I'm curious to know how everyone carries their camera. So far, I've been using a vertical pouch with loops at the top and a zipper on the side. I thread my sternum strap through the loops and can quickly get my camera via the zipper. This works well for easy access, but not so well because it's bouncing around. I don't like using my waste belt pocket because every time I put down my pack, I forget the camera is in there an I put it always finds a rock. It's just a matter of time before it gets broken.

So, what do you use to secure your camera in a way that gives fast and easy access but protects the camera? I'm thinking something on the shoulder strap, but am unsure of what yet.

I keep mine in my ZPacks Multipack, which happens to ride on my front at chest level and is attached to my shoulder straps. It is safe inside the Multipack from tree limbs or what not scraping by, from a quick rain, or from bouncing around. However, it is very easy for me to quickly unzip the Multipack, reach in and grab the camera.

http://sticksblog.com/gear/my-current-gear/backpack/zpacks-blast-30-backpack-multipack/

The zpacks multi pack would be good but a tad heavy. You can also get a shoulder pocket from zpacks for about .3 oz but it won't offer as much protection or storage as Chad's suggestion.

I use one of these...

http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ortlieb_snap_digital_camera_protective_case.html

I cut off rear Drings and secure to the shoulder strap top and bottom through the 'webbing' that is left. Small velcro closure and semi-roll closing gives very fast access.

I definitely wouldn't get the Multipack to use just for the camera as that would be total overkill. However, I carry all of my daily use items inside this pack though. Saying this, the weight of the Multipack is lighter than if I were to add hip belt pockets plus other "pockets" around the pack. So, in this light, the single pouch Multipack is indeed a very lightweight option. Granted, it comes down to your packing needs/likes.

Before I started using the Multipack, I simply kept my camera either in my pant's front pocket or in the zippered chest pocket on my shirt/windshirt.

I carry my camera in the pocket of my cargo pants. I've tried putting it in various pocket attachements on my pack but if there is a zipper or whatever involved, I am less likely to bother pulling it out. I also agree that when attached to the pack it is at risk of hitting against something hard when dropping the pack. I did this a few times but never broke the camera.

My cargo pants pocket has worked well for me but I have broken the screen once doing this. Maybe my next camera will be one of the "tough" cameras.

I also only buy cameras that are waterproof because I know it will get wet while fishing/hiking and adding a waterproof bag guarantees that I won't bother pulling it out for a quick shot.

You really need to define the specific camera and lens. My camera with standard trail lens and accessories run about 8 pounds, so I go with a heavy Lowepro top-loading camera bag worn over one shoulder.

You also want to define your typical photo targets. As an example, if you shoot landscapes, then you can unzip the top, pull out the camera, line up the shot, and click. Others of us go after wildlife, so we need a camera bag that can be flipped open instantly, the camera pulled out, and click. I bypassed the top flap zipper on my Lowepro with a Velcro strap for speed of entry.

Also, you don't want your camera bag hanging down too far if you intend to be crossing any high-water streams. Good camera bags are weatherproof, but they are not commonly rated for submersion. While crossing one deep stream last summer, I had about two drops of water get into the camera compartment, but I could deal with that quickly once I got across.

--B.G.--

Chad, I totally agree with you. It all comes down to your own needs. I would absolutely love to have that multipack but I just can't do it for what it weighs and I know it ain't much.

I originally went from having no pockets on my pack besides the back mesh pocket to now I added that zpacks shoulder pocket. I can say that before I hardly ever pulled my phone/camera out for pictures unless it was in my pocket. Now I'm hoping to use it as much as possible.

To the OP: really I guess you have unlimited options. You just have to find what works best for you ya know?

Edited by pdcolelli42 on 02/18/2012 15:37:11 MST.

These look like they might work well

http://www.blackrapid.com/product/camera-strap/snapr20/

Either a Case Logic camera pouch or dollar store neoprene pouch, both fitting on chest strap of pack.

Long gone are my days of carrying big glass, so I'm just carrying a point and shoot anymore.

It's seeming like the zpacks shoulder pouch might be best. It would be cool to have the security of SnapR strap though with the tripod adapter.

Edited by Kieran on 02/18/2012 18:06:08 MST.

I use the hip pockets on my circuit for my Epm-1 with pancake lens on it. I also keep a longer zoom in very small stuff sack attached with the water bottle holders.

I am not completely satisfied though an really need to add some padding to protect them. I am thinking about using 3d mesh inside pockets. Or making my Own fully water proof bag.

For me I dont want my camera too acessable otherwise I take too many pictures and feel that i experience the trip in the third person. I want to make a decision to take pictures at certain times rather than having the camera in hand ready to go

For my hiking camera, I carry an Olympus E-P3 camera with 12mm f2 and 100-300mm lenses. The 12mm generally lives on the camera, and the camera is attached directly the shoulder strap via a Peak Design Capture Clip;

http://peakdesignltd.com/capture.htm

The camera and lens are then covered via a myog cuben fibre/neoprene rain cover. The 100-300 mm lens are attached to the other strap via a myog cuben fibre/neoprene lens case.

The system works really well, as the camera doesn't swing about and can be removed and used really easily. The capture clip uses arca swiss compatible plates, so the camera can be clipped straight to a tripod. I have tried a whole load of options for carrying my camera, and this is the best option I have used to date.

Alasdair, I've looked at things like the Spider Hoslter and the Luma-Loop, but the Peak Design Capture Clip looks like it might do exactly what I have been looking for.

MYOG: Bubble Wrap and Duct Tape Camera Case
A durable camera case made from cheap and free materials.
by Sam Haraldson | 2009-05-12

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/bubble_wrap_duct_tape_camera_case.html

It seems to me that if you have two identical quick release platforms one could be mounted to your strap or belt just with a 1/4" screw and washer and serve the same purpose at almost no additional cost. The other platform stays on your tripod. You of course want an easy to use and secure platform.

Hi Kier,

My preferred way to carry a small camera is in a flip-top padded case threaded onto the shoulder strap and riding at the base, above the waist belt. It's handy, it's unobtrusive, it's protected from dripping sweat, and it doesn't interfere with trekking poles or get bashed into rocks.

Cheers,

Rick

@John Nausieda

Is this in reference to the Capture Clip? If so, then I mostly agree. I was actually contemplating on putting together something similar myself before I came across the capture clip. But I have to say that it has been very nicely designed and it would be hard and not so cheap to make one yourself that performed as well. It is easy to add and remove the clip from anywhere that has a strap or belt. The camera is also very easily inserted in or removed from the clip, with an easy to access safety catchment making sure the camera doesn't go anywhere when you don't want it to.

The only things I would change are the ability to adjust the position of the quick release on the camera by using a slot rather than a hole for the screw. On my camera, the plate slightly covers the battery and memory card doors, meaning I have to remove the plate when adding a new card or battery. I would also make some system by which L-Plates were compatible with the clip. If you could use Really Right Stuff brackets with the clip, the system would be perfect!

Edited by MessiahKhan on 02/19/2012 10:55:15 MST.

Yes my remarks were in reference to the Capture clip. It occurred to me because I happen to have 2 Slik DQ quick release bases and matching QR plates which are magnesium and pretty similar. I happened to get them on ebay for very little and they actually cost more than the Capture clip at retail. They have two bubble levels and I shoot a lot of architecture and horizons.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/376258-REG/Slik_618_711_DQ_L_Quick_Release_Adapter.html

After reading the fantastic reviews of the Capture clip at Amazon and B&H I have to admit it is sounding like first choice except for the plate compatibility issue possibly leading to another ballhead which can be pretty expensive.

Edited by Meander on 02/19/2012 12:12:30 MST.

Thanks a bunch for the additional options. I got some digging to do now!

Back when I used to carry a small digital camera, it would usually spend most of its time in my side pockets on my hiking pants. That way it was easily accessed, and for the most part it stayed safe.

Then awhile back I moved up to m4/3 cameras for better picture quality, and I had been carrying it in a case attached to my hip belt. Works great and keep its protected, all while having easy access to it.

@John Nausieda

What ballhead do you have now? With most decent ones you should be able to retrofit an Arca Swiss quick release such as the Really Right Stuff ones;

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Items.aspx?code=CLAMPS&key=cat

Expensive, but really great quality!

I agree great quality , but when I use a tripod it is either a Velbon 343E or a Velbon ultra maxi usually with the smallest Velbon ballhead. Once in a blue moon I will mount a Davis and Sanford Centerball 38F mostly for panorama. I shoot mostly handheld with a Canon s95 using a 1-2 second timer for steadier shots. The tripods , including a CF Fancier , are getting left at home more and more.The one which stays on the s95 is
this very different Joby.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/825599-REG/Joby_GP20_01AM_GORILLAPOD_MICRO_800_GRAY.html

Edited by Meander on 02/19/2012 13:41:07 MST.

For my PCT thru hike this year, I have made what may possibly be the lightest tripod to take an arca swiss plates ever.

It is based around Velbon V-Pod legs;

http://www.parkcameras.com/9616/Velbon-V-Pod.html

That I have ripped the head off, removed any and all excess bits of plastic. I then added a Giottos MH 1004 ballhead;

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221096-REG/Giottos_MH1004_320_MH_1004_Mini_Ball.html

And again removed the excess plastic bit at the top and shortened the top screw. Finally to the top I added a Kirk QRC-1 1" quick release clamp that takes Arca Swiss plates;

http://www.kirkphoto.com/1_in_Quick_Release_Clamp.html

This gives me a tripod that extends to about 100cm, is strong enough to take a micro four thirds setup (and could maybe hold a light DSLR at a pinch!) but only weights about 290g (10oz) in total. Pretty pleased with the setup. Admittedly I wouldn't like to use it in strong winds, but it should be more than enough for some timelapse and sunset/sunrise shots. :)

Very nice set-up. I'd like to hear more about what you removed from the Velbon and how you put the new head on.

I removed the centre extension column and the centre 'spreader'. As long as you have lateral force running down the tripod, the spreader isn't needed. As for the head, the original one is pretty much fixed in place. So I removed the whole centre column that the head is attached to. I then cut off about 1" of the centre column and fixed a 3/8" grub screw into the end of it by filing half the screw down a tiny bit, sliding it in the column and gluing and crimping it in place. This new 1" tall centre column with screw can then be easily attached (there is an attachment screw in the side of where the column attaches) with the 3/8" screw sticking out the top for the new ballhead to be attached. :)

Thanks for posting your modifications. You are down to the weight of a Tamrac Zip-shot which is as light as it gets.You should be MUCH more stable. That particular Velbon tripod doesn't show up in the U.S. and it is difficult to judge the overall build quality -plastics prone to breakage, bottom metal legs prone to bending or leg retainers failing. That even happened on my first 343e, but it has a lifetime warranty and they fixed it in a week.So what is your working height with that new limit on the center section? I am looking through the usual suspects of Chinese, Korean, and U.K. Amazon offerings some of which are very interesting alternatives except for the shipping charges which are often prohibitive. I did read one account of that Velbon you are using shattering, but the owner slipped on a rock and that will undo nearly anything. And he clearly loved it as his kit. John So confirm your max height sans camera is about 39 inches or 100 cm?

Edited by Meander on 02/20/2012 18:46:52 MST.

I did consider the zipshot, but this setup is probably more stable, but also more adaptable as I can choose what height to set it at (each leg section can only be fully open or closed though) and it has the much better head setup. The height to the top of the tripod head is 82cm (Looks taller than that, but have just measured it). Having said that, it is more than enough height for almost everything I would want to do, and I generally shoot landscapes for a low angle anyway.

The legs are made from aluminium, with the main plastic parts being the 'hinges' at the top of the legs. These are the most flimsy parts. They do the job absolutely fine, but if I was to change anything it would be these hinges. In my head I do have plans and ideas for making a tripod from scratch, and I'm sure I an make this top section not only much stronger, but also much lighter by using 3 aluminium or titanium strips in a triangle shape. The main thing I would need to source or figure out how to make are the leg locks akin to the G-Locks in Gitzo tripods, but only much smaller. So if anyone knows where I can get these locks from or how they are made, I'm all ears.

I'm thinking about the Peak Designs Capture Clip for my OM-D (on pre-order . . . I currently shoot the Oly E-P2 . . . when backpacking usually with the Panny 20mm pancake).

Sounds like there are a few fans of the capture clip. Anyone else have experience with it? Are there competing products I should consider?

Like at least one other, I carry it in my cargo pocket - easy and quick access.