7 UNDERRATED Travel Accessories for Filmmakers 🎥

As a filmmaker, traveling for shoots is one of the most exciting parts of the job—but let’s be honest, it’s also stressful. The thrill of capturing new content in exotic locations often comes with the logistical headache of keeping all your gear safe and organized. It’s easy to overlook something simple, only to find yourself in a chaotic scramble later on.

Whether you’re flying to a far-off destination or driving to a local gig, the right travel accessories can make all the difference. After years of trial and error, I’ve discovered a few underrated travel accessories that I swear by. They’re not the flashy gear you might see in every filmmaker's kit, but they’ve saved me countless headaches. In this blog, I’ll share seven of these game-changing items, so you can travel with confidence and focus on what really matters—capturing stunning footage.

1. A Sturdy TSA-Approved Luggage

Luggage isn’t the sexiest piece of gear to think about, but it’s absolutely essential. If you don’t have a reliable, high-quality suitcase, you’re putting your expensive gear at risk. A hard-shell carry-on like the Level 8 luggage I use (which costs about $250) has made my travels so much easier. Not only is it durable, but it comes with a TSA lock for added security. I’ve been able to store everything from clothing to camera equipment, including monitors, lenses, and accessories, all in one compact bag. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but your gear’s safety and your peace of mind are totally worth it.

Remember: having secure luggage with multiple compartments for organization is essential for minimizing stress while you travel.

2. A Comfortable and Functional Travel Backpack

Now, let’s talk about the workhorse of your travel kit—the backpack. It’s easy to assume that any backpack will do, but trust me, having one that’s well-designed for camera equipment makes all the difference. The Gravity backpack I’ve been using for over a year is a lifesaver. With customizable dividers, it perfectly fits my R5 Mark II camera, lenses, and other accessories.

It also has handy features like a laptop sleeve for editing on the go and a hidden compartment for storing your passport (a small but important touch). While some backpacks might lack the comfort needed for long travel days, Gravity’s design has made it easy to carry heavy loads without feeling like I’m wearing a brick.

3. High-Power Delivery Wall Port

When you’re juggling multiple devices—cameras, lights, laptops, phones—it’s easy to run out of charging options. That’s why I highly recommend investing in a high-power delivery wall port. A 160-watt power brick with multiple USB-C and USB-A connections can be a game-changer. It allows you to charge everything at once, from your camera batteries to your laptop, without needing multiple chargers and cables.

Make sure the brick you choose can handle enough wattage to power everything you need. And, just as importantly, don’t forget about the cables! Some USB-C cables can only transfer data, others only power, and some do both but at reduced speeds. Choose wisely, and you’ll save yourself a ton of hassle.

4. Portable Power Bank (V-Mount Style)

It’s not just about charging your devices when you’re near an outlet—it’s about staying powered up wherever you go. A portable power bank is essential for on-the-go filmmakers. I use a SmallRig V-mount battery that doubles as a power bank and an on-set V-mount battery. It’s lightweight, super portable, and offers a variety of ports. This battery has saved me on more than one occasion when I’ve been stuck without power on location or at the airport.

When choosing a portable power bank, make sure it’s travel-friendly (99-watt hour batteries can be taken on flights) and has the capacity to keep your gear running for hours. This will ensure you don’t miss a moment due to a dead battery.

5. Power Strip with USB Ports

It may not be the most glamorous piece of gear, but a power strip with USB ports is a must-have on any shoot. Whether you’re in a studio, a hotel room, or a remote location, you’ll often find that the power outlets available don’t meet your needs. A long extension cord with extra USB-A and USB-C ports lets you plug in multiple devices at once, without running out of outlets.

Plus, I always make sure the strip has surge protection to keep my equipment safe. The one I use has a 6-foot cord, but I’d recommend getting a 10-foot version for more flexibility in tight spaces. A power strip ensures that you never run into an outlet shortage during a shoot.

6. Portable SSD

If you’re traveling with tons of footage, you need a reliable, portable storage solution. Traditional hard drives with spinning disks are not ideal for travel because they can break easily. Enter the SSD—a solid-state drive with no moving parts. The benefit of an SSD is that it’s faster, more durable, and much more compact than a traditional hard drive.

I’ve used several models, including SanDisk and Samsung, and both have held up well. Not only does an SSD provide fast read and write speeds, but it’s small enough to fit in your bag without taking up too much space. If you need to offload footage on the go (or even edit directly off of it), an SSD is a fantastic option.

7. A Folding Equipment Cart

For local shoots or when traveling with a ton of gear, a folding cart can be a game-changer. I recently picked one up from Walmart, and it’s made transporting equipment so much easier. Whether you’re shooting in a studio, at a hotel, or at a remote location, this cart helps you move your gear in one trip, saving your back and your time.

While it’s not something you’d take on a flight, having a cart available can make a huge difference for local shoots. Look for one that’s foldable, sturdy, and can handle a decent weight capacity—this will save you from making multiple trips to your car or hotel room.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a filmmaker can be stressful, but with the right accessories, you can eliminate a lot of the chaos. From keeping your gear secure and organized to making sure you have enough power to last through long days, these underrated travel accessories are essential for smooth, efficient filmmaking trips. Whether you're flying across the world or shooting closer to home, these items will ensure you stay focused on your craft rather than your gear.

What underrated travel accessories do you rely on for your filmmaking trips? Let me know in the comments below, and let’s keep learning from each other!

By investing in these practical travel accessories, you’ll be able to navigate any shoot with confidence, knowing that your gear—and your sanity—are safe.