With tornado season upon us, it’s time for me to assemble my “Go Bag”.  I’ll keep this ready to go because I might have to jump on a plane at a moments notice to head toward storm country to chase the illusive “big one”.  Although I want to bring everything I think I may need, it’s also important to stay portable and travel light.  During these storm chases we are constantly in and out of hotels, vehicles and not to mention, airplanes.  Packing too much gear bogs you down and when you’re chasing tornadoes, that’s the last thing you want!  Here’s what I’ll be packing in the media bag along with the MacBook Pro:

2 Canon 40d DSLR camera bodies

16-35mm f2.8 L lens

24-105mm f4 lens

70-200mm f2.8 L lens (or the 100-400mm)

580 EXII strobe (or two)

Canon HFS10 HD Video Camera

Contour HD Helmet Camera

Lightning Trigger

Pocket Wizards

Gitzo carbon fiber tripod w/ball head

Portable Storage Device (80 gig)

Satellite Phone

Walkie Talkies

Portable Scanner

MP3 audio recorder for podcast recordings

Rain covers, batteries, chargers, CF/SD cards, filters, cable releases, power strip, various clamps & brackets, etc.

And for me this is traveling light!

My other bag will have the usually “weekender” supply of clean (and dry) clothes, toiletries and rain gear.  I’ll use my laptop and iPhone to monitor local radar loops.  The portable scanner will be used to not only monitor public safety frequencies but to be alerted of severe weather alerts and warnings.  A variety of broadband and MiFi cards will be used to stay connected in the field.  Oh, let’s not forget the map books!