The Best & Worst Ways To Carry Your Camera (Bags, Straps & Holsters)

Chris & Jordan are constantly asked what their favourite camera bag or strap is for carrying their cameras around. We decided to look at a bunch of different options and tell you which ones we love and which ones we... like less.

Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake
Shot on The Panasonic GH5

[tomdearie]

After carrying a 500mm lens hundreds of miles for wildlife photography, and having used multiple carry solutions, I can say that the Cotton Carrier is hands-down the best tele- carry solution smaller than my kayak. It puts the weight centre-mass for comfort on long hikes, lets you go hands free for technical terrain, and brings the camera to shooting position in under 2 seconds. And the bear doesn’t care how I look 😊 I never carry the 500mm without it.

[TamerBekir]

The sense of humor here is perfect, and the video gets to the point. That's why I have been a long time subscriber.

[berkshire]

I honestly thought that jogger that comes into frame from the left at 3:49 was Jordan getting a run-up for his next camera snatching.

[karayuschij]

After 40 years working as a professional photographer I came to the conclusion that the best solution is to have a good assistant… :D :D

[sdocax]

Love this video, especially the light hearted nature of it. But seriously, the problem with many camera carry solutions is that they appear to be designed by/made for men only (or fairly flat chested women). Stuff like the Cotton Carrier, most slings, etc. they just don't work for women. Would love to see more innovative systems that take the female anatomy into consideration when designing.

[RalphD]

Can we just agree to one thing.... Jordan and Chris is the best thing ever happened to the photography community on the internet! 👍

[vincenzoconstantine]

Awesome video. Way better than all the usual camera bag and strap reviews. As funny as Jordan the camera snatcher was it did start to make me think about how I would carry my camera gear around safely.

[FrederickDunn]

At 04:55 I've worn the cotton carrier for the past 8 years... yep, the full rig and it's become part of my professional branding :) I've never heard it called the "virginity defender"? (';')( ';')... I can wade through crowds with it, climb without clanking my gear into stuff. There is no question about who the professional photographer is at a wedding :) I call it the swiss-army-knife of photography... I carry a D5 in front and a D4s on the side, one with a wide angle zoom 24-70 and the other with the 70-200 zoom. and, I can carry a speed-light in the pouch on the waste strap. I'm wearing one in my profile photo :) Takes all of the weight off of your neck and you're good for those long wedding days! if you're fit, confident, capable, friendly, and professional... no one is making fun of that rig :) Final note, I don't know any other pro in my area who wears one, so it's part of how people know which photographer that is/was! All of your gear in one place :) Just thought I'd chime in. Great video!

[falcdragon]

LOL, so Jordan's secondary role with The Camera Store is stocking the second hand department!

[ChrischoBoardgaming]

Trying to get an overview of the different types of bags for photo/film equipment, but wasn't expecting to chuckle that much while learning a lot. Thanks for this video, guys.
Personally, your adorable lil backpack would be out for me -- I DO care what anybody says LOL -- and I find myself attracted to these vest-types or better still those systems that give you something to fasten to your legs. I've always felt like a mechanic of sorts anyway.

[mark_midmark]

Okay this may be your best video yet. First off the trolling by using the Pentax strap with the Nikon had me dying and I'm a Pentax user. Secondly the bit about not to be messed with when you had that vest on was fantastic. I had to watch it 3 times.

[liskrig]

I was an early adopter of the Black Rapid and I love it. Works great when you have to direct groups with both hands, and is still working great after 5+ years

[thientrieu]

Jordan is such a pro camera snatcher hahaha

[SusanSlattery]

I've watched this video about seven times. Seriously, make more videos like this. I laugh every time. Jordan is a great thief!

[JohannKwan]

Lately been taking to throwing the inner insert on my Billingham Small into my EDC bag, a Maxpedition Falcon II day pack. I find this way more comfortable than regular bags, fits my Leica M with two lenses, filters, battery. and charger, and lots of room for other stuff. Using this set up primarily because I need to carry other stuff most days, and the insert gives me the padding I need for the gear but then the rest of the bag stores spare clothes (sometimes), sunglasses, books, pens, notebook, water bottle, etc with room to spare and plenty of molle webbing to expand on the pack when you need even more storage.

Sometimes throwing an insert into your favourite bag is the way to go!

[noahpage]

“Hey stop that man, he stole my purse!” 😂😂

[nicholashaggkvist]

This product review video is unreasonably good. It’s not on a pre-made set, and yet well made and professional!

[MeAMuse]

Peak Design capture clip is probably the best option when you pair with a backpack. Keeps your camera safe, but accessible, you don't look too bad, have hands free, and it does not get in the way (like things on your hip do). I find though, that it's not the best option when you have to change lenses a lot on the move. I do like their slide strap or the leash (depending on camera size)for carrying a simple 1 lens setup, but that's only because the strap can be removed quickly. Pack wise I mostly do hiking so just use a normal pack, but when doing touristy or street stuff I have to say I like the Pacsafe Venturesafe GII Anti-Theft Travel Pack as a good travel bag option. It holds enough (especially if your camera is on the capture clip), has certain measures for safety, and distributes weight well.

[davidgluns]

just came across this .... perfect delivery. Reason I shop at the camera store! thanks

[tomgarnett]

I do a lot of bird photography and I have several systems, Black Rapid, Spider Holster, and the one I like the most for all day all terrain hiking is the Cotton Carrier. I can climb over rocks using both hands, it takes the weight off one side, its fast to get out, has built in rain protection and can use an umbrella although I have not tried that yet. As far as what people think, I really don't care, don't like it, don't look. I have had nothing but good comments from people on it.