Run-and-Gun Checklists
What to Pack for Unpredictable Shoots (Rain, Wind, Low Light)

Run-and-gun filming is where preparation truly pays off.
When you’re shooting sailing at UTSC, science demonstrations outdoors, school events, wildlife passing by, or a spur-of-the-moment corporate clip, there is rarely time to plan, stage, or reset. The weather changes, the light changes, the subject moves — and you have to keep up.

At Philip M Russell Ltd, we rely on a run-and-gun checklist to ensure nothing essential is left behind. A single forgotten item can ruin a shoot.
Here’s what goes into our grab-bag for unpredictable filming conditions.

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1. Weatherproofing Essentials

Rain Gear for Cameras

• Rain covers for mirrorless bodies

• Waterproof bag for action cameras

• Clear plastic emergency poncho (cheap but life-saving)

• Microfibre cloths for constant lens drying

Weather Protection for People

• Packable waterproof jacket

• Cap to keep rain off glasses/EVFs

• Hand warmers for winter shoots

Lens Protection

• UV filter or protector

• Rubber hoods that won’t catch wind

• A lens cloth in every pocket

Rain is the enemy of clarity — and electronics — so redundancy matters.

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2. Wind-Proofing Tools

Wind ruins audio before it ruins anything else.

Audio

• Proper deadcats (not the tiny foam covers)

• Compact shotgun mic for directionality

• Lavalier mics with fur covers

• Gaffer tape for hiding lavs under clothing

Camera Stability

• A small monopod

• Additional grip strap

• Wind-resistant tripod if filming on a pontoon or the riverbank

For river filming at UTSC, we also carry extra tethering straps for cameras on the Whaly.

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3. Low-Light Survival Kit

Lighting

• On-camera LED panel

• USB-powered mini light

• Warm/cool filters for colour balance

Battery Strategy

Low light = long exposures = more battery drain.
So we carry:

• spare camera batteries

• USB-C PD power bank

• spare AA/AAA for audio recorders

Focusing Aids

• Small pocket torch with a warm beam

• Laser-safe focus target (no harm to sensors)

Low light is manageable as long as you can see what you’re focusing on.

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4. The “Unpredictable” Essentials

Action Camera

When the main camera can’t go into the rain, the GoPro or Insta360 Ace Pro can.

ND Filters

For bright moments between the clouds.

Lens Wipes & Cloths

Always more than you think you need.

SD Cards and a Spare Reader

Storage fails at the worst possible moment.

Small Toolkit

• mini screwdriver

• Allen keys

• spare quick-release plate

• Velcro ties

• gaffer tape (the universal fixer)

Emergency Audio Backup

• A tiny pocket recorder (Zoom H1n style)

• Clip-on lav mic

Just in case your main system fails or the wind overwhelms your shotgun mic.

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5. Personal Comfort Items (often overlooked)

• Water bottle

• Muesli bar or energy snack

• Thin gloves that still allow camera operation

• Glasses cleaning spray

• Notebook and pen (still useful even with phones!)

If you are uncomfortable, your filming will suffer.

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6. The “Tech Core” We Never Leave Without

• Main camera

• Lightweight versatile lens (24–70mm equivalent)

• Small telephoto if wildlife or sports likely

• Action camera

• Shotgun mic

• 2× lav mics

• LED light

• Batteries + power bank

• ND filters

• SD cards

• Microfibre cloths

That’s the minimal, go-anywhere setup.

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The Takeaway

Run-and-gun filming is all about readiness.
You can’t control the weather, the light or the moment — but you can control what’s in your bag. With a solid checklist, you stay flexible, resilient, and always able to tell the story, whether it’s a science experiment, a sailing race or an unexpected moment worth capturing.

When the shoot is unpredictable, your preparation becomes your superpower.