We all want our gear to last as long as possible. Camera equipment is expensive to replace, so it is crucial to take steps to protect your gear while traveling. This article will explore new technology, common sense, and some procedures you can follow to keep you shooting without having to visit a camera store.
Do Your Research Before Travelling
The first and most important thing to do is to do your research. Understand the country you are going to be traveling to. Is there a history of violent robberies, theft, or scams? Does your Consulate advise of any dangers?
Once you know the facts, you can start putting a plan to protect yourself and your equipment. Below is a list of things you can do to ensure your gear is in top shape.
● Organize insurance for camera equipment
● Put your equipment in a hard case for transport
● Use camera straps that can’t be cut
● Add GPS tracking tags in your camera case (or on your camera)
● Pack moisture bags to protect equipment from moisture
● Include a spare lens cap and rear dust cap for your lenses
● Invest in a high-quality microfiber cloth to clean lenses
● Pack a blower brush to remove any dust or sand from equipment
● Cover any brand labels with black tape
● Use filters to protect your lenses
Organize Insurance For Camera Equipment
When you travel, organizing insurance is a must. While most people opt for travel insurance to cover accommodation, flights, and their health, photographers should go further. This is because most insurance companies only cover up to $2000 or, in some cases, $5000 for damage, lost, or stolen equipment. However, in most cases, this isn’t going to be enough to cover all your equipment. That’s why you should organize specific insurance for camera equipment.
Which Is Best: Bag or Hard Case?
When traveling abroad, you should put your camera equipment in a hard case with padded foam. This will help protect from any bumps in transit in the plane’s cabin. Plus, many hard cases are completely waterproof, making it ideal for photographers on the go. Backpacks are also a good option if you find yourself walking off the path on more rugged excursions. Whatever bag or case you end up choosing, ensure you also include a moisture bag to protect your devices from corrosion, fogging and mildew. My favorite here is ONA.
Use a Quality Camera Strap
Standard camera straps are prone to be cut in busy tourist areas. So to better protect yourself, you can use an anti-theft camera strap. Thieves will have a much harder time trying to steal these from your neck! I love the Peak Design straps.
Protect Your Memory Cards
If you are venturing to a new location overseas, you are bound to take hundreds of photos. Keeping your memory cards safe and organized in these situations is highly recommended. You don’t want to lose a card with all your precious memories! That’s why a memory card wallet is the ideal storage solution. They don’t cost too much, and they are the best way to store cards on the go. Also, ensure you invest in a UHS-II speed durable SD card (like the Sandisk Extreme Pro cards) if you are venturing to extreme environments.
Use Filters To Protect Your Lenses
No one wants to break a lens, but unfortunately, accidents happen. To minimize the risk of something bad happening to your lens, use a protection or UV filter. If the lens falls, the filter is likely to crack and not the front element of your lens. It is much cheaper to replace a screw-in filter than it is to replace your entire lens!
Clean Your Equipment Each Day and Keep Spares
Dislodge any dust or sand from your equipment using a bower brush. Follow this by using a microfiber cloth to clean any glass on your lens or filters. This should be a daily chore at the start and the end of each day. Also, ensure you carry spare lens caps and rear dust caps as you are bound to lose one or two on a trip!
Use GPS To Track Your Equipment
Technology is becoming smaller and more powerful as each year passes. Travel photographers are taking full advantage of this whenever they go overseas. Now you can buy small GPS tracking tiles to hide in your camera bag or attach to your camera strap.
These Tiles work by connecting to satellites and providing a location through an app. When using such a system, you can tell where your gear is at all times. Plus, if you see your gear diverting to another location (such as away from an airport when you are waiting at the carousel), you can follow the map to find your gear, or you can even mark your equipment as lost. The device will then send out a message to nearby users of the same app to help locate your equipment. These devices are worth their weight in gold if something does go wrong.
Use Common Sense
If you know you are about to go into an area known to be a hotspot for problems, it might be best to put away your camera. Drawing attention to yourself in these places is something you don’t want to do. You can minimize the attention by covering up the brand on your camera with some black electrical tape. Risking your life over a camera is not worth it. If someone does confront you, hand over your items. You are worth more than your gear. Try and avoid going out at night with your expensive equipment. Instead, consider a smaller camera or even your smartphone to take photos.
Looking after your equipment when traveling overseas doesn’t have to be difficult. Take the time and patience to clean your gear and use common sense. If you implement some of these tips, you will be well on your way to enjoying your travels without any fuss. If something does go incredibly wrong - don’t worry. Get on with your holiday, and don’t let something negative affect you or your mood.
Casey Barbles 
Jeff Yelton 