It doesn’t take much to create fun travel videos. Honestly, all you really need is a phone with a camera, good music, and creativity. But if you want to increase your production value, I’ve put together this list in order to help you with creating better videos.
When I travel, the most important thing on my mind is how much weight I can realistically carry. Whether wandering the streets of Barcelona or going on a long hiking adventure, the equipment I take will vary on the destination and how much time I will be away for.
DSLR Camera
You can choose any DSLR camera. Nowadays, DSLRs are cheap, compact, versatile, and they just plain work. The best thing about carrying a DSLR camera in your travel bag is how portable they are. A DSLR camera can also take high-quality pictures, and that something that is not possible to do with a camcorder.
So what is the best vlogging DSLR for a travel video? It really depends on your budget, style, and color profile preference. Here is a lof of some of the best video DSLR cameras I recommend:
- Sony RX100 VII https://amzn.to/2QwjFYG
- Sony A7 III https://amzn.to/2SGlHYR
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV https://amzn.to/2srI1uP
- Panasonic GH5s https://amzn.to/2QdHiGp
Zoom Lens
Secondly, one of the most important video gadgets you need is a sharp and fast autofocus lens. In order to save on weight, I would strongly recommend you spend time researching a good well-rounded zoom/variable lense for your DSLR.
By using a zoom lens you avoid having to change lenses every time you want that perfect shot. They allow you to change the focal length and use their zoom-in feature to capture the perfect moment. In my opinion, a good travel lens is more important than a great video camera.
One of the best zoom lens for traveling is called an all-in-one zoom lens. These types of lenses will help you cover a wide focal range, from wide landscapes to beautifully detailed portraits.
Here are a few lens recommendations:
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 https://amzn.to/2QAV0Co
- Lumix 12-60mm https://amzn.to/2u2Yypb
- Canon EF 24-70 https://amzn.to/2szMkE8
Great Sound
Nothing can ruin your film more than having poorly recorded, amateur sound. A great must-have travel vlogging gear is called a Shotgun Mic. A Shotgun Mic is essential in film production, and it is the first thing I pack when traveling abroad.
The microphone works by focusing primarily on what is in front of it, canceling out the sound behind you. I would also recommend buying a portable digital recorder.
- Rode VideoMic GO https://amzn.to/2ss5rjL
- Rode VideoMic Pro+ https://amzn.to/36dJy6n
- Shure VP83 https://amzn.to/2QyV6dI
Travel Backpack
I’ve spent about 3 years trying to find the right travel backpack that will meet my personal needs. The first thing that you need to understand is a good quality backpack is just as important as your camera. You don’t want to be traveling abroad and find out your new backpack is causing you to have neck pains.
One important note is that your backpack should serve your individual travel style. So do your research and buy one that will fit your needs.
- Manfrotto MB BP-D1 https://amzn.to/2MLivaB
- Endurax Video Camera Backpack https://amzn.to/39tw5cx
- Manfrotto MB NX-BP-VGY https://amzn.to/2QBjVph
- High Sierra Loop Backpack https://amzn.to/2QByJ7f
Variable ND Filter
What is an ND filter you ask? ND stands for Neutral Density. This type of filter will help reduces the amount of light that passes through your lens. An ND filter helps to control your camera exposure, reduces color shifts, and removes reflections. I recommend you always buy a brand named quality filter since they will come with a lifetime warranty.
Variable ND filters will help you to avoid having to buy multiple sets of different ND densities. I strongly recommend you buy a variable and not fixed filters.
Tiffen ND Filter https://amzn.to/2SO5bGa
Extra Batteries
My number one rule for adventure filmmakers is to have at least 2 extra batteries. Think about extra batteries for your microphone, camera, battery packs for your phone and other accessories you may carry. Nothing is more frustrated than having the right kind of gear but suddenly finding yourself out of power.
Flexible Camera Tripods
This is my favorite travel companion. This easy-to-carry tripod is a piece of essential equipment to help you get steady shots and capture amazing B-Roll footage. Tripods help you get long exposure shots, time-lapses, and will prevent you from having shaky footage and blurry images. This 3-legged flexible and light travel buddy should be in every camera bag.
Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products mentioned in this post may contain affiliate links.
You can follow our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and our blog!