How to care for & clean your camera bag

Packing a camera bag

Whether an amateur or a pro, every photographer knows that preparation for your shoot is the key to everything running smoothly and you getting that perfect shot. Having the right equipment on hand and organised in the right way makes a huge difference when you’re out in the field and need to access your gear. One of the best ways to be prepared on the day is to put some thought into packing your camera bag. Take a look below for our top tips on how to pack a camera bag:

1. Decide What You’re Going To Take
   The first step in packing your camera bag is to figure out what you’re going to take on your outing. Are you heading out for a couple of hours to take a few snaps in the city? Or are you heading away for a multi-day expedition in the wilderness? Your mission will largely dictate what equipment you need - which in turn will dictate which camera bag is best for you to take.
   
   For a short excursion with a single camera body and one or two lenses, you could get away with a small cross body camera bag or a sling type camera bag. For a multi-day mission, you’re going to need a lot more firepower and a bigger bag to carry your equipment. Choose the right sized bag accordingly.
   
   
2. Set Up The Bag
   Once you’ve decided which bag you’re taking, you need to get it set up for the mission ahead. Most camera bags will have adjustable dividers and inserts. These are generally fixed to the internal walls of the bag via velcro – just pull them off and stick them back on in whatever configuration suits you best.
   
   Always make sure that your precious bodies and lenses are snuggly contained, you don’t want your stuff rattling around and getting damaged - store smaller items in separate compartments to avoid losing them in transit.  And if your lenses and bodies are a bit loose, just wrap them in a t-shirt or other spare fabric to pad the bag out further.
   
   
3. Get Organized With Packing Cubes
   An alternative to dividers is to utilize camera packing cubes. These are small ‘bags within a bag’ with plenty of padding and usually a zip-up style. Filling camera cubes up with your equipment then packing the cubes into larger bags offers an extra layer of protection.
   
   It’s also possible to use camera equipment packing cubes as an alternative to a camera specific bag. Put your camera gear inside the cubes, and then place the cubes in your everyday backpack. This can be a versatile option for many photographers. See here for more information on packing a bag that is not a camera bag.
   
   
4. Utilize Tripod Straps
   Some larger bags like the Langly Multi Globetrotter will have tripod straps on the outside of the bag. These straps are often found under the base of the bag – simply place the tripod at the base of the bag, tighten the straps, and secure the quick release buckles to hold your tripod in place.
   
   The advantage of storing your tripod externally is it leaves more space inside your bag for other essentials. Be careful when placing your bag down on the ground, so the tripod doesn’t get scratched or damaged in the process.
   
   
5. Don't Forget About The Extras
   Remember to pack all of the other photography essentials you might need to get the best out of your trip. This could include things like protective camera lens cases, lens cleaners, extra straps, memory cards and cases and spare battery cases.
   
   You might also want to think about packing non-camera gear such as food (always keep it in an air tight container to avoid leakage), water (often best to keep your water bottle in an external pocket for quick access) and clothes (a jacket or extra sweater etc.).
   
   
6. Only Take What You Need.
   It seems obvious, but you don't need to take every piece of equipment you own. Camera gear is fragile and sensitive, and prone to breakages when under pressure from heavier items in a bag (like water bottles, hiking equipment, etc). Leaving behind all of the extras allows you to travel light and minimize the potential for damage.
   
   
7. Keep Your Equipment Handy
   Camera specific backpacks and bags tend to fully unzip a bit like a suitcase allowing the whole bag to open up for easy access and visual identification of all of your camera gear. Everyday backpacks, of course, don't have this feature, they usually only open from the top.  If you are just using a normal backpack to carry your camera gear though, you will need to try to keep the equipment you plan on using the most at the top of the bag, so it's easily accessible when you're in a hurry.
   
   Probably the best quick access option though is a shoulder bag, especially if you’re travelling light.  You can quickly swing round and open up a shoulder bag to gain access to your gear in minimal time.
   
   
8. Keep Your Equipment Dry
   It's a given that camera equipment doesn't like water. This is why dedicated camera bags are always designed with weatherproofing in mind. If your bag doesn't have a high degree of water resistance (including water-resistant zips), the contents will undoubtedly get wet in undesirable weather.
   
   We can't always predict the weather - going out on a wet day with a regular backpack full of camera gear is a bit of a gamble at the best of times. You'll need to think about adding some sort of layer of waterproofing when packing your bag. The simplest option is to place your equipment inside a clean plastic bag within your backpack – however, this method is not foolproof, and moisture can build inside of plastic which can be just as bad!  Plus it also adds another obstacle to navigate when accessing your equipment.