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Author: Scott_Burkett, Contributing Editor
 | Instead of a portable easel, you may choose to bring a pochade box. Pochade boxes are smaller, portable mini-studios. While incredibly portable, they only facilitate smaller paneled surfaces, and don't work well with canvases. The good news is that most pochade boxes allow you to carry several wet panels at once, safely tucked inside the box! Most pochades have an adapter on the bottom, so they can be used with a small portable tripod (the same tripods used for cameras) or portable watercolor easels.
They also are typically limited on storage space, so if you carry a pochade box with you, you'll likely find the need for a small backpack or bag to carry your auxiliary items. For more information on pochade boxes, don't miss this article by fellow artist, Wayne Gaudon. |
 | I have bad knees. I can thank Uncle Sam for that. As such, it is difficult for me to stand for an entire day. I carry a portable stool with me on just about every trip. This one is made by Mabef in Italy. It has nice sturdy hardwood legs and a leather seat.
When folded up, it fits nicely across the top of my pack, where I strap it in for the hike. See the photo at the end of the article for its placement on the pack. |
 | Next, you'll need something for auxiliary storage. If you are carrying a french easel, the easel will likely be loaded with your paints, brushes, and other such items. In this case, you can use a small pack for your auxiliary items. If you are not carrying a french easel (or something similar), you can use this pack to carry your pastels, watercolors, etc.
Whatever you do, unless you are going overnight somewhere, don't use those large camping-grade backpacks. Trust me, it isn't worth the hassle! Believe it or not, I’m able to squeeze all of my stuff in here! Get one with as many pockets as possible! |
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| If you are traveling light, you can try squeezing your extra items into a small lumbar pack (also known as a "butt" pack), such as the one shown above.
If you are like me, and like to carry a portable stool, lots of paper towels, a few bottles of water, and other items, go for a small backpack, such as the one shown earlier, and use an optional lumbar pack for any leftover stuff. I usually put my digital camera, chapstick, cell phone, car keys, money, etc. in my butt pack. This makes those items easier to retrieve as well. On this model, I have two "squirt" bottles filled with rum, I mean water. This model would be great for watercolorists, as you could carry your painting water in them. Of course, I use them for my fresh supply of drinking water. |
 | I also like to carry a few "luxuries" with me.
Some sort of "wet knap", such as the Winsor & Newton Art Wipes, are great things to have around. They’re great for cleaning brushes, your hands, etc. I also carry some brush cleaner/conditioner. I never carry both – waste of space – find a brand that can be used safely as both. When I'm done for the day, I'll field-clean my brushes a bit, and dab a bit of the soap on as a conditioner while I travel. Finally, I always bring bug repellent. Specifically, something with DEET in it (diethyl-m-toluamide). Can't take any chances with that nasty West Nile stuff out there! |
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