what do you carry in your camera bag?

[arlon]

What are some of the more useful things you carry? Just looking for other ideas..

I never carry a real bag, I just use a decent sized fanny pack. I keep the camera (or a second camera) and some odds and end in my fanny pack. I just found for my needs the fanny pack was better than a more traditional camera bag/back pack.

What I carry:
Small hand made bean bag that perfectly fits the bottom of the pack filled with very light weight foam beads.

Dime store emergency poncho (has saved me several times).

Small trash bag for gear (sometimes for trash I pick up along a trail).

Cheap plastic ladies shower cap. The elastic shower caps are perfect for protecting the camera when I end up in damp or windy/dusty location but are thin enough to still work the camera through (I live in West Texas).

Several business cards with just my name, email and pbase account link for folks I meet on the road/trail or where ever (I don't sell anything). Those cards have made me several friends I still keep up with in far flung locations.

Sharp quality tweezers and a bottle of "liquid band aid" (I live in West Texas and everything has a thorn on it..).

Spare battery or two (cheap 12v travel chargers just stay in both of my cars)

Spare media

Usually a different lens or automatic extension tube in one of the drink holders.

OFF insect repellent towelettes (the little thin foil packs)

Handi wipes (little thin foil packs)

ND400 and polarizer filter in a filter wallet.

The drink holders also make for wonderful monopod supports when I'm using a big lens..







Monopod in drink holder..


Drink holder for support when walking with a heavy lens..