A summary of the best ways to carry a DSLR camera when hiking or traveling [Recommendations for each situation]

The problem everyone is concerned about is "How to carry a DSLR in the mountains"

Once you're hooked on the charm of SLR cameras, you won't be able to let them go for even a moment when you're out and about. Those who don't have one might wonder why they bother with something so heavy and bulky. It's true, even a day trip can make your luggage incredibly heavy, and an expensive and cumbersome SLR camera can make you feel a bit depressed every time you pack

However, SLR cameras, with their high expressive power, can, on rare occasions, capture a moving moment fresh, like a vacuum-packed bag. For those who have experienced this magic, it's impossible to go back to beautiful but flat images like those taken with an iPhone, and in that case, the option of "it's too heavy to carry" is no longer an option

If you start bringing an SLR camera into the mountains, one problem you'll undoubtedly face is how to transport a heavy, bulky SLR camera

Of course, you can simply carry it in a backpack, but it's not practical to take it out and put it back in every time you feel like it while walking. On the other hand, walking around with a standard neck strap hanging from your neck is not only heavy and causes neck stiffness, but it's also obviously dangerous as it dangles loosely

The gear that people have been talking about online is certainly useful, but it's hard to call it perfect

For this reason, over the past few years, our editorial team has thoroughly searched for the most user-friendly portable gear, examining every single item that we've heard of as a recommendation with our own eyes, and trying out any that seem good

What I found was that while they all have their reputations and are excellent in some respects, there is still no best way to carry them in all situations. Since they are tools, they all have their weaknesses. The key is to know the advantages and disadvantages of each and find the best way to carry them for you

So, in this article, we've organized the main ways to carry a camera in the mountains, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. In the second half, we'll introduce our editorial team's recommended methods for carrying a camera based on your purpose and style, along with our evaluation of the methods we've actually used

table of contents

1. Verification assumptions

2. Summary of comparison of features of each carrying method

3. Recommended gear for each situation

Verification assumptions

First, let me introduce the equipment I used for this test below. As you can see, it's not the level of equipment a professional photographer would use, but I wouldn't deny that you might say, "No, that's enough equipment to put both feet in the water." I'm assuming a situation where you'd use the camera in the same way as you would on a regular mountain climb where walking is the main focus

Not that it's because of that, but this time I ruled out super expensive, professional equipment for professional photographers, such as heavy equipment that would take longer than normal to move around in, backpacks made to carry cameras, and vests to wear to carry cameras

• Camera: SONY α7

• Main lens: SONY Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens

• Sub-lens: SONY Sonnar T* FE 55mm F1.8 ZA prime lens

• Tripod (carry with me when absolutely necessary): Velbon UT-43Q

Summary of comparison of features of each carrying method

When hiking in harsh environments and staying there for long periods of time, you need to consider many more points than usual when carrying a camera, and especially when it comes to a heavy, complicated-to-handle SLR camera, you need to take into account a variety of points, such as the following. The results of our evaluation, taking these points into consideration, are summarized below

• Portability : Naturally, you want your luggage to be as light and compact as possible.
• Balance : If the load is not balanced, fatigue will gradually accumulate in that area, resulting in stiffness and pain.
• Comfort : Does it get in the way when you walk? Does it have any uncomfortable features such as being prone to getting stuffy? Does it concentrate the weight on your neck or one shoulder, causing fatigue?
• Speed ​​of shooting : Even with a high-performance SLR camera, if it's a hassle to take it out, you'll miss a great photo opportunity.
• Safety : To protect expensive equipment from the risk of damage, it needs protection such as waterproofing, dustproofing, and shock resistance.
• Setup (ease of setup) : Is it easy to attach to a backpack or camera? Note that it may not be possible to attach to some items.
• Multifunctionality ...Of course, the main purpose is to carry a camera, but items that add various other conveniences are even more attractive.
• Price : When it comes to items of this type, there are big differences in price between each item, so you need to think carefully about it.

item	Chest strap type	Quick-shooting strap type	Holder Type	Holder Type	Chest bag type	Front pack type
item	UN UNX-5802	JOBY Pro Sling Strap	Peak Design CAPTURE PRO	COTTON CARRIER STRAP SHOT EV1	PaagoWorks FOCUS	RIBZ Front Pack Small 8.2L
Portability	◎	◯	◎	◯	△	△
balance	◯	×	×	×	◯	◯
Comfort	△	×	◯	◎	◯	◯
Quick shooting ability	◯	◎	◎	◎	△	◯
safety	×	×	△	△	◎	◯
set up	△	◎	◯	△	◯	◎
multifunctionality	×	×	◎	△	◯	◎
price	◎	×	×	×	△	△
Here is ◎	Cost-effective Lightweight and compact	Easy to install Ready to shoot	No shaking when walking Ready to shoot Doesn't get in the way when putting down your backpack Wide range of attachments and high expandability	No shaking when walking Ready to shoot Doesn't get in the way when putting down your backpack	Good load balance and less fatigue Resistant to rain, dust and impact	Good load balance and less fatigue Overall, it's easy to use High storage capacity
Here is △	Shaking when walking Shoulder straps need D-rings You need to remove it every time you put your backpack down	Shaking when walking Load Balance The backpack gets in the way and I can't put it on properly Unprotected against rain, dust, and impact expensive	Unprotected against rain, dust, and impact price Load Balance It may slide down due to its weight	Depending on the shoulder strap, the Velcro may cause damage price Load Balance Requires a hex wrench for setup	It's difficult to take in and out You need to remove it every time you put your backpack down The mounting position is low, so it wobbles a little when walking	The appearance is a bit exaggerated Must be removed when changing clothes

Next page: Recommended gear for each situation