How can I carry a DSLR securely and accessibly while hiking without it swinging?
Asked 10/17/2010
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2 answers
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I’m looking for a way to keep a DSLR easy to grab while hiking, but more secure and stable than a regular neck strap. Ideally it would attach to a backpack shoulder or chest strap, or work like a chest/side holster so I can quickly remove the camera for a shot. Are there commercial products for this, or simple DIY/workaround options that hikers use?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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If you are looking for something that really won't move, I do recall of the Cotton Carrier line of products. The web site isn't that hot, explore it to find pictures and videos. It really does look like a holster though, both on your chest, or at your side.
Maybe a sling-type kind of strap would work better for you? I've seen two main competitors on the market:
- The Black Rapid RS-7
- The Luma Loop by Luma Labs
Both links above will lead to videos, and you can find a very detailed side-by-side review at photography-on-the.net.
UPDATE: been using the Luma Loop for a month, and I love it.
Originally by user1273. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1273
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — this is a common hiking/carry problem, and there are purpose-built solutions.
Options mentioned by users include:
- Cotton Carrier chest or side holster systems, designed to hold the camera tightly so it doesn’t swing.
- Peak Design Capture, a clip that attaches to a belt or backpack strap and holds the camera securely while keeping it easy to remove.
- Sling straps like the BlackRapid RS-7 or Luma Loop, which don’t fully holster the camera but usually control movement better than a neck strap and keep the camera ready.
A simple workaround is to wear the camera on a diagonal shoulder strap and route or secure it under your backpack’s sternum strap. That helps stabilize the camera near your waist while hiking and still lets you free it quickly when needed.
So yes, commercial solutions do exist, especially holster and clip systems, and a sling-strap-plus-backpack-strap setup can work as a low-cost DIY alternative.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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