Hi Everybody!


The next explore I plan to go on will require me to pack my bag fairly light and keep the space I am using to a premium. Normally the guy to carry anything and everything I could ever possibly need, I obviously needed to think a lot about packing.
I am wondering in your guys' opinion, what lenses(or just cameras if the lens isn't detachable) or other gadgets do you tend to take with you no matter where you go?

I myself have a Nikon d3500, a good, small lightweight camera that doesn't take up much space and takes much better photos than my phone ever would. I tend to take it, my Nikkor 10-24mm and the 18-54mm wherever I go, as long as I know it won't be wet inside since it isn't weatherproof, much less waterproof. If this is the case I tend just stick with my phone camera, despite how crappy it is, since it is waterproof.

Looking forward to hearing your responses.
-Bygone Era

If I need to travel light, these are my choices in order of importance:

1. Appropriate attire is probably obvious, but I'll say it anyway. I don't mind getting wet, but I don't like cold so most of my attire is tailored to that. Like wool socks (which stay pretty warm even when wet). I balance being warm with having good mobility.

2. Backpack and camera body are also obvious, single lens I'd go with my 24-105. Since I have a full frame sensor, 24 is wide enough to shoot most rooms, and going up to 105 gives me moderate ability to shoot distance.

3. Lighting - my brightest Petzl headlamp

4. Gloves

5. 1L nalgene of water

6. Multitool - Leatherman Wave

I could consolidate to no backpack if needed, and just use my camera strap and carry items 3-6 in my pockets.

Gloves, flashlight, tripod, and camera with a 10-18mm.

Pretty much all the other essentials (water, food, etc.) are left behind in the car if I need to pack light, or if something else is needed for the spot.

I probably need to work on getting a good all around lens soon haha.

I always travel light. I don't see the point in lugging huge bags full of stuff into explores as it's awkward and doesn't make for a swift exit if you have to flee.

My small backpack contains my camera and spare batteries in a camera bag that fits perfectly into the bottom of the backpack, my torch/flashlight, power bank for my phone and either a second lens (that I rarely ever actually use) or the LED panel light if where I'm going is dark.

Of course I have a tripod as well, and even though I make sure I take snacks and drinks with me on explores I almost always forget to take them in with me although sometimes if I have space I'll squeeze a bottle of water into my backpack.

Everything else is unnecessary weight.

I've always got a light of some sort, camera, tripod, kit lens and fisheye. I rarely use the fisheye anymore. Sometimes I'll just use a vintage 50 if it's the sort of place that I don't care about missing shot opportunities.

Tripod is a must for me, though explores are often sprung on me unexpectedly so I've gotten better at shooting handheld in low light. Almost never use any lens besides my Sigma 17-50. Preferably a GoPro worn with a head strap. A respirator if it's going to take more than a few minutes.

And not much else beyond what will fit in my pockets. There's a lot I'd like to bring, but I find it really hinders the experience when you're lugging a bunch of stuff around and constantly checking that you haven't dropped something.

Bug spray. The good stuff, the kind that repels ticks.

Sony A7ii, a drone, my backpack and a bunch of vintage prime lenses plus tripod.

If I'm being lazy the sony A7ii plus maybe a wide angle (17 fisheye or 28mm) and a standard fast 50 in my pocket.

lately also a flashlight.