Small Gear, Big Impact: 5 Must-Have Accessories for Outdoor & Travel Photographers
You know that feeling when you think you've packed everything for a shoot, only to realise you've left behind that one small but essential piece of gear? Yeah, we’ve all been there. While professional camera gear and high-end lenses get all the glory, it’s often the small photography accessories that can make or break a shoot - especially in extreme conditions.
If you're a landscape photographer, adventure photographer, or travel photographer, these five compact, lightweight, and essential photography accessories will level up your outdoor shooting experience.
1. Neo Lens Cloth – The Best Way to Keep Your Camera Lens Clean
You wouldn’t drive your car with a dirty windshield, so why are you shooting with a dusty or smudged camera lens? A quick wipe with your shirt isn’t cutting it, mate. Enter the OTEX Neo Lens Cloth, your new best mate.
This ultra-soft microfiber lens cloth is designed to remove dust, fingerprints, and moisture without leaving streaks or scratches. It’s a must-have for keeping your camera lenses, filters, and viewfinders crystal clear - especially when shooting in humid, dusty, or wet conditions.
Armed with a protective neoprene pouch and a handy carabiner clip, the OTEX Neo Lens Cloth is always within hands reach. Keep one in your pocket, another clipped to your bag, and maybe one more on your keychain for good measure.
2. Photography Gloves – The Best Cold-Weather Gloves for Photographers
Ever tried adjusting your camera settings with frozen fingers? It’s like trying to text with boxing gloves on.
OTEX’s XT-801 Photography Gloves are designed for cold-weather photography, giving you warmth without turning your hands into unresponsive meat mittens. The flip-lock fingertips allow you to adjust camera dials, press buttons, and operate touchscreens without taking them off. They’re even great for use with smartphones and other fiddly equipment.
These gloves are windproof, waterproof, and breathable, making them ideal for winter landscape photography, astrophotography, and outdoor shoots in extreme conditions. No more suffering for the shot - just warm, fully functional hands.
3. Waterproof Socks – Essential for Outdoor & Adventure Photographers
Ever stepped into an unexpected puddle or waded through damp terrain and spent the rest of the day squelching around like a sad, soggy mess? Yeah, not ideal.
That’s where HydroTred Waterproof Socks come in. These breathable, fully waterproof socks keep your feet dry in rain, snow, or wet hiking trails - so you can focus on getting the shot instead of worrying about soggy boots.
Whether you’re a hiking photographer, wildlife photographer, or shooting in unpredictable weather, waterproof socks are an absolute game-changer. Dry feet = happy photographer.
4. A Solid Multi-Tool – Save Your Equipment On Those Outdoor Photography Shoots
Screws come loose. Tripods need adjusting. And sometimes, you just need to crack open a beer after a long shoot.
A high-quality multi-tool for photographers is a must-have. Look for one with:
✅ Small screwdrivers for tightening camera mounts and tripod plates
✅ A knife for cutting tape, straps, or loose threads
✅ Pliers for adjusting gear or fixing minor issues on the go
Whether you’re shooting in remote locations, on rugged terrain, or traveling internationally, having a compact and durable multi-tool in your bag will save you more times than you’d expect.
5. Hand Warmers – Keep Your Hands & Camera Batteries Warm in Cold Weather
Cold weather photography can be brutal - not just for your fingers, but for your camera batteries too.
Batteries drain up to 50% faster in freezing temperatures, meaning your shoot could end long before you’re ready. That’s where hand warmers come in. Toss a couple into your pockets to keep your fingers warm and store extra warmers with your camera batteries to help extend their life.
Pro tip: Bring a small flask of boiling water to help reactivate reusable hand warmers while you're out in the field. If your warmers start cooling down mid-shoot, a quick soak in hot water can recharge them, giving you extra warmth for your hands and batteries without having to pack a ton of extras. Plus, having hot water on hand is a bonus for staying warm on cold shoots—whether it’s for a quick cup of tea or just defrosting your fingers!
Final Thoughts: The Right Gear Makes All the Difference
Photography isn’t just about having a high-end camera - it’s about having the right tools to keep you shooting in any environment. These five compact photography accessories will help you stay comfortable, prepared, and focused on capturing the perfect shot, whether you’re shooting in extreme heat, freezing cold, or wet conditions.
So, what’s in your kit? Have a must-have outdoor photography accessory that’s saved your shoot? Drop it in the comments—we’d love to hear about it!