What’s in My Camera Bag 2024: Ultimate Guide for Beginner Travel Photographers
As a travel content creator, what’s in my camera bag needs to have my back – but not break it haha! Whether I’m exploring a new city, hiking trail, or chasing golden hour, I’m often on-the-go.
So, my setup is intentionally lightweight, durable, and fairly minimalistic.
Still, we’ve got all the essentials.
If you’re a fellow travel photographer, blogger, or simply someone who loves to take breathtaking travel photos then this guide is for you!
Adventure Travel Photography Gear: What’s in My Camera Bag 2023
Before diving deep into my camera bag essentials, I want to emphasize that if you’re starting out please don’t feel pressured to buy tons of expensive equipment.
What’s more important than your gear is an understanding of your gear.
Even on an iPhone, you can practice basic photography skills like placing your subject, using leading lines, and determining which times of day offer the best lighting.
In my case, I grew up shooting with Nikon digital cameras –thank you grandpa and grandma!
It wasn’t until my freshman year of college in 2015 that I purchased my first DSLR.
Although now my Nikon D3300 sits on a shelf as a memento, I carried it all around with me in college.
Because of the greater control you have with a DSLR to adjust settings and swap out lenses, I learned WAY more in the couple years I used that than the 10+ years I shot auto on digital cameras.
At the same time, I learned lots that I did not love about this entry-level camera.
So when more client work was coming my way in 2021, it felt like the prime time to upgrade to my dream camera… *I still get butterflies thinking about it!!*
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information. Thanks for your support, adventurers! Happy traveling!
1. Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Camera Body
Probably the most popular question I receive on Instagram is “what camera do you use?”
Over the past year and a half, the Nikon Z6 has become my partner in crime. It’s accompanied me on countless hikes, even the wet and cold ones.
Besides being extremely lightweight at 1.36lbs, it’s weather sealed.
This means that it can handle getting splashed from waterfalls, rainfall, & crashing waves.
(Not that I recommend testing its limits.. But, we all know it happens! For reference, I’ve shot in pouring rain and snow for ~10-15 minute intervals and didn’t notice any difference in performance. Sometimes the shot can’t wait for the weather!)
Here are more reasons I swear by the Z6:
- Excellent ergonomics for comfortably & securely holding the camera in my small hands
- Tilting LCD screen allows you to shoot from low & high angles
- Touch screen
- Dual memory card slots
- 4K video
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS) for longer exposure shots like waterfalls without tripods (see above photo)
- Quiet autofocus for video (something my DSLR lacked)
- Performs well in low-light
Pro Tip: If you’re anything like me and want to test out a camera before purchasing, then I highly recommend shopping at Best Buy! This is what I did a few years ago. By a stroke of luck, the photo department team member working that day owned the camera I was most interested in (Z6). Plus, if you want a little extra security in case the camera isn’t a perfect fit for you, join Totaltech for additional protection, an extended return window, and more. For me, this membership has been worth it as I’ve purchased not only my camera but also lenses, Macbook, & iPhone from Best Buy.
2. Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap in Sage
While you can totally utilize the Nikon camera strap included with the Z6, I prefer a more stylish, customizable, & easy-to-use option.
Naturally, I opted for Peak Design since they’re a leader in adventure-ready camera gear. Even better, they are carbon neutral certified, fair trade certified, and utilize recycled materials. Learn more about their sustainability practices here.
Wanting a color that was neutral in functionality, but still had some personality, I went with Sage.
What’s to love:
- Can be worn 3 ways: sling, shoulder, & neck
- Designed for lightweight cameras (if you have a heavy DSLR camera check out this version)
- Secure Anchor Lock System for attachment
- Easily adjustable strap
- Guaranteed for life by Peak Design
3. NIKORR Z 24-70mm f/4 Lens
While I lean towards minimalist travel photography gear, there are 3 must-have lenses I travel with.
First, we have the NIKORR Z 24-70 mm f/4.
95% of the time, I reach for this lens. In fact, it’s the lens I keep on my camera in between uses.
Typically this is regarded as a “kit lens,” although it is sold separately.
Overall, I’ve found that this focal length is perfect for most of my needs.
It’s great for both landscape and detail shots. If you follow me on Instagram, this is the lens behind nearly all of my photos!
Because of its versatility, I recommend getting this lens first.
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for dreamy bokeh. That’s why I thought long and hard when comparing this lens to the f/2.8 version.
Ultimately, I opted for the f/4 lens because:
- It’s noticeably lighter by .6 lbs. If you’ve ever walked or hiked with a camera over long distances, then you’ll likely appreciate any weight saved. I know I do!
- You save a hefty $1,400.
Still, if you see yourself regularly taking portraits or shooting in low light, then it’s worth weighing the pros and cons of the NIKORR 24-70 mm f/2.8 for yourself.
Pro Tip: Don’t have an extensive lens collection yet? Then purchasing lenses that are native to the Nikon Z6 (and all the Nikon Z Mirrorless cameras) is a good idea. Personally, I love the ease of not having to use an FTZ adapter to make Nikon F-mount lenses compatible with mirrorless cameras. And again, as a travel photographer weight saving is so important! That being said, if you do have lots of Nikon F lenses, then getting an FTZ adapter will make the transition quicker and far less costly.
4. NIKORR Z 14-24 mm f/2.8 Mirrorless Lens (Wide Angle)
A list of the best Nikon lens for travel photography MUST include a wide angle.
Ever tried capturing a forest scene and got frustrated when you just couldn’t squeeze everything into the frame?
Living in Washington State, forests are one of the main places I shoot.
So after a while, it was clear that my camera bag would benefit from a wide angle lens.
Besides allowing me to better capture the vastness of certain nature scenes, I also was drawn to the NIKORR Z 14-24 mm f/2.8 lens for astrophotography.
Generally, it’s best practice to photograph the night sky using wide angle lenses and a wide aperture.
So although I wasn’t an astro pro when I purchased this lens, I knew it would be something I would grow into.
Last but not least, this lens is amazing for indoor photography.
Whenever I shoot in hotels, Airbnb’s, and other interiors I reach for this lens.
Not only does it allow me to capture more of a space, but the wider aperture is super helpful since the lighting is often poor indoors.
5. NIKORR 70-200 mm f/2.8 (Telephoto Lens)
As much as I love my 24-70 mm lens, it simply doesn’t have the focal length to effectively and safely capture wildlife (most of the time).
I’ll be honest, native telephoto lenses for the Nikon Z6 cost a very, very pretty penny.
So, I chose a telephoto lens that is likely the most affordable native lens for the Z6. And, it picks up right where my 24-70 mm lens leaves off.
So far, I’ve used this to capture birds, deer, and even whales!
If you are serious about wildlife photography, then you’ll probably need either the NIKORR Z 400 mm or even the Super-Telephoto NIKORR Z 800 mm.
Cost aside, it can be tricky to get your hands on these because they sell out quickly!
At the end of the day, telephoto lenses allow us perspectives that the naked eye can’t.
For me, capturing close-ups of mountains never fails to leave me speechless. The photo below almost looks like it was taken from a plane, right?!
6. Lens Pouches
What’s in my camera bag as far as accessories go?
After giving much thought to how best to organize my camera gear, I decided on lens pouches.
They don’t require as much space as cubes, and I can pack lenses in them for storage on-the-go and at home. Gotta love a timesaver!
For my collection, these lens pouches are flawless.
Not only do these provide padding, but they’re also waterproof!
So when my hiking backpack gets drenched, my lenses stay dry.
Finally, if your camera bag is stuffed to the brim, then you can use the clip to attach it to the outside of your bag.
Given my lens collection, all of the pouches are in use except the smallest one. However, it’s great for storing additional camera bag essentials!
7. Cleaning Gear
Honestly, I procrastinated on learning how to clean my camera because I was intimated.
Who wants to mess up their camera?!
Well, eventually I got tired of editing out water spots from my photos.
To my surprise, cleaning my camera doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here’s the travel camera cleaning supplies I pack in the order that I use them:
- Giottos Rocket Air Blaster Large – Blows dust, hair, & other debris off of lens so that you don’t scratch it. Also love this for getting my dog’s hair off of my keyboard!
- ZEISS Pre-Moistened Cleaning Wipes – Gently removes smudges & spots. And, these work wonders on my laptop & phone screens.
8. Best of the Best Professional Tripod
You can’t talk about travel photography gear for beginners without mentioning tripods.
Whether you’re taking long waterfall exposures, night sky shots, or self-portraits, a tripod is the assistant you didn’t know you needed.
For the longest time, my cheap Amazon tripod lived under my bed and didn’t see the light of day… In hindsight, I was discouraged to actually take it anywhere because of how flimsy and heavy it was.
So, recently I went on a mission to find a lightweight (do I say that enough?) and packable tripod that worked for both my Nikon and iPhone.
After many disappointments, I discovered a keeper.
What’s in my camera bag 2023:
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Ask almost any adventure or outdoor travel creator, and they’re likely to carry Peak Design’s Travel Tripod. Since this is an investment, I thought about this for YEARS before purchasing. What won me over wasn’t how sleek it was, but how carefully crafted every little detail is. After watching Peak Design’s YouTube video breaking down all the features, my mind was blown. Go check out the video, it’s honestly wild how creative Peak Design got with this!!
Looking for an extremely portable phone tripod?
Many creators on Instagram rave about this one!
I tested it myself, and was pleasantly surprised that it can fit into small bags like belt bags.
However, as someone with a large phone (iPhone 13 Pro Max) it could not hold my phone.
9. Sony 120GB XQD SD Card
For optimal speed, I shoot with a XQD memory card.
Also because I shoot in RAW / NEF, I appreciate the greater storage capacity.
Learn more about the benefits of XQD cards here.
10. Backup Lens Caps
If there’s one struggle every photographer shares, it’s misplacing lens caps.
Do you ever think “If I had a dollar for every time I almost lost my lens cap…”?
Since I invested so much into my lenses, protecting them is a priority.
That’s why I carry these extra front & back covers.
11. Portable Charger for Phones
Although I have not found it necessary to carry extra camera batteries, I do take a portable charger if I’m planning on taking lots of videos on my iPhone.
For example, if I am filming a vlog then I can expect my battery to drain quickly.
12. Camera Backpack
Of course, what bag you actually use to lug around your minimalist travel photography gear matters too!
For me, I believe that you don’t need a dedicated “camera backpack.”
If I’m hiking, then I fill my REI backpack with my gear.
Or if I’m walking around town, I’ll pack gear into a Lululemon backpack.
Why? I love how they’re casual, stylish, and big enough for my travel photography equipment.
That being said, if you’re looking for maximum comfort, protection from the elements, and durability then I recommend a Peak Design bag.
This post was all about what’s in my camera bag 2023.
Have questions about my camera equipment list? Leave them below!
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