Think of the word ‘go bag’ and images of soldiers, firefighters, and police will often come to mind.
Add photographers to the list.
The FGP go bags somewhere in the middle of the Utah desert, en route.
One of the best things I have done as a photographer is create a set of go bags. Sometimes I get wind of a story or incident that I need to cover. And it needs to happen now. As in this instant.
I grab the go bags and go. That’s it. No last minute packing, no harried rush only to realize that I left the filters at home.
I’ve always kept my photo gear packed and ready to go – a lesson learned from chasing sunsets back home in Montana, when five minutes of extra packing could mean loss of the light. After spending a few nights freezing in my car with nothing more than the clothes I was wearing I’ve started packing a second go bag. A change of clothing – boots in case I need to go into the brush, in Montana a fleece for if I am caught out through the night – protein bars, water. The basics, but enough to let me soar through any circumstance that may arise. If there’s any chance that I’ll be stuck out for a long time or if I am going into uncertain circumstances, both bags go with me. I can concentrate fully on the story at hand knowing that I’m prepared for whatever comes around the bend.
There are two go bag must-haves that I’ve added over the past year – a Buff and a small, customized first aid kit. The Buff I use for lens cleaning, dust protection, and a camera cover in showery conditions. Occasionally I’ll use it for what it’s actually meant for – sun/dust protection for me – but the camera comes first. I can shower out and aloe vera gel is fabulous for a sunburn. The first aid kit is crucial. I added a small, waterproof version this spring and have already utilized it multiple times. Adventure Med Kits makes well through out minimal kits; I added a small suture kit to mine. Both of these items now live in my camera go bag – which means they are on my person any time I am shooting.
Take the time to set up a go bag. Nothing puts you further ahead of the curve than being prepared.
Tags: Gear
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Love this post! Can’t imagine where you got the suture kit, though. I am a nurse and have never found one.
Adventure medical kits makes a decent suture kit – it can be a bit hard to find though. I certainly feel better having one around!