Storm Chasing the American Dream: What to Pack for the Ultimate Weather Adventure
It’s 1996, I’m 15 years old, and I’m sat in a cinema in Bournemouth, Dorset, eyes wide, jaw probably on the floor, watching Twister for the first time. Tornadoes tearing through fields, Helen Hunt driving like a lunatic, cows flying past the camera – it was pure chaos, and I was hooked. Ever since that day, one thought has sat quietly (sometimes not so quietly) in the back of my mind: Wouldn’t it be cool to go storm chasing in the Great Plains of America?
Well, this Wednesday, I fly out to do just that.
That childhood dream is becoming a full-blown, adrenaline-fuelled, camera-loaded reality. For two weeks, I’ll be chasing supercells and tornadoes across “Tornado Alley” - a wide swath of the central U.S. stretching from Texas to South Dakota. I’ll be out there with a team, several vans, a bunch of gear, and hopefully the kind of skies that make your heart race and your camera shutter work overtime.
But this blog isn’t just about the dream - it’s about the kit. When you’re heading out to chase nature’s most dramatic outbursts, being prepared is half the battle. So, if you’re reading this because you’re planning a storm chasing trip (or just daydreaming like I was for the last 25+ years), here’s what to pack:
🧳 The Essentials
1. Passport & Documents
Obvious but vital. You won’t be chasing anything if you can’t get through border control. Include your driving licence if you’re sharing the driving. Traveling from the UK to the US, you’ll also need an ESTA, which is part of the Visa Waiver Program. Also, a handy new tool the States have provided is the MPC (Mobile Passport Control) app. This helps you get through US passport control quicker and easier.
2. Travel Insurance
Your average travel insurance policy won’t touch storm chasing with a ten-foot anemometer. It’s classified as an “adventure activity,” which means most standard providers will flat-out say no. I contacted my regular insurer, plus a handful of the big-name companies, and the answer was the same every time: no cover for storm chasing.
After some serious Googling, I finally found what seems to be the only UK-based insurer willing to take on the risk - DOGTAG. They specialise in travel insurance for the more adventurous among us: skydivers, mountaineers… and now, apparently, storm chasers.
Having the right insurance is crucial. This is the U.S. we’re talking about - hospital bills can rack up faster than a supercell on a bad day. That said, even DOGTAG comes with a few caveats: things like death, loss of limb, sight, or permanent disability aren’t covered under this particular policy. What could possibly go wrong, right? 😅
📸 Photography & Tech Gear
1. Cameras
An absolute must. Tornadoes - and the storms that produce them - are incredibly photogenic. Towering cloud structures, bursts of lightning, and the sheer scale of the Great Plains all demand proper kit. A wide-angle lens is essential, but for me, that’s just the starting point.
For this trip, I’m taking two cameras. The main one: my Fujifilm GFX100 II. I did consider bringing the more compact X100VI, but in the end, I couldn’t justify leaving my 102-megapixel powerhouse behind. When it comes to dynamic range and the ability to crop deeply without losing detail, nothing beats it - and I know I’d regret not having it with me if I needed that flexibility.
I’ve packed my 23mm prime and the versatile 45–100mm lens, which should cover most situations. The 200mmunfortunately didn’t make the cut – there just isn’t enough room in the bag.
On the video side, I’ve invested in a new DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It’ll handle wide landscape footage, in-car clips, and hopefully some vlog-style content too. I’m planning to put together another talk from this trip and this time I want people to feel the experience - not just see the stills. A bit of motion, some ambient sound, and the raw energy of the chase should bring it all to life.
And finally - yes, it might be slightly over the top – but I’m bringing the drone. I’d love to capture aerial footage of a rotating supercell. Fingers crossed it survives the wind and comes back in one piece.
2. Lightning Trigger
One bit of kit I invested in months ago – well ahead of this trip – is the Lightning Trigger LT-IV-FC. This little device is essential if you want to capture lightning strikes automatically, especially during the day when long exposures aren’t an option.
It’s handmade in the U.S., as far as I can tell, by a single guy named Rich - who, by the way, was brilliant at answering all my questions. Each trigger seems to be built to order, and after watching countless YouTube reviews and comparisons, I landed on this one as the best on the market.
Unlike setting up your camera for endless interval shots and hoping for the best (and filling your memory card in the process), this trigger is designed to do the job properly and efficiently. It’s not cheap, but if it does what it promises, it should deliver some incredible shots - and hopefully last me for many years.
It’s only been battle-tested once (I live in the UK, where lightning is more of a rumour than a reality), but I’m feeling pretty confident it’ll shine out on the Plains. Once you’ve set up your shot, sit back as it takes the images at the precise second for you.
3. Tripod
With the tour company advising to pack light - and me committing to a small duffel bag - I had to be smart about which tripod to bring. The only real option was my Peak Design Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod.
It’s incredibly lightweight, impressively sturdy, and - crucially - it fits neatly inside my duffel bag. Perfect for life on the road, quick setups, and those all-important lightning shots without lugging around anything bulky. Ideal kit for this kind of trip.
4. Power Bank
You’ll be spending a lot of time in the van while storm chasing, so keeping your gear charged is key - especially when opportunities for mains power can be few and far between.
For this trip, I’m taking my go-to: the Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W). I’ve used it on several trips now and it’s never let me down. It’s powerful enough to charge phones, cameras, even a laptop if needed. I’m also bringing the matching charging base, which is perfect for overnight top-ups of phones, watches, and other small devices.
Paired with a couple of US power leads, I won’t need any bulky UK-to-US adapters either – a neat little bonus. Just a heads-up: this is about the biggest power bank you’re allowed to bring on a plane and it must go in your hand luggage (lithium batteries aren’t permitted in checked baggage). Worth double-checking your airline’s rules, but so far, I’ve had no issues.
5. Laptop
I always travel with my laptop - leaving it behind just isn’t an option. Each evening, it becomes mission control: downloading the day’s photos and video, checking over shots, backing everything up, and - of course - keeping in touch with the world. Whether it’s firing off the odd email, watching a film, or sorting out travel plans, it’s a vital bit of kit.
I use a MacBook Pro M4 Max, and it’s the only machine I rely on. It handles the massive image files from my camera effortlessly and doesn’t miss a beat when editing or reviewing footage on the fly.
For peace of mind, I also bring along my SanDisk Extreme PRO SSD to back up everything nightly. Losing a day’s worth of storm footage would be a nightmare - and thankfully, that’s never happened. It’s a small, rugged drive that gives me the confidence that my shots are safe, even if something goes wrong with the laptop.
👕 Clothing & Comfort
1. Layers
It’s the Midwest - weather swings are part of the fun. Pack enough t-shirts, hoodies/lightweight fleece, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and a couple of pairs of jeans or outdoor trousers. The shorts will also go in the bag should the weather get too hot.
The emphasis is on lightweight and layers. You’ll be in an air-conditioned van most of the time and only getting out when things get interesting. If it chucks it down, you won’t be outside for long.
2. Sun Protection: Function Over Fashion
Trust me - the sun will find you out there. Whenever I head to the States, I always pack my trusty Tilley T3 Wanderer Sun Hat. Now, I’m not wearing it to make a fashion statement (and I’d rarely be seen in it back home in the UK), but when you’re travelling – especially while storm chasing in the open plains - it’s spot on.
It protects my follically challenged head and neck from getting scorched, and the built-in wind cord is a lifesaver when you’re standing in 40mph gusts next to a brewing storm. It stays put, doesn’t make your head hot and sweaty, and keeps the sun off without fuss.
Practical, dependable, and made for the outdoors - it’s exactly what you want on your head when nature puts on a show.
3. Good Footwear
When it comes to footwear, I’m keeping it simple: hiking shoes. You spend about 90% of your time in the car while storm chasing, so comfort is the priority. Lightweight, fairly breathable and easy to slip on and off - they just make sense.
If I had more room in the bag, I’d consider bringing trainers too. But with space at a premium, the semi-waterproof hiking shoes have made the cut - and honestly, they’ll do the job just fine for most situations.
4. Water Bottle & Snacks
Chasing storms means long hours in remote areas. Keep hydrated and pack snacks that won’t melt or spoil in a hot van.
🛰️ Apps & Info
1. RadarScope
Widely regarded as the go-to app for storm chasers, RadarScope offers real-time, high-resolution radar data. Trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike, it’s essential for tracking storms, monitoring warnings, and staying one step ahead of the weather.
2. Lightning Pro
A handy app I regularly use in the UK, Lightning Pro sets up a geofence around your location and alerts you when lightning is approaching. It’s a great tool for staying aware of nearby strikes - especially useful when you’re out in the open and need to know when it’s time to get back to the van.
3. Personal Lightning Detector
I’m also packing my AcuRite Portable Lightning Detector - partly because I think it’s just a cool bit of kit, but it does serve a real purpose. It alerts you when thunderstorms are approaching, giving you a heads-up even before you see or hear anything. I’m not entirely sure of the science behind it, but as I understand, it picks up on the radio frequency interference lightning generates - pretty clever stuff.
This trip is more than just ticking off a bucket list item. It’s about leaning into something completely different. About finally stepping into that screen from 1996 and seeing the power of nature in person. It’s going to be dusty, loud, beautiful, and probably exhausting - and I can’t wait.
If you’re considering your own storm chasing adventure, plan well, pack smart and be ready for a ride you’ll never forget. And if you’re just here for the vicarious thrill, stay tuned - I’ll be sharing updates, photos and hopefully a tornado or two (from a safe distance, of course).