As a travel blogger of 10 years, I’ve travelled A LOT in the past few years. I’ve learned that packing the right gear can make or break your content. It’s a fine balance – bringing what you need without feeling like you’re lugging an entire studio around.
I’ve been there, struggling with heavy equipment that made every step feel like a workout, and it quickly taught me the importance of smart packing.
In this guide, I’m sharing the vlogging essentials I carry and swear by—gear that’s lightweight, versatile, and powerful enough to capture every moment without slowing you down. These are the tools that have been by my side through countless adventures – whether I’m skydiving, embarking on epic road trips to exploring bustling city streets in Europe, or trekking through remote mountain trails in Nepal.
If you’re looking to document your travels with ease, this list shares my complete go-to vlogging equipment that I carry wherever I travel, which will help you pack just what you need to create stunning content, no matter where your journey takes you.
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At A Glance
8 Gears You Can’t Do Without For Travel Vloggers On The Road
After a whirlwind year of travel, I’ve honed my vlogging gear to a few key pieces that I can’t live without. Here’s a peek into what’s in my bag and why these items have become my essentials:
1. Camera: Iphone 14 Pro
My iPhone 14 Pro has quickly become my vlogging companion. It’s more than just a phone—it’s my primary camera. With its stunning HDR, deep fusion, and 3x zoom, it captures every detail of my adventures in incredible quality. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I can whip it out for those spontaneous moments without missing a beat.
Whether I’m documenting a vibrant street market or a breathtaking sunset, this phone delivers flawless footage. The battery life is also a lifesaver, keeping me powered up through long, action-packed days.
Check Iphone 14 Pro here
2. Clip-On Microphone: DJI Mic 2
When I need a hands-free solution, the DJI Mic 2 is my best friend. It clips on easily and delivers crystal-clear audio, which is crucial for those times when I’m narrating or doing on-the-go interviews.
I love how compact and efficient it is, making it perfect for bustling city scenes or quiet nature walks. It’s one less thing I have to worry about while I’m out exploring.
Check DJI Mic 2 out here.
3. External Microphone for Camera: Rode
For those times when I’m using my camera, the Rode external microphone is a must.
I’m still fine-tuning which model works best for me, but Rode has consistently impressed me with its audio quality. It helps cut out background noise and ensures that my audio is as crisp and clear as my visuals.
It’s been a game-changer for capturing high-quality sound in busy or windy environments.
Check Rode external microphone out here.
4. Airalo eSIM
Staying connected while travelling is essential, and for me, Airalo eSIM has been a game-changer.
I love how easy it is to set up and manage, allowing me to stay connected across different countries without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards. Airalo offers extensive country coverage and the convenience of activating a data plan directly from my phone. This flexibility means I can navigate, communicate, and share my adventures seamlessly.
Plus, with their loyalty program, I earn credits towards future eSIM purchases, which is a fantastic bonus for frequent travellers like me.
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See my full review about Airalo to find out more about why I swear by Airalo for all my travels.
5. Tripod
A good tripod is non-negotiable for getting those steady, cinematic shots.
The Joby GorillaPod has been my trusty companion – it’s lightweight, flexible, and can be attached to almost any surface, which is perfect when I’m filming in unpredictable environments.
For heavier cameras, I switch to the Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2, which offers great stability without being too bulky.
6. GoPro Action Camera
While not always essential, I’ve found my GoPro Hero 9 to be a fantastic addition for capturing fast-paced, adventurous moments.
Whether I’m snorkelling, hiking, or doing action sports just exploring, the GoPro’s waterproof and wide-angle capabilities have allowed me to get shots that wouldn’t be possible with a regular camera. It’s compact and durable, making it perfect for those action-packed days.
7. Music: Epidemic Sound
The right music can make or break a video, and Epidemic Sound is my go-to for finding that perfect track. Their library has a fantastic range of music that matches every mood and moment of my travels.
From energetic beats for my city explorations to calming tunes for my nature adventures, Epidemic Sound provides the perfect soundtrack to enhance my vlogs.
8. Video Editor: Outsourced
Editing is one of those tasks that’s the first I’d pass off to the experts.
I outsource my video editing to a talented team, which lets me focus on capturing content and enjoying my travels. This way, I get polished, engaging videos without getting bogged down in the nitty-gritty of editing. It’s a win-win that keeps my content fresh and my travels stress-free.
If you like my editing style and would like to reach my editor, feel free to reach out!
For creators looking to streamline their own process, LTX Studio is a great AI-powered tool that helps turn scripts into structured, visually consistent videos—perfect for planning or supplementing professional editing.
Recommended Gear I Trust, Even If I Don’t Use It
While my go-to vlogging gear covers most of my needs, there are some additional pieces of equipment I recommend based on my experiences and the needs of fellow travellers.
Here’s a list of trusted gear that I might not always use but still swear by:
For Underwater: GoPro
When it comes to underwater adventures, the GoPro is a standout choice. Its rugged design and waterproof capabilities make it perfect for capturing everything from snorkelling in the Caribbean to diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
Although I don’t use it for every trip, it’s my top pick for those times when I’m diving or swimming and want to document the underwater world with ease.
Check GoPro HERO 12 out here.
For Interesting POV Shots: Insta360
For adding a creative twist to your vlogs, the Insta360 camera is a fantastic option. Its 360-degree capabilities let you capture immersive and dynamic POV shots that really bring your audience into the action.
I’ve used it on my trip to Iceland. You can check out some unique POV shots I did filming my ice cave tour:
I’ve seen some amazing footage from fellow travellers using this camera, especially for unique angles and interactive experiences. It’s not always in my bag, but it’s a powerful tool for adding variety to your content.
Check Insta360 out here.
For Easy Vlogging Needs: DJI Osmo
If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use vlogging setup, the DJI Osmo is a solid choice.
This compact gimbal camera is designed for smooth, stabilised video, making it great for capturing steady footage while on the move. It’s a fantastic option for quick, on-the-go vlogging without the need for extensive setup.
It’s a bit more specialised, so it doesn’t always make it into my daily gear rotation, but it’s definitely worth considering for its ease and portability. However, it’s a bit less rugged and not waterproof unlike the GoPro counterpart – be careful not to drop it or wet it!
Check DJI Osmo Mobile 6 out here.
Classic All-in-One Vlogging Camera: Sony
For those who prefer a classic all-in-one vlogging camera, Sony offers some excellent options. I’m currently researching the best lightweight model for vlogging, and Sony’s cameras consistently come highly recommended.
They provide a great balance of quality and convenience, making them ideal for those who want a reliable, versatile camera without the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
Check Sony ZV-1 out here.
Backpack: Peak Design Everyday Backpack
When it comes to carrying and protecting my gear, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is my go-to choice. Its design is tailored for photographers and vloggers, offering padded compartments and weather-sealed protection.
The bag’s versatility and durability make it a reliable companion for any trip, and countless of my professional photographer friends have vouched that it helps their gear stays safe and organised no matter where their travels take them.
Check Peak Design Everyday Backpack out here.
These are the essentials that have kept my vlogs looking sharp and professional, no matter where my travels take me.
From the compact 4K camera to the versatile tripod that ensures my shots are steady and dynamic, each piece of gear has proven its worth. These items have not only earned their place in my bag but have also become integral to capturing and sharing my travel experiences.
As you embark on your own adventures, I hope these essentials help you create stunning, memorable content. Here’s to making your travel vlogs as vibrant and captivating as the journeys you’re on!
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