Best Camera Strap For Hiking | Forget the Heavy Bags!
Say goodbye to your bulky camera bag and welcome lightweight and comfortable camera straps that will meet all your needs while out on the trail.
Are you looking for the best camera strap for hiking?
You've come to the right place. In this article, we will review and compare the top five camera straps for hiking on the market today.
We'll take a look at their features and how they can benefit hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
So whether you're looking for a new strap to keep your camera safe while you hike, or you're just curious about what's out there, read on for our recommendations!
Hiking can be a great way to explore nature and capture its beauty in photographs. But if your camera isn't securely attached to your body, it can be easy to lose or damage it. That's why it's important to choose the right camera strap for hiking.
How We Picked
Hiking with a camera can be dangerous if you don't have the right equipment.
A lot of hikers make the mistake of hiking with their expensive DSLR cameras without any protection. This can lead to broken lenses, scratched cameras, and even the loss of the camera.
We've done the research for you and found the best camera straps for hiking on the market. These straps are made out of durable materials like nylon and neoprene, and they come in a variety of colors and designs to fit your style.
Disclosure: We only recommend things we’ve personally used or come highly recommended by trusted peers. Using one of our referral links might give us a small commission which helps support this website at no additional cost to you. If you’d like to learn more check out our disclaimer page.
Why We Chose
What makes this strap stand out is it’s lighter and thinner than other similar straps on the market. Don’t let the “lite” in the product name deter you from relying on this high-quality strap.
This design ensures low-profile comfort when carrying heavier cameras around — eliminating the need to worry about bulkier straps!
Having various products from Peak Design also has an advantage: they all work together seamlessly. The quick disconnect tabs on this camera strap allow switching between this and other compatible wrist straps effortlessly.
As expected, the quality of Peak Design camera straps are second to none. Built only with top-tier materials, you don't have to be concerned about its robustness or reliability — allowing you to take pictures without worries or hesitation.
The Rundown
- With dual quick adjusters, Slide Lite offers the ultimate flexibility for your on-the-go lifestyle.
- Effortlessly switch up how you carry it with a seatbelt style nylon webbing - one side gliding over clothing in sling mode and the other grippy enough to stay put when worn as a shoulder strap.
Materials: Aluminum, Nylon Webbing | Weight: 3.67 ounces
✔ Quality materials
✔ Works seamlessly with other Peak products
✔ Lightweight
✔ Can wear it 3 different ways
✖️ Pricey for a nylon strap
Why We Chose
This versatile clip is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, making it ideal for photographers with busy, active lifestyles.
The Capture Camera Clip allows you to quickly and easily attach your camera to your belt or bag straps so that it stays secure while out hiking, shooting photos, or traveling through rough terrain.
The base plate fits securely on wide straps but doesn’t cause any digging or discomfort away from the chest, even with lightweight athletic shirts.
The Capture Camera Clip has been field tested all around the world by photographers and adventurers alike—you won’t find an easier way to keep your camera safe and sound while out on a journey.
The Rundown
- This reliable camera mount securely holds your DSLR, compact or point-and-shoot cameras during any physical activity.
- With a secure and reliable quick-release button, you can access your camera with confidence knowing it's designed to handle up to 200 lbs. of force.
- Easily mount this attachment onto any strap or belt up to 2.5 inches wide and 0.6 inches thick.
Materials: Anodized Aluminum | Weight: 5.1 ounces
✔ Minimalist design
✔ Lightweight
✔ Convenient
✔ High quality
✖️ Only works with Peak Design base plates
✖️ A little small, may not fit all backpack types
Why We Chose
No more missed shots, no more awkward angles, and no more struggling with complicated setups. With this one-of-a-kind camera strap, you can easily access your gear while protecting it at the same time.
Rugged yet lightweight and ergonomic, this revolutionary sling is designed to provide maximum comfort so you can shoot for extended periods of time without fatigue.
Trusted by professionals worldwide, the BlackRapid Sport Breathe Original Camera Sling provides all that you need for effortless, hands-free shooting. The perfect companion for those long hikes or quick trips into town.
The Rundown
- With the Brad Breathe Stabilizing Strap, you can now access your camera with ease and speed for smooth, professional results.
- Easily customize the length with this 65.7" adjustable-length nylon webbing, and stay comfortable all day long thanks to its moisture-wicking 4” wide shoulder pad.
Materials: Nylon Webbing | Weight: 6.42 ounces
✔ Secure & Comfortable
✔ Breathable material
✔ Bumper design keeps it in place
✖️ Users complain of underarm strap falling off frequently
Why We Chose
Are you an avid photographer looking for an upgrade from a traditional neck strap? Look no further than the BlackRapid Backpack Camera Sling! This amazing hiking-friendly camera sling distributes the weight of your camera + lens so they feel comfortable on your back even during long hikes.
It's also highly accessible, so you can get the perfect shot whenever you want at the drop of a dime. It's perfect for multiday hikes or other situations where you need to quickly access your camera in between stops.
However, there is one slight downside as it can be quite cumbersome to take off and put on while hiking - so if that's a priority make sure to pack light!
The Rundown
- Its innovative design allows it to be easily integrated with a backpack, enabling users to secure and quickly access their camera from either side.
- Sturdy aluminum alloy snap locks alongside D rings or loops along each shoulder strap above the sternum buckle.
Materials: Nylon Webbing | Weight: 5.64 ounces
✔ Perfect setup for use with a backpack
✔ Balances weight well between both shoulder straps
✔ High-quality materials
✖️ Can't be used as a stand-alone strap
USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness with Quick Release Buckles
Best chest harness strap
Why We Chose
Not only does it look great, but this harness holds your camera securely to keep it hands-free while you're walking around. With quick-release buckles, you can easily detach your camera from the harness to start shooting quickly.
If a bag isn't your style, this harness also keeps all of your essentials– like extra batteries, lens cloth, and SD cards– conveniently within reach. There's even room for your filter carrier if you have one- without the extra weight or bulk of a full camera bag.
Perfectly adjustable, you can use the USA GEAR DSLR Camera Strap Chest Harness on all sorts of outings- long or short. So no need to be weighed down by extras when capturing life's best moments.
The Rundown
- This adjustable harness provides a customizable fit no matter your body shape or size; adjust the length to support your camera and craft the perfect fit for you.
- Keep your photography equipment organized with built-in accessory storage pockets. Perfect for storing lens caps, memory cards, batteries, and more - even space to tuck in a pen or cleaning cloth.
- This neoprene design provides optimal comfort and durability, evenly distributing weight across your neck, back, and shoulders to alleviate unnecessary strain. Making it perfect for outdoor adventures such as hiking.
Materials: Neoprene | Weight: 6.24 ounces
✔ Comfortable
✔ Extra storage pockets
✔ Quick-release buckles
✔ Great value
✖️ Difficult to get the adjustment right
How Do You Carry A Camera While Hiking?
When going on a hike with your camera, the most important thing to consider is how you will carry it.
The last thing you want to do is lug around a heavy camera bag that adds strain and fatigue to your shoulders. Or even worse a camera hanging from your neck swinging around.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options available that can make carrying cameras while hiking much easier!
- The best way for hikers to carry their gear is with a chest harness or sling strap system.
- Chest harnesses provide quick access without taking off the pack and keep the weight distributed evenly across the body instead of just one shoulder or arm like using straps alone would do.
- It's also better for active bodies because it moves with them so they don't feel weighed down during strenuous hikes.
Another popular choice amongst photographers are waist belts or packs as they're extremely versatile since they offer more space than traditional harnesses but still require no extra effort on longer hikes compared to regular backpacks.
- The biggest downside is it's going to be awkward hiking with one, especially if you're also carrying a backpack.
- This type of carrier works great if you need fast access but don't want bulky bags on top (or in front) of you always constricting your movements.
Some people also choose a camera wrist strap. They're less cumbersome and offer a good solution for keeping your camera close to you at all times.
- It's important to remember though, that these are only suitable if you're not doing any intense activities like hiking or climbing. As you don't want the camera attached to your hand on an entire hike.
- Wrist straps don't offer enough support and can be uncomfortable after extended periods of use.
As far as materials go, nylon is the best choice for hiking. It's lightweight, strong, weather-resistant, and comfortable. Some things you will not always find with a traditional leather camera strap.
The most important takeaway here is that whatever gear you end up choosing should be tailored towards comfort first after considering your technical needs. You don't want an uncomfortable carrier distracting from the experience itself by irritatingly bouncing off every step taken outdoors!
What Type of Digital Camera Would be Best for Taking On a Hike?
Choosing the right digital camera for a hike or camping backpacking trip can be a tricky decision, as there are lots of factors to take into account.
- It’s important to not only consider camera specs like megapixels and lens quality, but also practical things like size, weight, and battery life.
For most outdoor applications, digital cameras with small form factors tend to work best.
- Compact mirrorless cameras offer portability in smaller body sizes than traditional DSLRs while still offering plenty of image quality options.
- Some brands even offer waterproof models that can withstand unforeseen weather conditions and splashing water from streams or lakes you might come across on your journey.
When it comes to lenses for high-quality landscape shots or candid wildlife photography during your hikes and backpacking trips, wide-angle lenses are ideal - they allow you to capture sweeping views without having to use several camera positions which may be difficult when taking lots of gear out in the wilderness!
- If you’re going after birds or animals as well then telephoto lenses will help get up close photos without having to move too close yourself (which could disturb them).
- A zoom lens that covers both focal lengths is also an option so you don’t have to keep switching between different types all the time.
Of course, if you’re really serious about having the highest image quality possible then investing in something like a professional-grade DSLR may be worth considering.
- However, higher-end equipment tends to add more bulk so just remember that when looking at what kind of bag setup should go along with it too.
- That said depending on where exactly you've headed this extra ‘weight penalty' may well pay off for those great pictures—just make sure it doesn't compromise other essential items such as food/water supplies etc.
Finally, battery life is another critical factor.
- Lithium rechargeable batteries are often recommended for their longer usage time before needing a recharge. Carrying multiple spares is always advisable too.
- Plus some cameras provide power via USB connection from portable power banks meaning less need lugging round loads of spare batteries all day long.
Before You Go...
Post Moore
Russell Richardson Jr
Russell Richardson Jr
