merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

Let's say you fall backwards...the camera comes out from around your neck. You can't grab it because you're falling
Your first reaction is to protect your behind and to not fall any further.
Luckily for you, you manage to hang on to a crack in the rock-face and as you do, you turn your head around fast enough to see your precious SLR plunge to its death a few hundred feet below.
or it could be at ground level and it falls in a stream or river.

just like in a cartoon on tv.
no thanks

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

I use the same binocular shoulder straps that hold my camera at my chest. I don't have an SLR but some pretty big P&S's.

If I going on a real hike and I'm taking a camera 'just in case' I have one of the older Oly SW 720's, that is waterproof to 10' and shock proof from a 5' drop. It fits in my chest shirt pocket and I have a lanyard around my neck to keep it attached to me during more challenging parts of the hike.

If it's more hiking than photography, stick with a P&S in the chest pocket, it will get used a lot more if it is convienent. If your taking a photographic hike, then take the SLR, otherwise it is heavy, inconvienent to use, and you'll find that you don't use it near as much as that shirt pocket camera.

I hike virtually every week and use the pocket camera 10:1 over the other cameras I own.

I also have quick release clips on all my camera straps to make changing straps quick and easy.

Eric

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

This is what we are talking about - works great for me.

http://www.telescope.com/catalog

The first time I saw this in use was by a Park Official doing bird count in a marine reserve in MX - I saw it an beat a path to my computer to research & order one - best $20 I ever spent on camera gear - well maybe after my camera that is.
Harvey

/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=harness

CocoaRoger Loc: Cocoa Florida

How about a photographers vest, or camera holster?

EricLPT Loc: Jonesborough TN

Check back with me after 10 miles and 3000' elevation gain ;-).

Love my pocket cam and binocular straps, quick, light, breathable, and convienent.

Eric

JP Simlo

I use a Lowepro SlingShot 202 AW Camera Bag for carring my equipment in the field. I've carried it in Yellowstone for many hours with no problems. It holds two lenses, cleaning equipment, batteries, etc.

The piece of equipment I really love though is the Cotton Carrier Harness. Try hiking with your camera and 70-200mm lens around your neck and you will you won't enjoy it for very long. I even use the harness when I shoot local dog field events. It keeps my hands free while I am climbing over obstacles to get a better view.

Hammster Loc: San Diego, CA

I also use the neoprene OpTech strap. Really love it. Totally makes the camera and lens weight feel lighter.

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

This is what I like about the harness - camera is safe & hands are free for my stability - 75yrs and worn out legs - well weak and wobbly at times :)
Harvey

Nikon13 Loc: North Carolina

I have this fabulous accessory I call....MY HUSBAND!! This accessory does a wonderful job of packing my gear on hikes. Seriously, I use a Thinktank Streetwalker for hikes. The tripod straps onto the back. Im told it is very comfortable.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I use the capture camera clip by Peak design.

peakdesignltd.com

hiker60 Loc: Northern Idaho

Thanks for tripod idea. Will use.

dave sproul Loc: Tucson AZ

I use a Lowe Pro Topload Zoom AW, It is a big chest pack that counter balances a HAWG Camel back. I modified the carrying strap system by using the OP/TECH USA shoulder strap. This strap is similar to a shoulder holster / binocular strap system in that both shoulder and not the neck support the camera bag. I also got a strap to go around my body so the camera back would not swing away form my body. All straps have have Accoulock type snaps that allow me to remove the camera bag from me without removing the shoulder holster type straps. This comes in handy when driving a car from on site to another and having to add and remove the camers bag for driving comfort. They have an elastic one which did not meet my needs so I got the solid strap one which works better.

This allows me to combine or use separately the camera bag and camel back. I find it is best to put the camera bag on first and then the camel back when using them together.

I am 6'1" 225lbs and this may not work for smaller framed individuals.

In the LowePro I carry a Nikon D5100 with an AF-S 18--200 lens. I normally carry the lens shade inverted in the bottom og the carrier. I typically have 2 to 4 extra batteries 2-3 extra SD cards, a remote shutter release cable, Corkin grad neutral density filters & adapter, plus an instruction crib sheet. I hook my Garmin GPS onto the LowePro.

In the camel back I carry food, water,jacket/poncho (depending on anticipated weather conditions),first aid kit, extra batteries for the GPS, maps, Storm Jacket camera cover (which is shifted to the LowePro in Bad weather).

It works for me -- good luck on your search.

Willy Loc: Alaska

I use "C" and it works great. I can't speak for the others as I haven't used them.

effrant Loc: New Hampshire

Haha, that's what I use my wife for, she just doesn't like nick names.....

merouk Loc: White-Mountains of NH

Thanks, I'll look into that.