Join me as I unpack the gear I use to film cinematic travel vlogs, from the Sony A7C II to the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and how it all fits in one backpack.
Published on May 1, 2025 by Carl
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Travel filmmaking is my passion, but let’s be real—it’s a hustle. You’re dodging crowds in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, chasing sunsets in Budva, or setting up an interview in a cramped Melbourne café. Your gear needs to keep up, stay compact, and deliver pro-level results. After years of tweaking (and a few gear fails), I’ve nailed my 2025 kit. Here’s what I carry, why I love it, and how it all fits in one backpack.
The Sony A7C II is my workhorse. This full-frame mirrorless camera is a beast in a tiny body—perfect for travel. Its dynamic range captures vibrant Osaka street scenes, and the autofocus locks onto subjects even in Berlin’s dim nightlife. Paired with the Tamron 24-200mm lens, I can shoot wide landscapes in Cairns or tight portraits in Prague without swapping lenses.
Story Time: In Hanoi, I filmed a street food vlog at dusk. The A7C II’s low-light performance turned chaotic market stalls into cinematic gold. For client work, I rig it with a Neewer 99W V-Mount Battery and Feelworld 5.5” Touchscreen Monitor. For run-and-gun, I strip it down and go handheld. Versatile? You bet.
Bad audio kills a vlog faster than shaky footage. The Rode Wireless PRO is my go-to for crisp sound. With 32-bit float recording, timecode sync, and onboard backup, it’s perfect for interviews in Phuket or vlogging in Korčula’s windy streets.
Story Time: In Osaka’s Dotonbori, I recorded a lively street interview with a chef. The Wireless PRO cut through the crowd noise like a champ, and the backup saved me when my recorder glitched. It’s a massive upgrade from my old Rode GO II.
Lighting can make or break a shot. The Aputure MC Pro and MT Pro are pocket-sized RGB lights that pack a punch. They’re USB-C rechargeable, have magnetic mounts, and let me add colorful backlights or soft key lights anywhere.
Story Time: In Melbourne, I used the MC Pro to light a nighttime café interview. Its RGB mode added a warm glow that made the shot pop. In Budva, I stuck the MT Pro to a metal railing for a sunset beach vlog—compact and clutch.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is my secret weapon for quick, stabilized shots. It’s pocket-sized, has a flip screen, built-in gimbal, and comes with a wireless mic. Perfect for walk-and-talks or casual vlogs when I don’t want to lug the Sony.
Story Time: In Japan, I filmed a cherry blossom vlog with the Pocket 3. Its stabilization smoothed out my shaky hands, and the mic captured clear audio despite the crowd. Check out the cinematic footage I shot:
For hands-free POV shots, I wear the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. They’re discreet, lightweight, and great for behind-the-scenes or immersive travel vlogs. No need to hold a camera—just walk and shoot.
Story Time: In Budva, I wore the Meta Glasses while strolling the Old Town. The footage felt like my viewers were right there with me, exploring Montenegro’s cobblestone streets. Want to see them in action? Here’s my review:
Some days, I travel light with just my iPhone 16 Pro Max, Osmo Pocket 3, and Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. This trio covers wide cinematic shots, stabilized vlogs, and POV content without weighing me down.
Story Time: In Phuket, I explored Patong Beach with this kit. The iPhone’s ProRes video handled vibrant market scenes, the Pocket 3 nailed smooth walk-and-talks, and the Meta Glasses captured candid moments. Perfect for spontaneous adventures.
A steady shot is non-negotiable for interviews or time-lapses. My Manfrotto Travel Tripod is lightweight, compact, and sturdy enough for my Sony rig.
Story Time: In Prague, I set up a time-lapse of Charles Bridge at sunrise. The Manfrotto kept my A7C II rock-solid despite the morning breeze. It folds small enough to fit in my backpack, too.
Editing on the road needs power and portability. My MacBook Pro M4 Max (64GB RAM) chews through 4K timelines like nothing. The iPad Pro M4 (13”, 16GB RAM) is my sidekick for scripts, thumbnails, and quick color grading.
Story Time: In Cairns, I edited a Great Barrier Reef vlog on my MacBook while sipping coffee. The iPad doubled as a second screen for color tweaks, saving me hours. This duo keeps my workflow smooth, no matter where I am.
Long shoots need reliable power. The Neewer 99W V-Mount Battery keeps my Sony rig running for hours. The Feelworld 5.5” Touchscreen Monitor ensures precise framing for interviews or tricky shots.
Story Time: In Korčula, I filmed a sunset interview on a beach. The V-Mount Battery powered my camera and monitor all evening, and the Feelworld’s touchscreen made framing a breeze.
All this gear lives in my ThinkTank Airport Commuter Backpack. It’s carry-on compliant, padded, and discreet—no flashy logos to scream “steal me.” I can switch from a full doc setup to a light vlog kit in minutes.
Story Time: In Berlin, I dashed through Mitte with this backpack, filming b-roll and an interview in one day. Everything stayed secure, and it fit under my plane seat on the way to Melbourne. Trust me, this bag is a game-changer.
This kit is my travel filmmaking lifeline. It’s flexible enough for polished documentaries or quick YouTube vlogs, letting me capture the chaos of Hanoi’s streets or the serenity of Budva’s coast. Whether you’re starting your travel vlog journey or leveling up, I hope my setup inspires you.
Want to grab some of my gear? Here’s a quick rundown with links:
Check out my YouTube channel (@carltravels) for more travel vlogs and gear tips. Got questions about my setup? Drop a comment on my videos or reach out!