Emergency Kit

[LeeR]

I recently wrote a blog posting about the emergency kit I carry in my camera bag. It is mostly meant for photographic emergencies though it has other applications as well. My contains things like Para cord, a space blanket, a multi-tool and band aids. I wonder what sort of emergency items you normally carry.

(If you'd like to see my complete list as well as links to what some other photographers are carrying look here.)

[candleman]

i have hayfever tablets and a multitool also .......this time of year i get hayfever BAD
raincoat (very lightweight)
camera & flash manual
small LED torch
model and property release documents

[NgaiHill]

Hmmm, don't have an emergency kit for my camera bag, although there is always a first aid kit, blanket and water in my car. And of course the cellphone in my pocket.

[OsmosisStudios]

Most of my shooting is within the city, so I never really have much of an issue. I always have a small notepad, pen, sharpies and a swiss army knife.

[FDCPR]

Interesting topic for a thread. Since most of my shoots are in the woods, I don't carry the camera bag. I just throw the tripod on my shoulder and carry an emergency bag cross shoulder. Items move in and out of the bag depending on the area and environment, but normal items stay.

Two compactly folded ponchos, one for me and one for the gear.
Lens pen
100% DEET repellent
LED flashlight
50mm, f/1.4 (carry it, but never use it so it needs to go)
Multi-tool
Compass
GPS (on the bag strap)
Water (purifier if all day)
Extra batteries (double duty for flash and GPS)
Compact flash cards, and extra camera battery
Ace bandage
Band-aids
Para cord
Migraine Meds
Snack bars
1911

[Photologyst]

Most of this stuff fits into my bag, pack or vest since it’s in small quantities. If traveling by car I can take more, like the shovel, jumper cables, flares, rope, blankets, sleeping bag, etc.

• IDs and passport, credit cards, copies of everything.

• Plastic bags for water proofing, seed collecting, whatever.

• Pen, pencil, paper

• Gel antiseptic cleaner.

• Bandaids, antiseptic cream, ibuprofen, gauze, floss, dried yarrow (stops bleeding), antacids, tea tree oil (antiseptic), chemical ice pack, stretch gauze.

• Maps, compass

• Cell phone

• Mirror (for signaling)

• Matches or lighter

• Panty hose, good for fixing broken car belts, tourniquets, tying stuff up, etc.

• Duct tape

• Hand/foot warmers (if winter)

• Pocket tool or at least a Swiss army knife

• LED flashlight, with signal flasher and a dynamo/crank light & radio

• Sunblock and lubricant (Olive or Almond oil works for me. Don’t need much of it.)

• Bandana and or bandana with gel-microbeads for heat

• Hat

• Umbrella, rain poncho (depending)

• Mylar blanket

• Hair clips

• Carabiner clips

• Socks (preferably nylon knee socks, roll up or down, prevent blisters)

• Hiking poles (can be used as splints if collapsible)

• Gloves

• Extra camera, batteries, CF cards, manuals

• Safety pins

• Water, lots of water

• Salt for electrolyte issues

• Granola type bars and a few hard candies, nuts, raisins, etc.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by FDCPR

1911

Mmmm... .45...

[LeeR]

Wow, some terrific ideas here; I am adding to my list as I write this.

I was surprised to find that there wasn't much information on a Photographer's Emergenecy Kits on the web with the exception of Wedding Photographers. Here is a group that has found wisdom in helping the bride prepare for unexpected contingencies. Not only does it make them look more like a hero, but it also saves a lot of time and heartache on the BIG DAY. Here are some of the more unusual items that made some wedding pros lists, but they make great sense when you think about it.

Step stool, for posing
Towels, for sitting on the grass
Huge Golf Umbrella
Disposable Rain Ponchos
Peroxide (gets blood and wine off white satin)
Barbie and Matchbox Cars, for the kids while you shoot the bridal party
Super Glue
Eyeglass Repair Kit
Contact Lens Drops
Breath Mints
Smelling Salts
Spare Handcuff Key
Whoopie Cushion

One clever photographer bought one of those steps stools with built in storage so he can put everything together into one compact unit, use if for posing the bride and stand on it for dance floor photos during the reception. Talk about being prepared!

[Nerwin]

If i'm going on a photo walk alone, I would carry certain things, like plenty of water and food, sat phone, multi-tool(s) maybe some rags that you could use if you cut your self badly to use a tourniquet, some water proof matches and maybe some flint for starting fires, space blanket, extra clothing, you could even get some military food and carry that with you to, especially if your going on long photo walks/hiking trips alone. I would tell local family, and friends and law enforcement where i'm going and if i'm not back in x amount of days, send help. Of course, you also gotta have an ipod with water proof casing, you can't live with out music right?

You know it really does depend on the situation, bring anything you see will help you to survive, I personally would always carry handgun, maybe a 9mm with extra rounds and maybe even a flare gun.

[WooD]

Small note book
A few pens
Lens cloth
Flash light
Full pack of cigarettes
Lighter
Reading glasses
45, 357, or 380 depending on location.