Our Full-Time Content Creation Camera Kit
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Whether we are snowboarding down remote ridgelines, setting up the van in a national forest, or chasing sunsets across state lines, one thing stays consistent. We are always filming.
Over the years, we have fine tuned a gear setup that makes it easy to shoot high quality content without needing a full production crew or studio. This post breaks down the four main tools in our current camera kit, why we love them, and how we use each one in real life content creation on the road.
Insta360 X5
Taken In Banff NP on Insta360 X5
Our Go To for Action, Timelapses, and Creative Flexibility
The Insta360 X5 has become our everyday carry camera. If we are filming something cool, it is probably on this. It delivers stunning video quality, crisp audio, and 360 degree capture that gives us the flexibility to reframe shots after the fact. That is huge when you are filming alone or want more options in editing.
How we use it:
First person mountain biking and snowboarding
Van setup timelapses
360 degree set the camera down and walk away clips
Reels and TikToks with dynamic perspectives
Why we love it:
Reframing freedom. We shoot once, then decide later what angle looks best
Built in stabilization. Makes rough rides look buttery smooth
Solid audio capture. Surprisingly clear sound, even outdoors
Smart features. Auto tracking, horizon lock, and editing templates in the app
This camera basically acts like a second shooter. Whether you are filming yourself packing up camp or chasing powder in the trees, the Insta360 X5 captures it all with minimal fuss and maximum flexibility.
Taken in Silverthorn, CO on GoPro 13
Built for Rough Weather and Rugged Missions
The GoPro HERO 13 is our no matter what camera. When the snow is blowing sideways or we are sending it into the backcountry, this thing is coming along.
How we use it:
Chest mounted snowboard POVs
Handlebar footage on MTB trails
Dash cam style timelapses on travel days
Interviews when we want a locked down angle
Why we love it:
Cold weather battery life. Performs surprisingly well even below freezing
High frame rate options. Great for slowing down action footage
Waterproof and durable. Toss it in a snowbank, no worries
Hands free voice control. Super handy with gloves on
The stabilization is a massive win, especially for POV shots. It captures clean, cinematic footage that does not require a ton of post work, and it is easy to mount just about anywhere. We usually keep this one ready to roll on a mount so we never miss a shot.
Taken On Rabbit Ears Pass On iPhone 17
The Ultimate Pocket Sized Production Studio
Let us be real. The iPhone 17 does a lot of heavy lifting in our workflow. When we are shooting fast moving content or want to capture spontaneous moments for Reels or TikTok, this is the easiest tool in the kit.
How we use it:
Short form content for Reels, Stories, TikToks
B roll of coffee setups, van life scenes, and more
Voiceovers and soundbites
Quick field edits for social posts
Why we love it:
Cinematic mode and portrait video are incredibly polished
Great low light performance for sunrise and sunset moments
Built in mic is solid for casual talking clips
Easy app access to edit and upload directly from the field
We can shoot, trim, caption, and upload an entire video without even opening a laptop. It is also our go to when we need to shoot discreetly or move fast. The iPhone helps us stay consistent even on days when the other gear stays packed.
Taken on Berthoud Pass on DJI Flip Drone
Compact Aerial Shots with Pro Level Features
No content kit is complete without a drone, and the DJI Mini Flip gives us the cinematic shots we crave without taking up space or requiring a degree in piloting.
How we use it:
Scenic aerial shots of trailheads, mountain passes, and campsites
Drone reveals of the van rolling into epic locations
Hyperlapses of storm clouds or road trips
Setup b roll from above for YouTube
Why we love it:
Hyperlapse mode makes time based shots incredibly easy
Cruise control and auto tracking let us shoot smooth solo footage
Quick shot presets speed up the process
Ultra compact. Fits in a backpack side pocket or even a jacket
It is quick to launch, easy to control, and delivers high quality footage that looks like it came from a much bigger rig. When we want to take our video to the next level, the drone makes it happen.
Final Thoughts
A Kit Built for Creators on the Move
This setup helps us stay nimble, creative, and consistent no matter where the road takes us. Everything fits into one camera cube, and every piece has a clear job to do:
The Insta360 X5 is the king of versatility, reframing, and all in one storytelling
The GoPro 13 handles the elements and captures reliable, dynamic action footage
The iPhone 16 lets us produce and post fast from anywhere
The DJI Flip adds cinematic scale to our stories with minimal effort
If you are a creator, adventurer, or van lifer looking to step up your content game without building out a full film crew, this combo hits the sweet spot between power and portability.
Have questions about how we shoot, edit, or organize content on the go? Shoot us a message on Instagram or check out our behind the scenes vlogs on YouTube. We love nerding out about camera gear.
