Are you on the hunt for the ideal camera strap for your hiking or backpacking adventures? Your search ends here!
In this comprehensive guide, I delve into the diverse range of camera straps available on the market, complete with in-depth reviews of various brands that I’ve personally tested.
So, let’s get started!
My top pick:
• Peak Design Slide Lite
Types of Camera Straps
Camera straps come in four varieties that a person can purchase, each designed for specific holding purposes:
- Neck strap
- Wrist strap
- Sling strap
- Waist strap
It’s crucial to select a strap that complements your specific camera. For instance, a DSLR typically comes with a neck strap in its kit.
When I’m using a compact digital camera, I prefer a wrist strap. However, for professional cameras, a sling strap is often my go-to choice.
On occasion, I opt for a waist camera strap or holster, also known as a chest harness strap. You can find more information in the 2023 buyer’s guide on The Best Camera Holsters, Harnesses, and Clips for Hiking.
My tip: Always consider the weight and size of your camera when choosing a strap. A heavy camera might be uncomfortable with a neck strap, while a sling strap might be overkill for a lightweight point-and-shoot camera.
The Importance of Camera Straps
Camera straps are essential for ensuring the security and protection of your camera. Even if hiking isn’t your primary activity, preventing your camera from falling and breaking is crucial.
Therefore, consider investing in a strap that can securely hold your camera all day long without compromising its safety.
All of the camera straps are sturdy and durable since the composition of nylon, leather, and plastic is used to make these straps.
However, during my backpacking journeys, I’ve found that these straps are not breathable and can cause itching when carrying a heavy load for extended periods.
So, it’s worth taking the time to carefully consider your options before buying a camera strap.
My tip: Look for straps with quick-release mechanisms. These allow you to detach your camera quickly when you need to set up a tripod or change your shooting style.
Best Camera Straps for Hiking and Backpacking: Detailed Reviews for 2023
Let’s take a deeper look into detailed reviews of various camera strap brands, discussing their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. BlackRapid Sport Breathe
Source: blackrapid.com
The BlackRapid Sport Breathe is a cross-body strap that allows the camera to hang upside down for stable transport. As such, the BlackRapid Sport Breathe has become my favorite option to facilitate my hiking photography.
It’s perfect for most of my cameras, including Canon, Nikon, DSLR, and Mirrorless models.
Besides, the strap is made of breathable material and includes a moisture-wicking shoulder pad. It also has a locking carabiner and a safety tether to prevent accidental drops.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Holds your camera tight on the shoulder with its included underarm stabilizer. •The strap is adjustable in length up to 66 inches. | • The strap weight is 6.4 oz, which might add a bit of weight to your gear. |
2. Coiro Dual Camera Leather Camera Harness
Source: coiroshop.com
This is pretty expensive for a camera strap. But people who use two cameras at once may see this harness as a plus point.
The Coira Leather harness fits like a vest to keep the camera sturdy around the body and comes with additional clasps for easy adjustment at all times.
The harness comes with clips that hold the camera close to one’s body. So even if one out of the two clasps unhooks, the camera is still protected.
As a result, the harness is known as one of the most comfortable and helpful strap pieces, especially for adrenaline-filled activities such as hiking and backpacking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • The strap is multifunctional, especially for hyper activities like backpacking. | • Unbreathable since leather is a primary component. • It is expensive. |
3. The Art Tribute Store Vibrant Design Neck Strap for Cameras
Art tribute store came up with an artistic strap as a breathable neck strap with a quick-release button. I love this strap as it adds a touch of style to the camera setup while also being incredibly comfortable to wear.
The material used for this strap is cotton of premium quality, making it breathable for use. In addition, it is stretchable, i.e., from 33” to 61”.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Cotton is used as the primary material making it desirable for sweat-filled hiking or backpacking. Cost friendly. • They are compatible with DSLRs | • They are not desirable for action cameras. • Not recommended for very heavy cameras. |
4. Spider Holster – SpiderPro Single Camera System v2
Source: spiderholster.com
Spider Holsters are like intimating art back into life and popular straps people have been using for a long time.
The SpiderPro Single Camera System v2 holster removes all the weight on my neck, shoulder, or back and removes any muscle pain or fatigue.
In addition, you can adjust the belt according to the size desired, which has a two-position system and a self-lock design making it the most accessible and protective system.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • The holster supports the camera without damaging the body parts. • Adjustable belt. • Self-lock system. | • The holster can carry DSLRs and heavy geared items but does not support mirrorless cameras. • It is costly. |
5. Blackrapid Curve Camera sling strap
Source: Blackrapid.com
The BlackRapid Curve Camera Sling is a strap that I purchased and found to be of high quality.
It’s designed with a curve, making it a perfect fit for the natural shape of your body. This design ensures that the weight of the camera is evenly distributed, providing comfort during long hikes or backpacking trips.
One feature that stood out to me was the inclusion of a bumper lock that came with the strap. This lock secures the camera in place, preventing it from swinging around and potentially getting damaged during your outdoor adventures.
The strap is made of durable nylon material, ensuring its longevity. It’s compatible with most DSLR cameras.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Suitable for any camera, light or heavy. • Straps have a secondary attachment for better bondage and security for the camera. | • There are no mentionable demerits of the camera. |
6. Peak Design Clutch CL – 2 Hand strap
Source: peakdesign.com
The Peak Design Clutch CL – 2 Hand strap fits around your hands as a handgrip and is excellent for any camera. In my experience, a camera strap that provides unmatched flexibility and convenience is a game-changer.
It allows me to quickly and easily change the camera’s position, making it possible to capture those unexpected moments that often occur during hikes.
Moreover, a strap with a solid grip ensures that the camera’s control button is always accessible. This means you can adjust settings, take a shot, or switch modes at a moment’s notice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Provides movement and freedom in the usage of the camera. • Pricing is very reasonable, so anybody can buy. • Suitable for all DSLRs, especially those with heavy bodies and batteries | • Sometimes, get tired of holding the camera and may add extra baggage during activities like hiking or backpacking. |
7. Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap
peakdesign.com
The Peak Design Slide Lite camera straps are one of my favorite options for carrying my camera during hiking and backpacking adventures. They are incredibly versatile in their usage.
They function as a shoulder strap when I need to keep the camera strung on my shoulders and pose as a great neck strap or a crossbody strap to divide weight equally.
The material used to make this camera strap is nylon, deemed as a non-breathable item. However, a quick-release button option is available, which is relatively easy to use during adventurous journeys.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Such straps work best for mirrorless cameras and even light weighted DSLRs. • Cheap pricing compared to other products. | • The main disadvantage of the Slide Lite strap has to be the inability to lift heavily weighted cameras. |
My tip: Always test a strap before purchasing it. What feels comfortable for one person might not work for another. If possible, try on the strap with your camera attached to get a feel for how it will perform in the field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right camera strap for hiking and backpacking can greatly enhance your photography experience.
This guide provides a comprehensive review of seven top camera straps, each with unique features and benefits.
From the versatile Peak Design Slide Lite to the comfortable BlackRapid Sport Breathe, there’s a strap to suit every adventurer’s needs.
Remember, the best strap for you depends on your camera’s weight, your comfort, and your personal style.
My tip: Don’t forget to clean your camera strap regularly. Dirt and sweat can build up over time, leading to discomfort and potential damage to your camera. A clean strap is a happy strap!
Justin Parker is a professional photographer and has been in the industry since 2007. He attended the University of Georgia. Justin combines his passion for photography and his interest in writing to give life to this blog which talks about photography in order to help and inspire young photographers.
