7 Must-Have Field Production Tools for Outdoor Filming
Plus a Pro Editing Class You Can’t Miss!
If you’re filming content in the field—whether it’s hunts, outdoor adventures, or remote storytelling—then you already know this: your gear can make or break your footage. I’ve spent years behind the scenes and in front of the lens, producing outdoor content in every condition imaginable. From brutal heat to snow-covered blinds, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) when you’re trying to capture high-quality video in unpredictable environments.
You don’t need to break the bank, but you do need reliable tools to produce professional content. Here are 7 must-have production products for anyone filming in the wild—plus a bonus resource for learning how to bring it all together in post-production.
1. Rode VideoMic Pro+ Shotgun Microphone
We’ve all witnessed great video content with terrible sound quality that wrecks the whole project. This compact shotgun mic is a field favorite because it delivers crystal-clear audio, reduces background noise, and mounts easily to your camera. It’s especially clutch when you’re recording interviews in unpredictable outdoor conditions.
2. Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless Camera
Lightweight, durable, and excellent in low light—this camera is a beast in the backcountry. With 4K video capabilities and fast autofocus, it’s ideal for quick action and variable lighting, like those early morning hunts or golden-hour trail shots.
3. Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber Tripod with K20X Ball Head
A solid tripod that doesn’t weigh you down is critical in the field. This setup gives you stability, smooth panning, and packs down small enough to fit in your pack.
4. Neewer 660 LED Video Light Kit (Bi-Color)
Yes, natural light is amazing—but it’s not always reliable. These portable LED lights are a game-changer for early morning setups, inside blinds, or filling shadows in interviews.
5. Zoom H5 Handy Recorder
For those serious about professional audio capture, the H5 lets you record separate channels from shotgun mics or lavs—perfect for voiceovers or syncing high-quality sound in post.
6. Pelican 1510 Rolling Hard Case
You can’t take chances with your gear in the wild. Pelican’s rugged cases are waterproof, dustproof, and airline carry-on compliant. Whether you’re bouncing down a two-track or hauling gear across a canyon, this case keeps your investment safe.
7. SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB SD Cards
You can’t afford to lose footage due to cheap memory cards. SanDisk Extreme PRO cards offer fast write speeds and top-tier reliability—ideal for shooting 4K in high-stakes conditions.
🎬 Want to Take Your Editing to the Next Level?
Having great footage is only half the battle. If you want to truly produce content that turns heads—tight cuts, clean audio, smooth transitions—you need to sharpen your editing skills.
That’s why I’m excited to share that Tom Petry, one of the top outdoor content producers in the country and the man behind Film the Hunt, is offering a new editing class this summer. Whether you’re just learning or ready to level up, Tom teaches real-world editing techniques tailored to outdoor storytelling.
📍 Visit Film the Hunt to learn more and sign up for Tom’s upcoming editing workshop.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor content is growing fast—but the bar for quality is rising even faster. With the right tools and some hands-on education, you can stand out in a crowded field. Whether you’re chasing bugles in the backcountry or documenting conservation efforts, what you create matters. So gear up, get out there, and tell a story that deserves to be heard.
– Julie McQueen
CEO of CarbonTV | Outdoor Producer | Storyteller
Want help building your gear kit or curious about camera setups we use on CarbonTV shows? Drop a comment—we love helping storytellers succeed in the wild.
* This post contains affiliate links through Amazon, which means CarbonTV may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links—at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting content creators! *
Check out our article “The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist for Hiking and Camping” to learn about other gear that is a must-have in the field.
