Gear Guide for a Lightweight Adventure-Based Documentary Shoot

Prepping for every filmmaking adventure is a bit different. However there are some staples that remain no matter the experience. These experiences for me have changed as I have continued to travel and still change with every trip. It is fascinating to see how things that I see as essential parts of a kit on one project are totally irrelevant on other trips. Because of that, I have established a basic means of breaking down the needs of a given trip. I will break down the trip by the level of accessibility to the basic human needs as well as the needs of a production. The breakdown for these posts include safety, food, water, shelter, power and production needs.

For this trip, we were set to head to the Philippines for 7 days – traveling 24 hours by plane and then 20 hours by car to reach the subject we were hoping to film. Part of the trip would be on motorbike and once we got to the end of the road, we would then have to hike for approximately one hour to reach the tribal village. To set the stage, below is what we expected to have access to on the trip.

1. Safety: For this trip, we don’t need to worry too much about our safety outside of the normal level of caution that should be taken with any trip. We have both a driver, a fixer and a guide that will be helping us navigate through the country
2. Food: We will have access to food and will be buying groceries in Manila before we head into the countryside.
3. Water: Where we are headed, the water is not the best so we will be bringing some water with us as well as a purification system.
4. Shelter: We will be staying with some locals in the village we will be filming at.
5. Power: Luckily for this trip, we will have access to power.

Type of Production

We are shooting both a feature documentary as well as a short character profile.

Production Requirements

When it comes to camera gear, there are four of us traveling and each are carrying different gear with them. Other key pieces of gear not included in this list are the DJI Phantom 4, DJI Ronin and the Zylight Aladin light. Outside of those items, the rest of the gear is packed in my kit outlined below.

Camera Equipment

For this production, my approach was fast and light. I wanted to limit the amount of bags as we had a portion of the trip where we had to ride on motorcycles and then hike for about an hour.

Sony FS7 with 6 Batteries

Comments: The Sony FS7 has been my go-to camera for 8 months now and as I continue to use it, I continue to see how versatile the camera is – especially when considering price. Shooting S-LOG 3 allows you to push the image far in post – as long as you do not underexpose your image. This camera falls apart in low light situations and crave’s overexposing – even by as much as three stops.

Buy from B & H | Buy from Vistek | Rent from Lens Pro To Go

Nikon D810 with 8 batteries & grip

Comments: The D810 has been my go-to camera for photography and time-lapse and until recently – was also my go-to for cinema as well. The quality of still images is the best I have used by far. The ability to push the shadows and highlights is amazing. As for video, the flat settings enables this footage to be intercut with virtually any camera and when paired with Nikon glass, is able to be upscaled to 4k amazingly well. I currently own three and have no plans of changing systems.

Buy from B & H | Buy from Vistek | Rent from Lens Pro To Go

NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 24MM F/1.4G ED LENS

Comment: My go-to gimbal lens.

Buy from B & H | Buy from Vistek | Rent from Lens Pro To Go

Description: The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens from Nikon is a precision FX format prime lens with a natural wide angle of view designed to deliver sharp and distortion-free images. It is also compatible with DX format cameras and provides a 61º angle of view when mounted to a DX camera. A fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 is very effective in low light situations and provides exacting depth of field control. Twelve lens elements in 10 groups including 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and 2 Aspherical lenses create high-contrast images with minimal chromatic aberrations even at f/1.4. Nano Crystal Coating reduces flare and ghosting.

NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 35MM F/1.4G LENS

Comment: A nice lens for wide-medium shots.

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Description: The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G Lens from Nikon is a fast lens with a classic wide-angle focal length. Its f/1.4 maximum aperture allows for effective low-light shooting, even handheld. It’s also able to achieve a very narrow depth of field when shooting at f/1.4, creating a dramatic separation between your subject and background.

NIKON AF-S NIKKOR 85MM F/1.4G LENS

Comment: My favourite portrait lens.

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Description: The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens from Nikon is short telephoto prime lens designed for FX-format DSLR cameras, but when used with cameras with a DX-format sensor it has a 127.5mm equivalent focal length. It provides an effective focal length for distortion free portraiture as well as other telephoto applications. Its ultra fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is very effective in low light and along with the rounded 9-blade diaphragm will create natural out-of-focus backgrounds that will isolate your main subject for an impressive professional look.

DJI OSMO with 4 batteries

Comments: I feel very weird for saying this but this is my new travel camera. This thing is an absolute beast of a camera for its size. I won’t go anywhere without it at this point. My first experience with this was on a shoot in Patagonia where we were forced to shoot our journey from a horse. The only way that we were able to capture any usable footage was with this camera.

Further to this, for any multi-day expeditions, this tool has proved invaluable because of how easy it is to capture smooth footage in such a small package. When every ounce counts, this is a powerful tool for staying light while not missing the shot.

Kessler TLS

Comment: This system is the lightest of the lot and allows you to travel on lightweight backpacking trips. This is a stripped down version of other time-lapse systems that can be paired with the Second Shooter for multi-axis shots. This is my go-to for any time-lapse specific shoot.

Buy from Kessler | Rent at Lens Pro To Go

RODE NTG3

Description: The black Rode NTG3 Shotgun Microphone is a professional shotgun microphone that delivers a few unique qualities in order to meet the demands of today’s broadcast audio engineers and boom operators. The microphone features radio-frequency (RF) interference properties that avoid annoying noise and interference caused by nearby RF sources such as radio antennas, WiFi networks, internet devices, power lines, etc. The microphone is also built to withstand the rigors of adverse weather conditions.

MeFoto Globetrotter Travel Tripod

Comment: These legs are great for travel and are the perfect companion for the Kessler TLS system.

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Description: Great for both compact and full frame cameras with larger lenses, plus converts to a monopod in seconds. Only 16.1″ when folded yet 64.2″ extended and can support 26.4 lbs. The aluminum model weighs only 4.6 lbs. It’s not magic, just ingenious design. The removeable leg and center column combine to convert the GlobeTrotter into a full size monopod without tools.  Although compact when folded, the GlobeTrotter extends over 5 ft tall giving you the height range you need. As the largest of the MeFOTO family, the GlobeTrotter holds larger DSLR bodies, and up to a 70-200 f/4 lens, steady.

 

Camping / Personal

When it came to personal / camping gear, the same rule applied to fast and light. I wanted to ensure I was able to film the journey comfortably but didn’t want to bring too many things. One thing we needed to deal with on this trip was rain. We were expecting very hot and humid conditions with rain virtually everyday. As such, we need to make sure we had everything to keep us dry.

Deuter Quantum 70 + 10

Comments: This is my pack for longer expeditions. For me, a front loading access panel is CRITICAL when selecting a pack. I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect pack and although finding a few with the front loading option, this was the best when weighted down.

When testing any pack, it is important that you select one that fits your torso and find one that feels comfortable when it has weight in it. When you go to buy a bag, don’t rush in the process. If you have never went through the process, ask for help as many places have people who will be able to make the process easier for you.

Buy from Manufacturer | $269

Description: Designed for elite athletes aiming to reach the top of the world, our 800-fill down insulated Himalayan Parka provides alpine mountaineers with outstanding thermal warmth during demanding expeditions. Now crafted with a Windstopper® exterior for reliable protection in the world’s harshest climates.

North Face XL Duffle

Comment: The medium duffle is my most commonly used bag. It is versatile for any situation – and keeps its contents dry and protected. I highly recommend using these as a base for any kit.

Buy from Manufacturer | $160

Description: It’s not your average duffel bag. Made from a durable laminate material, the Base Camp Duffel is a bomber of a bag. Amply resilient to be roughed around in-flight, or to be transported up a mountain via a yak, this is one burly duffel bag. 69-liter volume provides ideal storage for weekend, or extended weekend trips lasting three to four days. New design includes redesigned straps and a separate compartment to stash your shoes or dirty laundry.

REI Trail 40

Comments: A new pack that seems too good to be true. It fits a medium FSTOP ICU PERFECTLY and allows me to quickly transition between roller and day-bag. With pockets on the side and in the spine, I am also able to carry enough water for day trips. A great bang for your buck!

Buy from REI | $109

Description: This sturdy, big-capacity daypack is also very big on organization and comfort. Included raincover stows in its own zip pocket. U-shaped panel with 4 zipper sliders offers quick access to gear and total access when fully open. Pack has a separate pocket for a hydration reservoir (reservoir sold separately). Inside the main compartment is a mesh side pocket and a back pocket with its own bungee compressions system. Padded, mesh-covered straps, belt and back are cool and comfortable. Spring-steel perimeter frame provides load support while also allowing the back panel to conform to your back. Side mesh pocket with elastic closure offers quick access. Outer pocket can hold a phone or sunglasses. Top has a zip pocket on the underside for your keys and valuables. Special fasteners on the back hold trekking-pole tips down low and pole shafts up high. Zip hipbelt pockets let you access snacks and other essentials as you hike. Forward-pull hipbelt design makes adjustments quick and easy.

Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter System – 4 Liter

Comments: Used on a recent trip in Patagonia, this product was absolutely amazing. It was plug and play and had 4L of water cleaned in two minutes. I’ve yet to use anything better on the market.

Buy from REI | $119

Description: Keep a supply of drinking water right in your campsite. The Platypus GravityWorks™ water filter delivers 4 liters of potable water in just 2.5 minutes without requiring a single pump stroke. GravityWorks filter combines the speed and utility of the original Platypus CleanStream™ gravity filter with less weight and improved durability. System includes two 4-liter reservoirs, 1 for unfiltered water and 1 for clean water; reservoirs have hang loops for easy in-camp use. To use, simply fill the unfiltered-water reservoir with water and hang it above the clean-water reservoir to let gravity carry water through the filter. Hollow-fiber filter technology offers a high flow rate of 1.75 liters per minute—that’s 4 liters in 2.5 minutes! Filter physically removes particles, protozoa and bacteria down to 0.2 microns in size, including giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidia and more. Unfiltered-water reservoir features a quick-disconnect valve that automatically shuts off the flow of water when the hose is disconnected. Shutoff hose clamp on the clean water hose allows on-demand water control for filling bottles; clamp also shuts off the system when not in use. Clean the system by simply holding the clean reservoir above the unfiltered reservoir to backflush the filter. Reservoirs feature SlimeGuard™ antimicrobial treatment for taste-free performance. Platypus GravityWorks™ water filter system is compatible with Platypus Bottles, Water Tanks™ and Big Zip SL™ reservoirs, all sold separately.

Platypus GravityWorks Carbon Element

Comments: In situations where your water tastes poor after filtration, this product removes some of that taste.

Buy from REI | $20

Description: Give your filtered water the best possible taste with the Platypus GravityWorks Carbon element. Carbon Element easily splices in after the GravityWorks hollow fiber element that is part of the GravityWorks water filter (sold separately). Removes flavors, odors and many organic compounds from filtered water to improve the taste. The Platypus GravityWorks Carbon element should be used to improve the taste of safe water sources only; element does not remove viruses, bacteria or protozoa from water.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack – 35 Liters

Comments: Keeping your gear dry and organized when traveling helps especially when traveling with a lot of gear. For me, this is critical as I find myself traveling with many bags on trips. I tend to use different sizes and colours to help with the organization of gear.

Buy from REI | $25

Description: This 35-liter dry sack is a must-have whether you’re paddling open waters or backpacking in the rainforest. With waterproof construction and a roll-top closure, your gear will remain safe and dry. Designed for backpacking, adventure travel and water sports, it’s much lighter weight and more packable than traditional dry bags. Fully taped seams and a Hypalon roll-top closure provide reliable waterproof performance. Durable buckle with D-ring attachment point secures roll top and can be fastened to a pack or kayak. Polyurethane-coated nylon body is lightweight yet durable. Bright white inner laminate for easy visibility of contents.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack – 8 Liters

Comments: Keeping your gear dry and organized when traveling helps especially when traveling with a lot of gear. For me, this is critical as I find myself traveling with many bags on trips. I tend to use different sizes and colours to help with the organization of gear.

Buy from REI | $17

Description: Keep all your essential gear safe and dry from the elements. This versatile dry bag has a durable, lightweight design that is able to fit into tight corners of a sea kayak or backpack.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack – Small

Comments: Keeping your gear dry and organized when traveling helps especially when traveling with a lot of gear. For me, this is critical as I find myself traveling with many bags on trips. I tend to use different sizes and colours to help with the organization of gear.

Buy from REI | $15

Description: The small, waterproof Sea to Summit Dry Sack will keep your gear dry and functioning, whether on land or at sea. Fully taped seams and a Hypalon™ roll-top closure provide reliable waterproof performance. Coated nylon body makes this a lightweight yet durable choice. White lining on the inside of the bag makes it easy to locate items. Durable buckle with D-ring attachment point secures roll top and can be secured to a pack or kayak. Comes in assorted colours only; sorry, specific colour requests cannot be accommodated. Not intended for prolonged submersion.

Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag – 20 Liters

Comments: Keeping your gear dry and organized when traveling helps especially when traveling with a lot of gear. For me, this is critical as I find myself traveling with many bags on trips. I tend to use different sizes and colours to help with the organization of gear.

Buy from REI | $37

Description: Whether on land or water, keep your gear dry and functioning with the Sea to Summit Big River dry bag. Fully taped seams and a Hypalon™ roll-top closure provide reliable waterproof performance. 420 denier nylon coated with a tough thermoplastic urethane makes the Sea to Summit Big River 20-liter dry bag a lightweight yet durable choice. Oval base resists rolling and stays where you put it. Durable attachment points secure sack to a pack or kayak. Comes in assorted colors only; sorry, specific color requests cannot be accommodated. Not intended for prolonged submersion.

Eagle Creek Original Pack-It Cube Set

Comments: Keeping your gear dry and organized when traveling helps especially when traveling with a lot of gear. For me, this is critical as I find myself traveling with many bags on trips. I tend to use different sizes and colours to help with the organization of gear.

Buy from REI | $28

Description: Organize and compress your clothing and gear with the Eagle Creek Original Pack-It Cube Set. Three cube sizes help you get the most out of every square inch of your travel bag. Set contains the Cube, Half Cube and Quarter Cube. Each is made of washable, odor-resistant polyester with a mesh top so you can see what’s inside. Cubes compress either folded or rolled clothing items; smaller cube can also stow electronics cords and accessories. 2-way zippered opening makes each cube easy to open and close when fully packed.

Sealine Baja Dry bag

Comments: When working next to any body of water, having at least one dry bag that can be submerged completely is key.

Description: Proven on both water and land-based adventures around the world, Baja Bags provide versatile and durable protection. Made with 19 oz. vinyl sides and a heavy-duty 30 oz. bottom, they can withstand just about any abuse Mother Nature, or your crew, can dish out. Baja Bags close with our Dry Seal^™ roll-top Closure and have an attached D-ring for securing inside a raft or on top of a luggage rack. Available in six sizes.

 

FSTOP ICU

Comment: The FSTOP ICU’s are my go to for keeping gear safe when I roll with soft cases. My using these ICU’s I am confident my gear will make it through transport. Further to this, these come in a variety of sizes depending on size of cases and make it easy to move from Pelican cases to soft bags when I am mixing up my storage solutions.

Although they do add a bit of weight to these cases, it is a good way to protect your investment.

Buy from B & H

Description: Our Internal Camera Units (ICUs) set f-stop camera packs far ahead of any other camera-carrying system. Engineered to function seamlessly with our Mountain Series packs, ICUs allow you to create the perfect balance of camera gear, and everything else you need, for any trip imaginable. They also make great independent storage units, providing speed-packing capabilities and organization for any photographer.

FSTOP Harney Pouch

Comments: This is my go-to on productions so I have spare batteries, cards and lenses at my disposal. Especially for travel-based trips, this is a great way to ensure you have what you need at all times.

Description: This multi-purpose pouch can be worn over the shoulder. With its sleek design, the Harney offers foam padding, water-resistant materials, and customizable dividers. It’s perfect for small excursions with your camera and several lenses.

 

Mountain Hardwear Torsun Jacket

Comments: Having a good shell is important for any layering system. This shell is a good solution with great wind and water protection. On a recent expedition, the pocket stitching let loose and I had to have it sewn. When contacting the company, they said they would reimburse me for a seamstress to fix. One thing that I am disappointed in is that this stitching negates the waterproofing of the seam. I have since added a Gortex patch to cover the stitching.

Buy from Manufacturer | $350

Description: A full-featured, 3-layer alpine climbing shell with superior articulation. Made for the serious climber. The Torsun offers outstanding mobility, especially through the arms and body, so it moves with you even in the trickiest situations. Dry.Q™ Elite technology keeps you desert-dry inside, while its 3-layer construction ensures durability and longevity.

Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man™ 200

Comments: The Monkey Man is my favourite layer in this system. It is crazy warm and really packs a punch. It is not rain or wind protection so keep that in mind.

Buy from Manufacturer | $150

Description: A leaner, meaner Monkey Man. We’ve retained all of the Monkey Man’s legendary comfort and thermal efficiency while dialing down the loft for easier layering, less weight and a more streamlined look. Strategically zoned fabric maximizes stretch and breathability where you need it most.

Mountain Hardwear Torsun™ Pant

Comments: A durable bottom shell layer that I use for a variety of conditions. Whether it is raining or snowy, these are a great solution to keep you dry. When shopping for an outer layer, make sure to look for options that have zippers up the side of the pant so you don’t have to take your shoes / boots off to put the pants on.

Buy from Manufacturer | $280

Description: A tough, durable 3-layer alpine climbing pant with 40D nylon face fabric. The Torsun’s unique design features a high kick-patch that makes it almost impossible to snag on crampons–one less thing to worry about in precarious situations. Two-way side zippers are full-length, secure, and easy to get in and out of, with internal leg gaiters that keep cold and moisture out.

North Face Straight Paramount 3.0 Convertible Pants

Comments: When you need to cut weight, having a convertible solution that solves multiple purposes is key. Although not super stylish, these are a great solution for longer / lightweight trips.

Buy from Manufacturer | $90

Description: Now crafted with a slender, straight-fitting silhouette, these convertible stretch-woven hiking pants feature legs that can be zipped off at the knees to create shorts without slowing down on the trails.

Darn Tough Socks

Comments: Until recently, Smartwool have been my go-to but with Darn Tough’s lifetime warranty, these are my new go-to socks.

Buy from REI | $20

Description: Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks provide miles of comfort and durability—trail-tested on the Vermont Long Trail, these socks provide a high level of cushioned performance.

The North Face Etip Gloves

Comments: I go through two pairs of these a season. They are great at cutting the wind and allow you to still use touch screen devices. These are essential for any kit.

Buy from REI | $30

Description: Equipped with full finger and palm conductivity, The North Face Etip Gloves let you make calls, send texts and surf the web on your touch-screen smartphone without taking off the gloves.

North face Runners ETIP™ Glove

Comments: I go through two pairs of these a season. They are great at cutting the wind and allow you to still use touch screen devices. These are essential for any kit.

Buy from Manufacturer | $40

Description: Tackle the problem of chronically cold hands during long runs with this mid-weight, weather-resistant fleece running glove that’s easy to layer for added versatility. Built-in touchscreen conductivity allows you to wear these fleece gloves while handling electronic devices. No single glove meets the needs of all runners and this lightweight glove is the warm mid-layer in our complete layering system that runners can choose to wear individually or together.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Lite Jacket

Comments: I go through two pairs of these a season. They are great at cutting the wind and allow you to still use touch screen devices. These are essential for any kit.

Buy from Manufacturer | $100

Description: Weather-resistant running and cross-training shell that weighs only 3 oz. A hooded jacket simply can’t get any lighter. Weighing in at a mind-bending 3 oz., the Ghost Lite is so featherweight and airy that training in it is a pleasure, even in adverse conditions. Able to compress down into its own pocket to wait until the weather turns, this jacket is an athlete’s dream.

Rab Infinity 300

Comments: When it isn’t frigid out, this bag is a great solution (up to 0C). Not only does this bag keep you warm but it is well built as well with a lightweight design. It packs down to virtually nothing which has been great when traveling.

Buy from Manufacturer | $520

Description: The Infinity 300 is an ultralight-weight down sleeping bag, offering maximum warmth for minimum weight, ideal for fast and light activities such as adventure racing and mountain marathons.

North Face Ultra Fastpack Mid Gore-tex

Comments: Although already on my second pair (that is soon to be replaced again), these are a great set of lightweight shoes. I have taken them on trips through mud, water and cold weather and they have been great for me. They dry out extremely quick and really form to your foot. I have also worn them in cold weather and as long as you keep your toes moving, you should be able to stay reasonably warm unless you are working in temperatures lower than -15C for extended periods of time.

If you are looking for a lightweight solution, these are a great option. Just note that they are not the most rugged shoe on the market.

Buy from Manufacturer | $150

Description: Peak baggers covering maximum miles in challenging conditions need the superior protection of a waterproof Gore-Tex® mid-cut hiker with CRADLE™ technology for proper stride alignment. The Ultra Series provides critical impact and element protection while eliminating excess weight for unrivaled performance on any terrain. A lightweight Pebax® plate puts a little spring in your step and delivers impact protection alongside a rigid Snake Plate™ that prevents stone bruising. Best-in-class Vibram® soles deliver superior grip and durability.

Keen Newport H2

Comments: I was looking for a rugged sandal based option that had toe protection for a trip to a tribal village in the Philippines. The weather was to be very muggy and hot and I wanted something that I could get wet as well. So far I am loving these.

Buy from Manufacturer  | $120

Description: Order up some adventure with a side of water in the Newport H2 from KEEN. Ready for adverse conditions, the razor sipped outsole and 3mm lugs provide excellent traction. This KEEN has washable polyester webbing upper and patented toe protection to let you follow any path, whether on rivers or trails.

Accessories

Regarding the additional accessories, below are the essentials I take on almost every trip that were also critical for this one.

Leatherman Skeletool CX

Comments: The Leatherman Skeletool is my go-to multi-tool. It is sleek and fits nice in your hand. It is not too big and not full of tools I don’t need. It is stripped down to the basics. If comes with a standard blade, pliers and the basic screwdriver set. You do have to buy the additional ends separate but it does come with philips and flat head attachements. One of my favourite things about it is its weight. It feels solid but not something that weighs you down.

Buy from REI | $99

Description: The sleek new Leatherman Skeletool CX gets you back to basics… very cool basics. The Skeletool CX has only the most necessary of multi-tool features, because sometimes that’s all you need. With a 154CM stainless steel blade, pliers, bit driver, pocket clip and carabiner/bottle opener, you’re set. Lightweight, low volume, perfect size.

This is the perfect base to your kit.

Petzl Tikka Plus Headlamp

Comments: Headlamps are absolutely critical for any trip, especially in the winter when days are extremely short. There are many solutions and I personally have at least five different solutions. Here is one of my favourite based on light quality and ease of use.

Buy from Manufacturer | $46

Description: Compact headlamp for outdoor activities, with CONSTANT LIGHTING technology for guaranteed constant brightness over time. The TIKKA + headlamp offers 160 lumen brightness in Boost mode. It is ideal for outdoor activities that require rapid movement. Featuring CONSTANT LIGHTING technology to ensure constant brightness over time, and a mixed beam (wide, focused or red for discretion).

Hydrapak Stash Collapsible Bottle 1L

Comments: On a recent trip to Canmore, Alberta, I stumbled upon theHydrapak Stash Collapsible Bottles. I first saw Nasa Koski using one on a recent trip but never had the opportunity to try one out. After using this on my last trip, I won’t travel without it because of how it collapses into itself. However, if you are a carbonated water drinker, this solution will not work for you. During this trip, I tried to store carbonated water in it but as it sat in the bottle, it expanded dramatically and lost all carbonation very quickly.

Buy from MEC | $27

Description: Because empty bottles are a waste of space. The Stash is there when you need it, barely there when you don’t. A firm top and bottom keep it upright when it’s full. When it’s empty, the soft TPU body packs down to nearly nothing and provides excellent puncture resistance. Perfect to keep in your gym bag or daypack.

Sea to Summit Drylite Towel

Comments: I got my first Drylite Towel before a trip to the Jackal Hut in Colorado. I wanted a small option to have with me when traveling and staying at AirBnB rentals. I ran into a situation where towels were not available and had to use a T-shirt to dry myself off after a shower. I travel everywhere with this as it can also be used to keep camera equipment dry and protected.

Buy from Manufacturer | $26

Description: The DryLite Towel™ is the perfect travel towel: it’s soft, compact and quick drying. Available with an silver antibacterial treatment that impedes the growth of bacteria and other microbial life without the use of ‘nano’ particles. The result is a towel that doesn’t smell or transmit unwelcome germs. It stays fresher for longer, dries you off then dries itself quickly and packs down small and light.

Travelling Light Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack

Comments: I stumbled upon these bags in Moab, Utah. They are AMAZING day packs that, w
hen stored, is the size of your keychain. I have ran into situations where bags were overweight at the airport and I was able to use the day pack to get the luggage underweight. The bag is very light weight so don’t expect to be able to pack your kitchen sink. However, I have carried multiple camera bodies and lenses when I was in a crunch.

Buy from Manufacturer | $33

Description: Great as a summit pack, carrying groceries when on foot or on a bike or as an extra traveling tote. The tiny packed size fits easily onto your key ring, in a jacket pocket or a purse.

Other Mentionable Items

Lastly, I’ve included a few more items below that I took with me as well. Pretty basic items but also critical for trips like these.

+ Rope

+ Mosquito Spray

+ Clif bars

+ Wilderness wipes

+ Advil

+ Hand sanitizer

+ Write in the rain notebook and pen

+ Snowpeak mug

+ Umbrella

These items are things I would generally have with me on all trips.

The Pack Job

I managed to get everything into one XL duffel and one carry on bag. All camera gear and batteries were in the carry on and all other items fit inside of the duffle.

Final Thoughts

Obviously this is just one example of how I am approaching a lightweight documentary shoot. If you have any suggestions to improve the process, make sure to comment below!