5 Best Camera Strap For Hiking & Backpacking 2022
If you’re an avid hiker or backpacker and photographer, you know how important it is to have a good camera strap. After all, after your hiking pack and your hiking shoes, your camera is likely one of your most essential pieces of gear. Not only do you want a strap that will keep your camera safe, but you also want one that is comfortable and easy to use.
There are a lot of different camera straps on the market. It can be tough to decide which is the Best Camera Strap For Hiking and Backpacking. We’ve put together a list of camera straps for hiking and backpacking. We’ve considered customer reviews, specs, and features to select our top five picks.
Our Top Picks
Carrying your camera while backpacking can be as easy as putting it in your bag, but there are better choices. If your camera is stuck in your pack, it’s a challenge to get out whenever you want to take a photo. Carrying your camera in your hand risks dropping and damaging your camera. A good camera strap will keep your camera at hand for easy access and safe while you are hiking, allowing you to use your hands if you need to.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is The Best Camera Strap For Hiking & Backpacking?
Here is our ranked and reviewed list of the best camera straps for hiking & Backpacking in 2022.
The 5 Best Camera Straps for Hiking & Backpacking
- Best Overall Camera Strap – Peak Design Slide
- Best Neck Camera Strap – Peak Design Slide Lite
- Best Chest Camera Strap – Think Tank Camera Support Strap V2.0
- Best Waist Camera Strap – SlingBelt Carrying System
- Best Camera Clip – Peak Design Capture Clip V3
1) Best Overall Camera Strap – Peak Design Slide
Overview
The best overall camera strap goes to the Peak Design Slide for its outstanding design, build quality, comfort and adjustability. The strap is available in four color options and easily attaches to your camera via the Peak Design Anchor Link system. It can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap and carries up to 90Kg.
The strap is made from durable, tightly woven nylon webbing that looks not only great but also feels comfy against your skin. The Slide is outfitted with ultra stylish aluminum finished quick pull adjusters, allowing you to effortlessly and quickly change the length of the Slide on the go. The belt has new and improved silicone grips, enhanced webbing, and lower-profile strap/hardware connections.
What We Like
- Outstanding design
- Build quality
- Comfort
- Adjustability
What We Don’t Like
- On the expensive side
- Tool required to disconnect base connector
Price
MSRP $69.95
2) Best Neck Camera Strap – Peak Design Slide Lite
Overview
The best camera neck strap money can buy. Comfortable, light, and strong, this is the best option for those who want the best of the best. The Lite is a smaller version of the original and is best suited for mirrorless cameras. It can be worn as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap and features quick adjusters for easy reconfiguration. The Anchor Link system connects quickly and securely, and the dual connection points keep your camera more stable than traditional sling camera straps.
What We Like
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Strong and sturdy
- great for lighter DSLRs and mirrorless cameras
- Anchor Link system is quick and secure
What We Don’t Like
- On the expensive side
- Tool required to disconnect base strap connector
Price
MSRP $59.95
3) Best Chest Camera Strap – Think Tank Camera Support Straps V2.0
Overview
The Think Tank Camera Support Strap 2.0 is the best camera chest strap for hiking on the market. Most chest camera straps include a harness with full shoulder straps. That’s great if all you carry is a camera, but when hiking, you already have a backpack, and the harness has to sit underneath the straps, which can be uncomfortable. The Think Tank Camera Support Strap V2.0 is different. It’s a simple chest strap that attaches to a hiking backpack shoulder straps, so it doesn’t add any bulk or discomfort. And it has two quick-release clips for attaching your camera. This is essential gear for any hiker who wants to take pictures on the trail.
What We Like
- Attaches to your hiking backpack shoulder straps
- Quick-release clips for attaching your camera
What We Don’t Like
- Not as stable as a full chest harness
Price
MSRP $19.75
4) Best Waist Camera Strap – SlingBelt Carrying System
Overview
The best waist strap is the SlingBelt Carrying System. This strap has a patented Twist & Lock mount that secures your camera or binoculars to your hip. It also comes with a sling strap that allows your camera to hang for instant shooting.
The best thing about the slingbelt is that it’s comfortable and doesn’t bounce around when hiking or backpacking. And, if you need to take your camera off for a minute, the sling strap will keep it from hitting the ground.
This strap also comes with a built-in rain cover and an adjustable sunshade. So, your camera will be protected if you’re caught in a rainstorm or hiking in sunny conditions. If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, and easy-to-use camera waist strap, the SlingBelt Carrying System is the best option.
What We Like
- Built-in rain cover and sunshade
- Great carrying position for hiking
What We Didn’t Like
- Still requires a sling strap.
Price
MSRP$89.00
5) Best Camera Clip – Peak Design Capture Clip V3
Overview
A camera clip is an easy and versatile way to carry your camera. I have owned the capture clip V2 for 2 years and absolutely love it. The clip is easy to connect to a backpack strap. I used it with a DSLR and a Sony a6500 as a shoulder strap mount for a GoPro. Unlike a camera strap, the Capture keeps your camera stable while hiking, biking, or moving around.
I would recommend the clip V3 to anyone looking for a more secure and comfortable way to carry their camera. I have used it for hiking and backcountry skiing.
What We Like
- Ease of Use
- Versatility
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- The base clip requires a tool to connect and disconnect
- It can only attach to thinner straps or webbing
- On the expensive side
Price
MSRP $74.95
FAQ
How do you carry your camera when backpacking?
The best way to carry a camera when hiking is with a comfortable strap that allows easy access to the camera. Many different camera straps are available, so choosing one that best suits your needs is essential.
What is the best camera for hiking?
In our article on the best hiking cameras, we ranked the Olympus Tough TG-6 as the best overall camera.
What is the most convenient camera to take on a backpacking trip?
A rugged point-and-shoot camera is the most convenient camera to take on a hiking trip. Tough cameras are robust, water resistant, and meant to stand up to the rigors of the outdoors. The best hiking camera is the Olympus Tough TG-6.
Types of Camera Straps
Camera Neck Strap
A camera neck strap is the most common type of camera strap. These camera straps are typically made from nylon or leather and attach to the camera via the tripod mount. Neck camera straps evenly distribute the camera’s weight around your neck and shoulders, making them comfortable to wear for long periods.
Chest Camera Strap
A chest camera strap is similar to a neck strap, but it attaches to the camera via the tripod mount and goes around your chest. This strap type is best for keeping the camera close to your body. These camera straps require a full harness which may not fit well under a backpack.
Shoulder Strap/Cross-Body Camera Sling Strap
A shoulder or cross-body camera strap attaches via the tripod mount and goes over your shoulder. These camera straps are best for keeping the camera close to your body and evenly distributing the camera’s weight. A Shoulder/Cross-Body camera Strap may interfere with your pack when hiking.
Camera Clip
A camera clip is a small device that attaches to your clothing or backpack and provides a secure way to carry your camera. Clips are best for keeping the camera close to your body and easily accessible. They connect easily to backpacks and are very versatile.
Dual Camera Strap
A dual camera strap is a harness that allows you to carry two cameras simultaneously. This camera strap is best for taking two cameras simultaneously or one heavy camera.
Waist Camera Strap
A camera waist strap is excellent for easy access. The camera sits on your hip, where you can easily pull it out to take a shot. It’s also generally out of the way of hiking. It does not interfere with leg movement, and unless you are in tight spaces, it won’t get banged around. The downside of a waist strap is that it may interfere with your backpack hip belt depending on its size and location.
Camera Wrist Strap
A camera wrist strap attaches to the camera’s base and goes around your wrist. We do not recommend a camera wrist strap for hiking. It requires you to hold the camera, which could get damaged, and your hands are not accessible while hiking. There are better options than a wrist strap for hiking.
How to Choose the Best Camera Strap for You
There are several factors to consider when choosing a camera strap. The best camera strap for you will depend on your camera type, how you plan to use it, and your personal preferences.
Camera Strap Material
The material of the strap is essential for both comfort and durability. Nylon and leather are the most common materials used for camera straps. Nylon is lightweight and durable but can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. A leather camera strap is more comfortable but less durable than nylon.
Type of Camera Strap
The type of strap you choose should be based on how you want to carry your camera. Your camera will need to sit comfortably and be easily accessible when hiking. A neck or chest strap will keep the camera directly in front of you for easy access but may get in the way if you have to scramble over challenging terrain. A waist strap will get the camera out of the way but may be difficult to access quickly. A clip is the most versatile option as it can be easily attached to your backpack wherever works best for you, but it can cause challenges when you put your pack down.
Camera Strap Adjustability
The best camera straps can be worn over different clothing and backpacks. This is important for comfort as well as functionality. When choosing a strap for hiking you should be able to easily use the strap with your bag and access the camera for quick photos from the trail. If the camera is inside your pack or hard to get at, you won’t be able to quickly pull it out to take photos.
Camera Strap Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of the strap is essential, especially if you are carrying a heavy camera or want to take multiple cameras. The strap you choose will have a maximum weight capacity that it can hold. The strap should also have enough padding to carry the camera’s weight for extended periods. This is especially important when hiking or backpacking because you will carry the camera and other gear for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed our list of the best camera straps for hiking & backpacking. When choosing a strap, you must consider your individual needs and what type of photography you will do while on the trail. With so many different options available, there is sure to be a strap that is perfect for you! Thanks for reading, and see you on the trail!
