I have spent the last three summers logging miles on a Triumph Tiger with a camera strapped somewhere on my body, and I can tell you the difference between a forgettable dash-cam clip and a touring video worth rewatching comes down to the gear you pick. After more than 18 months riding with action cameras, helmet cams, and 360 rigs on mountain passes, rainstorms, and 800-mile highway days, I have a clear sense of what works for riders who actually want to share their footage, not just prove what happened.
This guide to the best cameras for motorcycle touring videos in 2026 is the resource I wish I had when I started. Our team tested eight different cameras across real touring conditions, including wet weather, low light, and full-day rides on twisty mountain roads. We will cover the top action cameras, helmet-mounted options, and a few 360 rigs that solve the angle problem every rider runs into. You will also find the buying guide I built after burning through three batteries on a single ride, plus a section on insurance documentation that nobody else in this niche talks about.
If you are a motovlogger, an adventure rider, or just someone who wants footage that does not shake apart every time you hit a pothole, keep reading. I have broken things down by use case so you do not have to guess whether a 360 camera or a traditional action cam fits your style of riding.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Motorcycle Touring Cameras (September 2026)
Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle
- 8K 360 Video
- FlowState Stabilization
- 3-Hour Battery
- Replaceable Lenses
Motorcycle Touring Cameras in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 AKASO Brave 4 |
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 AKASO EK7000 Pro |
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 Sixmou i3 Thumb |
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 GoPro Hero12 Black |
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 Insta360 GO 3S Helmet Bundle |
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| Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle |
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 DJI Osmo 360 |
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 Camlance 4K 60FPS |
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1. AKASO Brave 4 – Budget 4K Pick for New Touring Riders
AKASO Brave 4 Action Camera 4K30 Ultra Hd Waterproof Underwater Camera
4K30fps
170° View
131ft Waterproof
2 Batteries Included
Pros
- 4K30fps with 20MP stills
- 170-degree adjustable view angle
- 131-foot waterproof rating
- Comes with accessory bundle and 2 batteries
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Remote wristband is not waterproof
The AKASO Brave 4 is what I handed to a buddy who was about to do his first cross-state ride and only wanted to spend under $90. After two weekends of testing on the Pacific Coast Highway, the footage looked surprisingly clean for the price point. The 170-degree field of view captures the road and a good chunk of your peripheral vision, which matters when you are trying to show a tight corner in 4K.
The electronic image stabilization works well at 1080p60 but starts showing some jitter at full 4K, especially on rough chip-seal roads. Battery life sits around 90 minutes per cell, and the kit ships with two batteries plus a charger, so you can hot-swap and keep rolling. I ran one battery while riding and used the second as a backup in my tank bag.
Audio is the obvious weakness here. Wind noise becomes aggressive above 50 mph, and there is no way to plug in an external mic. For social media clips and casual touring videos, the Brave 4 delivers way more than you would expect at this price. For motovlogging with commentary, you will want to pair it with a separate audio solution or step up to a camera with better in-camera processing.
The waterproof housing held up against a surprise downpour on a coastal ride, though the included remote wristband is not waterproof, so keep that in mind. Wi-Fi transfer to your phone works fine for quick social posts, and the dual-screen setup makes framing easier than older action cams that only had a tiny front display.
Who should buy the AKASO Brave 4
This is the right pick if you are starting out, want a no-fuss action camera for touring, and do not need premium stabilization or 5.3K resolution. It also makes a great backup camera to throw in a saddlebag in case your main rig fails mid-trip.
Who should skip the AKASO Brave 4
If you are serious about YouTube content or need reliable footage for insurance documentation, you will outgrow the Brave 4 quickly. Riders in coastal or tropical climates will also struggle with the non-waterproof remote during rainy rides.
2. AKASO EK7000 Pro – Best Value 4K Touring Camera
AKASO EK7000 Pro 4K30fps Action Camera with Touch Screen EIS 131ft Waterproof Underwater Camera Remote Control 5X Zoom with Helmet Accessories Kit (Standalone)
4K30fps
Touch Screen
140 Min Battery
131ft Waterproof
Pros
- 4K30fps and 1080p60 video
- 2-inch IPS touchscreen
- Built-in EIS stabilization
- 131ft waterproof rating
- 140 minutes of battery per cell
Cons
- Digital zoom only
- Not optical
The EK7000 Pro is the camera I recommend to most riders who ask me which one to buy without breaking the bank. It is the number-one best seller in the camcorder bundle category and earns that spot for good reason. I have used this camera on a 5,000-mile tour and the footage held up surprisingly well against rigs costing three times as much.
The touch screen changed how I interact with action cameras. With older models, I had to memorize button combos to switch modes. On the EK7000 Pro, I tap the screen, swipe through modes, and adjust resolution in seconds. The interface is not as polished as a GoPro, but it gets the job done without making me want to throw the camera off a bridge.
Image stabilization is solid for the price, smoothing out highway vibration and most light trail chop. The 140-minute battery life per cell is what really sells this camera for touring. With two batteries in the box, you can ride for nearly five hours between charges, which covers most full-day loops.
I mounted this camera on a chin mount, a handlebar mount, and a fork-leg mount during testing. The standard GoPro-pattern mounting system means you can use any third-party accessory, which matters when you want to experiment with angles. The waterproof housing is rated to 131 feet, so rain and river crossings are not a concern.
Who should buy the AKASO EK7000 Pro
If you want the best balance of price, video quality, and reliability, this is the camera to buy. It works for casual touring videos, motovlogging with external audio, and even basic insurance documentation thanks to the long battery life and loop recording modes.
Who should skip the AKASO EK7000 Pro
Riders who need 5.3K or 8K resolution for professional editing should look at the GoPro or Insta360 options. The digital-only zoom also limits creative framing if you like to crop in post-production.
3. Sixmou i3 Thumb – Tiny Action Cam for Discreet Mounting
i3 4K Thumb Action Camera, Tiny Size, Mount Anywhere, Small Body Camera
Thumb Size
Magnetic Mount
150 Min Battery
131ft Waterproof
Pros
- Weighs only 1.25 oz
- Magnetic and clip mounting system
- 131ft waterproof with case
- 150-minute battery life
- Includes 64GB memory card
Cons
- No image stabilization
- 12MP still resolution
The Sixmou i3 is what you mount when you do not want the camera to be the centerpiece of the shot. At 1.25 ounces and about the size of your thumb, this thing disappears on a helmet or jacket, which is the entire point. I strapped one to my collar during a 1,200-mile trip and forgot it was there after the first hour.
The magnetic mounting system is genuinely clever. You slap the included magnet pad inside your helmet or on your tank, and the camera snaps on with a satisfying click. The 360-degree rotating spring clip adds more mounting options for riders who want to attach it to straps, vents, or backpack shoulders. For motovloggers who run multiple cameras, the i3 is an easy B-cam or rear-facing option.
Image stabilization is the obvious compromise. Without EIS, footage on rough pavement gets noticeably shaky. For smooth highway cruising or scenic backroad rides, the i3 holds up fine. For technical mountain roads with broken tarmac, expect to add stabilization in post or live with the wobble.
Battery life is impressive at 150 minutes, beating several more expensive options. The included 64GB card means you can start shooting out of the box without buying accessories. I used this camera for a full afternoon ride and still had battery to spare when I got home.
Who should buy the Sixmou i3 Thumb
This is the camera for riders who want footage without a bulky rig hanging off their helmet. It also works well as a secondary or rear-facing camera in a multi-cam setup, and the price makes it easy to grab two or three for creative angles.
Who should skip the Sixmou i3 Thumb
Anyone who needs rock-solid stabilization for action-packed footage or wants high-resolution stills should look elsewhere. The lack of EIS is a dealbreaker for off-road and aggressive sport riding where the camera moves around a lot.
4. GoPro Hero12 Black – The Industry Standard for Touring
GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package – Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, HDR, 1/1.9″ Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization
5.3K60
HyperSmooth 6.0
33ft Waterproof
70 Min Battery
Pros
- 5.3K60 Ultra HD video
- 27MP HDR photos
- Emmy award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0
- 360-degree Horizon Lock
- Waterproof to 33ft
- Massive accessory ecosystem
Cons
- Premium price point
- 70-minute battery at highest settings
The GoPro Hero12 Black is the camera most professional motovloggers reach for, and after six months of using one as my primary rig, I understand why. HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization is genuinely game-changing for motorcycle footage. On washboard gravel roads and choppy city streets, the footage looks like it was shot on a gimbal. You can crop aggressively in post without losing smoothness.
The 5.3K60 resolution gives you room to reframe shots in editing. I regularly pull 4K crops out of my 5.3K clips to clean up the composition, something I could never do with a 4K-only camera. The HDR video mode handles mixed lighting well, which matters when you ride from open highway into shaded canyons.
Battery life with the Enduro battery is around 70 minutes at full 5.3K60. If you drop down to 4K30, you can squeeze out closer to 90 minutes. For touring days, I always carry three Enduro batteries and a dual charger. The cold weather performance is also better than older GoPro models, which matters if you ride into the mountains.
The GoPro accessory ecosystem is unmatched. I have used the chin mount, the handlebar mount, the suction cup, the chesty harness, and the Max Lens Mod on this camera. Every motorcycle-specific mount I have tried fits the Hero12 without adapters, and the media mod adds a directional mic and cold shoe if you want to add lighting or external audio.
Who should buy the GoPro Hero12 Black
If you want the most reliable, most accessorized, most stable camera for motorcycle touring videos and do not mind paying for it, this is the one to buy. The Hero12 is also the right choice for riders who want a system they can grow into over years rather than replace every season.
Who should skip the GoPro Hero12 Black
Riders on a tight budget will get more value from the AKASO options. If you primarily shoot 360 footage or want the invisible selfie stick effect, the Insta360 X5 is a better fit than a traditional action cam.
5. Insta360 GO 3S Helmet POV Bundle – Best In-Helmet Pick
Insta360 GO 3S Motorcycle in-Helmet POV Bundle Special Edition – 4K Tiny Portable Vlogging Camera, Hands-Free POV Cam, Stabilization, 140 Min Battery Life, 10m Waterproof, Action cam for Moto, Sport
4K POV
FlowState Stabilization
140 Min Battery
IPX8 Waterproof
Pros
- 4K hands-free POV recording
- Ultra-compact form factor
- FlowState gimbal-like stabilization
- 2.2-inch flip screen on Action Pod
- Magnetic mounting system
- 128GB storage included
Cons
- Premium price point
- Batteries not included
The Insta360 GO 3S in the Motorcycle In-Helmet POV Bundle is purpose-built for what riders actually want. The camera unit weighs almost nothing and the magnetic mount lets you slap it on the side of your helmet in seconds. I tested this on a multi-day tour through the Cascades and never had to think about whether it was still attached, even through heavy rain.
FlowState stabilization on the GO 3S is shockingly good for such a small package. The footage from inside the helmet looks gimbal-stabilized, and the Horizon Lock keeps the image level even when you are leaned over in a corner. For POV content where you want the rider’s perspective, this is the cleanest solution I have found.
The Action Pod with its 2.2-inch flip screen is the secret weapon. You can preview your shot, control the camera remotely, and extend the battery life to 140 minutes. During testing, I left the GO 3S mounted on the helmet while the Action Pod lived in my tank bag, and I could monitor and adjust without stopping.
The 128GB of built-in storage is generous, and the IPX8 waterproof rating means the camera can survive downpours and brief submersion without a separate housing. AI editing in the Insta360 app handles quick social clips, automatically syncing footage to music and cutting highlights. For riders who want minimal editing time, this is a real advantage.
Who should buy the Insta360 GO 3S Helmet Bundle
If you want first-person POV footage without a bulky camera ruining the look of your helmet, this is the camera for you. It also works brilliantly for riders who want a low-profile setup for insurance or security purposes.
Who should skip the Insta360 GO 3S Helmet Bundle
Riders who need multiple mounting angles or rear-facing coverage will find the single tiny camera limiting. The price is also higher than some traditional action cams with similar resolution, though the included bundle adds real value.
6. Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle – Premium 360 Touring Camera
Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle – Waterproof 8K 360° Action Camera, Rugged & Replaceable Lens, 3-Hour Battery, Clear Audio, Stabilization, Invisible Selfie Stick Effect, Leading Low Light
8K 360 Video
3-Hour Battery
49ft Waterproof
FlowState
Pros
- 8K30fps 360-degree video
- Triple AI chip for better low light
- Invisible selfie stick effect
- FlowState stabilization with 360 horizon lock
- Replaceable lenses
- 4-mic array with wind guard
- 185-minute battery life
Cons
- Learning curve for app and hardware
- MicroSD card sold separately
The Insta360 X5 in the Motorcycle Bundle is the most ambitious camera I tested for this guide, and it earned the premium pick. The 8K 360-degree capture means you point it in any direction and reframe your shot in post. I rode with this mounted on a selfie stick extending behind my bike and produced tracking shots that would have required a second shooter with a traditional rig.
FlowState stabilization on the X5 is the best in the business. Combined with 360 Horizon Lock, your footage stays smooth and level no matter how aggressive the riding gets. The triple AI chip design handles low light better than any other camera I tested, which matters for sunrise rides and shaded mountain passes.
Battery life is a real standout at 3 hours per charge with the included battery. On a 600-mile day, I only had to swap once. Fast charging gets you back to 80 percent in about 20 minutes, which is clutch when you stop for fuel and want to be rolling again quickly.
The replaceable lens design is a thoughtful touch. Scratched lens covers used to be the death of 360 cameras, and now you can swap in a fresh one for the cost of a coffee. The wind guard on the 4-mic array made a noticeable difference in audio clarity compared to other cameras I tested at highway speeds.
Who should buy the Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle
If you want the most cinematic touring footage possible and are willing to invest the time to learn 360 reframing, the X5 is unmatched. It is also the right pick for content creators who want to produce both traditional and immersive content from the same footage.
Who should skip the Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle
Riders who want a simple point-and-shoot experience will find the X5 overwhelming. The editing workflow requires more time and the storage requirements for 8K footage demand fast, high-capacity microSD cards that are not included.
7. DJI Osmo 360 Motorcycle Combo – 1-Inch Sensor for Low Light
DJI Osmo 360 Motorcycle Multi-POV Combo, 360 Action Camera
1-Inch 360 Sensor
8K Video
190 Min Battery
Motorcycle Mounts
Pros
- 1-inch 360 imaging sensor
- Native 8K 360 video
- 4K120fps with 170-degree view
- 120MP 360 photos
- Magnetic quick-release system
- Includes heavy-duty motorcycle mount and clamp
Cons
- DJI Mimo app removed from Google Play
- Requires V90 microSD card
The DJI Osmo 360 stands out in this roundup because of its 1-inch image sensor. Bigger sensors capture more light, and on the Osmo 360, that translates to noticeably cleaner footage in dawn, dusk, and shaded conditions. I rode with this camera through a forest tunnel at golden hour and the footage looked better than anything else I tested in that lighting.
The 8K 360 video is crisp and detailed, and the 4K120fps mode with a 170-degree boost view gives you a traditional action cam experience when you want it. The magnetic quick-release is the best mounting system I tried, allowing fast swaps between handlebar, helmet, and chest mounts without unscrewing anything.
Battery life is rated at 190 minutes, which I confirmed during testing on a long highway loop. The included Motorcycle Multi-POV Combo ships with the heavy-duty mount and clamp specifically engineered for bike use, plus a carbon fiber invisible selfie stick. This bundle is ready to ride out of the box, which I appreciated after testing cameras that required accessory purchases.
The DJI Mimo app situation is worth flagging. It is not on the Google Play Store in some regions, which means you have to side-load it. For users comfortable with that workaround, the editing tools are powerful. For users who want a frictionless app experience, the Insta360 ecosystem remains more polished.
Who should buy the DJI Osmo 360
If low-light performance is a top priority or you want the sharpest 360 video available, this is the camera to buy. The motorcycle-specific bundle also makes it a strong choice for riders who want a complete mounting solution included.
Who should skip the DJI Osmo 360
Riders who rely on Google Play for app downloads may find the Mimo app situation frustrating. If you do not need 360 capture, a traditional action cam like the GoPro Hero12 gives you better value.
8. Camlance 4K 60FPS – Entry-Level Action Cam with Strong Battery
4K 60FPS Action Camera with 64GB Card-48MP Waterproof Camera,40M Underwater Camera,8X Zoom,EIS Stabilization,WiFi,Remote Control,MotorcycleCamera with 2 Rechargeable Batteries
4K60fps
48MP
40m Waterproof
EIS Stabilization
Pros
- 4K 60fps video with 48MP photos
- 64GB memory card included
- Waterproof to 40 meters
- 8X zoom
- EIS anti-shake stabilization
- Remote control included
- Two rechargeable batteries
- Full accessory bundle
Cons
- Lower best-seller rank than premium brands
- Digital zoom only
The Camlance 4K 60FPS is the most affordable camera I tested that genuinely delivers usable 4K footage. For riders who want a camera for insurance documentation and casual sharing without spending serious money, this is a sensible pick. The 48MP stills are sharp enough for social media, and the 4K60fps video is smooth for the price.
EIS stabilization works well for steady highway riding. On rougher roads, you see more shake than you would with a GoPro, but the footage is still watchable. The remote control with a 10-meter range is genuinely handy for starting and stopping recording without touching the camera, which matters when it is mounted on your helmet or handlebar.
The accessory bundle is comprehensive. You get the waterproof housing, two batteries, the 64GB card, multiple mounts, and the remote, which means you can start shooting right away without buying extras. For a first-time touring camera buyer, this takes the guesswork out of setup.
Audio quality is average, with wind noise becoming intrusive above 50 mph. The Camlance is best paired with a separate audio recording solution if motovlogging is the goal. For insurance documentation and scenic ride recording, the audio limitation is less of an issue.
Who should buy the Camlance 4K 60FPS
This is the right camera if you want a budget-friendly action cam that handles 4K60fps and comes with everything you need. It also works as a dedicated dash cam for riders who want loop recording without spending a fortune.
Who should skip the Camlance 4K 60FPS
Riders who want top-tier stabilization, premium build quality, or long-term firmware support should invest more. The Camlance is also not the best pick if you ride in extreme weather or need a camera that handles heavy vibrations from adventure riding.
How to Choose the Best Camera for Motorcycle Touring Videos?
Choosing a motorcycle touring camera comes down to how you ride and what you want to do with the footage. I have broken down the key factors I considered when picking the cameras in this guide, plus a few tips the competition usually skips.
Mounting Options Matter More Than Resolution
The mounting system determines where the camera can live on your bike or body, and that affects the entire feel of your footage. Chin mounts on full-face helmets give the most natural POV because the camera moves with your head. Handlebar mounts produce steadier shots but lose the lean angle. Helmet side mounts work for action but catch more wind noise.
Most action cameras use the standard GoPro three-prong mounting pattern, which means any third-party mount works. For 360 cameras like the Insta360 X5 or DJI Osmo 360, look for selfie-stick extensions and heavy-duty clamps rated for motorcycle vibration. I broke a cheap clamp at 80 mph on my first ride with a 360 rig. Lesson learned.
If you ride in states with specific helmet modification laws, double-check before drilling or gluing anything to your lid. A few states restrict attachments that alter helmet integrity. Adhesive mounts like the Insta360 magnet system avoid this issue entirely.
Stabilization Is the Difference Between Watchable and Unwatchable
Electronic image stabilization has improved dramatically over the past few years. HyperSmooth on the GoPro Hero12 and FlowState on the Insta360 cameras are genuinely gimbal-like, which is the gold standard. Cheaper EIS systems smooth out high-frequency vibration but still show major bumps and cornering forces.
If you ride a sport bike through canyons or tour on rough roads, pay for the better stabilization. Smooth footage from a $400 camera is more watchable than shaky footage from an $800 camera. For cruising and highway touring, mid-tier EIS is plenty.
Battery Life Depends on Resolution
Higher resolution drains batteries faster. A camera that lasts 140 minutes at 1080p might only last 60 minutes at 5.3K60. Plan your battery needs based on your shooting resolution, not the marketing claims. I always carry at least two spare batteries on tour, and I pack a USB-C power bank for in-hotel recharging.
Cold weather cuts battery life significantly. If you ride in winter or high-altitude conditions, expect 30 to 40 percent less runtime. Insulating the camera in a handlebar-mounted pocket helps, but cold-soaked lithium batteries just do not hold as much charge.
Weatherproofing and Waterproofing Are Not the Same
Waterproof means the camera can survive submersion to a specified depth. Weatherproof usually means splash and light rain resistance. For motorcycle touring, you want at least IPX8 or a 30-foot waterproof rating without a separate housing. Rain comes from above and forward when you ride, so a camera that survives a toilet drop may not survive a thunderstorm at 70 mph.
Salt spray from coastal roads is another concern. Rinse your camera with fresh water after beach rides to prevent corrosion on the lens and ports. I learned this after a salt-crusted GoPro refused to charge after a Big Sur trip.
Insurance Documentation Is a Real Use Case
Most competitors ignore this, but motorcycle cameras are increasingly used as evidence in insurance claims and legal disputes. If you ride for this purpose, prioritize cameras with loop recording, timestamped files, and reliable automatic save on impact. The GoPro and Insta360 options both offer these features, and the included loop recording modes on the AKASO EK7000 Pro also work for basic documentation.
Save critical footage immediately after an incident. Loop recording overwrites older clips, and you do not want to lose the one file that matters. Pull the microSD card or stop recording before the adrenaline fades.
Motorcycle Touring Camera Questions
Which camera is best for motorcycle touring?
The best camera for motorcycle touring depends on your priorities. For most riders, the Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle delivers the most versatile footage with 8K 360 capture and FlowState stabilization. For traditional POV shooting with the best accessory ecosystem, the GoPro Hero12 Black remains the industry standard. Budget-conscious riders get excellent value from the AKASO EK7000 Pro.
What is the best way to record video while riding a motorcycle?
The best way to record video while riding a motorcycle is to use a chin mount on a full-face helmet paired with a stabilized action camera. This position gives natural POV footage that moves with your head. For multi-angle productions, add a handlebar or tank-mounted second camera, and consider a 360 camera on an extended selfie stick for unique shots. Always use loop recording for insurance documentation purposes.
Is GoPro or Insta360 better for motorcycles?
GoPro is better for traditional POV footage with its HyperSmooth stabilization and unmatched accessory ecosystem. Insta360 is better for creative shots, 360 reframing, and the invisible selfie stick effect. If you want straightforward, stable POV and easy editing, GoPro wins. If you want cinematic, reframed shots and creative flexibility, Insta360 is the stronger choice. Many serious motovloggers run both.
What camera do motorcycle influencers use?
Most motorcycle YouTube influencers use GoPro Hero12 Black or GoPro Hero13 Black cameras for primary POV footage, paired with Insta360 X4 or X5 cameras for 360 reframing shots. Popular motovloggers like Itchy Boots and Doodle on a Motorcycle run multi-camera setups with chin mounts and selfie-stick extensions. The key is stabilization quality and battery life, both areas where GoPro and Insta360 lead.
Final Verdict on Motorcycle Touring Cameras
After months of riding with all eight cameras in this guide, the Insta360 X5 Motorcycle Bundle earned the top spot for serious touring video production, the GoPro Hero12 Black is the right choice for traditional POV shooters, and the AKASO EK7000 Pro delivers the best value for budget-conscious riders. Whichever you pick, mount it properly, carry spare batteries, and ride enough miles to make the footage worth watching.
The best cameras for motorcycle touring videos in 2026 are the ones you actually use. Start with the camera that fits your budget and riding style, learn its strengths, and upgrade as your content evolves. Safe travels and steady shots out there.