Camera support strap for backpacking

Questions about equipment and supplies to bring on a trip (including reviews).

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fonixmunkee
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Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by fonixmunkee »

I'm looking to bring my SLR with to IR for the first time ever this spring. I want to keep it accessible at all times, however. I've been looking for solutions to keep it accessible while I hike, and I've only come across the following:

http://www.amazon.com/Think-Tank-Camera ... B004L5R3GE

Anyone know if these straps work well? Have a better suggestion? Please share if you do!
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by Ingo »

Been researching this myself and think that I've settled on this Lowepro bag to carry on my chest:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/6 ... 50_AW.html

I like the simplicity, cost, and convenience of just the strap, but I think the protection factor is going to trump it for me. It comes with a rain cover, although I'm not sure how trustworthy it is, say if it's pouring for any time. It has 4 attachment points so should be able to attach directly to the pack straps. Or maybe use this chest harness underneath the pack straps:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9 ... pload.html
Have read reviews of people doing it both ways and being happy. I'll probably get the harness though, since it will allow me to take the pack off without detaching the camera first. And will be able to use it hiking w/o the pack.
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by photosean »

All of those look like good options to carry around the neck/shoulders. Another option would be an R-Strap (possibly with modifications to wear under a backpack) from www.blackrapid.com.

Another option would be to utilize the hip belt of your backpack, which I would lean towards. This company might have an option, or ideas to explore: www.spiderholster.com.

For work (I'm a photojournalist at a daily paper), I switch between a Domke bag and a Think Tank modular system. I carry between 1-2 bodies and with 3-4 lenses for most assignments plus a video camera. After an hour or so of shooting my neck and shoulders get tired, so the Think Tank system works well because I can use the belt to put the weight on my hips.

Definitely check out all of the solutions Think Tank could offer like the digital holster (http://www.thinktankphoto.com/categorie ... sters.aspx).
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by MikeT »

I use a Lowepro case for both my camera and my telephoto lens. I spray waterproofed both of them and have not experienced and problems in spinkles to light rain. I do not leave them out in a down pour. Major rain I put one away and carry one under my rain gear or, in bad rain, put it away altogether.

For my telephoto I use:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/7 ... e_9_x.html
This I slide onto my hip belt so it is handy when I am walking for a quick change and to hold my standard lens when the telephoto is on.

For my camera I use:
http://www.lowepro.com/about-us/news-an ... tlz-series
I do not typically wear this as I generally carry my camera around my neck and/or shoulder (I take a lot of pictures and am always ready). I use this more for in camp so I can keep my camera handy yet protected from the elements and accidental drops. Also to protect it from the ever changing temp and humidity, especially overnight. The lens case also straps onto the camera case so they are together handy and I can carry them both on missions and always be ready. The camera case also has a little pocket to hold a lens cloth, spare battery ans sd card.

I also carry a small dry bag that can go around my waster or over the shoulder but usually only use it when canoeing.

FYI:
I carry a Canon Rebel XSi and the case fits perfect. For the telephoto it is a canon 75-300 and it also fits (but they make one for many sizes)

These have both been on the trail or canoeing for 30-40 days and I have never wanted to replace them or modify them which is something I can not say for most of my equipment.
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by Gimp »

For my last trip to Isle Royale I bought a wide neoprene neck strap and a stabilizer strap from Op/Tech USA. The neck strap was comfortable, didn't dig into my neck after miles of walking, and dealt with sweat. The stabilizer strap worked really well to keep my camera from swaying and swinging. It's also a stretchy material so you just pull the camera right out when you need it and it wasn't at all tight around my abdomen. See:http://optechusa.com/stabilizer-strap.html I was very, very happy with this purchase.

If you look through the website you will see a lot of straps and other camera products that are made for field use. I think that I bought the products through Amazon.
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by chappel »

I normally use a Black Rapid 'sling' style strap, and just ordered a 'california sunbounce' backpack strap from B & H Photo to try and get the same functionality while wearing a pack. I'll report back how well it works. Hopefully it's worth the rather exorbitant price.
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by Ingo »

On my trip this summer I used the Lowepro top loader and chest harness I mentioned in the previous post. It worked well and cost about $50. My only complaint was that it was hot on the chest. The camera is not instantly ready, but comes out with a quick unzip. I was not sure about the unpadded straps, but didn't find them uncomfortable on an 8 mile day. Probably not as handy or quite as comfortable as some more expensive options, but good and economical. The rain cover came in handy, protecting it from the soaking wet vegetation (it quit raining about the time we actually hit the trail). FYI, the Toploader Zoom 50 AW fits a Nikon D7000 and 18-200 DX zoom (with lens hood on) perfectly.

And for the not so flattering pic (hmmm, maybe should call that a "stomach harness" :shock: ):
cameracase.jpg
cameracase.jpg (20.68 KiB) Viewed 5718 times
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Re: Camera support strap for backpacking

Post by fonixmunkee »

Hey, thanks for resurrecting this thread, and sharing your camera strap of choice.

I went with this little guy: http://backcountrysolutions.com/id20.html

It worked great, was lightweight, and never failed. I was able to use my camera really easily and quickly (although the need never arised to use it "quickly"). The nice part was the strap that held the lens cover.

The company's website for the Keyhole camera harness is a little sketcy, and you have to pay via PayPal. But they ship fast!

Sent from my GT-P7310
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