This website uses affiliate links to support itself. If you make a purchase using one of these links we may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.
For more information click here.
Murphy’s law states that if something can go wrong, it will. Why not be prepared for when that happens? You never know when you might need a bit of tape or a safety pin while out on a shoot. And keeping a kit of useful items is a cheap insurance policy. One plus of this kit, it’s fully TSA carry-on compliant.
The Pouch
I use a Maxpedition E.D.C Pocket Organizer. The two things I like about it are that it has tons of storage and it’s really well built. If you want something smaller you can pick up the Micro version instead.
What’s Inside
I keep a variety of items in the pouch to handle all kinds of emergencies, but they can be broken down into four categories: photography, utility, shooting day, and comfort.
Photography
Small Rig Multi-Tool: If you are a photographer you need this in your bag!
Extra Zeiss Lens Wipes: I use these for my sunglasses too, so I go through a lot of them.
Spare Lens Cloth: I have a ton of these so why not throw one in here as a backup.
Utility
Streamlight Stylus Pro: You can use your phone, but I prefer something with more power.
AAA Batteries: Extras for the flashlight.
Pen: Useful for filling out customs forms when flying internationally.
Sharpie: When a pen just won’t work.
Small Lighter: I’m a bit of a fire bug. :)
Duct Tape: I wrap a little around a small card.
Shooting Day
Safety Pins: Fly away hairs beware.
Hair Ties: When I had long hair I realized these are useful for more than just hair.
Bobby Pins: To help with the fit on clothes.
Tide Pen: This little thing has saved me a few times.
Comfort
Hand Warmers: Also useful for astrophotography to keep your lens from fogging up.
Extra Tylenol/Advil: Mainly for headaches and the occasional neck pain when my main bottle runs out.
What’s Not Inside
I've seen other photographers pouches and they keep some items I don’t.
First aid supplies: Instead of keeping band-aids in my pouch I carry a full first aid kit. The Tylenol I carry is in addition to the ones in my first aid kit and my main bottle.
Electronic cords or chargers: Since this isn’t an everyday pouch, I don't carry cords or chargers like other photographers do.
Survival items: While this is an emergency pouch, I don’t keep any survival items in it.
Final Thoughts
If you have any suggestions on an item I should put in my kit leave a comment below. Likewise if you have any questions I’m happy to answer them.
One last thing. If you are enjoying this blog and wish to support the work I do here, consider using the Buy me a Coffee button at the bottom of the page to make a one time donation to show your appreciation.
P.S. I always like to add as much value as I can to my posts, to that end here is a video from Peter McKinnon talking about his emergency pouch which is what inspired me to make my own.