I have used the original "Nikon" straps that came with my cameras, D40, D3500, D7100 and D600, purchased in that order. Since each one has gotten larger and heavier, including the corresponding lenses, I find my neck starts to really ache after shooting for a couple of hours. I tried going without a strap but get paranoid of dropping and damage. My last purchase of a 80-200 2.8 AF-D New to go on the D600, or even the D7100 convinced me I need to come up with alternative. I do use a tripod alot but love to hike into areas for that special look. Would like to hear opinions about shoulder straps or hand straps. I do use a quality back pack but would love to be camera ready to get that perfect shot of the bear that runs me down. Thank you.

I proudly use my Canon-branded camera strap. I've adjusted the length to perfectly wrap around my right wrist, not too tight, not too loose, with a few loops. I can go hours holding the camera by the camera grip, but with no fear of dropping the camera as letting loose of the grip causes the camera to drop just a few inched where the strap tightens on my wrist. This is how I can free my right hand for other uses.

But, for your need for hiking, look at a sport sling such as a Black Rapid Sport that screws into the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera and hangs the camera at your waist.