Remember, one size does not fit all. This buyer's guide should help you select some bullet points to think about. As always, weight, type and materials vary, and it's up to you to decide which bag, box or case best suits your needs. Remember, the most important thing about a gear bag: use it or lose it. Don't let your hard-earned video camera investment be lost due to negligence, because you didn't think a bag was as sexy as that super-duper electronic accessory you've been eyeballing. I recently sent my expensive $3000 camcorder in for repairs due to a rather stupid case of negligence, and the invoice was a whopping $500... but they did clean the lens nicely.

BTW, that cardboard box your camera came in? Close it tightly, with all the materials you don't need and store it neatly in the attic for that just-in-case time that you might have to return it to the manufacturer for repairs (hopefully for some reason other than because you didn't carry the camera in a proper case). Keep it there at least until the warranty runs out. Many of your manufacturers' authorized repair shops won't take one without its original shipping crate.

Jennifer O'Rourke is Videomaker's Managing Editor and has been a part-time pack mule for many years.

Click here to download a PDF Manufacturer's list of Videomaker's Editing Laptop Buyer's Guide.

You have your camera bag and gear accessory bags, but there's also that bag of other stuff you need to carry around.

• Extra batteries
• Cleaning solution made for cameras (in a well-sealed baggie)
• Lint-free swabs
• Lens-cleaning paper
• Extra UV filters
• Business cards
• Small flashlight
• Small multi-tool kit for repairs
• Large plastic garbage bag (in case it rains)
• Small lint-free towel or T-shirt
• Bandages
• Notepad and pen
• Clothes pins (about 5)

Find out more from this Videomaker story: Alakazam! The Magic Gear Bag of Tricks or this Tips & Tricks vidcast segment about the stuff to pack in your accessory bag.