Are you looking for the best camera straps for hiking? It is best to consider its type, material, and the length or width. With these factors in mind, I’ve made a list of the top five products on the market below. Read on below to learn why they matter.
Whenever I plan to bring my camera along on my next hike trip, I always consider carrying a high-quality strap. That is because it keeps my camera safe while hiking. At the same time, it often does not get in the way when maneuvering challenging terrain.
Finding one without sacrificing your equipment’s safety and comfort is not an easy task, though. Some straps fit loosely over your neck or shoulder, which results in your camera swaying excessively. Meanwhile, others might offer a more secure fit but severely lack comfort.
But fret not!
I scoured the web to determine the five best camera straps for hiking. These items evenly distribute the weight of your equipment, resulting in comfortable wear that does not slip unnecessarily.
And if you are curious which features will matter to you, read on below for a handy buying guide.
Different Types of Camera Straps
Before we get into our top picks, we would like to discuss the various types of camera straps that you can find on the market.
Neck Straps
A neck strap is perhaps the most popular camera strap. It enables you to access the camera instantly. There is no need to reach out by your side; you simply grab the camera and capture shot after shot. It also keeps your equipment safer than having to carry it by hand.
However, a camera neck strap is not the most comfortable way of carrying your equipment. It can cause your camera to bounce around your chest while you walk, which becomes annoying quickly.
Shoulder or Crossbody Straps
As its name suggests, a shoulder or crossbody strap allows you to carry your camera over one shoulder. The difference lies on the side where the camera will be hanging.
You can wear it on one shoulder next to the same side waist as a shoulder strap. But if you want the camera to hang on the opposite side waist, you can wear it as a crossbody strap.
Regardless of how you want to carry your camera, this type of strap gives you quick access to your camera while still enabling you to move freely. It is also more comfortable as it does not put pressure on your neck.
Wrist Straps
This type of camera strap gives you instant access to your camera as it is always in your hand. A wrist strap also acts as insurance to prevent you from accidentally dropping the camera while holding it in one hand. It can even help stabilize your shot.
However, it is uncommon to see a camera dangling from your wrist. More often than not, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will be too heavy to carry. Your equipment will also get in the way of most things since you are gripping it on the one hand.
Camera Clips
A camera clip is perhaps the most innovative way for carrying your gear. It does not come with its strap that you can wear around your body. Instead, it acts as a camera mount that securely holds your camera.
You simply fasten the clip to any bag, belt, or other types of clothing that features a strap. After that, you can attach your camera to it. And voila! You can now enjoy moving around without the hassle and pain of carrying a camera around your neck, shoulder, or wrist.
Dual Camera Straps
Dual camera straps allow you to handle and pack two camera bodies. They are ideal if you want to use two different lenses in a fast-moving shooting environment, such as weddings and events. But they can also be suitable for hiking when you want to capture both landscape and wildlife subjects.
Waist Straps
Waist straps enable you to grab your camera and return it in an instant. They also take the weight off your neck, shoulders, or wrist. Furthermore, they eliminate dangling straps, which sometimes get in the way while shooting photos.
However, they can still be quite uncomfortable because the weight of the equipment puts more strain on one side.
Now that you have learned the different types of camera straps, you can read on for our top picks! We decided to choose neck and shoulder straps as well as camera clips. They allow instant access to your camera while still being comfortable enough to carry during long hikes.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
5 Best Camera Straps for Hiking
1. Peak Design Slide Camera Strap – Editor’s Pick
Are you looking for a versatile camera strap for hiking? Consider the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap, which offers three different ways to carry your camera. It acts as a shoulder, neck, or sling strap, ultimately giving you flexibility.
It also provides comfort, thanks to the internally padded nylon webbing. It smoothly glides over clothing while preventing it from slipping when worn over the shoulder.
Moreover, it features two durable aluminum handles that allow quick length adjustment. The straps go as short as 39 inches to as long as 57 inches, ideal for both short and tall individuals.
Meanwhile, the unique Anchor Link system keeps your camera more secure than traditional camera straps. These anchor links can handle weights up to 200 lb, perfect for carrying the heaviest full-frame cameras and lenses.
Most customer reviews for this product were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its sturdy yet comfortable straps.
However, some users warned against storing the strap together with your camera inside a bag. This is because the aluminum adjusters can scratch your equipment. A few users also said that the strap left stains on their shirt after using it on a hot day.
But as you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons. And if you have issues with the product, you can easily ask for a return or replacement as Peak Design offers a lifetime warranty.
For this reason, the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap is our top choice for the best camera strap for hiking.
Pros:
- Versatile three-in-one (shoulder, sling, or neck) strap
- Quick-pull handles for a wide range of length adjustment
- Comfortable and sturdy strap
- It is capable of handling weights up to 200 lb (90 kg)
- Anchor mount works with tripods or L-brackets
- Sleek design available in two colors (black or ash)
- Lifetime warranty guaranteed
Cons:
- Aluminum adjuster handles can scratch the camera’s surface
- Straps may leave stains on your shirt
2. USA Gear TrueSHOT Camera Strap – Best Value
If you do not have the budget for the Peak Design, consider getting the USA Gear TrueSHOT Camera Strap.
It uses a stretchable neoprene padded material that distributes the camera weight evenly across your shoulders and back. It also allows length adjustment from 38 inches up to 58 inches. Thus, it offers a comfortable and personalized fit throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the non-slip surface design ensures the security of the camera around your neck and shoulders.
What’s more, the dual quick-release buckles enable you to attach or remove the strap instantly for easy access to your camera.
On top of all these benefits, this camera strap includes storage pockets and side pouches. These enable you to store SD cards, lens caps, and other camera accessories conveniently.
However, some users do not recommend putting heavy objects in the pockets as they can fall and get lost. A few also said the strap is too long for them, despite the adjustable length.
Nevertheless, we think the USA Gear TrueSHOT Camera Strap is an excellent product, especially for its price.
Pros:
- Comfortable padded straps
- Non-slip neoprene material
- Quick-release buckles for easy access to your camera
- Convenient storage pockets and side pouches
- Available in various colors and patterns
Cons:
- Storage pockets are not secure
- The strap can be too long for short individuals
3. Art Tribute Vintage Camera Strap – Most Stylish Neck Strap
If you are the type of traveler who wants to hike in style, you might like the Art Tribute Vintage Camera Strap.
This neck strap features colorful patterns that add flair to your outfit. Feel free to choose a design that best suits your personal style.
But this camera neck strap is not all about looks!
It boasts a durable and flexible strap that you can wear around your neck, shoulder, or across your body. Meanwhile, the cotton padding offers a comfortable yet still secure fit.
The Art Tribute strap also uses high-tensile plastic fasteners to ensure your camera remains firmly attached to the neck strap. There is no need to worry about your photography gear falling off while hiking.
Moreover, it offers a minimum length of 33 inches and a maximum size of 61 inches. This fully adjustable camera neck strap guarantees the right fit, whether you are a short or tall individual.
Despite all these pros, some users said that the sling strap is thick, making it slightly uncomfortable to wear around the neck. A few also mentioned that the color is not as advertised; it is lighter or darker than expected.
With that said, the Art Tribute Vintage Camera Strap is still among the best camera straps for hiking. We recommend it for photographers who want a stylish yet reliable strap to handle the weight of the camera.
Pros:
- A stylish and unique look made of vegan leather
- Versatile three-in-one strap
- Fully-adjustable design
- Durable and secure fit
- Lifetime warranty guaranteed
Cons:
- The thick strap is slightly uncomfortable to wear for long periods
- The actual color of the product may look different from the pictures
4. Coiro Dual Shoulder Harness – Best for Two Cameras
Those who want to bring two different camera bodies and lenses on their hike might benefit from a dual strap like the Coiro Dual Shoulder Harness.
It can handle two cameras simultaneously, regardless if it is a DSLR or mirrorless model. It is ideal for professional photographers who want instant access to their equipment without switching lenses.
This camera harness uses a leather material to offer both comfort and style. It also creates an “x” pattern across the back, which helps distribute the weight of your gear evenly.
Furthermore, it includes two safety straps and high-quality metal d-rings. These keep your equipment safe no matter the activity.
There are a few downsides to this camera strap, though.
First, this leather camera harness is pretty bulky and heavy if you want to stow it away. Also, some users said the harness buckle loosens after some time.
With that said, Coiro offers a customer satisfaction guarantee. You could ask for a refund or replacement if you were disappointed with this leather camera strap.
Pros:
- Genuine leather material ensures durability and comfort
- Harness distributes weight evenly
- Adjustable strap
- D-ring accessories and safety straps for extra security
- Available in three colors (brown, black, or tan)
- Customer satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Heavy and bulky
- Buckle clips unfasten after some time
5. Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 – Best Camera Mount
The Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 does not feature a strap, which sometimes gets in the way of your shooting. Instead, it includes two components–a metal clip that fastens to any strap on your bag, belt, or clothing and a tripod-compatible quick-release plate that securely holds your camera. Thus, it keeps your photography gear rigid instead of bouncing around your neck, wrist, or body while hiking.
There is also a quick-release button that allows you to grab the camera instantly. Meanwhile, the security lock prevents accidental release, ultimately ensuring the safety of your equipment.
Furthermore, this innovative product can hold up to 200 lb of weight. Such load capacity is more than enough to carry the heaviest of professional full-frame cameras and lenses.
On top of all these benefits, the clip enables you to lock the camera in four directions for an easier lens change.
With these features in mind, the Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 seems like the ideal camera strap for hiking. However, we did not list it as our top choice due to conflicting customer reviews.
Most reviews were positive, but some users do not recommend using it for heavy DSLRs as screws can easily loosen. A few also wished that this Peak Design camera mount could fit thicker backpack straps.
Pros:
- Innovative strap-free design can attach to a belt or clothing
- Quick-release button for instant access to camera
- It is capable of handling weights up to 200 lb (90 kg)
- The camera plate works with tripods
- Lifetime warranty guaranteed
Cons:
- Screws come loose when mounting heavier photography gear
- It might not be wide enough to attach on some straps
- Metal build can scratch the surface of your camera
How to Choose the Best Camera Straps for Hiking
There are several considerations to know if you want to ensure that your chosen camera strap meets your requirements.
Type of Camera Strap
As previously discussed, there are different types of camera straps—each one with its pros and cons. Choosing between these will come down to your preferences and needs.
If you own a full-frame camera, we suggest getting a neck strap or shoulder strap to distribute the weight of your gear evenly. However, you will need to get used to the camera hanging around the neck or shoulder. The downside to this carrying method is the camera could bump on things along the way while hiking.
On the other hand, smaller models can be attached easily to camera clips without the risk of coming unloose. The cameras will stay rigid and attached on your chest to minimize bumps and damages. However, it usually has a limited maximum load capacity, meaning you can’t probably mount a camera and lens combo.
Material
Camera straps use various materials for their construction. We recommend getting one made of a breathable yet durable component such as cotton, leather, nylon, or neoprene. These are also flexible enough to ensure a comfortable fit.
Number of Cameras
If you only bring a single camera for hiking, this is not something you need to worry about as you can find several straps catering to a single camera.
But if you want to manage two or three cameras at once, you might need to buy a strap that can handle these gears.
Quick Release Camera Strap
If you want to access your camera in an instant, you may want to buy a strap with quick-release attachments. These allow you to fasten and unfasten your camera with just one click.
Length and Width
If you are shopping for a neck or shoulder camera strap, you must also consider its length and width.
If possible, look for one with adjustable buckles. These enable you to alter the length of the strap according to your height.
As for the width, you can buy either narrow or wide camera straps depending on your gear. Thick straps are ideal for DSLRs and other larger cameras, while thin straps fit smaller models the best.
Weight
A bulky and hefty strap is harder to store after use, not to mention add considerable weight. And when you are hiking, the last thing you want is another heavy load to carry.
For these reasons, it is best to buy a relatively lightweight strap while still sturdy enough to hold your camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camera straps universal?
Camera straps are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Some models feature a 10mm reinforced band with a fit kit attachment, while others have a fixed metal circular attachment. Both fasten on the top of your camera.
There are also straps that fit on the tripod screw hole. They require you to screw the mount directly to your camera.
Choosing between these different attachments will depend on your preferences and needs.
What is the best camera strap for hiking?
It is hard to say which is the absolute best camera strap for hiking. It will come down to several factors such as the type or number of cameras you intend to carry, the kind of strap you prefer, and your budget, among many others.
That said, we tried to list the straps that we–and countless customers–love in this article. All our top picks can keep your hands free while still securing your camera when hiking.
How to attach a camera strap?
There are different ways to put on a camera strap depending on its attachment type. But if you own the typical neck strap you get from your camera kit, you can check out this instructional video.
Conclusion
There you have it–our top picks for the best camera strap for hiking!
We highly recommend each product on this list because they are the right balance between comfort, durability, and aesthetics. But if we only have to pick one item to suggest, it would be the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap. Along with thousands of customers, we love its adjustable length, impressive load capacity, sleek design, and quick-release system for instant access to your camera.
