Hiking with a camera (Page 2): This looks like it is padded real good and well made. I'll have to see if I can figure some way to keep it attached. Thanks have a good day!

Gpaw47 Loc: Denver, Colorado

RWR wrote:

Something like this may work:
http://www.mypostaluniforms.com/group/ULTRA-PADDED-SHOULDER-STRAP.htm

This looks like it is padded real good and well made. I'll have to see if I can figure some way to keep it attached.
Thanks have a good day!

finalimage Loc: Brattleboro, VT

I use pipe insulation on my tripod legs. Makes a nice cushion and makes the tripod unattractive to anyone who might want to steal my RRS tripod. Used this for years.

roxiemarty Loc: Florida

Gpaw47 wrote:

I have a question that I wonder if other people that hike with their cameras have a solution for. I live in Colorado and like to hike and carry my camera for wildlife photography, hike 3 to 6 miles at a time. I use a Canon 80D with the Tamron 150-600 lens. My problem is that when I carry the camera on my shoulder with the monopod or tripod attached the top of my shoulder gets sore. Does someone make some kind of a pad, or is there some other solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

I found that this "Cotton Carrier" system works great for hiking, rock climbing, ect. After discussions with other members, I purchased this system, and it has been tried out for the aforementioned activities. A pack with pod can be carried on back. Best thing I ever used for active days! Keeps the gear ready, but not swinging loose. I kept my flash clipped on in the camouflage pouch you see. (I use alot of fill flash, so I need that.) If it wasn't so hot here where I live, I would probably also wear my photography vest with the many clips and pockets. (Photo is cropped to show carrier.)

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I close two legs, point the camera/lens combo in line with closed legs and open up the third leg to widest setting and let rest on my shoulder. Pipe lagging idea worth looking into, sounds as though it would make a difference. But I can also testify to those use the lens tripod mount to hold. This works pretty well, even without some of the handles shown.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gpaw47 wrote:

I have a question that I wonder if other people that hike with their cameras have a solution for. I live in Colorado and like to hike and carry my camera for wildlife photography, hike 3 to 6 miles at a time. I use a Canon 80D with the Tamron 150-600 lens. My problem is that when I carry the camera on my shoulder with the monopod or tripod attached the top of my shoulder gets sore. Does someone make some kind of a pad, or is there some other solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

If I'm hiking - in NYC or the local mountains - I prefer having a camera that fits in my pocket or in a belt case. I don't want a big, heavy lump hanging around my neck in such situations.

pahtspix

I use a gimbal headed tripod or an old Bogen (Manfrotto) monopod, and ALL legs are wrapped in weightless pipe insulation foam, and then overwrapped with "Hockey Tape"..I discovered this solution a couple of years ago, and all is still intact, including my 74 year old shoulders!! The trick is t find the balance point on your camera with mono or tripod placed on your shoulder with ALL wrapped TIGHT, and you'll hardly fee the weight!!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Gpaw47 wrote:

I have a question that I wonder if other people that hike with their cameras have a solution for. I live in Colorado and like to hike and carry my camera for wildlife photography, hike 3 to 6 miles at a time. I use a Canon 80D with the Tamron 150-600 lens. My problem is that when I carry the camera on my shoulder with the monopod or tripod attached the top of my shoulder gets sore. Does someone make some kind of a pad, or is there some other solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

I take walks with my Sigma Sport, tripod and D810. I have a regular backpack from Deuter that holds my tripod, lunch, extra clothing, maybe a backup camera and an extra lens. I use a Cotton Carrier which attaches to my chest , and holds the lens and camera steady. The part that attaches the lens to the carrier is also an Arca-Swiss compliant dovetail. I have yet to use the Sigma on a tripod, I like the flexibility of hand-holding. I take the tripod primarily for closeups, panos, or waterfalls, where I need something to hold the camera steady for a 1 - 2 sec shot. The Sigma is on the heavy side, almost 6.5 lbs, and with the body it's 8.5 lbs. The Cotton Carrier handles it nicely.

If just going on a short walk - <2 miles - I will just use a Black Rapid sling, but I may end up with a small bruise on my right hip from all of the swinging around and bouncing off the hip.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Gpaw47 wrote:

I have a question that I wonder if other people that hike with their cameras have a solution for. I live in Colorado and like to hike and carry my camera for wildlife photography, hike 3 to 6 miles at a time. I use a Canon 80D with the Tamron 150-600 lens. My problem is that when I carry the camera on my shoulder with the monopod or tripod attached the top of my shoulder gets sore. Does someone make some kind of a pad, or is there some other solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

Certainly a pad is a solution. I would also suggest many specialized back packs are designed to carry camera and tripod. BUT, you have to unpack to use. I have rolled bubble rap around the lens barrel and found it very satisfying.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Gpaw47 wrote:

I have a question that I wonder if other people that hike with their cameras have a solution for. I live in Colorado and like to hike and carry my camera for wildlife photography, hike 3 to 6 miles at a time. I use a Canon 80D with the Tamron 150-600 lens. My problem is that when I carry the camera on my shoulder with the monopod or tripod attached the top of my shoulder gets sore. Does someone make some kind of a pad, or is there some other solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

Steve Perry addresses your very problem in his latest video, at about the 4:29 mark.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wemLZ48Yz8

garygrafic Loc: South Florida

I preface this 'hikers hint' with...........I've never tried it, but it sounds like it could work. A piece of string looped around your foot the other end
attached to hook or ring in the tripod socket, apply upward pressure and it's equal to a Gitzo! I invite people tell me I'm an idiot.

Feigert

h_scott wrote:

I use a Black Rapid strap to carry the camera and the monopod doubles as a walking stick. A quick connect allows me to put the two together when needed.

Ditto - a fine combination.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

Gpaw47 wrote:

I have a question that I wonder if other people that hike with their cameras have a solution for. I live in Colorado and like to hike and carry my camera for wildlife photography, hike 3 to 6 miles at a time. I use a Canon 80D with the Tamron 150-600 lens. My problem is that when I carry the camera on my shoulder with the monopod or tripod attached the top of my shoulder gets sore. Does someone make some kind of a pad, or is there some other solution. Thanks in advance for your help.

Cotton Carrier of cheaper Chinese copy - both available from Amazon. I own both, even the cheap copy is good, though I damaged part of mine - my fault completely. The Cotton Carrier provides a secure attachment whilst providing freedom of movement at the same time. I walk 7 - 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. In the past I have carried a Canon 7D mark II + Canon 300mm f2.8L IS on the chest attachment and a Canon 70D + Canon 100 - 400mm f4.5/5.6L IS II on the hip attachment with no problems at all: everything was so secure I was able to run without an issue. Yet turn your camera through 90 degrees and its ready to use.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I used a BosStrap when we were out West. It worked fine for my d7000 and 70-200 lens. However, when we got back, I swapped all my Nikon gear for an Olympus e-m5 II and a 14-150 f/4-5.6 II and a 70-300 lens. The internal 5-axis stabilization in the camera allows for a lot more hand-held shooting. The weight reduction also means I can carry a much lighter tri/monopod. No aching shoulder or stiff neck. I feel liberated! BTW, the IQ is super. I heard about the camera several years ago at a workshop given by a Nat Geo photographer. Something to think about.

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

Another post mentioned Cotton Carrier. Check out their Steady Shot which attaches to their vest. I bought it specifically to use with my 80D and Sigma 150-600. The device which the Steady Shot attaches to is also convenient for use with regular lenses. The camera is attached to the vest and it keeps the camera from swinging around and keeps your hands free. http://www.cottoncarrier.com.

Gampa

Cotton Carrier