My strategy when packing for a film trip mirrors my wardrobe strategy at an all-you-can-eat buffet: expandable waistlines (or, in this case, luggage). Unless absolutely vital, I don’t check luggage en route to my destination. It’s risky, particularly if you’re hopping from place to place. Instead, I use critical thinking (seriously — it’s a puzzle!) to figure out how to best fit all my essentials into one carry-on roller bag and my favorite camera backpack.
On a recent trip through the Baltics, where I filmed everything from an interview with “the queen of beer in Lithuania,” to a historical documentary following the story of my grandparents, I put my packing expertise to the test. And I did so successfully, minus a backache or two.
If you’re filming in another country yet fretting over the thought of packing, here are 6 tips to fit filming essentials — not to mention clothing and toiletries — into your carry-on luggage.
1. Only pack the essentials
This goes for gear as well as clothing. Unless it’s vital, leave it out. I know, I know, it’s easier said than done (especially for attire), but if you make a list of what you’re doing each day — and the clothing you’ll need for said activities — you can build an “essentials” list based on actual fact instead of guessing.
In terms of gear, you’ll need to do the same pre-trip planning to understand the shots you want and the gear you need to achieve them. I created storyboards for the major films prior to leaving so I could understand my projects more deeply, rather than showing up and figuring it out. The films I’m creating are journalistic and more documentary in style, which means I didn’t need perfect lighting (therefore, no lighting kit), but I did need good audio and stabilization to tell my stories. With this in mind, here’s the gear I packed:
- Sony A7Sii: Due to space issues, I only packed one camera for this trip.
- Sony Sonar 55MM and Sony 16 – 35MM: I knew I’d need the 55 for interviews and close-up action shots (like the “beer queen” brewing beer), and with travel, a wide lens is always helpful for setting the scene.
- Tascam DR-10L: This wireless mic packs a big punch and is great on battery life (an essential for travel!)
- On-Camera Microphone: An on-camera microphone like the Rode VideoMic Go is helpful for matching audio in post.
- Extra batteries: I pack every camera battery I have, not to mention extra AA and AAA batteries for my audio gear. You can never be too prepared!
- Manfrotto Monopod: With multiple uses, the monopod is great for travel. Since it has “feet,” it can actually be used as a tripod (with a little patience and balancing), and it’s also my versatile go-to for stable action and establishing shots.
- Zhiyun Crane: While the films I’m focused on are documentary in style, I do still need those beautiful smooth-moving shots that only a stabilizer like the gimbal can provide. I wrapped my crane up to protect it and actually carried it on in the laptop compartment of my backpack.
2. Wear your bulkiest items on the flight
I made this trip extra tricky on myself by traveling to cold destinations during a chilly time of year. That means I needed layers. And therefore, it means I wore snow boots and my huge coat on the flight. These items are essentials because it’s impossible to shoot steadily if you’re shivering from the cold. But this type of clothing is also bulky — and can take up half (or all!) of your suitcase room, if you’re not careful.
So, while it may be a little uncomfortable, wearing your biggest clothes on the flight is a must when you’re planning to film in a chilly destination!
3. Bring expandable luggage options
I said it before and I’ll say it again: Expandable luggage is a must, especially if you’re jumping from place to place. On our film trip, we visited Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Helsinki via car, which meant we were moving around (and therefore unpacking and repacking) a lot.
Instead of the stressful pack each and every time, I brought a small, expandable duffel and moved from two carry-ons to three upon arrival. From Denmark on, I carried my gimbal and boots in the duffel bag, making my backpack much more manageable.
Additionally, if you have a sightseeing day that’s light on filming, you may not want to bring the entire backpack with you. That’s why I pack a small canvas purse that fits my camera, lenses, batteries and wallet — instead of the whole kit and caboodle.
4. Choose a versatile backpack
While full-on camera backpacks are great for professional filming, you’ll need a versatile half-camera/half-travel backpack for your filming trip abroad. I swear by the Vanguard HAVANA backpack. I put my camera and lenses in the bottom compartment, my monopod in the side compartment and my liquids, toiletries and various accessories in the additional pockets. And of course, my trusty gimbal takes up the laptop compartment alongside a notebook and folder. If you can’t tell, this backpack fits a lot!
5. Be prepared for airport security
Here’s the thing about carrying on film equipment – you have to get it out at security, at least in the United States. This means all your tedious packing and finagling will inevitably get messed up when you have to unpack your camera, gimbal and any other electronics “larger than a smartphone” during airport security screenings. And if you’re bringing a sensor cleaner like this one — which I do — be prepared for extra scrutiny given its odd shape. (Unless you have TSA pre-check and your airline accepts it — if that’s the case, you’re in the clear!) I had quite the time explaining the gimbal to TSA agents, but that’s another story for another day…
Moral of the story? Make sure your electronics are easily accessible when you pack.
6. Understand — and pack for — the elements
Of course you’ll pack for the weather clothing-wise, but don’t forget about protecting your gear. If it’s rainy, bring an umbrella and cover for your pack (a perk of the HAVANA backpack? It comes with a rain cover!). If you’re expecting significant wind, buy windshields like this one for the Rode to protect your audio gear. (They also make windshields for small lavaliers!) And if it’s very hot or cold, do some research to understand how your camera reacts to extreme temperatures.
While checking luggage is definitely the easier route, packing in all carry-ons for a film trip can be done — and I’m living proof. With a little planning, lots of sitting on your suitcase and some expandable luggage, you’ll be en route to a successful filming trip — without the stress of misplaced gear.
