Minimalist Travel Kit: Joris Hermans' Gear Rundown

We've all been there: staring at a mountain of gear, agonizing over what to leave behind for a trip. The tension between wanting to capture *everything* and the reality of airline baggage restrictions is real. Joris Hermans, a creator known for his travel videos, recently tackled this very dilemma, and his “What's in my Travel Camera Bag” video offers a peek into his minimalist philosophy. It's not just about the gear itself, but the mindset – a commitment to quality over quantity, and a willingness to embrace the challenges of a lighter load.

For those of us in the Rogue Photographers community, this isn’t just a gear list; it’s a masterclass in lens craft. It demonstrates how to achieve impactful visuals with a pared-down setup, a principle we champion here on Sovereign.ink.

Hermans' approach is rooted in experience. He and his partner spent two years traveling the world with only hand luggage, a lesson in efficiency and resilience. While he now wants to bring more gear, the core principle remains: maximize what you carry while minimizing the risk of lost bags and wasted time. He openly acknowledges the pressure to create this type of video, a familiar refrain for many content creators.

The Gear Breakdown: A Rogue Photographer's Perspective

Let's break down the kit, not just as a list of items, but as a series of considered choices. He highlights the Sony A7S III as his primary camera, praising its versatility—capable of both cinematic footage and vlogging—and the enjoyable shooting experience it provides. This is a testament to the importance of finding gear you *enjoy* using; it's reflected in the work.

His lens selection is equally deliberate: a Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 for wide-angle versatility and an 85mm f/1.8 for creating beautiful shallow depth of field effects. He explains his reasoning – the 17mm for vlogging, the 28mm approaching his favorite focal length, and the 85mm for that signature cinematic look. The absence of a 35mm lens is a conscious decision to embrace the limitations of his kit.

Microphone choice is a key area of improvement for Hermans. He swapped out a Rode VideoMic Pro+ for a Deity D4 Duo, citing its smaller size and ability to capture audio from the rear—crucial for vlogging when the camera is facing him. This illustrates a critical point for any lens crafter: understanding your workflow and adapting your equipment to support it.

Beyond the Basics: A Holistic Approach

Hermans doesn't stop at the core camera and lens setup. He includes a Mavic Air 2 drone for aerial perspectives, Sony Tough SD cards for reliable storage, and a variety of lighting and stabilization equipment. He even mentions using presets and LUTs to streamline his color grading workflow—a vital element in post-production.

What's truly valuable is his consideration of ancillary equipment. The bendy tripod, the magnetic filter system (Freewell), the gimbal—these are the tools that elevate the production value without adding significant bulk. The list of studio lighting equipment highlights the breadth of his creative practice.

Lessons for the Rogue Photographer

Joris Hermans' travel camera bag isn't just a collection of gadgets; it's a testament to the power of intentionality. For the Rogue Photographers community, it’s a reminder that:

• Less is Often More: A smaller kit encourages creativity and forces you to make the most of what you have.
• Gear is a Tool, Not a Crutch: Focus on the craft, not the equipment. A skilled photographer can create stunning images with minimal gear.
• Understand Your Workflow: Choose equipment that supports your process and solves specific problems.
• Embrace Constraints: Limitations can spark innovation and lead to unique creative solutions.

This video serves as inspiration for all of us – to travel lighter, shoot smarter, and create meaningful work, regardless of the gear we carry.