Welcome fellow explorers and shutterbugs! If you’re seeking the ‘Best Camera Strap for Hiking’, you’re in the right place. Just as hiking requires strength, resilience, and determination, the ideal camera strap should also possess these qualities. As someone who has overcome some personal mountains of her own, I can tell you that resilience is key, both in life and camera straps!
As a ‘holistic health and fitness ninja’, I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of the right gear in optimizing my experiences, whether it’s my food, my training routine, or even my camera strap. The same persistence and attention to detail that healed my health are applied in this roundup review, ensuring you the best choice for durability, comfort, and functionality.
Navigating through my curated list of the best camera straps, you’ll find the straps I entrust my beloved camera with during my hikes. So, keep your eyes on this trail of reviews as we journey together into unearthing exceptional camera straps, ensuring a safer and hands-free hiking experience whilst you capture those breathtaking vistas!
What is the Best Camera Strap for Hiking?
We have compiled for you the top 5 Best Camera Strap for Hiking in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with hiking camera straps and having used several camera straps for hiking you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about camera straps for hiking.
1. Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Width: 5 “ |
If you’re on the lookout for a camera strap that merges functionality with style, the Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap certainly won’t disappoint. With its high tensile strength, this reliable wrist loop is well-equipped to secure heavier professional cameras, making it as practical as it is attractive. I particularly liked how it can tighten and wrap around the wrist neatly, just like a bracelet, held together by a nifty magnetic clasp when not in its element.
Despite the freedom of adjustment it provides, there are reports that it may hug the wrist too tightly, especially when coupled with bigger cameras—an aspect to keep in mind. The inclusion of a versatile anchor system is another advantageous feature of the Peak Design cuff. This nifty addition paves the way for compatibility with varying equipment like action cameras or binoculars.
Crafted predominantly from luxurious leather, complete with aluminum hardware and Dyneema cord anchor pieces, this wrist strap gives the impression of a stylish accessory, not just a tool. However, while the elegant design and excellent build quality may appeal to both professional and amateur photographers, the higher price point and wrist-limited use may not suit everyone. Particularly while hiking, the wrist strap would confine your hand unless you choose to detach your equipment from the cuff.
Pros
- High-quality construction backed by a lifetime warranty,
- Seamless connection with anchor links,
- Versatile use with equipment like GoPros and binoculars,
- Adjustable to accommodate all wrist sizes
Cons
- Primarily suited for wrist usage,
- Could be pricey for some budgets
2. Blue Woven Vintage Camera Strap
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Minimum length: 33 “ Max Size: 61 “ Width: 2 “ |
Art Tribute is a flexible neck strap that is suitable for most cameras and binoculars, and it is also the top choice on my list. The length ranges between 33 – 61 inches, which makes it versatile for shoulder and crossbody slinging.
The Art Tribute camera leash has more color variety than other straps on my list. The design uses a vegan fabric instead of animal hide leather to create different attractive designs. However, some users have found the material to be hard and irritating to the skin, while others find the 2-inch width uncomfortable for the neck.
On the flip side, the width is ideal for shoulder and crossbody wearing and is better for hiking because it gives you less fatigue. The strap also has a cotton lining that adds comfort at the contact points.
Pros
- Attractive handmade designs,
- Adjustable length for a secure fit,
- Versatile for neck, shoulder, and sling,
- Lifetime warranty,
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Materials may cause skin allergies,
- Too wide for comfort
3. Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Width: 3.1 “ |
This Peak Design hiking camera strap features an adjustable length and aluminum anchor mounts that are compatible with a tripod. It features a 32mm wide nylon webbing strap with a smooth top with a grippy bottom to prevent slipping while wearing on the shoulder and is suitable for mirrorless and light DSLR cameras.
The Slide Lite camera strap is the only one in my list whose anchors are compatible with a tripod. It is also versatile to use as a neck, shoulder, and sling that makes it ideal for hiking. However, some users have noted that the material is stiff, while anchor clips may cause scratches on the camera. Besides that, the strap is high quality, strong and durable for heavy pro cameras.
Pros
- Durable aluminum quick adjusters,
- Secure, low profile anchor mounts,
- Multipurpose for neck, shoulder, and sling
Cons
- The strap is stiff and bulky,
- The anchor clips may cause scratches on the camera
4. BlackRapid Sport Camera Strap
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
BlackRapid is a sling strap for your camera for right-handed users only. It features a wide shoulder pad for comfort and an adjustable length up to 67.5 inches for fitting. The strap securely locks the camera with brass and zinc-alloy CR-3 locking carabiner, and it features a nylon webbing construction that is water-resistant, breathable, and durable.
The BlackRapid hiking camera strap is suitable for hiking because it allows quick access to the camera while keeping it out of the way. Though it is a high-quality camera strap and the premium choice on my list, it has limited use, unlike the Peak Design Slide Lite and the Blue Woven Vintage camera straps that are versatile in use. The rear clip is also its weakest point, as noted by some users, and it can cause the camera to crash on the ground.
Pros
- Adjustable length for fitting,
- Features a comfortable shoulder pad,
- Comfortable moisture-wicking fabric,
- Lightweight for a backpack mount
Cons
- For right handed users only,
- No color variations,
- Expensive
5. STUNTMAN Pack Mount Shoulder Strap
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Width: 2.5 “ |
With the STUNTMAN Pack Mount Shoulder Strap, capturing adventures hands-free has never been easier. This robust camera mount features a broad base plate enhanced with dual anti-slip belts that smartly loop around your backpack’s shoulder straps, securing them with a dependable Velcro hook and loop. Its wider base plate sets it apart from others in the market, paving the way for unmatched stability.
Tailored for an adaptable fit, this versatile mount can effortlessly be carried on both shoulders. Ideal for both left and right-handed individuals, it brings harmonious comfort and ease to your hiking experience. The mount stands out with an adaptable length and an innovative ball joint, enabling you to direct your camera in any desired angle.
Specifically designed to work well with most brands of action cameras and gimbals, this strap ensures smooth, stable footage during your hikes. However, it’s best suited for action cameras like GoPro. Though not perfect, with screw lugs weaker than some other brands, this shortcoming doesn’t outweigh its notable features.
Pros
- Dual functionality as a shoulder mount,
- Wider base plate for superior stability,
- Compatibility with a variety of action cameras,
- Non-slip design for secure fit
Cons
- Screw lugs prone to breakage,
- Limited compatibility beyond GoPro cameras
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of camera straps for hiking and decided that 5 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Camera Strap for Hiking is Peak Design Cuff Camera Wrist Strap which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, Blue Woven Vintage Camera Strap is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying camera straps for hiking
Overview
Although you can consider the hiking camera strap as an accessory, it does offer some benefits to your hiking experience. The buying guide below will help you understand the types, materials, and using your harness effectively in your hike.
Types of Camera Straps
For smaller, lightweight cameras, wrist straps are a practical choice. They strap onto a single point on your camera and mimic the design of a bracelet. However, if you’re heading on a hiking adventure, wrist straps may not be your best pick as they monopolize one hand.
Shoulder straps are the more versatile option, accommodating larger cameras while meeting the demands of long hikes. They can convert into cross-body straps, significantly distributing camera weight across your back and easing the load.
Next up on the list are neck-straps – frequently supplied with cameras. Suitable for lightweight cameras and brief hikes, they can also double as shoulder straps. However, prolonged usage may put a strain on your spine due to the camera’s weight.
Dual camera harnesses, with their dual camera attachment functionality, are favorites among professionals. Perfect for events where multiple shots are required.
The top choice for hikers is undoubtedly the camera clip; its compatibility with your backpack enhances accessibility and convenience. As you decide on the best strap for you, consider camera compatibility and ease of storage. Added features, like compatibility with tripods and binoculars, can prove beneficial.
For DSLR owners, shoulder straps are the way to go. They comfortably support heavy camera weights and grant flexibility for dual-camera operations. Professional photographers swear by them!
Camera Straps Material
Nylon webbing and paracord are the cheapest and most available materials for making camera straps. These materials are durable, strong, water-resistant, and are useful for making other types of hiking and camping gear. However, nylon loses its bright colors over time due to sunlight exposure and may become unattractive. On the other hand, neoprene is a synthetic rubber with high-tensile strength, water and UV resistance, and padding for comfort. However, it is more expensive, and the material is not breathable. Leather is another camera strap material to consider because it is quite stylish and comfortable to wear. However, it is also pricey and not as durable as nylon.
Attachment and Setup
Before you wander out into the wilderness with your camera, make sure your strap is correctly attached. If not, you could end up with a costly crash. Here’s the trick:
First, take the plastic buckle that’s at the end of the strap and turn it right side up. Then loop the strap inward through the eyelet on your camera, threading it into a part called the retainer piece. After threading it in there, pull it back through the side you’d probably think of as the wrong end of the buckle, and give it a nice, firm pull. Here’s a simple video to walk you through it.
Strap length varies, often around 27-29 inches for a typical neck strap. This length usually gives a nice drop to your abdomen if you’re of average height. Shoulder slings work best when slightly shorter, around 23-26 inches, while cross-body straps need a tad longer, about 27 inches. And don’t overlook the strap’s width – this makes all the difference in comfort. Wider bands tend to be more comfortable on the places where it rests, while slender ones are lighter. For a comfy and reliable neck strap, opt for a 1.5-inch width or less. If you’re a shoulder or cross-body slinger, go wider – 2 inches is optimal.
Questions and Answers About camera straps for hiking
Is it safe to use a camera strap when hiking?
Yes, it is safe if you use the right camera strap that can hold your camera securely. You can also attach your action camera to your backpack with a camera mount such as the STUNTMAN Pack Mount Shoulder Strap. It provides a snug attachment that prevents the camera from swinging around when hiking.
Is A Camera Strap Only For Professional Photographers Or Hikers?
Definitely not! A camera strap isn’t just for the professionals, but for all photography enthusiasts. Apart from making your camera more comfortable to carry around, it also safeguards it against potential mishaps.
