Unveiling My Camera Bag Arsenal: Essential Gear for an Outdoor Adventure and Travel Photographer

 

As a seasoned outdoor and adventure photographer, I find myself traversing the wilds in search of the perfect shot, often using unconventional modes of transportation. Be it atop a mountain bike, or skis, hanging off the side of an ATV, or my favorite, from the deck of a boat. Through my relentless pursuit of finding the perfect camera bags/case, I’ve amassed a diverse collection, ranging from professional-grade models by Lowepro to the humble $20 soft-sided coolers snagged from local sporting goods stores. While my relentless pursuit of finding the perfect 2-3 bags for all my needs continues, check out my current line-up that accompanies me on my journeys.

Join me as I unveil my trusted companions and delve into the reasons behind my favorites and their indispensability.

Lowepro Pro Roller X 200 AW

This professional roller bag is my sweet spot for looking professional and carrying two bodies along with all of the lenses and on-camera flashes a photographer might need for an event or rolling through the airport. It looks professional and comes apart, turning it into a backpack. I’ve never used this option but it’s there just in case.

Blind Bag

Now this is my go-to kayak fishing bag. I picked up this blind bag up for around $50 at Gander MTN and my Lowepro insert fit perfectly. I can fit two cameras with lenses attached, two to three extra lenses, an on camera flash, all of my extra gear, and I still have room for more. The key to this bag is the bathtub bottom that keeps all of my gear dry from the water that floats in and out of the kayak. While the upper section isn’t waterproof, it’s resistant enough for a light rain. I’ve had this bag for around ten years now and it’s been on hundreds of trips.

FISHPOND Cutbank

This is supposed to be my replacement for the game bag above. It’s been on the last few trips with me but I haven’t figured out the perfect configuration yet. It’s not as tall so my insert doesn’t fit yet leaving my 70-200 attached to a body lying down in the bag. Plus it doesn’t have all of the external pockets of a game bag. I do like that it is very waterproof and the zippers are even coated. I’m still working on finding the perfect insert for this bag but am happy with so far.

Lowepro Vertex 200 AW

Now this bad boy, I’ve had for maybe the longest out of all of my bags. It’s a great backpack for travel and can even house my laptop. I wouldn’t take it on a long hike, but for a short pop into the woods, it works great.

SKB i series

The SKB – This hard sided, waterproof case was purchased for larger vessel shoots and while I still use it to carry my camera gear from time to time, its been clutch for carrying strobes onto a plane. I don’t like to check my lighting so when I need to, I can throw 2 strobes and a few odds and ends and it fits into most overhead compartments. It’s durable, waterproof, and I can stand on top of it if needed.

Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW II

I have had many day bags over the years and this one has lasted me at least five of those years. What I look for in a day to day camera bag is that is can carry at least one body, two lenses, an on camera flash, my laptop, and some accessories. It also needs to have some sort of water system and solid waist straps. This one does it all.

Clik

The Clik – I originally purchased this bag for snowboarding but it’s a little big if I want to really shred. It’s been clutch though for hiking. I can carry a body with a lens in the bottom, snacks, and a rain jacket. All you need for a day on the trail.

Dakine

This guy was going to be my hiking bag and still is on occasion. What I don’t like about it is the waist straps are sturdy leaving much of the weight on shoulders. What I love is the insert. I pull the insert and put it into other bags for travel or adventuring.

Random Cooler

I bought this cooler for moving water in a kayak with less gear and it’s been great. I also use it to carry lighting when I only need two strobes for a shoot.

YETI GOBOX 30

My paddleboard go-to. Add an insert and you can put a camera, two lenses and some fishing tackle for day on the SUP. I like the tiedown points and I added gear track to the back to attach my rod holders.

Mountainsmith Tanack 10

This is a cool little daypack that I use pretty often to carry a camera body and two lenses. It’s great for a short hike or cruising around the city.

It’s wild how many camera bags I have and use. I do feel like if only I could design my own bag and case, I could narrow this down to two, maybe three but until someone lets me, I’ll keep hunting for that perfect bag. Have you found one? Let me know in the comments if you’ve found that perfect all-around bag or what your go-to is for travel and adventure.

Happy Shooting!

Dustin Doskocil

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