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There have been many comments about how to carry your camera in other threads. but I haven't seen real solutions. Many go thru the task of pulling off the pack and digging it out only to loose what you wanted to shoot. Or just as uncomfortable is hanging it over your neck, that gets tiresome. Are there chest packs that are quick, affordable and comfortable? Or is a small feature laden small point & shoot they way to go?

I've used a binocular harness before, but never for a camera. Maybe this would be something to consider.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas- ... l+Products" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a small case that has a belt loop in it. It fits the camera fine with any lens I have attached to it & will go on the belt of my pack. I use a clip to the arm strap to keep it from sliding to much forward when hiking. Works well for me & keeps the camera close at hand, but not in the way.

While I use a Sony NEX instead of a full DSLR (it's a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a DSLR sized APS-C sensor), I use a top loading case that is just big enough for the body to easily slide in and out (using gloved hands). Instead of wearing it around my neck, I wear it around my neck and one arm - this disperses the weight better and keeps it from swinging back and forth. While I've taken it off or slid it around to my side when I have to hug a rock, this is secure, out of my way, and immediately accessible 95% of the time...Having said all that, I also take tons of photos with my iphone when hiking, and I've also been scouring craigslist for a high quality point and shoot.

Something like this:http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Holster- ... ex+holster

I've also noticed that I end up taking 99% of my photos at a constant zoom - wide open. I just don't find many reasons to zoom way in, and I can crop within reason after the fact on specific scenes. I'm considering only bringing an attached 30mm prime lens (smaller, lighter, and sharper than the normal zoom) next time to save additional weight/space. This may open up some options, but I don't know if others disagree on this strategy...

I'm a fan of the Peak Designs Capture system, which works great for smaller bodies. I used it with a 30D on my shoulder strap without issue and was pretty happy with it. That setup isn't quite working out with a 7D, it's just too heavy and bulky. If I had an unlimited budget I'd probably pick up a OM-D E-M5 - I'm a big fan of weather sealing so that cases/bags are extraneous - but my budget unfortunately is quite limited.

Ask yourself, how much do you think you will be photographing? what do you plan on photographing? Are you planning on documenting the whole hike or just from the summit?

I never carry my Canon Bodies in front of me, I tried the chest harness but I didn't care for it. The reason being for me it sticks out too far from my chest and I loose some vision, maybe its because I am only 5ft 7in.
My method is to use an ICU unit from F-Stop Gear http://shop.fstopgear.com/us/products/icu.html, this will normally sit inside the top of my pack.

I have an LowePro Chest harness pack I can lend you or sell you if you want to try it out, it's hardly used.

Jody

jchapell wrote:While I use a Sony NEX instead of a full DSLR (it's a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera with a DSLR sized APS-C sensor), I use a top loading case that is just big enough for the body to easily slide in and out (using gloved hands). Instead of wearing it around my neck, I wear it around my neck and one arm - this disperses the weight better and keeps it from swinging back and forth. While I've taken it off or slid it around to my side when I have to hug a rock, this is secure, out of my way, and immediately accessible 95% of the time...Having said all that, I also take tons of photos with my iphone when hiking.

Something like this:http://www.amazon.com/Polaroid-Holster- ... ex+holster

I do the exact same thing, same camera. My case does fit an extra lens too. It works well.

I just use a simple Lowe Alpine waist carrier. Works pretty well on just about everything up to low 5th class.

Have not really found a way to carry mine.... Hang the case over my neck and under my arm to keep it from moving around. Gets in the way when climbing something though.... My buddy is offering to let me borrow his front carrying case in our next trip. We'll see how that works.

Would not like to carry mine just outside exposed with out some kind of casing to protect from snow and hits.

On backpacking trips I set my DSLR on the top of my backpack and have the strap hang loosely across my chest (under my chin). If the camera slips off, the strap around my neck will catch it. I need to re-adjust the camera about every hour in this position but it is very handy to take photos. This method works okay as long as I don't forget about the camera and bend over. I'm sure there are better options out there.

Bean wrote:I'm a fan of the Peak Designs Capture system, which works great for smaller bodies. I used it with a 30D on my shoulder strap without issue and was pretty happy with it. That setup isn't quite working out with a 7D, it's just too heavy and bulky. If I had an unlimited budget I'd probably pick up a OM-D E-M5 - I'm a big fan of weather sealing so that cases/bags are extraneous - but my budget unfortunately is quite limited.

This has interested me in the past, though I'm probably too chicken for moisture - how does it work putting on/taking off a heavy pack? Do you have to unclip the camera?

I use a Tamrac Velocity 6. It's a small but versatile sling pack that can slide quickly to a fast retrieval. Very tough fabric/build and quality buckles/stitching. I have a small DSLR that fits inside perfectly.

But if I'm just doing a walk-up then I often just use a pole/monopod and keep my camera mounted. This allows the fastest access for fleeting shots.......and serves as a walking stick to boot.