Below is a list of my go-to items when I travel, take photos, or when I'm at home doing video webinar, or even training for the next big trips. These are the best tools I found after years of trials and errors. I highly recommend you check them out. Please use the Amazon and B&H links I provided as I would receive around 1-2% commission if you use my link to purchase. Thank you in advance!

The MUST-BUY NOW list

Amazon Link.
I have 15 of them. Can save you hours when backing up files after a long day of photoshoot. For example, what usually took me an hour to transfer on my WD hard drive, this SSD drive takes maybe just a minute or two. It's insane. Durable, reliable and save space when travel.

Amazon Link.
I have switched from Gura Bag to this one. I can easily put BOTH my 600 f/4 and 400 2.8 without hoods in it, plus 3 bodies and a bunch of smaller lens, plus a Samsonite cart in it. When doing air travel you never use bags with wheels otherwise it would be gate checked in smaller planes.

Amazon Link.
Ultra warm and ultra light. I used to have the mountain hardwear compressor but the Arcteryx is a lot nicer.

Health and Fitness

Amazon Link
I've been training my core everyday since my lower back injury. And I would drink protein shake plus organic red, and sometimes I make fruit juice. I've tried many brands and this one recommended by Andy is the ultimate, though expensive, the juice tastes 10x better I don't know why.

Amazon Link.
I've been lazy and only use K-cup lately. My favorite is the Major Dickason from Peet's. Since I have been using the 168 intermittent fasting these days, good coffee is important. My old machine took 30 seconds to heat up the water. This one is instant.

Amazon Link.
Cardio is super important for wildlife photographers. I do 45-60 mins cardio every day. Very relaxing. I just watch YouTube on my iPad while on the ellipticals and new ideas of photography would randomly come up.

Get a $50 OFF discount
I strive to get 8 hours of good sleep and the Oura Ring recommended by Dan helps me keep track of it.

B&H Link
I use it to keep track of my heart beat to make sure I am in 120-130 range for cardio.

Use this referral code to get $100 off:
KP2GS5
Link to Peloton
With all the live classes, it really keeps you accountable. I switch between this and my ellipticals to have variation.

Computers etc for editing and viewing

Link to Topaz Denoise AI
The best noise removal software I've used. Use my link to get 15% off.
If work together with my Dynamic Tension Stacking workflow, you can significantly reduce noise while retaining details and keep the boundaries of your subject natural.

Audio and Video At Home, FB Live, Zoom Webinar

Amazon Link.
B&H Link
This one combined with the Shure SM7B mic is the best combo for ultimate sound quality. Though expensive, well worth it. Much much better than my previous blue yeti setup.

Amazon Link
B&H Link
Again, this combined with the Rodecaster Pro is the best combo money can buy.

Link
What can I say? Industry standard. The best mic arm money can buy.

Amazon link.
Much better when attached to the iPhone.

B&H Link
Best when attached to the Rodecaster Pro for wireless broadcasting

B&H Link
Best mic when attached to the Sennheiser wireless transmitter.

B&H Link
One of the most powerful LED lights

B&H Link
This provides really soft light

Cold and Rainy Weather plus travel apparel

Amazon Link
The best lightweight ventilated rain shell recommended by Chas. Insanely expensive and insanely good. Great customer service.

Amazon Link.
The best lightweight ventilated rain pant. Best to wear on top of the Compressor Pants if super cold. Insanely expensive and insanely good too.

Amazon Link.
Super warm and lightweight. Super comfy. Beware though, its so warm you may not survive wearing it for too long indoors.

Amazon Link.
Must have for photographers. Chas is the US distributor I think.

Amazon Link.
I usually wear this beneath the Heat3 Glove for extra warmth. Can handle -40F. I usually buy 5 pairs of those because if it gets wet you can switch to another pair. Cold fingers is never good.

Amazon Link.
So comfortable and quick dry. Good for travel and I wear it beneath the compressor pants if cold.

Amazon Link.
Quick dry towel is necessary for shower. And for wiping the lens dry.

Amazon link.
A pair of muck boot is the standard for residents of Alaska, and good for anyone doing a lot of hike in rainy season.

Amazon Link.
Best hiking boots with good support.

Amazon Link.
Everything needs to be quick dry in long travel at places without laundry service.

Amazon Link.
Waterproof duffel bag is easier to fit in small planes. I always use the Samsonite Cart to pull them. And I put one inside the bag to check in.

Amazon Link.
Just for daily walking. So comfortable.

Amazon Link.
You don't want frost bite on your face...

Amazon Link.
This is a life-saver to hang dry your clothes in camps and hotel rooms.

Amazon Link.
This cart saved my back so many times walking in the airports.

Amazon Link
Good for cold and hot drink.

Amazon Link
Light weight electric kettle is essential for travel

Amazon Link
Knee pads are critical when you see wild animals and need to get to a lower level. You just need to put it on the right knee if you carry your lens on your left hand.

Amazon Link
Can still make good coffee in the wild

International and remote communications

Amazon Link.
This thing uses satellite signals where you can send your GPS location to friends all over the world, and also FB so they can save you. Can also send text messages. I pay the monthly fee of ~$60 for the service, and get peace of mind. I was able to send good signals in remote island of Falkland Islands.

Amazon Link.
I use this to create wifi hotspot when I travel internationally. Just need to purchase some day pass before the trip and it will be automatically activated once you arrive at the cities.

Amazon Link.
I read somewhere on self-defense that this pen is the best as a tactical pen because of the material. Also can be used to write 🙂

B&H Link
Must have for air travel for the absolute silence.

Amazon Link.
I have this too for air travel.

B&H Link
My camera body. I have two.

B&H Link for Nikon 400 2.8
B&H Link for Sony 400 2.8
B&H Link for Canon 400 2.8
400 2.8 is a MUST-OWN Lens. It focuses twice as quickly as 600 f/4 and is much sharper.

B&H Link for Nikon 600 f/4
My workhorse lens for birds and Yellowstone

B&H Link
Super light weight, sharp and decently fast. A lot faster and sharper than 200-500

B&H Link
I try to avoid tripod but it still comes in handy when waiting for landing and taking flight, and videos.

B&H Link
Wimberley Head for the tripod.

Must-Read Books For Photography and Creativity