How I Pack Smart for a Weekend Photography Trip
I’m going on a weekend trip to Spain and, as I have more gear, it gets more difficult to decide what to bring. Back in the day, I'd stuff all my gear into one exclusive backpack (on top of my normal luggage): camera, lenses, filters, batteries, GoPro, point-and-shoot—you name it. But now, I've learned to be more selective, and my back thanks me for it.
A shot from my last time there
For this short trip, I'm sticking to one backpack (not even a carry-on), so every item counts. Here’s my packing strategy:
The Gear (some of these links are affiliate links):
Camera: I'll bring my Sony a6700 camera. I haven't used it much lately—damn you Ricoh GRIII for being so compact and good!
Lens: For versatility, I'll take my Sigma 15-50mm f/2.8. It’s perfect for street shots and the ocassional portrait, and I don’t want to lug around multiple lenses.
Essentials: Batteries & charger, ND filter, step up rings, and a wrist strap.
Backpack: I’m using my trusty Aer City Pack Pro backpack, which already will have my packing cube for clothes and a toiletry bag.
Camera bag: I’m bringing the Peak Design Everyday Sling 3L to keep it small when going on photo walks. This setup ensures everything fits neatly without overloading me.
Traveling light doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your gear. With careful planning, you can bring everything you need for a successful photography trip without breaking your back. Plus, I have a system in Notion that helps with the packing and reduces stress and the risk of forgetting things, more on this later. Happy shooting!
