How much is too much?

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

It is really about how much you can personally handle or care to deal with while chasing. I prefer a simpler setup like most, but cant resist certain "toys". I guess being a solo chaser for so long I have got use to multitasking so I know how to safely handle the "extras". Almost feel bored without them when chasing. The whole making multiple trips to unload the vehicle definitely gets annoying, so on the short range (less than 50 miles) chases I normally keep it at a minimum (phone and DSLR). Long range trips though it is nice to have everything there if you want it. I have been so focused on still photography the last few years, I could have left my camcorder at home I used it so little. I am trying to make video a higher priority again, mostly just for myself. It is not like I am selling any of it. I just have not found the right mix between my DSLR, HD camera, and action camera the last few years, so I typically just use the DSLR and forget about the others. Big reason I built another dome again this year. I made sure to make this one as stress free as possible though. Quick to mount and simple to operate.

As much of a headache streaming and having a dome is, I missed having that ability the last few years. I am sure some days my 5 year old laptop will probably misbehave with all the processes running, but the chance to have the 360 degree view and in car audio combined (to record to the laptop) makes it worth it. Streaming is really just a secondary goal and only done because I have everything else in place already. The goal is where all I need to do is aim the camera as I go and with the potential to have preset positions, it could be a very simple operation. Probably will regret it down the road, but I wanted to give it another shot. The improved data networks and having a cheap data card thanks to Verizon's More Everything are part of what drove that decision. Newer technology has definitely made stuff like this easier even though most have moved away from it.

I tried the tablet route on a couple of chases, but found myself missing my laptop (GRLevel3 and Streets & Trips). I see the tablet route working great for some people. It is just not for me. Tablets have their pros, but all I see everyone doing is trying to get their tablet to do what their laptop could. I will save the money and just run my laptop.

 

[Skip Talbot]

It seems like the trend in chasing is definitely heading toward minimalism. Many are chasing with just their phones, using it for data, navigation, and documentation. It's less equipment (at least volume wise) than many of the pioneers decades ago were using. In the future we'll probably see more and more dedicated chasers that are indistinguishable from the surrounding traffic.

I'm a bit of a techno geek but have been refining my setup so it's streamlined and as automated as possible. I have one mounted screen for all my data and nav and am trying to make the cameras as autonomous as possible so that I can just focus on the driving and the sky. I've largely given up on streaming, weather gadgets, and other gear that just becomes a distraction.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

When chasing/spotting, I don't carry around a whole lot. I carry my SLR and portable video camera - I don't several of the same types of equipment because it is usually just me. As for other gear, I have an emergency kit for my own vehicle (flashlight, bottled water, jumper cables and the works) and a first responder medical kit but that is mainly for fire department service in EMS.

The more stuff you have just clutters everything up and increase your loss if it is damaged or stolen.

 

[Dan Robinson]

I will say this RE phones/tablets VS laptops in the car - in my experience, a mounted laptop is far safer to take a quick glance at for radar/maps than a phone, mainly because the screen is bigger and you're not having to hold it. The few times I've tried to peek at radar (or anything) on my phone while driving were downright dangerous, and I'll never do it again. I generally keep even my laptop closed while driving, except to get a quick peek at radar/maps or start a new music playlist.

The whole distracted driving thing honestly scares me more than tornadoes, even post-El Reno.

 

[Drew Terril]

I think my time in the military desensitized me as far as the distracted driving aspect goes. The average person (and some emergency personnel) would crap themselves if they knew the stuff we've done behind the wheel of a Humvee. Just because it's been so ingrained into my head, I spend more time looking at the sides of the road than I do the road itself. Anyone who's served since 9/11 can understand why too.

That being said, I agree with the general consensus is that less is more. I've never been huge on the photography and video end (although I do regret that in some ways from past chases), so it's only been recent that I've been carrying more than just a phone and laptop with me on chases (my CLS bag doesn't count because it goes in whichever vehicle I'm driving regardless of where I'm going).

 

[Jason Foster]

Less "gadgets" but I would likely still bring more and more film and photography gear. Granted if I go out, I like to get a lot of filming done. It is all for fun (mostly) and usually more during down times than during the chase. During the chase itself...I enjoy the chasing more. Kinda always have.

 

[Adam Lucio]

I think a lot of people get all into having their vehicles loaded up with toys when they first start. It looks cool, official and all hat jazz, but then after a couple years they just get tired of dealing with all and begin to scale back. After awhile you realize all that hassle really isnt worth it, and at the end of the day it all comes down to the basics. A video camera and a good storm.