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How to Keep Your Camera Gear Safe When You Travel

  • 9th May 2020
  • 6 minute read
keep your camera gear safe
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There’s common sense, then there are the secrets of those who have learnt from the mistakes of themselves and other unfortunate travellers around them. Fortunately, there are many ways to avoid any mishaps which will keep your camera gear as safe as possible.

It’s a fear most of us carry; anxiously anticipating a pickpocketing thief to pass by, or even a moment of distraction where we may leave precious belongings behind. The safety of our expensive gear is a daily concern for full-time travellers. Of course, there are extra precautions that we can take in order for us to avoid such scenarios, but let me tell you about the untold tricks.

Table of Contents
  1. How Do You Keep Your Camera Equipment Safe?
    1. Carry Packets of Silica Gel
    2. Mark Your Drone
    3. Store Files on a Rugged Hard Drive
    4. Hide the Branding
    5. Don’t Buy a Camera Bag
    6. Secure Your Phone with Wrist Straps
    7. Lock Your Valuables
    8. Insure Your Gear
    9. Pack a Tracker
How to Keep Your Camera Gear Safe When You Travel 3
Curious to see what's in my backpack of camera gear?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means that we receive a small amount but you still pay the same. The contribution helps to support the continued creation of these blogs – win, win! Nevertheless, I only recommend personal favourites that I’ve tried, tested or have first-hand knowledge of.

How Do You Keep Your Camera Equipment Safe?

Take the necessary precautions to keep your camera gear safe. The following secrets are the best way to travel with camera gear, whilst keeping it protected from thieves and any potential damage.

Carry Packets of Silica Gel

This is such a straightforward trick that won’t even cost a penny!

Have you ever received a small pouch of Silica Gel with your new purchase? Do you know why they are included?

Silica absorbs water vapour. So, packets of silica beads are commonly packed with new products that have the potential to be affected by excess moisture or condensation. Therefore, you could simply throw a handful of these pouches into your backpacks. For what little weight the packets add, they are a no-brainer when they might just save your electronics from any water damage.

packets of silica gel

Mark Your Drone

One of my biggest fears is a drone crash. They can fly so far away that one can only hope that they will return safely. After all, as much as I’d like them to be… My driving skills aren’t quite as good as Sam Kolder’s.

For that reason, you should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Use a permanent marker to write your contact details on your drone’s body. That way, if a stranger does find your drone after a crash landing, they’ll be able to contact you straight away (fingers crossed that they are a kind citizen).

TIP: If you are a full-time traveller who is constantly changing their SIM card between countries, then add an email address or social media handle (a platform that you use the most). You wouldn't want to miss that message!

Store Files on a Rugged Hard Drive

Of course, you will want to keep your files secure. It could be argued that online storage platforms are the safest place to keep them. However, this makes video editing tricky and becomes a nuisance when the internet connection is unreliable.

How about having both a digital and physical storage system to ensure the security of your files? If your livelihood relies on these digital items you carry around on a daily basis, then I’d highly recommend having the two methods.

The disadvantage of hard drives is that they can sometimes become corrupt or even unresponsive if they’ve been dropped, in contact with liquid or exposed to extremely high temperatures (all of which are likely dangers on any adventure).

For this reason, you should invest in a more durable model such as Lacie’s Rugged External Hard Drive’s. They are perfect for content creators, digital nomads and ever-moving entrepreneurs.

Alternatively, there are cases on the market that provide extra protection for your current hard drive too.

Hide the Branding

Don’t encourage the thieves by showcasing the value of your belongings. This includes wearing branded clothing, flashy jewellery or carrying the most expensive technology.

Though the latter can often be unavoidable, you can still choose to make it more difficult for onlookers by hiding the product’s branding. There are many ways to do so.

The first would be to change your Sony, Canon, Nikon or Leica camera strap with a non-branded alternative. Secondly, you could use tape to cover the logo on the front of your DSLR. These methods could be applied to phones, backpacks and anything that is of high monetary value.

Keep Your Camera Gear Safe By Hiding Brand Identity on your Tech

Not letting potential thieves know of your belongings’ worth is key to not being a target. This leads on to the next point…

Don’t Buy a Camera Bag

Obviously, you will need some kind of backpack to carry your gear. Your choice of bag may be one of the most crucial decisions that prevent your valuables from being stolen. There are two reasons for this:

  1. If you avoid carrying a purpose-built camera or laptop bag, robbers will have no clue whether you own any valuables or not. Though they can be practical, try to resist buying the commonly-bought branded bags such as Lowepro, Manfrotto and Thule. Or, at least choose one that doesn’t look like a typical electronics bag.
  2. Another point to consider is how accessible the backpack is from the front. The more pockets and openings there are; the easier it is for a pickpocketing thief to spot an opportunity.

If you’d like to find out more about the perfect backpack for your gear, then check out this complete guide to the best camera gear and travel essentials for full-time travellers.

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A post shared by KATIE (DIGITAL NOMAD & VAN LIFE) (@katie.maree)

Secure Your Phone with Wrist Straps

If you are not already, you should be aware that there are many pickpocketing experts who can snatch your mobile device whilst they escape on their moped (often, in broad daylight!).

To avoid this scenario, equip your phone with a lanyard. There are so many fashionable options these days, that you’d be silly not to keep a strap on your phone at all times.

Lock Your Valuables

‘Hey there! Would you mind watching my bag whilst I nip to the bathroom?‘

We’ve all been there, especially those solo travellers. First, we have to spend time judging the character, then we have to approach the stranger with or without a language barrier… Just so we can pee!

And this isn’t the only instance. You could be in a hostel dorm that has no locker. Then you’ll have to decide, whether it is safer to keep your valuables in the dorm room (without a lock) or take them with you into an environment where anything could happen.

Either way, a theft protection lock could be your saving grace.

Insure Your Gear

It’s one of those things you buy, that you hope you’ll never have to use. Make sure to take your time whilst considering gadget insurance that will fully protect your valuables. Then, take a note of all the serial numbers, this will make the insurance claim a much simpler process.

Another option would be to set aside the same amount of money every month. Instead of paying an insurance company, you could keep the money in a savings account in case of an emergency. The downside to this approach is that your account wouldn’t equate to much until at least a few months of transfers have been saved.

Pack a Tracker

Last, but not least, if you are super protective, then you could consider buying an Apple AirTag.

AirTags are linked to the ‘Find My’ app on your iPhone. They are made to be hidden inside a bag or case, so if the owner can relocate the lost or stolen items by following a live map. These small devices can also be a lifesaver when your luggage doesn’t appear at baggage claim.

How to Keep Your Camera Gear Safe When You Travel 4
READ: How I Became a Digital Nomad Designer in 3 Months

Are you interested in reading more travel gear hacks? These packing secrets will ensure your backpacks stay as lightweight as possible, allowing you to potentially travel with hand luggage only.

Let’s go!
@katie.maree


Did You Know…

If you purchase through a KatieGoes link, we receive a small amount but you still pay the same. This contribution helps keep this blog moving – win, win! Nevertheless, I only recommend personal favourites…

Grab Travel Gear
via Amazon

Be Insured
via SafetyWing

Find Your Hostel
via Hostelworld


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Katie

Hey! I'm a Scottish backpacker turned digital nomad with a passion for the outdoors, van life, and international travel. My goal is to visit 100 countries before I am 30 years old.

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21 comments
  1. Zara says:
    9th May 2020 at 2:22 pm

    My hubby is a professional photographer so always has expensive gear with us on holiday. He’s always put some black tape on the body of his camera to make it look broken, so it seems less appealing to thieves. Don’t know if it actually works but he’s never had it stolen, yet!

    Reply
    1. Katie says:
      9th May 2020 at 3:38 pm

      Amazing to hear he does the same! I don’t mind doing it on cameras I’ve had for a while, but I’ve just bought a brand spanking new Sony so I’m reluctant to make it look old with tape so soon. It feels so sad, but I know I’ll regret not doing it if anything were to happen.

      Reply
  2. Kariss Ainsworth says:
    9th May 2020 at 2:25 pm

    There’s some really good tips here I’ve never thought about!

    Reply
  3. Linnea says:
    9th May 2020 at 2:29 pm

    Such a great idea to keep the Silica packets! I’ve never thought of that but it’s so smart!

    Reply
  4. Alexandra says:
    9th May 2020 at 3:16 pm

    Ohhh hiding the branding tip is something I have not heard of before! I will do that. I have yet to have any camera hear stolen on my travels (I protect my camera like a child), but I will keep all of these in mind — you can never be too safe!

    Reply
  5. Curls en Route says:
    9th May 2020 at 3:29 pm

    Very useful tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  6. Lyne says:
    9th May 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Those are great tips, I often feel worried about my stuff when I travel especially in a dorm and out and about! I never used a camera bag for that reason, I feel like a regular backpack already draw enough attention ahah

    Reply
  7. Iuliya says:
    9th May 2020 at 5:03 pm

    Such a helpful guide! Especially about hiding the camera brand name

    Reply
  8. Ophelie says:
    9th May 2020 at 5:19 pm

    That’s a lot of good tips for me as a photographer! I didn’t think about the silica gel pouches I will save them from now on!

    Reply
  9. Chrissy K says:
    9th May 2020 at 5:35 pm

    Such an informative post with great tips. Great idea about hiding branding. Definitely pinning to have these tips handy.

    Reply
  10. Molly says:
    9th May 2020 at 6:15 pm

    I love that you also try to hide the brands and are making others aware of ways to reduce crimes of opportunity. I also often put a bit of tape on part of the camera body to make it look a bit broken without getting sticky all over haha. Nice write up of how to not be a target and keep you and your gear safe!

    Reply
  11. Tiana Bantis says:
    9th May 2020 at 6:38 pm

    Wow these tips are so useful since I am a content creator! I never knew the tip for the silica packets, very smart!

    Reply
  12. Farrah says:
    9th May 2020 at 8:19 pm

    Ahh, thanks so much for putting this together! I’m often vaguely paranoid about bringing my DSLR with me when I travel because I’m worried it’ll get damaged/I’ll lose it/etc. Also defeats the purpose of having it though–will look into doing these things. I never even thought to hide the logo!

    Reply
  13. Diedre in Wanderland says:
    9th May 2020 at 10:58 pm

    Using a wrist strap is so important. I almost smashed my camera if not for my strap. Great tips!

    Reply
  14. Madeline says:
    9th May 2020 at 11:06 pm

    Such smart ideas! I’m always so paranoid about getting pickpocketed in bigger cities! I always make sure that I have a zip-up purse with me whenever I’m traveling and just put my camera in a purse!

    Reply
  15. Travelling Tam says:
    10th May 2020 at 6:40 am

    I’m always so paranoid about loosing my camera or drawing attention with a camera bag or just carrying it loose. So these are some very useful tips. I try and back up my photos on an old harddrive all the time just in case!

    Reply
  16. Rachel Ennis says:
    10th May 2020 at 6:21 pm

    These tips are brilliant. Probably some of the most practical advice I’ve come across. I’m chronically back things up to the Cloud — I’m convinced my camera will get pinched. And if it’s the camera or me, well they can have the camera.

    Reply
  17. Caitlin says:
    10th May 2020 at 9:24 pm

    These are really great tips, thanks for sharing! I love the idea of packing the little gel packets – what an easy thing I’ve never though of before.

    Reply
  18. Pam says:
    11th May 2020 at 1:58 pm

    As someone who naively trusted my dad when he said the backpack was waterproof and destroyed her $1400 camera two days before going to Antarctica, I fully relate to this post. Some tips I haven’t even thought about before! Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Katie says:
      11th May 2020 at 4:07 pm

      Oh my word, that is something else! I sure hope your insurance helped you out with this one!?

      Reply
  19. Urban Wanders says:
    12th May 2020 at 7:08 pm

    These tips are so useful and some of them I haven’t even thought of like hiding the brand of my camera and getting a lanyard for my phone. Genius!

    Reply

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