Name It. Claim It. Create It.
3 Best Portable Podcast Setups for Travel
Whether you’re poolside, road-tripping, or hiding out in a cabin somewhere, podcasting doesn’t have to stop just because you’re not in your home studio.
If you’ve been searching for the best portable podcast setups for travel, this episode of CLIPPED breaks down three beginner-friendly, budget-conscious rigs that still deliver pro-quality sound on the go.
1. Laptop + USB Mic + Riverside.fm
If you’re bringing your laptop on the road (and let’s face it, most of us do), this one’s for you.
Grab a solid USB mic like the Samson Q2U or the Audio-Technica ATR2100x—both under $100—and plug straight into your laptop. They’re lightweight, super portable, and perfect if you’re building a portable podcast setup for travel.
Pair it with Riverside.fm, my go-to recording platform (and sponsor of this show), and you’re set. You’ll get crisp audio and separate tracks if you’re doing interviews.
Easy setup, clean sound, and minimal gear.
If you want to try Riverside, use promo code CLIPPED at checkout for 20% off.
2. Lav Mic + iPhone (The Most Portable Podcast Travel Setup)
If you’re filming video content or just want to stay light, go with a lav mic like the RØDE Wireless Micro or DJI’s Lavalier’s.
These clip-on mics pair perfectly with your iPhone. Great lighting helps—face a window, not away from it—and you’re good to go for Reels, Shorts, or talking-head content.
Bonus: audio gets synced automatically to your video when using a Lav that connects to your iPhone. No post-production syncing headaches!
3. Handheld Recorder + XLR Mic
Trying to unplug and stay screen-free?
A handheld recorder like the Zoom H6 (or the smaller H5) is your best friend. Pair it with an XLR mic like the Shure SM58, plug in, and record straight to an SD card.
No laptop, no phone—just you, a mic, and your thoughts. It’s the ultimate portable podcast setup for travel, perfect for solo recordings while hiking, camping, or chilling off-grid.
Wherever the road takes you this summer, keep creating. You don’t need a full studio to make something great—just the right gear and a few quiet moments. Stay curious, stay scrappy, and enjoy the ride.
Not Sure What Podcast Equipment To Buy?
Still not sure which rig fits your setup?
Check out the Podcast Equipment Finder, a free tool I built that gives you personalized gear picks based on your goals, location, and budget.
Listen To More Episodes of CLIPPED:
- Creator Economy News Roundup
- How To Rerun Podcast Episodes Without Losing Listeners
- How To Start a Podcast For Under $100 With Quality Equipment
Get More Podcast Haven Resources:
