A summary of how to carry a SLR camera that is perfect for mountain climbing and traveling [Recommended by scene]

The question of how to carry a SLR in the mountains is something that everyone is worried about.

He was obsessed with its charm, but at the end, he is unable to let go of the SLR cameras when he is outdoors. For those who don't have the trouble, why do they go to the trouble of making something so heavy and bulky? It may be. It's true that even on a day trip, luggage can be shockingly heavy, and the expensive and troublesome SLR cameras make you feel depressed for a moment every time you pack them.

However, SLR cameras that can have high expressive power can sometimes lock you in a fresh, fresh moment like a vacuum pack. For those who have learned about its magical power, the body is no longer possible to return to the beautiful but flat-pattern paintings like the iPhone, so in that case, the option of "it's too heavy is no longer possible."

When you start bringing your SLRs into the mountains like this, the question of how to carry your heavy, bulky SLRs is definitely the problem.

Of course, you can simply carry it in your backpack, but it is not realistic to put it in and take it out as soon as you feel it's good while walking. On the other hand, walking with a standard neck strap hanging around your neck is not only heavy and stiff, but it is also visible that it can be hanging and dangerous.

Gear, which has a reputation online, is certainly convenient, but it cannot be said to be perfect.

For this reason, in the past few years, when I heard that recommendations were recommended, I've looked with my own eyes, tried them out if I thought they were good, and then went through a thorough search for the most convenient carrying gear.

What we found out was that although they are all excellent in terms of their reputation, there is still no best way to carry them in any situation. Since it is a tool, all of the methods have their weaknesses in some way. The point is to know the advantages and disadvantages of each individual, and find the best way to carry it for you.

So this time, we've summarized the main styles and the advantages and disadvantages of each of these cameras on the mountains. In the second half, we will introduce the editorial department's recommended ways to carry it, along with evaluations of actual use, which suits your purpose and style.

table of contents

1. Assumptions for verification

2. Comparison of features of each carrying method

3. Recommended carrying gear for each scene

Assumptions for verification

First, we will introduce the equipment used to perform this test below. As you can see, you can see that it is not equipment that is typical of a professional photographer's level, but I don't deny any comments that say, "No, it's at a level that's enough to thrust both feet into the swamp." This is intended to be a situation where you use a camera in the same way as regular climbing where walking is the main focus.

Not that, but this time we removed the high-quality equipment for professional photographers, such as heavy equipment that exceeds normal hours of operation, backpacks made to carry cameras, and vests worn to carry cameras.

• Camera: SONY α7

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

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

• Tripod (carry whenever you really need it): Velbon UT-43Q

Comparison of features of each carrying method

When hiking mountain climbing where you stay in a severe environment for long periods of time, you need to consider more points than usual when carrying your camera, and even more importantly for a heavy, complicated SLR camera, you will need to take into consideration various points such as the following: The evaluation results taking these into consideration are summarized below.

• Portability : Of course, you want to keep your luggage as light and compact as possible.
• Balance : If the load balance is poor, fatigue will gradually build up in that area, causing stiffness and pain.
• Comfort : Are there any unpleasant factors such as not hanging out when walking and not getting in the way, or are it prone to stuffiness, or is the load concentrated on the neck or one shoulder, making it easy to get tired?
• Quick photography : Even high-performance SLRs can be hard to put in and take them out, so you'll miss out on the opportunity to take them out.
• Safety : To protect expensive equipment from the risk of damage, waterproofing, dustproofing, and shockproof protection is required.
• Ease of setup : Is it easy to attach to a backpack or camera? Some items may not be able to be fitted, so be careful.
• Multifunctionality ...Of course, the main focus is to carry the camera, but the items that add a variety of conveniences to them are even more attractive.
• Price : For items of this type, there is a big difference in price between items, so thorough consideration is required.

Next page: Go to recommended carrying gear by scene

Recommended carrying gear for each scene

Recommended for day hiking with little luggage: Holder type

This type allows you to attach attachments to both the camera and the backpack (shoulder harness), and hook the camera into place like a holster that holds the handgun.

The two types we tried this time differ from Peak Design ) and rotary type ( COTTON CARRIER Even COTTON CARRIERs who have slight wobbling

Above all, the fast-paced photographing ability allows you to quickly get into the shooting position the moment you feel this is the best. Despite being a SLR camera, the usability of the camera is as good or even better than a compact digital camera or smartphone has dramatically changed the shooting style I've had up until now.

It's also smart when you put on and take off your backpack. Plus, Peak Design a wide range of optional products that can be attached to this attachment , and it's also excellent expandability considering the overall camera life (but there's no possibility that you'll have to purchase separate options to suit your environment).

However, as you can see, the exposed camera is vulnerable to rain, dust and impact, and is not worried about long-term use. Also, after the second day of long-term mountain climbing, the shoulders of those who were wearing them inevitably developed fatigue and fatigue, and in rare cases, causing pain (though this impression also depends on the person's physical strength and the weight of the camera). The holder type was considered perfect in such a stable environment, but there were no concerns about long-term mountain hiking, which is relatively heavy.

In that sense, the holder type is the most suitable for long-term, light day hiking, not a burden, and COTTON CARRIER for simple user-friendly use Peak Design also recommended for expandability .

Recommended for all-around climbing, not only for heavy loads and long-term use: Front pack type

A type that wears a symmetrical pouch like a vestFront pack typeis not designed for cameras in the first place. However, I tried using it RIBZ Front Pack (Small)This is also very easy to use from the perspective of carrying a camera.

First of all, of course, since it's just a bag, there's no need for a detailed setup. You don't have to choose a backpack, and it can be matched with any style. Even small areas such as cushioned shoulder rests are paid attention to, and the feel of the bag on the back is also good. The straps that tighten the waist ensure that the bag fits the body at all times and does not sway significantly when walking.

The most important advantage of this pack is its good load balance. By bringing some of the items that are normally packed in your backpack in front, the balance of loads not only on the left and right sides but also on the front and back, clearly making it less likely to get tired.

Another big advantage of this pack is the amazing storage capacity, and you can see at a glance at the photo on the right (top). The pouch on the left holds a camera (pictured by Nikon D5100) and smartphone (it may be tough for large-aperture lenses or high-spec SLRs), while the pouch on the right holds an interchangeable lens (photo is FE 55mm), and even if you put in a behavioural cask, maps, and GPS, there is still room for space. It is perfect for the need to quickly use multiple lenses and cameras.

On the other hand, as you may have noticed, since this type is not a pack designed to carry a camera, it is important to note that it does not have the fastest shot as a holder type or the protection of a camera chest bag.

Ultimately, it depends on the effort to open and close the zipper and the degree of importance that each individual places on the safety of the shock absorbing inner cushion. Although it is not the best, it can be quickly put in and taken out, and it also has moderate protection, and has excellent load balance and storage capacity, making it a type that is definitely easy to use for heavy, long-term climbing.

Not only is it usability, but it is also recommended for those who cannot afford to compromise on safety: Chest bag-shaped

Holder typeThe disadvantages of safety and comfort are covered.Chest bag type. The basic mechanism is the same as the front pack type, but this type is characterized by a camera case that is particularly weather-resistant and impact-resistant, located at the chest position, which is easy to access and does not easily shake even when walking. This type is not just for mountain climbing, but is a common camera bag, and there are a variety of models available on the market, from outdoor use to professionals.

the PaagoWorks FOCUS (photo on the left or top) was selected as the easiest to use . Despite its high protection from the rain-resistant material and an impact-resistant removable inner case, it is lightweight and compact, and has good access to the camera, and has two front pockets with a waterproof zipper, making it easy to use, making it a very complete bag for the base. However, since it is inferior to the above two types in terms of fast photography and convenience, it is recommended when prioritizing carrying safely, regardless of the number of days or weight of the luggage .

Overall, this is a well-made honor student, but the only thing you need to be aware of is that the backpack can be installed too low (photo on the right or above). If you attach it to the end of the shoulder harness as instructed, the pack may come around the lower abdomen, making it extremely difficult to walk in.

It is true that there is no possibility that the size of your backpack is not correct, but since backpacks are not a common structure for all manufacturers, this kind of case may not necessarily be the person.

What should I do in such cases? By preparing a separate D-ring sold as a rose, or by making an effort to attach it directly to the shoulder harness using a carabiner, you can bring it to the perfect position.

The effect is reasonable, but cost-effective: Chest strap type

This type is affordable and cost-effective. Basically, it is used to add (complete) straps to apply load to both shoulders rather than to the neck. What I tried was a type that attaches a short strap to the D ring of the shoulder harness and places the camera on the chest. UN UNX-5802 (left or top photo). The point is that you just connect the shoulder harness and the camera with a short length, so you can create a similar shape by using your own carabiner, but that aside, this is the only one you can do.Shaking is reduced to some extent and access to the camera is improved, so the purpose of carrying it around while still carrying it can be achieved for the time being, and in reality you will feel that it will be more effective than the price.。

The downside is that it has a decent effect on everything. It's not that great that you won't notice the bra at all, and your view below is obstructed, and it's not smart to have to remove the strap every time you take a photo or take your backpack down. Recently, there are few backpacks with D rings on shoulder harnesses, and if they do not have one, you will need to make an effort to prepare a D ring that can be installed separately, just like before.

In the photos, the straps are attached directly to the camera, so they are exposed, but you can also wrap them in a camera bag before hanging them, and protection can be improved depending on how you use them.

Not suitable for mountains but perfect for travel: fast-paced strap type

the fast-shot strap type, which is well-known in the world of general camera straps . This strap is secured with a screw hole on the bottom of the camera, and allows you to quickly switch between shooting and carrying conditions.

In the worldNinja strapThis may be the most major, but what I'm trying to do with the same mechanism this time is Pro Sling Strap (right or top photo). Despite splurges, this one was unfortunate, but unfortunately, it was necessary to hold the camera close from the side to the back to stably carry it, and the backpack would get in the way, making it difficult to say it's easy to use when climbing. However, this type, which is compact and easy to install, is certainly a very smart way to carry it with you for everyday use, and in fact it is still useful for light travel.

summary

I'm sure there have been many interesting reviews online about the gear I tried this time on my personal blogs. Reading them will be a great reference. However, the shooting styles vary from person to person, and of course the usage and environment vary from person to person. For me, I simply wanted to know which one is actually easier to use after trying it side by side. And I think that more objective evaluations like this one are worth sharing. In that sense, I hope that the results of this year will be of great help to you.

There is still room for improvement in gear in this genre, and many users are eagerly waiting for it all around the world, and new ideas are being born one after another at kickstarters in the US. At Outdoor Gearzine, we will continue to look forward to the latest gear.