No matter how compact your camera is, you’ll find that your film and video shoots will still require keeping multiple accessories close by. While hard cases keep these items safe for travel, they are quite bulky. Backpacks can hold many items, but they don’t always provide the quickest access. So for on-set use, smart creators turn to set bags and pouches to save space and time.
Tote Bags
A wide storage area and simple design make tote bags perfect for carrying a variety of accessories and supplies on set. Larger ones are handy for storing items like a focus monitor, wireless video system, or matte box, rod, and follow focus motor rig. Use small or medium bags to hold your media, slate and marker pens, cleaning supplies, spare batteries, and tapes for marking actors. Both bags below will stand upright on their own when empty, something you’ll appreciate when wrapping your gear at the end of a long day.
The Peak Design Everyday Tote features a padded sleeve for a 13” laptop, an adjustable padded strap, two FlexFold dividers, and durable 400D Nylon canvas construction that is both weatherproof and abrasion-resistant.
Available in three sizes and multiple colors, the made-in-the-USA PortaBrace Sack Packs are built to last with double-layered 1000D Cordura fabric and a padded bottom. They feature a main compartment with a drawstring closure, two slip pockets, and suede handles.
Doctor’s Bag
To keep your tools and smaller supplies neatly organized and close at hand, select a “doctor’s” bag or a multi-pocket tote. These bags can also hold a small camera and battery or two in their main compartment, letting you use one as your only bag for run-and-gun capture or a quick breakaway shot.
The Tenba Cineluxe V2 Video Shoulder Bag 16 has a top zipper that opens wide to provide easy access to the wide central compartment. Adjustable dividers and multiple outside pockets let you safely store multiple items separately.
Got tools? The exterior of the Itoya ProFolio Entourage Tote Bag is lined with 12 open pockets that are perfect for sorting your tools and supplies. This affordable bag features a wide, easy-to-clean interior and reinforced handles.
Assistant’s Pouch
For essential tools like a mini flashlight, rangefinder, tape measure, screwdriver, lens cloth, and marker, use an AC’s pouch. Hang one of these pouches on a second belt so that you can quickly remove it without having to unthread your main belt.
The Setwear Small Assistant Camera Pouch features multiple pockets, a D-ring for hanging a roll of tape, and loop closure (not hook-and-loop) that you won’t be afraid to open while rolling sound.
SHAPE's On-Set AC Belt and Pouch Tool Kit includes a wide belt with a quick release buckle, rigid plastic back support, and several D-rings. The pouch has one large pocket plus multiple shaped outer pockets that are ideal for an air bulb, multi-tool, marker pens, jeweler’s tools, and more.
There's something for every student and every kit. If you'd like to learn more about photo bags and photography as a whole, check out our other articles and gift guides on the B&H Explora site!
