Hot take: My Costa Rica hike showed why a travel repair kit is non-negotiable

Last year, I was deep in a Costa Rican rainforest when my old film camera's aperture blades stuck from the damp air. I always carry a small set of jeweler's screwdrivers and a tiny bottle of isopropyl alcohol in my backpack. That day, I was able to clean the mechanism right there on a log and save the whole trip's photos. Some repairers tell me this is overkill and that vacations should be about relaxing, not working on gear. They say you risk losing parts or making things worse without a proper bench. But I've fixed three cameras on trips now and never had a failure I caused. For me, the peace of mind is worth the extra few ounces in my bag. Where do you stand on taking tools with you when you travel?

4 comments

4 Comments

viola_craig728d ago

Oh absolutely! I fixed my camp stove with a paperclip and some duct tape last summer (got some weird looks from my friends, but we ate hot food that night). That little bit of prep can turn a disaster into just a story.

ninas568d ago

Patched a tent leak with my spare sock and some fishing line once, total lifesaver.

simonsingh3d ago

Did the sock stay dry after that, unlike @viola_craig72's paperclip meal?

sandra_black3d ago

My buddy Mark had his drone controller just die on a beach in Thailand, miles from any shop. He always packs a tiny multi-tool with pliers. He popped it open, found a loose battery wire, and re-crimped the connector with the plier tips. The thing powered right back up and he got the sunset shots. He'd never hear the end of it from his wife if he'd lost those. A few tools can absolutely save the day.