Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

How to travel with camera gear (without breaking a lens)

Packing a camera for your next trip? Here’s how to do it right

By
dslr camera gear and backpack sitting on wood floor
Andrew Neel / Unsplash

If you have a nice camera, chances are you’ll want to travel with it at some point. But as you’ve probably already realized, it’s not as simple as tossing it into your suitcase and hoping for the best. After the first time I traveled with my Canon, I pulled my camera out of my bag only to find that my lens cap had popped off and the glass was smudged with who-knows-what from my bag. Thankfully, it wasn’t scratched, but I quickly realized that cameras, lenses, and accessories need more than just casual packing. After doing much-needed research, I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you figure out how to travel with camera gear.

How to choose the right travel camera bag

Canon gadget travel bag
Kelly Baker / The Manual

The first step when it comes to traveling with your camera gear is picking the right travel bag. A nice camera bag should protect your gear while being comfortable to carry and easy to access. 

Recommended Videos

Here are some different options when it comes to traveling with your camera: 

  • Backpacks are ideal for long trips, as they distribute weight evenly and have space for multiple lenses, a laptop, and accessories.
  • Messenger bags are great for urban photography and quick access but can get heavy on one shoulder.
  • Hard cases provide the best protection for flights, but they’re bulky and not always practical for everyday exploring.
  • Sling bags are compact and easy to carry but may not fit larger gear setups.
  • Gadget bags are secure and have dedicated compartments for different camera gear. This is what I chose and now use when I travel with my camera.

If you’re flying, look for a carry-on-friendly camera bag that fits within airline size limits. Most airlines allow a personal item, and a camera bag typically qualifies.

Related

How to pack your camera gear safely

the inside of a canon gadget bag
Kelly Baker / The Manual

Your camera gear should be secure, protected, and organized to avoid damage during transit. Here’s how you can make that happen:

  • Use padded dividers. A good camera bag should have customizable dividers to prevent items from shifting.
  • Pack lenses separately. Keep lens caps on and store them in protective pouches.
  • Secure your memory cards and batteries. Use a dedicated case to keep your memory cards organized and avoid loose batteries in your bag.
  • Protect against moisture. If you’re traveling to humid destinations, pack silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture and prevent condensation inside your camera.
  • Bring a rain cover. Sudden weather changes can be brutal on your gear. A waterproof cover is a lifesaver.

If you’re checking a bag with extra accessories, never put your main camera body or lenses in checked luggage. Baggage handlers aren’t gentle, and lost luggage is always a risk. Plus, Ian Plant from Outdoor Photography Guide says most airlines won’t insure the value of your expensive photo gear and you also risk getting your equipment stolen.

How to fly with camera gear

a person taking a picture out of an airplane window
Natalia Marcelewicz / Unsplash

Don’t worry – the TSA says you can bring your digital camera on your flight, but here are some guidelines for you to keep in mind:

  • Carry on your camera gear. I’ll say it again – the safest way to travel with a camera is to keep it with you instead of checking it. Most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item, and a camera bag can often count as your personal item.
  • Prepare for security screening. TSA may ask you to remove your camera and lenses from your bag, so pack them in a way that makes this easy.
  • Follow battery regulations. Lithium-ion batteries (used in most cameras) must be carried in your carry-on, not in checked luggage. Keep spare batteries in a protective case to prevent short circuits.

According to the TSA, if you’re traveling with a drone, you should check your airline’s regulations. Some carriers have stricter policies on drone batteries.

How to travel with a tripod

camera on a tripod
Patrik Tuka / Unsplash

If you’re wondering how to travel with camera gear, you might be thinking about a tripod. It’s essential for landscape, night, and long-exposure photography, but carrying one can be tricky. Luckily, the TSA allows tripods in both checked and carry-on luggage, but you may be wondering how to pack it. Here are some tips for traveling with a tripod:

  • Pack it in checked luggage. If your tripod is too large to carry-on, stow it in a padded section of your checked bag.
  • Carry a mini tripod. A small tabletop tripod can fit in your carry-on and is great for quick shots.
  • Use a tripod bag. If carrying a tripod separately, use a dedicated bag with padding for protection.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Kelly Baker
Kelly Baker
Kelly is a writer who loves good books, baking homemade bread, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Flying with your golf gear? Here’s how to pack golf clubs for a flight
This is how to get your golf clubs to your destination in one piece
Golf clubs in a golf bag on a golf course.

Packing for a golf trip? Before you can tee off, you’ll face a unique challenge – getting your golf clubs to your destination in one piece. After doing the research, I can safely say that packing your golf clubs for a flight requires a bit of planning to ensure they survive the journey intact. But the time and effort are worth it (the last thing you want is to find out your driver didn’t survive baggage handling). So don’t worry – I’m here to help! Here’s a guide on how to pack golf clubs for a flight.
Tips to keep your golf clubs safe during air travel

Follow these steps to keep your golf gear safe no matter how much it gets tossed around.
Invest in a quality golf travel bag
First things first, you need a travel bag that’s up to the task. There are two main types of travel golf bags to choose from: soft-shell and hard-shell travel bags. Here’s what you should consider when making your choice:

Read more
Here’s what to wear on a plane (with the help of travel experts)
Insights on what to avoid when picking a travel outfit
Person rolling luggage through the airport

From the days of flying in your Sunday best to wearing those velour tracksuits, plane attire has changed a lot over the years. Picking out what to wear these days could mean wearing your pajamas or choosing your favorite outfit to go out in right when you land.

But there are some definite don'ts when it comes to your wardrobe for the flight, no matter what. I’ll never forget when I decided to wear brand-new, tight jeans to the airport without thinking twice. Big mistake. Halfway through my flight, I was shifting in my seat and counting down the hours until I could peel them off.

Read more
How to pack shoes in a suitcase (without sacrificing space)
This is how to make packing your shoes a piece of cake
Shoes sitting on top of a suitcase

If you’re scratching your head wondering how to pack shoes in a suitcase, you aren’t alone. Figuring out how to pack shoes has always been one of those little travel dilemmas for me. The struggle of figuring out how to fit them all in without wasting precious space or ending up with dirty soles touching your clothes can feel like a puzzle and not the fun kind. I’ve made my share of packing mistakes (who hasn't over-packed shoes at least once?), but over the years, I’ve learned some easy tricks that make shoe-packing easier. Here are some tips to help you pack your shoes smarter.
Choose the right shoes for your trip

Before we get into the packing tips, let’s talk about what you’re packing. Overpacking shoes is a common mistake (one I’ve made a few times). Ideally, you should limit yourself to 2–3 pairs, depending on the length and type of trip.

Read more