Packing for that journey abroad can indeed be a stressful task. While choosing what clothes to take on your travels can be difficult, we must also pay attention to how we can keep our precious technical equipment safe in our suitcases. Aside from our iPads and laptops, let’s consider the real bulky stuff – our camera gear!
From packing everything in the right type of bag to investing in custom cut foam inserts, have a read of this guide about the most effective camera storage tips for travelling between countries:
Disassemble Everything
Before you start packing, it’s important to fully disassemble your camera gear. By this, we mean making sure that no lenses are attached to your camera and that all items are safely stored separately, read for travelling. It also wouldn’t hurt to wipe your equipment down before packing it away. After you’ve taken everything apart, make sure that things are kept away in their assigned compartment in your luggage. When you begin that long-awaited holiday, the last thing you’d want is to be stressing out trying to locate bits of camera gear.
Don’t Forget To Pack The Extra Supplies
While the focus should be on ensuring that your main equipment is stored away safely, you don’t want to disregard the extra supplies that may come in handy. Don’t forget to pack the lens wipes, cleaning supplies, your charger, and extra batteries. You never know what may happen on your trip, so it’s best to always be prepared. Also, the best thing about these supplies is that they would take up very little room in your case.
At The Same Time… Don’t Overpack!
While it is always good to be prepared, just think to yourself “what do I really need?” when it comes to packing that camera gear. For example, instead of taking five different types of lenses, perhaps plan the sort of photos you’ll be taking, and pack the two lenses you’re likely to use the most. When the time comes for you to travel to the airport, you’ll hate having to carry around anything excessive – especially on top of what’s already in your main suitcase!
Keep It In Your Cabin Bag
When travelling with your camera gear, the golden rule is to never put any equipment in your checked luggage. Instead, be sure to put your gear in a camera-friendly bag that is compliant with the cabin bag size restrictions of your airline. However, if you are told to check this piece of luggage in, make sure that your equipment is insured for any loss or damage.
More Importantly, Keep It In The Right Type Of Bag
While you may think that there is no problem carrying your gear in a shoulder bag, it’s important to know that this storage solution may not always offer the best protection for your equipment. This is especially if you are carrying any additional lenses and accessories. Even though shoulder bags do have compartments for protection, a camera bag may give you more peace of mind for your gear’s safety due to its zipped enclosures.
Perhaps Consider Makeshift Padding?
Although it doesn’t offer almost as much protection as your camera bags, makeshift padding may still be an adequate storage solution for your gear. For example, if you only intend to take your camera and two additional lenses, it may be worth just wrapping this equipment with the clothes that are going to be in your suitcase.
Ever Considered Foam Padding?
When it comes to guaranteeing safe and effective storage, you can always trust foam padding. Better yet, did you know that you can get foam protection for your camera gear? Packaging company The Case Farm provides custom cut foam inserts that can safely store a range of technical equipment. With durable protection like this, you can be assured that your camera gear will be kept safe throughout your entire journey abroad.