What’s In My Bag: Iceland 2021

A lot has changed since my last trip to Iceland nearly two years ago. I’ll be carrying the same backpack, but everything inside will be different. Here’s what I’m packing for landscape photography and shooting videos for my YouTube channel.

Cameras and lenses

Canon EOS R5 — Main camera for still photography and occasional video.

Canon EOS R6 —Secondary camera for video and backup should anything go wrong with the R5.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 / Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 / Canon RF 70-200mm f/4 — The holy trinity of variable zoom lenses. Would love to bring a prime, but these will provide ample coverage.

GoPro HERO9 Black — Image quality is so-so, but nothing beats this camera’s stabilization. Fantastic for hand-held vlogging when hiking, walking and talking. Rode wireless mic (see below) plugged-in using the GoPro Media Mod.

DJI Air 2S — Smaller and lighter than the Mavic 2 Pro, with similar image quality and specs, at a lower price. Plan on using this a lot for aerial photography and videography. Also bringing an iPad holder for mounting an iPad mini to the controller. Could easily use my phone, but the larger iPad mini screen is so nice.

Camera accessories

Rode Wireless Go II — Excellent wireless microphone system. Surprisingly good built-in mic, and I love how the microphone units now record backup audio. Big improvement over the first Wireless Go. To make mic placement easier, I also use the Rode MagClip.

Zoom H1N — Portable audio recorder. Great for recording environmental, background audio with better sound quality than in-camera microphones. Also bringing this wind muff microphone cover.

Atomos Ninja V — For seeing a larger preview of what I’m shooting. Also, false color and waveforms. Bringing two ZILR HDMI 2 cables in case one breaks.

PolarPro Summit — Great filter kit with two solid neutral density filters, circular polarizer and a 2-stop graduated ND. Super high quality system.

Freewell Magnetic VNDs — Fast and easy variable NDs for shooting video.

ProMediaGear R5/R6 L-Bracket — Though a bit larger and chunkier than your average L-bracket, there’s a lot to love. Doesn’t block or interfere with LCD screen rotation. Integrated hex wrench. Vertical mount pushed forward so the HDMI/USB/Mic ports aren’t blocked. Threads for mounting mics, lights, and a cold shoe mount on top. So good!

Breakthrough Photography R5/R6 Arca — Small, secure and lightweight. Stays tight and doesn’t twist thanks to a metal stabilizing pin.

Canon EF-EOS R Control Ring Mount Adapter — For mounting my older EF lenses to the EOS R5 and R6. Also bringing a second basic adapter.

Tripods and heads

ProMediaGear TR344L — High quality carbon-fiber tripod. This will be my first time using it in the field, and I plan on publishing a review once I’ve had more time to use it. Also bringing the matching Pro-Stix 75mm Half Ball leveling base.

ProMediaGear BH1 Arca-Type Ball Head — Heavy duty ball head. Built like a tank to withstand wind, vibration, and lock cameras down without slippage. Another product I’ll be using for the first time on this trip, and I plan on covering this as well.

iFootage Gazelle TC6S — Secondary tripod. Plan on using this for shooting video. See my detailed review here.

iFootage Video Fluid Head — Compact fluid head. Great for travel. Matches the Gazelle tripod perfectly.

Smartta Slider Mini 2 — Fully automated camera slider. Another product I’ll be using for the first time on this trip. Will use this for capturing b-roll footage, timelapses, and for review purposes once I return home.

Travel Accessories

Zoleo Satellite Communicator — Extends a smartphone with messaging service from anywhere on Earth! Messages (including SOS calls) are transmitted via satellite in areas without coverage, or via cellular / wi-fi when available. Provides two-way messaging, 24/7 SOS alerting, one-button “check-in” to let contacts know you’re okay (and where you are), GPS location tracking, and the device comes with a two year warranty. You do have to sign-up for monthly service, which costs an additional $20-$50 per month (depending on features). Service may be paused or discontinued after three months.

Bestek 300W Power Inverter — For charging drone and camera batteries on the go. USB jacks in cars tend to be underpowered, so I always bring one of these for charging gear while driving.

Clothing

Oboz Sawtooth II Waterproof Hiking Shoes — Fantastic hiking shoes for men. Design is somewhere in-between a sneaker and a large hiking boot. Very comfortable, rugged, and they do a good job of keeping out water and moisture. I especially like the neutral “shadow” color with orange highlights. Also available at Moosejaw.

prAna Stretch Zion Straight Pants — Not to be confused with these stretch Zion pants (which I also own and wear), this “Straight” version has a tighter fit through the leg. Quick drying, adjustable waistband (no belt needed), moisture resistant. The ultimate travel pant. Also available at Moosejaw.

Arc’teryx Cerium LT — Good midweight insulated jacket for cool (but not freezing cold) temperatures. Packs small.