Your filmmaking gear is the backbone of your creative pursuits, so protecting it should be a top priority. Camera bags, hard cases, and packing tools form the first line of defense to keep your equipment safe. This guide will illuminate key factors to consider when selecting carry and protection systems for your precious gear. We’ll recommend solutions best suited to different setups and needs.
Learn how to keep cameras, lenses, accessories, and more protected during transport, storage, and daily use. Follow best practices that let you focus on filmmaking, not damage. With the right protective equipment, you can pursue your cinematic dreams confidently.
Essential Gear to Protect Filmmaking Equipment
In order to protect gear on location and during transport, independent creators require carrying solutions, durable containment, weather barriers, and controlled storage environments. As you build your list of things to use for protecting filmmaking gear, start with these essentials: camera and lens bags, hard cases, protective wraps, rain covers, and dry storage cabinets.
Backpack
Camera backpacks and bags keep your equipment organized and protected on the go. When selecting a carry solution, consider your gear setup, shooting scenarios, and portability needs. Look for customizable dividers to secure cameras, lenses, and accessories in their compartments during transport. Weather-resistant materials protect against the elements.
Ample padding safeguards against bumps and drops while access panels allow you to grab gear quickly. Features like tripod straps, laptop sleeves, and water bottle pockets maximize functionality. Sturdy harness straps and waist belts ensure comfortable carrying. With camera bags tailored to your kit’s size and access needs, you gain reliable portable protection when shooting on location.
Hard Case
Hard cases, such as Pelican cases, provide maximum protection for sensitive equipment during travel and storage. When selecting the right hard case, consider size to fit your gear, foam density to prevent jostling, and the level of shock, dust, and weatherproofing required. Hard cases excel at shielding equipment checked while flying or transported in non-climate-controlled environments like cargo vans or cube trucks.
They also provide peace of mind when storing delicate gear long-term. While camera bags allow quick access on shoots, indestructible hard cases are ideal for safeguarding your most valuable piece of kit during extended transit or on complicated sets where damage could easily occur. Their durability provides the utmost protection when needed most.
Protective Wrap
Protective wraps add a layer of shock and scratch defense to the gear. Wraps create a waterproof barrier, while Neoprene and Lycra sleeves guard against dust and impacts. Wrapping cameras, lenses, accessories, and other equipment provides the most effort to protect filmmaking gear on active shoots where bags aren’t practical. Meanwhile, you can use hand straps and shoulder slings to carry wrapped items comfortably.
Individual component wraps keep your components protected in your main bag. They also allow quick swapping without repackaging your entire kit. For run-and-gun shoots or minimizing changeover time, protective wraps enable modular flexibility while preventing surface damage during daily use.
Rain Cover
A rain cover is like an additional insurance policy for your precious camera or camera-related equipment. Imagine you’re out in the field, trying to capture that perfect shot, when, out of nowhere, a sudden downpour crashes your shoot. That’s where a rain cover steps in. It’s a protective shield made of waterproof material, designed to shield your camera and lenses from the elements.
Why is it necessary? Well, besides keeping your gear dry, it also prevents additional moisture from seeping into sensitive electronics, ensuring your camera remains functional and mold-free. So, in the unpredictable world of filmmaking, a rain cover can be your trusty sidekick to ensure your shoot doesn’t suddenly stop when the weather creeps in.
Dry Cabinets
You can preserve and safeguard your valuable equipment by storing it in a climate-controlled dry cabinet. In essence, it is a humidified and temperature-controlled cabinet. By creating an environment with a consistent and low humidity level, cameras, lenses, and audio equipment are protected from moisture damage.
A dry cabinet is indispensable when you consider unpredictable shooting locations in filmmaking. It’s particularly useful in humid environments or during prolonged storage periods. By maintaining optimal conditions, your gear remains in pristine condition, free from mold, fungus, and corrosion. This extends your equipment’s lifespan.
Backpack Options
Nanuk Backpack N-PVD in 18L, 30L, and 35L
Nanuk recently released their N-PVD series, including three backpacks in sizes 18L, 30L, and 35L. The three backpacks are dedicated to protecting filmmaking gear: the 18L is perfect for lighter travel or shorter trips, having the most compatibility with filmmakers who have a very compact kit; the 30L features top and back panel access, giving the wearer more flexibility in how they use the bag; finally, the 35L, featuring the largest capacity among this line, also having top and back panel access.
Tenba Cineluxe Backpack 24
With the Tenba Cineluxe Backpack 24, you get to check two things off your list: “Protect Filmmaking Gear” and “Be Stylish.” It has a “doctor bag”-style opening, allowing you to grab and reach for your gear faster! Tenba was intentional with the Cineluxe Backpack 24’s added interior height and length to provide filmmakers like you ample space to place your filmmaking kit in a secure container, especially with the presence of Flex-Core Dividers – something that’s exclusive to Tenba! These dividers are made with aluminum reinforcement and ensure a safe co-existence for everything in your backpack.
Peak Design Travel Backpack
This travel backpack from Peak Design is engineered to adapt to anything you put inside. Its original size is 35L but can be expanded to 45L to accommodate you or to simply reach the carry-on size limit at the airport. Additionally, it can compress to 30L if you need it to, ideally on day trips or just short trips in general. You can access this backpack from all angles: top, front, side, and back, all via waterproof zippers. Yup, this backpack literally compresses and expands to meet your filmmaking gear protection needs.
Orca OR-21 Backpack with External Pockets
The Orca OR-21 Backpack with External Pockets is a must-have for professional creators. Designed for small cameras like Sony PXW-X70, Z-150, Panasonic UX-90, EVA 1, Alexa MINI, URSA mini, and their counterparts, this backpack is a fortress of protection. Boasting five external pockets, it accommodates all your accessories seamlessly. The exterior offers a padded handle and attachment buckles for a shoulder strap.
Inside, customizable dividers allow gear arrangement to your liking. It features exceptional ventilation and padding for heavy loads, a bungee cord system for tripod security, and a 15″ laptop pouch. With adjustable dividers, versatile carrying options, and a weight of around 6.8 lbs, this backpack ensures your gear remains safe and sound. It also includes Orca’s 2-Year Limited Warranty.
Manfrotto Pro Light Cinematic Expand Video Backpack
Offering unparalleled convenience, the Manfrotto Pro Light Cinematic Expand Video Backpack is a videographer’s dream, offering exceptional protection in a single package. Designed for one-person film crews and run-and-gun scenarios, Manfrotto’s Camera Protection System dividers ensure top-notch gear protection, while the expandable front panel allows for an assembled handle, adapting to your specific needs.
The Flexi Shock Absorbing System cushions your equipment and maximizes camera body protection. Changing lenses is easy with quick access on the side, and the straps are adjustable so you can find a comfortable fit. It’s lightweight and durable, thanks to its water-repellent materials. The DuoFace sun/rain cover, external pockets for accessories, and water bottle make this backpack a must-have for videographers on the go and documentary shooters.
Sachtler SC302 Ultra Wide Camera Rollpak Bag
The Sachtler SC302 Ultra Wide Camera Rollpak Bag redefines convenience for professional videographers, seamlessly merging a backpack system with built-in wheels and a trolley. This versatile bag offers quick access to your equipment through its wide U opening, ideal for keeping your camera, shotgun microphone, viewfinder, and accessories ready.
An additional layer of protection is provided by the Safe-Shell, while internal LED lighting illuminates your gear. Designed for comfort, it features an ergonomic handle and a padded shoulder strap. Customization is easy with a removable divider, and three exterior pockets provide extra storage. The bag’s durability is evident in its cold-molded laminate panels, reinforcing key compartments. Weighing just 9.8 lbs, it strikes the perfect balance between robustness and mobility.
Hard Case Options
GVM QX26 Wheeled Hard Case with Padded Divider Insert
With the GVM QX26 Wheeled Hard Case, you’re in charge. Its customizable padded divider inserts give you all the freedom to organize and rearrange as many times as you wish, for your changing travel needs on the go because let’s be honest, there should always be room for some souvenirs and shopping! This new version of the GVM QX26 takes protecting filmmaking gear to a new height, with each insert including a convoluted eggcrate foam lid as well as a solid base layer on its bottom.
Pelican 1615TP Air Wheeled Check-In Case
The Pelican 1615TP Air Wheeled Check-In Case stands as the pinnacle of protection and innovation, redefining the concept of lightweight and durability. As the lightest premium Protector case in existence (at the time this article was published), it’s up to 40% lighter than comparable polymer cases, setting an industry standard for safeguarding valuable equipment. Crafted with Pelican’s proprietary HPX2 Polymer, it maintains the legendary toughness Pelican is renowned for while reducing structural waste.
Honeycomb structural elements enhance strength, surpassing solid polymer materials. This case not only meets maximum airline check-in size requirements but also offers silent rolling with stainless-steel bearing wheels and an extending trolley handle. With Pelican’s TrekPak system included, customization and organization are effortless. This makes it the ultimate choice for those who demand the utmost protection for their gear.
Pelican 1510 Carry On Case
For safeguarding your valuable filmmaking equipment, the Pelican 1510 Carry-On Case is the ultimate choice. This case combines rugged durability with travel convenience. Designed to be watertight, crushproof, and dustproof to protect your gear under extreme conditions. Its airline-legal carry-on size makes it suitable for travel, featuring a retractable extension handle and sturdy polyurethane wheels for effortless mobility.
The Pelican 1510 offers easy access with Double Throw latches and an Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve. Its solid wall design ensures strength and portability. Velcro dividers organize gear inside. Engineered with stainless steel hardware, padlock protectors, and an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee, it’s the go-to choice for on-the-go creators seeking maximum protection in a carry-on compliant size.
Protective Wrap Options
PGYTECH Protective Wrap
Protecting filmmaking gear is the highest priority of PGYTECH’s protective wrap, being a versatile shield against any scratch or bump. It has a self-secured hook and loop, wrapping effortlessly around your filmmaking tools: cameras, lenses, small tripods, filters, and more. This protective wrap for gear is made of polymer, which was crafted with nanotechnology – ensuring durability by its atoms, so it’ll be strong no matter how many times you wash it.
Tenba Tools 16” Protective Wrap
A protective wrap serves as an indispensable tool in the realm of cameras and filmmaking equipment, where delicate and valuable gear demands safeguarding. The Tenba Tools 16” Protective Wrap’s primary purpose is to provide an extra layer of protection against production environments’ rigors.
Whether it’s a camera body, lens, laptop, or hard drive, a well-designed protective wrap shields equipment from dust, moisture, minor impacts, and scratches. This is crucial for maintaining gear in optimal working condition, ensuring consistently high-quality shots.
Domke 19×19 Color Coded Protective Wrap
Additionally, wraps like the Domke 19×19 Color Coded Protective Wrap often come in various sizes, offering a customized fit for different equipment, enhancing organization, and simplifying transport. In professional filmmaking, where equipment is both expensive and mission-critical, a cost-effective protective wrap is an essential investment to help prolong lifespan and functionality.
Rain Cover Options
Manfrotto Pro Light RC-1 Raincover
Manfrotto Pro Light RC-1 Raincovers are essential assets in cameras and filmmaking equipment, serving as a critical defense against inclement weather. Its primary function is to shield valuable gear from rain, snow, dust, and moisture during outdoor shoots. This protection is paramount, as moisture exposure can cause irreversible damage to cameras, lenses, and accessories, potentially disrupting crucial filming projects.
Sachtler SR425 Transparent Rain Cover
Rain covers such as the Sachtler SR425 Transparent Rain Cover are ideally designed with transparent panels or viewfinders to ensure uninterrupted visibility while capturing shots during precipitation. Additionally, they feature secure closures to repel the elements. In the professional filmmaking arena, where equipment is both valuable and indispensable, a rain cover emerges as an indispensable tool. This ensures gear remains operational and safeguarded against the unpredictable forces of nature.
Dry Cabinet Options
Slinger Electronic Dry Cabinet
The Slinger Electronic Dry Cabinet is a vital investment for filmmakers and videographers. It’s designed to extend the lifespan and maintain the peak performance of their valuable equipment. With a generous 125-liter capacity, this cabinet creates an optimal, low-humidity storage environment. Utilizing the thermoelectric desiccation technology effectively prevents corrosion, deterioration, and the growth of harmful fungi.
What sets it apart is its energy-efficient, quiet operation with no moving parts or excessive heat. Users can program a specific 25-60% relative humidity level, which can be monitored on the LED display. Adjustable shelves, internal lighting, and a lockable see-through door provide security and convenience. By maintaining optimal humidity, this cabinet protects moisture-sensitive gear, keeping equipment in top condition for years.
Sirui HC200 Humidity Control Cabinet
A precision-built solution tailored for long-term storage needs is the Sirui HC200 Humidity Control Cabinet. It’s designed to safeguard valuable items and accessories such as lenses, mirrorless cameras, optical devices, and electronics, making this cabinet a vital asset to maintaining their condition and extending their lifespan.
Crafted with a durable steel enclosure and a tempered glass door, this 200-liter capacity cabinet offers a robust and secure storage solution, ensuring that your valuable possessions remain free from moisture-related damage and in optimal condition. Efficient, quick, and environmentally friendly, the high-performance dehumidifying system controls humidity levels while saving energy.
Final Thoughts
To safeguard your filmmaking investments, protective solutions are non-negotiable. Camera bags and cases shield your equipment from harm during transportation and storage. Seek out features like customized compartments, ample padding, weather resistance, and portability that align with your needs. Implement best practices for packing and transport to prevent accidents.
With a camera, lens, lighting, audio, accessory, and general equipment case tailored to your setup, you can transport your gear securely. Protecting your filmmaking kit preserves its monetary value and its creative capabilities. So equip yourself with the optimal bags, cases, and habits to provide peace of mind as you pursue your filmmaking passion.
