From camera gear that captures breathtaking landscapes to travel essentials that make adventure comfortable, here are the tools and resources we personally use and recommend. These carefully selected items have proven their worth across our journeys — from Iceland’s rugged F-roads to Galapagos’ marine wildlife encounters.
🎞️ Photography & Video Equipment
Quality gear is essential for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Here’s what we use to create the photos and videos you see across our guides and social media.
📸 Sony Alpha a6600 Mirrorless Camera
After years of shooting with other brands, I finally made the switch to Sony — and the a6600 quickly became my go-to camera for capturing fast-moving wildlife and rugged landscapes on the road.
Its exceptional autofocus speed, burst shooting, and class-leading eye-tracking let me photograph everything from penguins mid-waddle to orcas cresting the waves. The long battery life meant I could go a full day in remote areas like the Galapagos or Iceland without needing a charge — a rare advantage in mirrorless systems (having at least a second battery is still recommended for days of more intense shooting).
At just over 500g, it’s lightweight enough to hike with and rugged enough to survive the dusty F-roads of Iceland and misty jungle trails in Costa Rica. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body held up in snow, rain, and salt spray — ideal for adventure travel where your gear can’t let you down.
✔️ Why I Recommend It:
- Long battery life
- Lightning-fast autofocus and top-tier wildlife tracking
- Weather-resistant build ideal for unpredictable climates
- Compact and light, but delivers pro-level image quality
📸 Sony FE 200–600mm F5.6–6.3 G OSS Lens
After testing shorter zooms for years, this telephoto lens transformed the way I shoot wildlife. From penguins diving off cliffs to humpbacks bubble netting, the 200–600mm range gives me the reach I need without sacrificing image quality.
Its built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization has been a lifesaver when handholding from a moving boat or shooting fast-moving subjects on uneven terrain. Despite the zoom power, the internal zoom mechanism keeps the lens compact and balanced.
I’ve used it across continents — from Antarctica to Iceland’s black sand beaches — and the detail it captures even in harsh light or foggy conditions is simply unmatched in this class. Like the Sony mirrorless bodies it’s made for, this lens is weather-sealed and has held up flawlessly in wind, salt spray, and snow.
✔ Why I Recommend It:
- Unmatched reach — perfect for photographing wildlife from a safe distance
- Built-in image stabilization — ideal to get cleaner shots
- Sharp across the zoom range — pro-quality images with consistent performance
- Internal zoom design — better balance and weather resistance
- Weather-sealed — performs reliably in challenging outdoor conditions
- Pairs perfectly with Sony mirrorless bodies like the a6600 or a7III
📸 Wide-Angle Sony 16–55mm f/2.8 G (APS-C) Lens
Before our trip to Iceland, we were looking for a lens that could help us capture the northern lights without blowing our entire gear budget. The Sony 16–55mm f/2.8 G turned out to be the perfect upgrade — replacing our previous all-terrain 18–300mm lens with something far more capable in low light and overall image clarity.
The constant f/2.8 aperture makes a major difference for nighttime photography. Whether you’re shooting the aurora or stargazing, this wider opening allows in more light and produces sharper, more defined images with less aberration. We paired this with our 200–600mm wildlife lens to create a versatile setup that’s compact enough for hand luggage but flexible enough for any environment.
💡 If you’re planning to shoot the northern lights, keep in mind that a fast lens (wide aperture, “lower f-number”) helps when the aurora is faint or moving quickly. That said, ultra-fast prime lenses can get expensive, and unless you’re consistently shooting night skies, a lens like this strikes a great balance. Depending on your phone’s specs, you might get decent results — but for manual control, sharpness, and color depth, a dedicated lens wins.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Wide f/2.8 aperture lets in more light for night scenes, auroras & stars
- Noticeably crisper images and less distortion vs. 18–300mm all-in-one lenses
- Lightweight but durable — great paired with a longer telephoto for wildlife
- Weather-sealed — performs reliably in challenging outdoor conditions
- Ideal for landscapes, city shots, and indoor travel moments
🚁 DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone (Our Next Upgrade)
We’ve used the DJI Mini 2 for a couple of years to capture some of our most breathtaking footage — from Iceland’s highlands to the coastlines of Thailand. Its compact size, reliability in windy conditions, and 4K footage made it the perfect travel companion for adventure shoots.
That’s why, when it’s time to upgrade, we’re eyeing the DJI Mini 4 Pro — widely regarded as the best sub-250g drone available today.
It keeps the same travel-friendly size, while adding omnidirectional obstacle sensors, 4K/60fps HDR, vertical shooting, and subject tracking, making it ideal for solo travelers and creators on the go.
The Fly More Combo adds everything you need — extra batteries, a smart charging hub, and spare propellers — so you’re always ready to capture the next scene.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Sub-250g weight — travel-ready and often exempt from registration
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing — fly confidently in complex environments
- Vertical video support — perfect for Shorts, Reels, and TikToks
- Enhanced subject tracking — follow wildlife, hikers, or yourself with ease
- Fly More Combo — includes 3 batteries, charger, and spare parts for longer field days
📷 GoPro Hero Black (We Use the Hero10 — Now Updated to Hero13)
Our journey with GoPro started years ago with the Hero4 Silver, and we’ve been fans ever since. From snorkeling in the Galápagos to 4×4 road trips through Iceland, our Hero10 Black has delivered sharp, stabilized footage every time — even in harsh conditions.
While we currently use the Hero10, GoPro’s latest versions (Hero11–13) take things even further with improved stabilization, color accuracy, and battery performance — perfect for today’s travel creators.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Built for underwater and rugged use — up to 33ft (10m) without housing
- Compact, lightweight & easy to mount — ideal for 4x4s, hikes, and helmet POVs
- HyperSmooth stabilization for buttery-smooth cinematic footage
- Touchscreen, voice control & durable design — built for any adventure
🎒 Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II Camera Backpack
After testing several options, this is the camera bag that finally met our needs for professional-level protection, comfort, and capacity — all in one modular system. It fits a Sony mirrorless camera with two lenses (including the zoom lens), a drone, batteries, cables, chargers, travel documents, and even a tablet.
The rugged build with a hard-shell top, expandable side pockets, rain cover, and adjustable straps makes it ideal for travel in unpredictable conditions — from Iceland’s winds to Costa Rica’s rainforests.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Spacious interior fits camera, drone, lenses, batteries & more
- Side and top access allows fast gear swaps in the field
- Built-in weatherproof cover protects gear from rain and dust
- Hard-shell top and padded dividers keep gear safe and organized
📸 K&F Concept K255A4 Lightweight Tripod
We switched to this lighter tripod for our longer hikes and rugged expeditions — and it’s been a game-changer. When you’re already carrying a mirrorless camera, zoom lenses, drone, and daily supplies, every ounce matters. Despite the lighter build, it’s remarkably sturdy and has held up well even in high winds.
Its compact folding design and quick-release system make it ideal for travel photography, especially when switching between handheld and tripod setups on the go.
✔ Why We Recommend It:
- Lightweight and compact — perfect for long hikes or minimalist travel setups
- Strong build for the weight — handles telephoto lenses surprisingly well
- Folds down small for easy packing
- Great value — reliable performance without the premium price tag
🌴 Tropical Destination Essentials
Smart picks for humid climates, insect-prone regions, and marine environments like the Galápagos, Riviera Maya, Hawaii, and more.
🧴 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
This lightweight, reef-friendly sunscreen has been our go-to across tropical destinations — from snorkeling in the Galápagos to beach days in the Riviera Maya. It absorbs quickly, feels great on the skin, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.
That said, SPF 30 wasn’t always enough under the intense equatorial sun — even with reapplication every 4–5 hours. Your needs may vary depending on your skin type, destination, and amount of sun exposure.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Reef-safe formula — free from oxybenzone and octinoxate
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture with a pleasant scent
- Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection for everyday tropical use
- Affordable & widely available — great option for carry-on travel
🦟 Sawyer Permethrin Clothing & Gear Insect Repellent
This game-changer kept us bite-free in Alaska’s mosquito-filled summer trails. Permethrin is an insecticide treatment for clothing and gear, not a skin-applied repellent. It works by killing or disabling insects on contact — from ticks to mosquitoes — and is widely used by the U.S. military for tropical deployments.
Spray it directly on hiking clothes, socks, hats, backpacks, and tents — one application lasts up to 6 washes or 6 weeks.
It doesn’t stain or leave residue, and we’ve never had any damage to fabrics or gear.
🛑 Always follow application instructions and avoid spraying directly on skin.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Proven effectiveness for mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, and more
- Long-lasting treatment for multi-day hikes or jungle settings
- Safe on fabrics, boots, tents & even sleeping bags
- Odorless once dry — no chemical smell while wearing
🧴 Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent (20%)
While DEET is a classic, picaridin has become our favorite for humid tropical zones — especially in Costa Rica’s rainforests.
This non-greasy, gear-safe formula offered powerful protection without the stickiness or plastic damage DEET is known for.
It worked especially well against sandflies, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums, even on jungle trails where I’d typically get swarmed.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Safe for gear and plastics — no watch band or camera damage
- Light texture, not oily or sticky — great for humid climates
- Long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, sandflies & ticks
- Top performer in independent mosquito repellent tests
🧪 Sawyer Maxi-DEET Insect Repellent (98%)
When we need maximum protection — especially for North American and European mosquitoes — DEET still wins.
We use this high-concentration spray on clothing and exposed skin and it’s the only thing that worked reliably in places like the northeastern U.S., Canada, and Europe.
It’s extremely effective, but a little goes a long way — and avoid contact with plastic gear, watches, and camera parts.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Maximum strength for high-risk areas or mosquito-prone travelers
- Trusted for decades — clinically proven against mosquito-borne illness
- Compact and long-lasting — a few sprays go a long way
- Pairs well with permethrin-treated clothing for double-layer protection
🏝️ Dry Bag
A reliable dry bag is crucial for keeping your belongings safe from water during boat tours, beach outings, or sudden rain showers. We’ve used this dry bag on multiple trips, and it has never let us down.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Waterproof with roll-top closure
- Durable material that withstands rough conditions
- Comes with a shoulder strap for easy carrying
🤿 Snorkel Gear
Having your own snorkel set ensures a comfortable and hygienic experience while exploring underwater wonders. This set offers excellent quality and fit.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- High-quality silicone anti-fog full face mask for a snug fit
- Dry-top snorkel prevents water entry
- Compact fins suitable for travel
- Comes with a mesh bag for easy packing
🧊 Cold Weather Expedition Gear
Whether hiking on glacial terrain in Iceland or standing on the windy decks of an Antarctic expedition ship, having the right cold-weather gear is critical for comfort and safety.
After testing gear across multiple freezing environments, these are the pieces that truly held up to the challenge.
🥾 Men’s Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Omni-Heat Snow Boots
These boots have been my go-to for snow, slush, and icy conditions. I used them extensively and my feet stayed warm and dry throughout.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- 200g insulation with Omni-Heat reflective lining keeps feet toasty
- Waterproof seam-sealed construction blocks snow and slush
- Excellent grip for walking on icy, uneven terrain
- Lightweight for all-day wear without fatigue
🥾 Columbia Women’s Minx™ Mid III Boot
These insulated boots are the go-to for the coldest weather conditions — perfect for snowy expeditions like Antarctica, Alaska, and Iceland in winter. Lightweight yet incredibly warm, they kept feet dry and toasty even after hours outdoors in icy wind and slush.
✔ Why We Recommend It:
- 200g insulation and Omni-Heat™ thermal lining for exceptional warmth
- Waterproof seam-sealed design keeps feet dry in slushy and snowy conditions
- Lightweight and flexible — ideal for walking, zodiac landings, and day excursions
- Cozy faux-fur lining adds warmth without bulk
🧥 Columbia Women’s Juniper Ridge™ Down Parka
This insulated parka provided outstanding warmth during our time in Antarctica, allowing long hours outside in wind and snow without sacrificing comfort. It was our go-to outer layer on deck during wildlife watching and photography sessions.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Heat-sealed 650-fill power down insulation
- Water-resistant shell and windproof construction
- Longer cut for better coverage in extreme cold
- Adjustable hood and cuffs for optimal warmth retention
🧥 Columbia Men’s Marquam Peak Fusion II Parka
A rugged and insulated parka that handled long exposure to cold, wet, and windy weather during our polar expeditions (paired with the proper underlying). Perfectly suited for layered warmth without restricting movement.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Synthetic insulation with water-resistant fabric
- Heavy-duty build with urban-outdoor style
- Comfortable and durable during hours of deck exploration
🧦 Columbia Women’s Midnight Omni-Heat™ Long Sleeve T-Shirt Baselayer Blouse
Our go-to base top for polar conditions. It layered effortlessly under insulated jackets and remained comfortable during long expeditions, whether hiking across Icelandic lava fields or cruising along Antarctic glaciers.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Reflective thermal lining retains body heat
- Slim fit without restricting movement
- Soft, breathable material for long wear
🧦 Columbia Men’s Omni-Heat™ Midweight Stretch Baselayer Long Sleeve Shirt
A perfect match to the men’s tights, this lightweight long-sleeve shirt was our core base layer for facing cold winds in Antarctica and Iceland. It provided reliable warmth while allowing movement for photography and wildlife viewing.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Omni-Heat™ thermal reflective technology for added warmth
- Stretch fabric for easy layering and comfort
- Flat seams to prevent irritation during extended wear
🧦 Columbia Men’s Omni-Heat™ Midweight Baselayer Tights
These tights served as our base insulation in sub-zero windchill. Comfortable, light, and warm — worn daily during the expedition.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Reflective lining helps retain body heat
- Breathable and quick-drying
- Works well under hiking or snow pants
🧦 Columbia Women’s Omni-Heat™ Midweight Baselayer Tights
These leggings were key to staying warm during long hours outdoors — from sunrise glacier watching to late-evening wildlife spotting.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Excellent thermal performance
- Comfortable elastic waistband
- Stays in place under multiple layers
🧣 Columbia Infinity Trail™ Balaclava
One of the most underrated essentials in extreme climates. We wore these balaclavas under our hats to protect face and neck from icy Antarctic winds.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Snug fit that stays in place while moving or shooting photos
- Lightweight warmth without bulk
- Breathable while offering full coverage
💊 Health & Meds
Staying healthy on the road is just as important as packing the right clothes or gear — especially in remote or unpredictable environments. This section includes essential health and wellness items we always bring with us, from motion sickness relief to first-aid must-haves. Whether you’re heading on a polar expedition or a tropical adventure, these picks have saved us more than once.
🌊 Non-Drowsy Bonine (Meclizine 25mg) for Motion Sickness
Our go-to for sea crossings like the Drake Passage or inter-island ferries in the Galápagos. These raspberry chewable tablets help prevent nausea without making you drowsy — essential for photography and wildlife tours.
🧩 Travel Essentials
🌐 Reliable Cruise & International eSIM: Our Top Picks
1. GigSky Cruise + Global eSIM
GigSky’s Cruise + Global eSIM lets you stay connected across dozens of countries (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Falkland Islands, etc.) and on cruise ships that support standard data roaming. You install it once via QR code, and it works immediately, no swapping physical SIMs mid-voyage.
If you’re sailing through multiple countries or want to reduce reliance on slow, usually overpriced cruise Wi-Fi, this option is a game-changer. We seamlessly used the same eSIM plan across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands, and enjoyed steady connectivity without constantly swapping SIMs or hunting for local networks. If there was a spot where we didn’t have signal, locals didn’t either.
✔️ Why We Recommend GigSky for cruises:
- Affordable compared to onboard Wi-Fi packages
- Works across cruise port cities globally
- Allows roaming in multiple countries with a single plan
- Quick eSIM install via app (no physical SIM required)
👉 Check GigSky plans and compatibility
📌 Important: While many major cruise lines do, not all cruise ships support eSIM roaming while at sea. Be sure to check if your cruise line and ship are compatible directly on GigSky’s Cruise eSIM Compatibility Checker.
2. Saily eSIM
Saily’s eSIM service focuses on broad device compatibility and pay-as-you-go flexibility. You top up small data buckets (500 MB, 1 GB, etc.) that can be used across multiple countries, including many cruise-friendly ports.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Wider handset support: If GigSky doesn’t support your exact phone model, Saily almost certainly will.
- On-demand data packs: Ideal for shorter hops or when you don’t need a large global plan.
- Competitive pricing: Often lowers cost per GB for shorter trips or low-usage travelers.
📌 Important: Coverage varies because their network partners differ by region, so be sure to double-check the coverage map before you buy.
👉 Check Saily plans and compatibility
🥾 Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge™ Plus II Suede Waterproof Hiking Boot
These boots were essential during our Iceland road trip in September — waterproof, supportive, and built for long days exploring waterfalls, canyons, and rugged trails. Whether we were crossing wet terrain or hiking through volcanic landscapes, they held up beautifully.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Suede leather with seam-sealed construction for reliable waterproofing
- Superior grip on slick and uneven terrain
- Lightweight cushioning makes them comfortable for all-day wear
🥾 Columbia Women’s Dakota Drifter Hiking Shoe
A durable and versatile hiking shoe that offered great traction and comfort throughout Iceland’s ever-changing terrain and other trails around the globe. From canyon overlooks to wet coastal paths, it kept feet dry and blister-free — ideal for travelers who prefer a low-cut shoe over traditional boots.
✔️ Why We Recommend It:
- Lightweight yet rugged enough for rough trails and slippery rocks
- Breathable mesh upper with supportive overlays
- Solid traction for volcanic terrain and muddy paths
🔌 EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter (TA-105 Pro)
We never leave home without this all-in-one travel adapter. From the remote jungles of Costa Rica to boutique hotels in Europe, having a compact, fast-charging solution that works in nearly every country has saved us more times than we can count.
The 70W GaN-powered PD output means we can charge our camera batteries, laptops, phones, and drone gear quickly, all from one outlet. It’s powerful enough to replace several bulky chargers, and the sleek design fits easily in our tech pouch.
Why We Recommend It:
- Covers 150+ countries — works across the US, EU, UK, AUS, and more
- 3 USB-C (PD 70W) + 2 USB-A — charge 5 devices at once, including laptops
- GaN technology — more efficient charging with less heat
- Built-in fuse protection and safety shutters for peace of mind
- Compact & travel-friendly — perfect for minimalist packing
🚗 Baseus 160W USB-C Car Charger | 3-Port Super Fast Charging
On remote road trips — whether driving through Iceland’s highlands or deep into Patagonia — we rely on this high-power 160W car charger to keep everything fully charged, from laptops to GoPros and phones. It’s a compact beast, built for travel days when outlets are hours away.
With 3 fast-charging ports (2 USB-C & 1 USB-A) and support for QC5.0, PD3.0, and PPS, it handles simultaneous charging of multiple high-demand devices — even a MacBook Pro or drone battery. No more juggling power or waiting your turn.
Why We Recommend It:
- 160W output — powerful enough to charge laptops, cameras, and phones at once
- Triple-port design — 2x USB-C + 1x USB-A for full charging flexibility
- PD3.0 + QC5.0 + PPS support — ensures the fastest, safest charging
- Compact, travel-ready size — rugged enough for bumpy roads and long drives
- Great for road trips — our go-to charger for overland adventures & rentals
🗺️ Travel Planning Resources
Tools we personally use to research, book, and organize trips around the globe — whether planning remote expeditions or last-minute city escapes.
🏨 Trip.com
From alpine motels in Jasper to hillside BnBs in Canmore, Trip.com is our go-to platform for booking accommodations around the world. Their competitive rates, real traveler reviews, and user-friendly interface make it easy to compare listings, especially when you’re navigating remote areas with limited options.
Why we recommend it:
Broad inventory (even in smaller mountain towns), intuitive filters for must-haves like free parking or scenic views, and solid customer support in case of changes on the road.
🥾 AllTrails
When we’re planning hikes — whether it’s a volcanic ridge in Iceland, a jungle trail in Costa Rica, or fall foliage in New England — AllTrails is our first stop.
Why we recommend it:
User-submitted reviews, offline trail maps, and difficulty ratings make it easier to choose the right hike for your level and time.
🛡️ IATI Travel Insurance
Our family has been using IATI Insurance for years. It’s affordable, reliable, and incredibly flexible, offering customizable plans that cover everything from flight delays to medical emergencies (even for cruisers).
Why we recommend it:
✔️ Trusted by thousands of travelers with top-rated reviews
✔️ Flexible options for all kinds of trips, including long-term and multi-country journeys
✔️ Cruise insurance available—a rare find!
✔️ Excellent multilingual customer support
✔️ No hidden fees
👉 Get a free quote with IATI Travel Insurance
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