to capture a wider landscape than with a 16mm lens. I don't use this lens as often as the 16-55mm lens, but it is good to have it in case I need it. Moreover, the size and weight of this lens are almost negligible.
The Sigma 56mm F1.4 is a lens I often use for portraits because it produces the prettiest bokeh out of all the other lenses. I have not done a lot of travel portraits yet, but I would like to do more of it. Having a fast compact lens with a tight focal length like the Sigma handy should help me improve my portrait game when the time comes.
Drones
DJI Mavic Mini is a drone I always have with me in my everyday bag, and it is one of the most space-consuming items of all. I had been contemplating getting a drone for 3 years before I jumped on the bandwagon when DJI announced the lightest, smallest, and most capable drone they have ever released.
I am still getting the hang of the weight and space requirements of having a drone, but I do enjoy seeing places from a perspective I was never able to see until now. The drone itself is pretty light, but with all the spare batteries, a remote control, and a charger, it definitely was a shock to the system of what I used to carry before.
Thankfully, I bought a Fly Combo version of the drone, which comes in this high-quality protective compartment that keeps all the extra drone accessories organized and in one place.
Camera Accessories
Variable ND Filter is a new addition to my kit. I have been watching Thomas Heaton's videos a lot lately, and I am inspired by his work in landscape photography. I wanted to improve my photography game, so I went out and bought an ND filter which I look forward to using in my future travels.
A travel tripod is another heavy camera gear, but a necessary one for solo content creators like myself. I often use the tripod to take photos of myself when there's no one around for me to ask. I also use it frequently for timelapse videos, as well as astrophotography.
Extra Batteries are essential for Sony a6500 Cameras as they are known to have quite poor battery life. I often run through at least 2 batteries in a full day of shooting photos and videos. I have 3 spare third-party batteries (cheaper) and one Sony battery that I use as the main battery.
SanDisk 128GB UHS-I SD cards is what I use to shoot 100 Mbps 4K videos. I have 2 SanDisk 128GB SD cards, and they usually last me at least a month before I need to back them up in my external hard drive.
Samsung T5 SSD 512 GB is what I use as an external hard drive when I am on the road. It is smaller than the regular disk drive, and it is fast enough for me to post-process my photos from it while I am traveling.
An Air Blower is essential because I often go to unforgiving places, and sometimes dust and debris find their way onto my camera sensor. The only safe way to clean it on the road is with an air blower.
Backpack and Organization
Backpack
The Herschel Supply Buckingham Backpack is the go-to everyday backpack that allows me to customize my own organization inside its huge 31L compartment. One of the problems I have with the usual camera bags is that they are often designed solely for camera gear and nothing else.
When I go hiking, I often need space for other travel essential items like fleece and outer shell jackets, gloves, beanies, not to mention snacks and food for the trails, and sometimes an extra shoe, etc.
With the empty main compartment of the Buckingham Backpack, I can customize the organization inside for each trip I am making without being stuck with the organization that comes with most photography-centric bags.
Camera Insert
How do I organize my camera gear inside my backpack, you asked? I simply get a cheap padded camera insert and fit it with all the camera bodies and lenses I need for my everyday bag.
I bought a medium-sized camera insert with dimensions of 26x15x14 cm. I can fit all four of my APS-C sized lenses, a camera body, and one filter, with some space to spare for other accessories.
Cable Organizer Bag
I also have a cable organizer bag to hold all the charging cables for my camera, smartphone, the drone, and a MacBook, all in one place. I also put most of the camera accessories I listed previously inside this organizer bag as well, to keep things organized for easy access.
Other Essential Gear
MacBook Pro 13 Inch (2015) is my work machine when I am on the road. It's old and rather slow, but it still has the most ports, which include a card reader, something I use very often, and I would rather not carry dongles around when I travel.
A water bottle goes outside of my backpack for easy access because I often go out for hours on end every day to either hike or explore a city, and this is how I keep myself hydrated at all times.
And there you have it, my everyday bag and every item I carry in my daypack when I travel, laid bare for you to see. I found this to be the most effective way of keeping the weight I carry manageable at around 5-7 kg, while not sacrificing the quality of the work I do too much.
Want to take your photography game to the next level? Here are some resources to help you upgrade your work and photography gear:
Further Reading for Resources
Looking for more articles to help you with your travel, whether it be camera gear or clothing? Here is a collection of articles you might like:
- Ever wondered what a full-time travel blogger like myself carries in my camera bag? Check out: What's In My Camera Bag in 2025?
- Looking to buy a new travel camera but not sure where to start? Check out our camera guide on 10 Best Travel Cameras to Buy.
- Bought a new camera and not sure what camera accessories to buy? Check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
- Looking for a good-looking and functional camera strap to buy? You are going to love the Langly Tactical, Premium Leather, and Paracord camera straps. Check out my review here: A Traveler's Review: Langly Camera Straps.
- Want to start a YouTube channel and looking to buy new cameras for travel vlogging? Check out: 8 Best Cameras For Travel Vlogging to Buy.
- Finding a great camera bag you can travel with is not as easy as it sounds. If you are looking for one, here are the 10 Best Camera Bags for Travel, Backpacking, and Hiking You Should Buy.
- Now, if you are looking for a camera sling/shoulder bag instead of a full-fledged camera backpack to travel with, here are the 11 Best Camera Sling/Shoulder Bags For Travel.
- Looking for the most versatile camera sling bag? Check out: A Traveler's Review: WANDRD Roam (Rogue) Sling.
- For a smaller setup, the Nomatic McKinnon Sling is a great camera bag to check out. Here is A Traveler's Review: Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling 8L.
- If you are looking for gifts to buy for your photographer loved ones, check out: 12 Cool Gifts To Buy For Travel Photographers.
- Traveling light with camera gear is all about balancing what you need and what you want. Here are the 8 Best Tips For Traveling Light With Camera Gear.
- After years of research, I finally found the most beautiful camera backpack of all! Check this out: A Traveler's Review: Langly Alpha Globetrotter Camera Backpack.
- If you are looking for a great camera accessory to help improve your travel photography skills, check out: 14 BEST Sony Camera Accessories You Should Buy.
- Are you looking for the best travel camera for your next trip? Why not consider the Sony a6500? Here's why the Sony a6500 is the best travel camera.
- If you want to carry just one lens when you travel, here is why the Sony 16-55mm F2.8 is the best travel lens to get for your Sony a6600 or a6500.
- This is the one lens I never knew I needed, but now that I have it, I can't travel without it! A Traveler's Review: The Sony E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 Lens.
- An ultra-wide lens is perfect for travel, and there is no better lens than the Sony 10-18mm F4 lens. Here is why: Traveler's Review: Sony 10-18mm F4 lens.
- Wondering which Sony Mirrorless camera is right for you? The Best Sony Travel Cameras to Buy in 2025.
- Just bought a new Sony mirrorless camera? Check out: 15 Tips & Tricks for Your New Sony a7C, a7III, and More.
- Wondering which lenses to buy for your Sony cameras? Check out The Best Travel Lenses For Sony a7III, a7C, a7RIV, and More.
- Looking for a compact and lightweight travel telephoto lens for wildlife and landscapes? You are going to love this lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Tamron 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens.
- If you are looking for a review of the first Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens and want to see if it is worth buying now, check out: A Traveler's Review of the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens.
- The king of travel lenses has arrived. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II lens is hands down the best travel all-purpose zoom lens I have ever owned. Here's why: A Traveler's Review: Sony 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens.
- Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS lens is, hands down, the best telephoto lens to get for your Sony cameras, but with an extremely high price tag. Here is a complete traveler's review of the lens: A Traveler's Review: Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM II OSS Lens.
- Looking for a lightweight and affordable landscape/architecture travel lens that is also extremely capable? Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Lens.
- Looking for the best travel portrait lens to buy for your next trip? You can't beat the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN lens. Here is A Traveler's Review of the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens.
- Full-frame or APS-C Cameras? Here’s my take on which camera format to pick for travel: 5 Reasons Why I'm Sticking With a Sony APS-C Camera
- Picking a camera body is one thing. Picking the lenses is a whole different game. Here is the ultimate guide to the best travel lenses for the Sony a6500.
- Looking for a great drone to travel with? Why is the DJI Mavic Mini the Best Drone for Travelers?
- The best travel drone just got even better. Here is A Traveler's Review of The DJI Mini 2 and why it is the best travel drone to buy.
- Already have a Mavic Mini or looking to buy one? Here are 25 Tips and Tricks for New DJI Mavic Mini Owners.
- For more travel drone options, be sure to check out the 8 Best Drones For Travel To Buy In 2025.
- Looking for the best travel wireless earbuds or headphones? Here are the 7 Best Travel Wireless Earbuds & Headphones to Buy.
- You can't travel without a backpack, and if you are looking for one, check out my guide on the best Herschel Supply backpacks for travelers.
- If you like hiking and going on adventures for weeks on end, you are going to need a bigger backpack. Here is Why the Osprey Atmos AG is the Best Hiking Backpack to Buy.
- If you are into making travel videos, here is my ultimate advanced filmmaking gear guide.
- Looking to go on a short trip and want a backpack that has enough capacity but is small enough to use as a carry-on? Here is Why You Should Check Out the Herschel Supply Buckingham Backpack - A Traveler’s Review.
- Planning to go on your first-ever hiking trip? Here is How to Pack for Hiking and Camping.
- Technical hiking gear doesn't have to be ugly. Here is a guide to hiking gear that actually looks good on you.
- If you are a light-weight traveler and are looking for powerful gear to go with your setup, check out the extremely light-weight photography gear guide.
- Looking for gift ideas for your traveler friends or family members? Here are 16 Best Gifts to Buy for Travelers/Backpackers.
- Or, if you are into gadgets, here is a quick guide on 7 tech gadgets you should buy this year.
- Are you a Fujifilm camera user and currently looking for lenses to buy for your next travel? Check out The Best Travel Lenses For Your Fuji Cameras.
- If you are a blogger as well and are looking for free travel images to spice up your content, check out the 9 Best Websites to Find Free Travel Images.
- Want to know the secrets on how to travel the world cheaply? Check out: 16 Best Tips on How to Travel the World Cheaply.
- Looking for an Airbnb alternative for a better and more authentic stay in a place you are visiting? Here are the 8 Best Airbnb Alternatives to Use.
- Looking to plan your first backpacking trip around the world? Check out: How To Plan A Backpacking Trip.
- For more resources like this, visit my Resources page.
- Want to learn how I was able to take so many good pictures of myself while I travel solo? Check out: How To Take Great Pictures of Yourself.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
2 Comments
Surprised you not looked at alternatives for Macbok Pro 2015; it's pretty heavy laptop with everything else you are carrying! Not considered something like a iPad with a card reader?
Hey Kenny,
I do a lot of coding, editing photos, and videos and I find multi tasking on laptops to be much easier than on a tablet but I get what you mean. I am definitely holding out on the new Macbook that will supposedly come with an SD card reader, something I really need, and the last model that has it is, you guessed it, the 2015 macbook.
I was also waiting for the butterfly keyboard to die out which it did, so I am waiting now is an sd card reader and I'm golden haha. :)