Neat Blog

Essential Toolkits for Travel Videographers

This article was written in collaboration with highly
regarded filmmakers, photographers and advanced
drone operators
Pete O'Hara and Jenna Dixon

1. Introduction

Jenna Dixon and Peter O’Hara are seasoned travel videographers renowned for capturing stunning landscapes and immersive travel experiences from every corner of the globe. Their work demands not only creativity and expertise but also the right equipment to deliver top-quality footage in diverse and challenging conditions.

Recently, Peter and Jenna embarked on a journey through Chile and Argentina, where they filmed the rugged wilderness of the Patagonia mountains. Patagonia, with its extreme and unpredictable weather, requires meticulous planning and preparation for any shoot in such harsh environments. Their success in the field is a direct result of the time they devote to anticipating various outcomes, refining shot lists, ensuring safety, and selecting the right gear to bring along.

In this article, Peter will share valuable insights and recommendations for choosing essential gear for both beginner and experienced travel videographers and photographers, helping you be fully prepared to capture every moment with precision and clarity. Photographers can check out Jenna's expert advice in a dedicated article.

2. Thins to keep in mind when tool-hunting

There is a magnitude of choices when it comes to gear avaible for todays creatives, but if the outdoors is your field of focus here are a few things to consider when making your initial selection.

  • Weather Sealing: Choose weather-sealed gear to withstand harsh conditions like rain, snow, and humidity.
  • Portability: Opt for lightweight, compact gear to ease carrying during long hikes and remote shoots.
  • Battery Life: Long battery life or external power options are crucial, especially in cold environments where battery life shortens. Always carry extra batteries.
  • Lens Selection: Versatile lenses like wide-angle, telephoto, and macro are key for different landscape elements. Look for fast lenses with sharpness and contrast.
  • Tripod: A sturdy, lightweight tripod is essential for stable shots, particularly in low light or for long exposures.
  • Filters: Use ND filters, polarizers, and UV filters to manage light, reduce glare, and protect lenses.
  • Durability: Gear should be rugged enough to handle rough terrain and potential drops, including camera bodies, bags, and tripods.
  • Storage: High-capacity, fast memory cards are necessary for large files from high-resolution images and 4K video.
  • Backup Solutions: Portable hard drives or backup cameras protect against data loss or equipment failure.
  • Versatility: Choose gear that adapts to different conditions, with good dynamic range and customizable settings.

3. Experienced Videographer’s Packs

Day Pack

As a seasoned videographer you know that a lightweight day pack is crucial, especially during intense shoots like location scouting, climbing, glacier traverses, or sunrise/sunset missions. Such a pack must include only the essentials required to capture specific images or video narratives across 1-3 locations. Here's what Pete carries in his day pack:

  1. Sony A7S III and 2 Batteries
    • Known for its exceptional performance in low light, making it ideal for both photography and video production, especially during night shoots or under the aurora borealis.
  2. DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone, ND Filters, and 2 Batteries
    • Provides stunning aerial shots and adds a dynamic perspective to the footage.
  3. Tripod
    • Carried only when expecting low light situations, ensuring stable and sharp images.
  4. Sony f/2.8 16-35mm GM Lens
    • Versatile wide-angle lens, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and architecture. 
  5. Sony f/2.8 24-70mm GM Lens
    • A reliable all-purpose lens, great for both wide shots and closer details.
  6. Sony f/1.4 50mm Lens
    • Ideal for portrait shots and low-light scenarios, offering beautiful bokeh.
  7. Variable ND Hoya 1.5 - 9
    • Essential for controlling exposure in varying lighting conditions.
  8. 1/8th Black Pro-mist Filter
    • Used for achieving cinematic effects and reducing highlights.
  9. GU Energy Gels or Honey Stingers
    • Quick energy boosts to keep up stamina during long shoots.
  10. Extra Clothing Layers
    • Includes base layer, fleece, puffy jacket, and shell, ensuring comfort and safety in changing weather conditions.
  11. Lowe Pro Camera Bag
    • Sturdy and well-organized, perfect for protecting and carrying all the gear.
  12. Pelican SD Card Holder and 2-3 SD Cards
    • Ensures ample storage for capturing extensive footage.
  13. Garmin INReach Mini
    • A safety device for communication and navigation in remote locations.
  14. Ronin Rs2 Gimbal
    • Provides stabilization for smooth and professional-looking video footage when needed.

Pete carries the Sony A7S 3 for its exceptional performance in low light for both photography and video production.


"I have used many cameras throughout my working career, but I've found that I can really achieve clean-looking footage and images with the Sony S series. Especially when filming scenes at night or under the aurora borealis.”


Despite its 12.8-megapixel count, Pete uses a technique called "the 50 stitch," where he takes a series of images and stitches them together to create high-resolution photos suitable for printing. Advanced Sony models like the A1 or A7R5, and the anticipated A7S IV with higher megapixels, are also great options for an upgrade.

Multi-Day Pack

For more extended filming sessions, your pack your pack need to include everything necessary for self-sufficiency and setting up base camp. This pack is essential for capturing narratives over multiple days and includes not only camera gear but also camping and survival essentials. Here’s what Pete carries in his multi-day pack:

  1. Sony A7S III and 4-5 Batteries
    • Reliable for extended shoots, especially in low-light conditions.
  2. Sony f/2.8 16-35mm GM Lens
    • Versatile for wide-angle shots, perfect for expansive landscapes.
  3. Sony f/2.8 24-70mm GM Lens
    • A multipurpose lens suitable for various shooting scenarios.
  4. Sony f/1.4 50mm Lens
    • Ideal for portraits and low-light scenes, offering beautiful depth of field.
  5. DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone, ND Filters, and 4 Batteries
    • Adds dynamic aerial footage to the project, with extra batteries for extended use.
  6. Variable ND Hoya 1.5 - 9
    • Manages exposure in bright conditions.
  7. Polar Pro CP Filter
    • Enhances color and reduces glare in outdoor shots.
  8. 1/8th Black Pro-mist Filter
    • Creates cinematic effects by softening highlights.
  9. Lightweight Tripod
    • Ensures stability for long exposure shots and time-lapses.
  10. Pelican SD Card Holder and 5-8 SD Cards
    • Ample storage for extensive footage and backups.
  11. Shimoda Packing Cube
    • Organizes and separates camera gear from personal items.
  12. Garmin INReach Mini
    • Essential for communication and navigation in remote areas.
  13. Medical Kit
    • Prepared for any emergencies or injuries.
  14. Deuter 75L Backpack
    • Large and durable, capable of carrying all necessary gear and supplies.
  15. 2-Man Lightweight Tent
    • Provides shelter during overnight stays.
  16. Sleeping Mat and Sleeping Bag
    • Ensures a comfortable rest.
  17. Jet Boil Stove
    • Compact and efficient for cooking meals.
  18. Backcountry Dehydrated Meals (2 per day)
    • Convenient and lightweight food options for lunch and dinner.
  19. Oatmeal Packets (Breakfast) and Snacks
    • Includes protein bars, nuts, and dried fruit for energy throughout the day.
  20. GU Energy Gels or Honey Stingers
    • Quick energy boosts during intense physical activity.
  21. Extra Clothing Layers
    • Includes base layers, pants, rain pants, fleece, puffy jacket, shell, and extra socks.
  22. Sunglasses
    • Protects eyes from bright sunlight.
  23. Buff, Hat, and Thin Mitts
    • For warmth during astrophotography sessions, with warmer gloves if necessary.
  24. Ronin RS2 Gimbal (on Occasion)
    • Used for stabilized shots when needed.

This comprehensive list ensures Pete is fully prepared for multi-day shoots, maintaining both his creative vision and personal well-being.

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4. Beginner Toolkit

While it might sound cliché, but both, Pete and Neat Video team, truly believe that anyone starting out in the exciting career of filmmaking should become an expert with the camera they can afford. Polish your skills, build a portfolio, and when you're financially ready, research the camera systems that make the most sense for you. Notable systems include Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm.

Here's an entry-level bag suitable for a day trek:

  1. Camera:
    • Sony: Sony ZV-10 or Sony A7III.
    • Canon: Canon DSLR EOS 90D or models from the EOS Rebel series like the Canon EOS Rebel T7.
  2. Lenses:
    • Choose 1 or 2 lenses that offer a variety in focal lengths, such as 16-35mm or 24-70mm. While prime lenses generally have less distortion and chromatic aberration, they can be more expensive. Budget and shooting environment are key factors in deciding on appropriate lenses for your kit.
  3. Filters:
    • Circular Polarizer: Removes and controls reflections from surfaces like water, glass, leaves, sky, buildings, and streets.
    • ND Filter (1 - 9 stops): Allows more control over shutter speeds and aperture settings.
  4. Gimbal Systems:
    • For beginners, try the Zhiyun Crane M35 or DJI Ronin-SC for lightweight mirrorless setups. For more professional systems, consider the Zhiyun Crane 4 or DJI RS4.

For those interested in multi-day trekking in the outdoors, start slow with 1-3 days of camping, gradually working up to 5 days or more. Leave your camera at home initially until you’ve built up your conditioning and feel comfortable carrying heavier loads. Always do your research and inform someone of your plans, including your expected return.

5. Considerations

As you progress in your filmmaking journey, having an organized system is crucial. Dedicate a spot for all your gear and ensure it goes back to the same place after each shoot. This helps you quickly find what you need when packing for your next project.

Make lists ahead of time of the gear you'll need for your project. While most of our projects are filmed outside using natural light, working indoors might require lighting gear and/or sound equipment.

Happy Shooting!


Interested in photography? Then head Jenna Dixon's expert advice on essential toolkits for travel photographers.