Get ready, camera geeks and organization nerds! In this behind-the-scenes YouTube tour from the Tested channel, Adam Savage—the legendary MythBuster and maker extraordinaire—takes us into the sanctum sanctorum of his camera gear storage system. And as you might expect from someone who turns storage into an art form, it’s not just shelves and boxes—it’s a beautifully orchestrated symphony of modular compartments, transparent containers, and meticulous labeling. With over 40 years of gear behind him, Adam walks us through how he stores, categorizes, and accesses everything from lenses and camera bodies to GoPros and SD cards, all in ways that maximize efficiency and creativity. “I want to be able to see everything I have,” Adam says—and that mantra drives the entire system. Whether you’re a pro photographer or just someone who can't find their lens caps, there’s inspiration galore in this tour of tidy.

Key Points:

• Modular and Transparent: Adam uses modular Akro-Mils containers and tool drawers, arranged in a “first-order retrievability” system—meaning everything is visible and accessible. No gear is buried or forgotten.

• Gear Variety: His storage includes DSLRs, mirrorless setups, cinema cameras, GoPros, drones, compact cameras, and a full range of lenses and audio equipment—each with its own designated drawer or shelf.

• Custom Foam Inserts: Adam uses custom-cut foam inserts (some handmade) to cradle fragile equipment, ensuring safe storage and easy access.

• Labeling Is Key: Every drawer and box is clearly labeled, often with hand-drawn tags, so Adam can find what he needs at a glance—be it ND filters, lav mics, or spare batteries.

• Favorite Storage Products:

  • Akro-Mils Storage Bins and Cabinets
  • Storm Hard Cases for large gear transport
  • Foam by Kaizen Inserts, which he sometimes modifies himself

• Organization Ethos: Adam’s storage philosophy mirrors his maker mindset: "I want my tools ready to go so I’m not wasting creative energy looking for things."

• Workflow-Oriented: Gear is stored based on use-case—film gear together, sound equipment grouped, and vlogging gadgets all in one place—matching how Adam works on projects.

Research Notes:

• Adam Savage’s “first-order retrievability” system is a recurring theme in his shop organization videos. The term means any item can be retrieved without moving another item—a principle developed and popularized in industrial workspace management.

• The Akro-Mils bins he uses are widely recommended by makers and crafters. They’re stackable, durable, and come in many sizes perfect for different kinds of gear.

• The approach aligns with lean manufacturing and Kanban-style inventory control—used by operations pros for efficiency and visual control.

In short: If Marie Kondo had a workshop crossed with a film set, it might look like Adam Savage’s camera gear corner. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to reorganize your gear drawer.
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