When I first started traveling, I thought I needed a lot of camera gear to capture good photos and videos. Bigger cameras, lenses, accessories, chargers, the list grows quickly.
Over time I realised that too much gear can actually get in the way of the adventure. These days I try to keep my electronics setup as simple as possible: just enough to capture great memories without carrying a full camera bag everywhere.
This is the minimal setup I usually travel with.
My Minimal Travel Electronics Setup
iPhone 13
My phone is by far the most important piece of gear I carry.
Modern smartphones are incredibly capable. The camera quality is great, and it also serves many other purposes during a trip: navigation, maps, journaling, editing photos, booking accommodation, and staying in touch with people.
Because it’s always in your pocket, you’re much more likely to capture spontaneous moments. For most travelers, a good smartphone camera is honestly all you need.
DJI Mini 2 Drone
The one extra device I really enjoy bringing is a small drone.
A drone adds an entirely new perspective to your photos and videos. Especially in remote places. Mountains, deserts, coastlines, or vast landscapes, aerial shots can capture the scale of a place in a way that normal cameras simply can’t.
I use a DJI Mini 2. It’s small, light, and easy to carry in a backpack.
Newer drones now even have tracking features that can follow you automatically, which makes filming solo adventures even easier.
GoPro
I also carry a GoPro, mainly for action shots or situations where a normal camera might get damaged.
Things like:
- skiing
- water activities
- mounting it somewhere unusual
- filming while moving
That said, I don’t always use it as much as I thought I would. With modern smartphones becoming more rugged and capable, the GoPro is slowly becoming more optional for my style of travel.
If I wanted to go with the absolute minimal setup, I would probably just bring my phone and drone.
Canon IXY Digital 20 IS
This is a funny one. I sometimes bring a tiny Canon IXY Digital camera. It’s an old compact camera that easily fits in a pocket.
The quality is nowhere near modern cameras, but it produces photos with a slightly nostalgic, almost film-like feel. Sometimes those imperfect photos capture the mood of a place better than perfectly sharp images.
And because the camera is so small and simple, it’s just fun to use.
Power on the Road
One of the biggest challenges when traveling with electronics is simply keeping everything charged.
For most trips I carry a power bank, which lets me recharge my phone and other small devices when I’m away from power for a while.
On more remote adventures, a small portable solar panel can also be very useful. It allows you to slowly recharge your power bank during the day while hiking, camping, or traveling through remote areas.
Solar panels aren’t always necessary, but when you’re spending several days away from electricity they can make a big difference.
Waterproof Protection
Electronics and nature don’t always mix well.
Rain, rivers, sand, and ocean spray can quickly damage cameras and phones.
That’s why I always carry a few small waterproof pouches. They weigh almost nothing and can protect your electronics when things get wet.
My Absolute Minimal Setup
If I really wanted to travel as light as possible, I would probably bring just two things:
- my phone
- a small drone
That combination already allows you to capture an incredible variety of photos and videos.
And the less gear you carry, the more you can focus on what actually matters: the adventure itself.
Final Thoughts
Technology makes it easier than ever to document travel and adventure.
But it’s worth remembering that not every moment needs to be filmed or photographed. Some experiences are better enjoyed without a camera in your hand.
The goal of my setup is simple: bring just enough gear to capture meaningful memories, without letting equipment take over the journey.
Related Articles
If you’re interested in traveling lighter and making adventure travel simpler, you might also enjoy these articles:
What to Bring on an Outdoor Backpacking Trip – a simple packing list for remote trips and outdoor adventures.
The Best Travel Apps I Use on the Road – a small selection of useful apps that make navigating, planning, and traveling much easier.
What’s in My Backpack – a look at the gear I carry on most of my trips and how I try to keep things light and practical.
