What to Bring on an Outdoor Photoshoot: My Go-To Gear List
Whether you're hiking deep into the backcountry or pulling over on a gravel road to catch golden hour, packing for an outdoor photoshoot can make or break your results. After years of shooting everything from icy sunrises to muddy trail days, I’ve learned what’s worth carrying and what’s better left behind. Here are my top tips on what to bring to stay ready, adaptable, and creative in the wild.
1. Gear That Works as Hard as You Do
Don’t overpack, but don’t underprepare either. My core gear always includes:
Camera body & at least two lenses — usually a wide-angle and something mid-range or telephoto. My main lens is the Canon RF 28-70 F2.8, and my back ups are my Canon 50mm F1.8 and my Canon RF 16mm F2.8. I generally find that these provide me the ease of use and flexibility I need when shooting out on an adventure.
Extra batteries & SD cards — cold temps drain batteries fast and I’m not about to miss a shot because I forgot a card. Once this happens to you, it will never happen again. Also, on long car trips or road trips, I bring a battery charger that connects to my car, so I can charge on the go.
Tripod — lightweight but sturdy, especially if I’m chasing low light or long exposures. Sometimes I even bring two. A smaller one for hiking with that’s lighter and more compact, and a larger one for more difficult views or settings. Think, waves crashing into your tripod as you try to take a long exposure from the coastline.
Bonus tip: I keep a microfiber cloth tucked in every pocket. You’ll thank yourself when the morning dew starts collecting on your lens.
2. Clothing That Keeps You in the Zone
Outdoor photography means dressing for unpredictability.
Layers are king — breathable base, insulating mid, and a waterproof outer. I have spent an entire sunrise laying on sheer ice waiting for the right moment to click that shutter. Dress appropriately.
Gloves with finger access — so you can still shoot when it’s freezing. For me this means fingerless gloves as they provide the most freedom, but then I keep my fingers in my pockets as much as possible to keep my fingertips from getting too cold.
Good boots — ones that let you scramble, climb, and wade without complaint. Waterproofing here is key. Wet feet can do you in so fast.
3. Utility & Backup Tools
These aren’t flashy, but they’ve saved me more times than I can count:
Headlamp — essential if you’re hiking out after sunset. Campers understand this. When it gets dark, it gets dark! And having two free hands instead of a free hand and a flashlight can make a world of difference.
Power bank — to charge your phone or even your camera in a pinch. Like I said above, one that connects to your car can be so useful, but having a battery operated has also saved me in a pinch.
Multi-tool or Knife — I’ve used a knife is so many scenarios that don’t involve cutting. Including tightening my tripod base.
4. Snacks, Water, and Comfort
When you're comfortable, you shoot better. Period.
High-calorie snacks — jerky, bars, trail mix. Also for a little sugar boost, I love to keep some sour gummies on hand.
Plenty of water — or a purifier if you're going remote. And make sure to drink it. Dehydration can sneak up fast.
Blanket — you’d be surprised how many shots I’ve waited out just sitting in the dirt, or bundled up while you wait for the clouds to clear or an animal to arrive.
5. Creative Tools for the Unexpected
Sometimes, what makes a shot magic is what you didn’t plan for.
Something reflective — especially shooting people. Shadows can get drastic and its nice to have an option to fill the light if needed.
Props that tell a story — maybe a compass, a journal, or an old map. I love having things like this on hand, but also try to scope out local vintage stores for pieces that feel more authentic
Polaroid or film cam — just for the nostalgia hits. I often carry both in my pack. I tend to prefer the Polaroid for the instant gratification but it’s hard to be the look for film.
Pack with intention, not just ambition. Your bag should be an extension of how you shoot—versatile, resilient, and ready for anything. At the end of the day, the best gear is the stuff you know how to use when the light turns perfect for five fleeting minutes.
So at the end of the day. Know yourself and what you will actually use on your shoot. Because if you don’t actually use it. Its just dead weight.
