Can I bring my tripod in my carry-on?

It depends on the airline and the size of the tripod. Most airlines require tripods to be checked if they are over 24 inches when collapsed, as they can be classified as a 'blunt object'.

How do I deal with airport security?

Always take your camera bag out of your luggage and place it in a separate bin. Be prepared for agents to swab your gear for explosive residue; this is standard procedure for dense electronics.

Should I bring a hard drive?

Yes. Bring a portable SSD for daily backups. Keep this in your pocket or a separate bag from your camera body so that if your bag is stolen, you still have your footage.

How to Pack Camera Gear for Travel

Prioritize a dedicated padded camera cube inside your carry-on to keep gear accessible and protected. Never check camera bodies, lenses, or batteries in your hold luggage, as changes in cabin pressure, temperature, and rough handling can cause irreversible damage or loss.

Audit your kit. Lay out all your gear. Remove unnecessary items like excessive cleaning kits, tripods you won't use every day, or duplicates of cables. Every ounce counts when you are carrying it through a terminal.
Use modular protection. Do not put gear loose in a backpack. Use a modular camera cube (like those from Peak Design or Shimoda) that fits inside your existing travel bag. This allows you to pull the entire cube out for security checks without exposing your equipment.
Manage batteries correctly. Lithium-ion batteries must stay in your carry-on. Cover the terminals with electrical tape or keep them in a dedicated plastic battery case to prevent short-circuiting. Ensure they are drained to about 30-50% for safety.
Double-layer your electronics. Wrap lenses in microfiber cloths before placing them in your cube. This adds a layer of padding and gives you a cleaning cloth ready for use on the go.

Can I bring my tripod in my carry-on?: It depends on the airline and the size of the tripod. Most airlines require tripods to be checked if they are over 24 inches when collapsed, as they can be classified as a 'blunt object'.
How do I deal with airport security?: Always take your camera bag out of your luggage and place it in a separate bin. Be prepared for agents to swab your gear for explosive residue; this is standard procedure for dense electronics.
Should I bring a hard drive?: Yes. Bring a portable SSD for daily backups. Keep this in your pocket or a separate bag from your camera body so that if your bag is stolen, you still have your footage.