Protecting My Camera Gear and Images on a Trip

When you’re out in the field chasing beautiful light and fleeting wildlife moments, the last thing you want to worry about is losing your gear—or worse, losing the images you worked so hard to create. Over the years, I’ve developed a few solid habits and tools to help protect my camera equipment and images during travel. Whether you’re hopping on a plane, taking a boat into the swamps, or road-tripping through national parks, here’s how I keep my stuff safe and my mind at ease.

Theft Prevention: Label It, Track It

Losing gear to theft can ruin a trip in a heartbeat. Here are my go-to practices:

• Label your gear: I use internal ID labels with my name, phone, and email. Engraving is an option, too, if you want something more permanent. I use a laminated business card.

• Use trackers like Apple AirTags or Tile: I toss one in my camera and computer bags or cases. If something gets lost or lifted, I’ve got a shot at tracking it down.

• QR code labels are great for linking to a contact page or a reward offer if someone finds your gear. You can check online for QR code generators or create them using an iPhone app or a shortcut.

• Travel insurance: Make sure it covers theft and loss of high-value photography equipment.

• Security-conscious bags: Anti-slash, lockable zippers, and inconspicuous designs help avoid drawing attention.

Gear Protection: Backpacks, Hard Cases, and Dry Bags

From airports to swamps, protecting gear physically is just as important.

• Padded backpacks with reinforced compartments: Easy to carry and ideal for hiking.

• Pelican-style hard cases: I use these on the boat for total tank protection.

• Dry bags and rain covers are essential for photographing in wet environments like swamps or rainstorms. If I were photographing from a kayak, I’d use a dry bag.

• Cable locks: Consider using them to secure bags in hotel rooms or vehicles. The hotel I use is very secure, but I leave the do-not-disturb sign on the door to ensure no one enters the room.

• Silica gel packs: Keeps humidity from damaging lenses and electronics.

Memory Card Safety: Treat Them Like Gold

Memory cards are tiny but mighty. Here’s how I ensure I don’t lose the most valuable part of the trip.

• Waterproof and shockproof card cases: I want to avoid loose cards bouncing around in my pockets. I’ve been using nylon card wallets, but I’m considering moving to shock- and water-proof cases.

• Card Storage system: I keep used cards face down, and unused cards face up so I know what’s safe to use.

• Never delete in the field: I carry enough cards to avoid formatting or deleting until I’m home.

• Separate full cards from your gear: Keep them in a different place in case your main kit is lost or stolen.

Redundant Image Backup: One Copy Isn’t Enough

Protecting your images means backing them up—and then backing them up again. Implement the 3–2–1 rule in the field.

• Two portable SSDs: I offload the day’s keeper images to both drives every night.

• Separate the drives: One stays with me, the other stays at the hotel or in the car.

• Use an iPad or small laptop: I use Photo Mechanic on my MacBook Pro to review and organize files immediately and only download the best images I want to keep. I keep the cards until I get home, so I have them on the card if I want to add other images. If you’re not taking a laptop, consider bringing a tablet with a card reader to check you’re getting the images on the card. Getting home with no images can be a real bummer.

• Cloud backups: If I have strong Wi-Fi, I’ll send the best keepers to iCloud for additional backup.

• Organize by day and location: This saves time later and reduces confusion if you need to restore files. My directory and file naming structure organize my images by date and location, ensuring I don’t overwrite files due to duplicate file names.

• Follow the 3-2-1 Storage Rule: Keep three copies of your work, two with you, one at the hotel, and, if possible, one online.

Smart Packing and Planning

Sometimes, it’s the little things that save the day.

• Photo gear checklist: I check this before every trip to ensure nothing gets left behind.

• Universal adapters and surge protectors: Power up safely wherever you are.

• Power banks and solar chargers are great for charging in remote areas. I use a jump starter I have in the car with a USB power output.

• Rain gear and cleaning kits: Lint-free cloths, quick-dry towels, lens wipes—always handy.

Peace of Mind Practices

Here are a few last tips that help me sleep better at night on the road:

• Photograph your packed gear: Useful for insurance claims or customs.

• Inventory check each morning: Helps me make sure nothing’s been left behind.

• Reminders to back up nightly: I set a quick alarm or calendar alert.

• Have a worst-case plan: Emergency contacts, insurance policy numbers, and a basic what-to-do list if gear goes missing.

Protecting your camera gear on a photo trip isn’t just about preventing loss—it’s about preserving the joy of photography itself. When I know my images and equipment are safe, I can focus entirely on chasing light, connecting with nature, and creating the best work I can.

If you have your own travel protection strategies, I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment or message me—I’m always looking to improve my system.