Solution for hiking with two heavy-ish camera/lens combos?

[AlanB313]

I've been using a PD slide strap crossways with a d500 and 500mm pf hanging to the left. I have another PD slide strap lite going to the right side with a d7200 and 16-80mm. At the same time I have binoculars with a chest harness.
I feed the PD strap ends through the "arm holes" of the chest harness.

I can lift the binoculars without affecting the camera straps and can let the bins drop when I want to lift a camera. I make sure the heavier camera slide strap goes over the lighter one. That way there's less friction.

It takes a light tug but I can quickly pull a camera into position. The PD straps are both hooked on the camera lugs. I hook the lens foot into my pants belt or backpack belt so as to not put weight on the camera lugs while hiking. This works with a backpack as long as it goes on last. But things slide a little better without the backpack.

Sometimes I'll clip the lighter setup on my backpack shoulder strap or on a belt clip, both are PD clips.

Of course this setup may work better for males than females. One female birder friend doesn't like the chest harness for binoculars but another one does.

So far, I've only used the setup a few times with two cameras but it's my regular setup for a single camera. After messing up my lens mount I needed something that was sturdy, keeps the camera close to my body so it doesn't swing, and gives quick access. And doesn't damage the mount.

Perhaps this kinda duplicates other manufacturers stuff but I just tried it with the equipment I already had and it worked.

Of course my wife says I look like a walking optics shop and wants to walk 50 feet ahead of me....

 

[Terry]

Here's the situation. I'm heading on a birding and puma tracking trip in Patagonia in November. I will be using primarily the Z9 + 600PF for the birding but for the puma tracking...which is on foot, over sometimes tricky terrain...I would also like to carry both the Z8 + 100-400Z and the Z9/600PF. Sometimes the pumas can come close; sometimes they are really distant (Please don't suggest the 180-600 --I know it would be perfect, and we do have a copy, but DH will be using it, and I prefer my 600PF for birding in general.)

So my dilemma is how to carry both--plus also binoculars! If I put one in a backpack it's not really quickly accessible. I tried putting the Z8 + 100-400 in a Thinktank Retrospective 7 bag which I own, but boy that bag is heavy, and it's a pretty tight fit, and doesn't fit with the hood on.

I'm thinking maybe a holster bag for the Z8/100-400? I have so many bags I hate buying yet another but nothing I have fits this odd occasion. Any other suggestions?

So if you don't need a backpack have you looked at the Holdfast Moneymaker?

I would get the add on clips that go to your belt to keep the cameras from swinging when walking at a pace.

There's the ability to add straps to the front for a 3rd camera. With some Peak Design clip things (can't remember the name!) you could have your binoculars there.

When shooting crime on the street I typically have a D850/70-200 on one side, Z8/180-600 on the other and a Z8/24-120 on the center chest straps. Carries that just fine.

 

[SoCalRick]

I've been using a PD slide strap crossways with a d500 and 500mm pf hanging to the left. I have another PD slide strap lite going to the right side with a d7200 and 16-80mm. At the same time I have binoculars with a chest harness.
I feed the PD strap ends through the "arm holes" of the chest harness.

I can lift the binoculars without affecting the camera straps and can let the bins drop when I want to lift a camera. I make sure the heavier camera slide strap goes over the lighter one. That way there's less friction.

I can't figure out how you are able to bring the lighter (underside) camera up to a shooting position, when wearing two PD straps crossways across your chest. Do you have to add extra slack to the lighter camera strap to make it work? If so, wouldn't it ride too low on your hip?

 

[dupcak]

Black Rapid makes a double harness, but not sure how comfortable that would be to hike with, or to wear under a backpack. https://www.blackrapid.com/double-breathe/

In September I did a trip to Glacier Nat'l Park where we averaged 11 miles a day over 5 days and usually on pretty steep terrain and I used this setup - though usually with a 70-200+TC+Z9 and 24-70+Z8 so not quite as heavy as the combination you're suggesting. I did find myself resting my hands on the lenses to steady them as we hiked so that tended to tire out the shoulders on a couple days. On shorter hikes where we were expecting wildlife, I put the 70-200+TC on the Z8 and had the 400/2.8 TC on the Z9. These were usually on hikes less than 5 miles so it was much easier and the fact that the 400 was heavier than the other lenses meant it didn't bounce around nearly as much.

 

[Woody Meristem]

I'm a bit of a smart a-s so I'll just say Don't. You said you're not much of a hiker and not in the best of condition -- that's a bunch of heavy stuff and in rough terrain it will really unbalance you, using shoulder straps the cameras/lenses will either swing if you stumble or you'll use both hands trying to stop them from swinging increasing the chance of a fall. If you had enough time to learn a new system perhaps you could look into a couple of Olympus OM- 1 cameras and the Olympus 100-400 mm and 40-150mm -- much lighter and smaller, the 40-150mm would even fit in a waist pack. The cameras and lenses could be had for about $5,000 for new gear, much less if you buy used -- you could always sell them after you get back if you're wedded to Nikon.

 

[AlanB313]

I can't figure out how you are able to bring the lighter (underside) camera up to a shooting position, when wearing two PD straps crossways across your chest. Do you have to add extra slack to the lighter camera strap to make it work? If so, wouldn't it ride too low on your hip?

Yes, I have enough slack for it to come to viewing level. It doesn't swing at my hip because depending on what lens I'm using, I hook the lens foot into my backpack belt.
If I'm using the 16-80, it doesn't have a foot, so I fasten the camera to a PD capture clip. It's for flower and landscapes anyway, so doesn't need to get up quickly like the birding lens.

It's kind of a makeshift system but it works. Especially for a single camera and binoculars but with 2 in a pinch.

 

[janzin]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I've actually more or less decided on just using two Black Rapid sling straps, similar to what AlanB313 describes above with Peak design straps. I tried this yesterday going to our local cemetery (the safest place in our area to walk with all that gear and it seemed doable. One slung over one shoulder, the other over the other. It didn't interfere with bringing either one up to the eye. I already have the two straps so no extra funds involved. I really don't think we'll be walking for more than a mile or two at any one time and this puts both cameras at the ready. I may skip carrying the binoculars though. We'll have a vehicle where we can leave stuff we aren't using. I won't need to carry a backpack or anything much else other than extra batteries which can go in pockets. Still need to try it out wearing a heavier jacket and layers--too warm to do that here now.

However I may also bring a messenger bag to use at times. Or, a holster bag...a friend is going to let me try his ThinkTank one out and see if that works.

 

[janzin]

I'm a bit of a smart a-s so I'll just say Don't. You said you're not much of a hiker and not in the best of condition -- that's a bunch of heavy stuff and in rough terrain it will really unbalance you, using shoulder straps the cameras/lenses will either swing if you stumble or you'll use both hands trying to stop them from swinging increasing the chance of a fall. If you had enough time to learn a new system perhaps you could look into a couple of Olympus OM- 1 cameras and the Olympus 100-400 mm and 40-150mm -- much lighter and smaller, the 40-150mm would even fit in a waist pack. The cameras and lenses could be had for about $5,000 for new gear, much less if you buy used -- you could always sell them after you get back if you're wedded to Nikon.

Ha, thanks but I'm definitely not interested in a new system and certainly not to just use for a few days! If I wanted to go the new equipment route the more likely possibility would just be to buy another 180-600Z or rent one. But I really want my 600PF for the rest of the trip, which is primarily birding, and I can't bring both. The puma tracking portion of the trip is only 3-1/2 days, we have another 8 or so days of birding.

 

[AlanB313]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I've actually more or less decided on just using two Black Rapid sling straps, similar to what AlanB313 describes above with Peak design straps. I tried this yesterday going to our local cemetery (the safest place in our area to walk with all that gear and it seemed doable. One slung over one shoulder, the other over the other. It didn't interfere with bringing either one up to the eye. I already have the two straps so no extra funds involved. I really don't think we'll be walking for more than a mile or two at any one time and this puts both cameras at the ready. I may skip carrying the binoculars though. We'll have a vehicle where we can leave stuff we aren't using. I won't need to carry a backpack or anything much else other than extra batteries which can go in pockets. Still need to try it out wearing a heavier jacket and layers--too warm to do that here now.

However I may also bring a messenger bag to use at times. Or, a holster bag...a friend is going to let me try his ThinkTank one out and see if that works.

Sometimes low tech is a good place to start. It might illuminate a better way in the future, or work well enough on its own. That's true in my case, at least for now.
If you have trouble with the heavier coats making things not slide, try wearing a nylon windbreaker over it. Everything slides easily with the nylon.
Have fun, can't wait to see some of your photos.
Alan

 

[AlanB313]

Sometimes low tech is a good place to start. It might illuminate a better way in the future, or work well enough on its own. That's true in my case, at least for now.
If you have trouble with the heavier coats making things not slide, try wearing a nylon windbreaker over it. Everything slides easily with the nylon.
Have fun, can't wait to see some of your photos.
Alan

I thought I'd better clarify that I'm careful to not let the weight of the cameras plus lenses to hang from the camera lugs attached to the PD straps. While I'm walking, all the weight is supported by the camera foot tucked into my belt(s). I'm pretty sure you knew what I meant...but maybe not others.
I used a version of the same system for a while but had one PD clip on the lens foot and one on the camera. That messed up my lens mount, requiring repair. Hence the switch to hooking the lens foot into my belt instead.

 

[ajrmd]

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I've actually more or less decided on just using two Black Rapid sling straps, similar to what AlanB313 describes above with Peak design straps. I tried this yesterday going to our local cemetery (the safest place in our area to walk with all that gear and it seemed doable. One slung over one shoulder, the other over the other. It didn't interfere with bringing either one up to the eye. I already have the two straps so no extra funds involved. I really don't think we'll be walking for more than a mile or two at any one time and this puts both cameras at the ready. I may skip carrying the binoculars though. We'll have a vehicle where we can leave stuff we aren't using. I won't need to carry a backpack or anything much else other than extra batteries which can go in pockets. Still need to try it out wearing a heavier jacket and layers--too warm to do that here now.

However I may also bring a messenger bag to use at times. Or, a holster bag...a friend is going to let me try his ThinkTank one out and see if that works.

Interesting albeit a bit more cumbersome and expensive than the optech or black rapid double harness. If you're still trying to figure out a solution for binoculars and you're working in good light, a small pair of 25/28mm objectives can usually fit in cargo pants (I'm particular to the Vortex which offer good value).

 

[AlanB313]

Interesting albeit a bit more cumbersome and expensive than the optech or black rapid double harness. If you're still trying to figure out a solution for binoculars and you're working in good light, a small pair of 25/28mm objectives can usually fit in cargo pants (I'm particular to the Vortex which offer good value).

I have an older pair of Leica 10x25s I sometimes use like this. But since I became more serious about birding, I usually take my heavier 10x42s.

 

[janzin]

I thought I'd better clarify that I'm careful to not let the weight of the cameras plus lenses to hang from the camera lugs attached to the PD straps. While I'm walking, all the weight is supported by the camera foot tucked into my belt(s). I'm pretty sure you knew what I meant...but maybe not others.
I used a version of the same system for a while but had one PD clip on the lens foot and one on the camera. That messed up my lens mount, requiring repair. Hence the switch to hooking the lens foot into my belt instead.

Indeed, the BR straps are attached to the lens foot. Only thing attached to the lugs is a safety tether.

Interesting albeit a bit more cumbersome and expensive than the optech or black rapid double harness. If you're still trying to figure out a solution for binoculars and you're working in good light, a small pair of 25/28mm objectives can usually fit in cargo pants (I'm particular to the Vortex which offer good value).

I've got a small pair of Kowa Genesis 8 x 22 that serve this purpose. I can probably throw these in somewhere as a secondary pair to my 10x42 Leicas. I'll really have to see how much gear I can pack!

 

[ajrmd]

I have an older pair of Leica 10x25s I sometimes use like this. But since I became more serious about birding, I usually take my heavier 10x42s.

Agree and if anyone is birding/WL watching at dawn/dusk the 25/28's are abysmal. Nonetheless, if room/carry is tight, I'll throw them in hoping for the best.

 

[TamiBoise]

I'm going to Churchill in a couple of weeks and facing a similar delemia. What I am planning is the cotton carrier sling belt with the removable side holster attachment. https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Carrier-Slingbelt-Two-Cameras/dp/B0DF4B36XQ Then, for safety have a shoulder strap directly attached to one camera (Z8 with 180-600) and a tether from the other camera (Z8 with Tamron 50-400) to the shoulder strap. My other thought is a dual harness like the black rapid combined with the cotton carrier sling belt. I also have the cotton carrier vest but on a recent trip with 1-5 miles walking per day I found caring the camera on my chest that way pulled me forward into a hunching walk and was not comfortable. Walking with the camera on my hip was much easier.

 

[wotan1]

I tested several systems out for carrying equipment, This was my personal experience and not everyone is the same.

1. Cotton Carrier: I found the vest uncomfortable for longer hikes and I ended up with back pain. I could not personally use this system. As I said others may differ and there are many who swear by their system.

2. Peak Design cross body straps: These were convenient to use and it was easy to pick up the camera and shoot but once again the weight pulling at the shoulder strap caused neck/back pain. This solution did not work for me for anything heavy but was OK for a single camera with a ighter lens.

3. Blackrapid straps: The single straps worked for me, but the dual for carrying two cameras did not work as it became lopsided when one camera was lifted. I was able to use two single straps effectively and was able to work extensively without back pain.

4. Holdfast Moneymaker: I was encouraged to try this outt based on multiple recommendations. I found this system much more comfortable for extended use and it is now my favorite system. It uses leather straps and does a cross back strap system which puts all the weight on the strong muscles in the shoulders. I am able to use two heavy cameras and lenses with this (two Z9's and an 800 PF and 400 4.5) for long periods of time allowing both lenses to be used handheld. The lens/camera can be tethered to a belt on the side which minimizes the swing. You do need to pay attention to protect the cameras from impact while hiking and you do need to be careful with balance when scrambling over logs and rocks.

There is also an issue if you are using a setup either with a tripod or monopod. It is too difficult to carry two cameras on straps plus a monopod. If I am using either a monopod or tripod I will carry the camera I am using for this purpose attached to the monopod/tripod and carry the other camera on the opposite side on the strap. I still however find carrying any heavy camera/lens attaached to a monopod/tripod to be uncomfortable for any distance and I would only do this for shorter distances of no more than a mile or so.

I USE A PHOTO VEST AS ADDITIONAL STORAGE WHILE SHOOTING WITH THESE STRAPS. I prefer the Domke photo vest and its wide assortment of pockets really is convenient.

5. Ultimate solution: Backpack with QD straps

For the final solution if I was goinng a longer distance with a lot of equipment I would choose my custom backpack. It allows me to carry an unlimited amount of equipment in comfort yet I can also suspend either two cameras by straps, or one camera on one side plus the tripod on the other. With this system I could also use a monopod as a walking stick. I currently use the pack extensively to store and transport all my gear but I have not used it extensively during a shoot because most of my shoots have been shorter duration and the Holdfast straps are more convenient to set up and use.

The custom backpack will comfortably carry all the equipment I could possibly want to bring. Once it is fully on all weight is transferred to the hips. the strap forces my shoulders into good posture which helps prevent pain. I can literally walk for hours carrying 50 lbs or more this way in complete comfort.

 

[Len Shepherd]

The Vanguard ALTA Pro 42 (that I have NOT used) may be an option.

It is designed to take long lenses with a body attached and has a quick to open top zip.

The manufacturers claim it takes the 180-600 implying the slightly smaller 600 PF should easily fit.

There is a larger Alta Pro 68 that should easily take both lenses with body attached side by side - though it weighs nearly 3 kg.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I second @wotan1 ... I used Black Rapids straps for years. After reading about the Holdfast Money Maker from him I got one and later a solo for single carry. I am 76 and only 5.' 6" and 180lbs and used to hiking long distances here in Idaho excellent supportive boots are my tripod I carry a Z9 with Z 800 pf on the right side and a Z9 with Tamron Z mount 150-500 on the other or Z6III with Z600 f/6.3.

Getting the Holdfast Moneymaker means you need to be careful to order the right size for you and order the accessories you want for it. These are custom made to order from harness or other water buffalo leather and it does take time to get them. This is not your normal Amazon or B&H shopping experience and communication is via e mail and can be slow. The products are well made and the leather forms to your body. I have a double carry and two single carry Black Rapids straps that now just sit in my closet.

 

[Rodamu]

I found a Nikon Z8 with 100-400 lens can be carried in a belt holder comfortably. The thick nylon belt is 2" wide. I also used a sling bag; a belt kept it out-of-the way and when belt was released the bag could be swung around for easy access.

 

[MartyD]

I have used a number of different Optech camera straps over the years and I still use an Optech when traveling or when only using 1 camera. I like the Optech camera connectors, it makes it easy for me to swap between a single, dual, or just a hand strap. I haven't been hiking much with two cameras but I spend hours photographing outdoor sports, including spending 10 hours moving around a track meet. I have stopped using camera straps in these situations and I have started using the Spider Holster system. I regularly carry one body with a Z 100-400 or Z 400 and another Z with a 70-200. I have attachment points on the tripod feet and the cameras hang really well on the Spider Holster. If I am carrying my 24-70, I have a camera plate that connects to the holster.

I found that if I carry two cameras on a strap I am constantly holding onto the cameras in order to prevent them from swinging while walking. It is also necessary to make sure the two cameras balance pretty well or the strap may pull to one side and become uncomfortable. I also found that carrying two cameras on a shoulder strap was hard on the shoulders and neck. It is easy to swap between one camera and the other because you know the cameras are attached are attached to you.

The Spider Holster allows me to carry all of the weight on my hips and I have found I do not get soreness in my neck or shoulder. I have also found that I can walk easily without having to hold onto the cameras to prevent them from swinging. I can also kneel down with the cameras attached and stand back up again, although that is getting more difficult as I get older. I do have to pay attention to the fact that I do have two cameras attached at the hip, which make me a little wider, so I have to be careful walking through congested areas or tight spaces. I don't know how this would impact using hiking poles. I also have to be aware that when I remove a camera to shoot I have to be certain that I reattach it to the holster before lifting the other camera. You also have to be certain the belt is adjust properly to carry the load. I have worn the belt over winter clothing but never for extreme cold. There are locking switch on the belt connector so I can lock the camera in the clip to prevent it from sliding out of the clip unintentionally.

When cameras are attached to a strap around your shoulders your center of gravity moves higher and I think that increases the chance of falling if you stumble. The Spider Holster lowers your center of gravity which may lower the chance of falling when you stumble. I don't have any scientific evidence that this is true, it's just a thought.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I have used a number of different Optech camera straps over the years and I still use an Optech when traveling or when only using 1 camera. I like the Optech camera connectors, it makes it easy for me to swap between a single, dual, or just a hand strap. I haven't been hiking much with two cameras but I spend hours photographing outdoor sports, including spending 10 hours moving around a track meet. I have stopped using camera straps in these situations and I have started using the Spider Holster system. I regularly carry one body with a Z 100-400 or Z 400 and another Z with a 70-200. I have attachment points on the tripod feet and the cameras hang really well on the Spider Holster. If I am carrying my 24-70, I have a camera plate that connects to the holster.

I found that if I carry two cameras on a strap I am constantly holding onto the cameras in order to prevent them from swinging while walking. It is also necessary to make sure the two cameras balance pretty well or the strap may pull to one side and become uncomfortable. I also found that carrying two cameras on a shoulder strap was hard on the shoulders and neck. It is easy to swap between one camera and the other because you know the cameras are attached are attached to you.

The Spider Holster allows me to carry all of the weight on my hips and I have found I do not get soreness in my neck or shoulder. I have also found that I can walk easily without having to hold onto the cameras to prevent them from swinging. I can also kneel down with the cameras attached and stand back up again, although that is getting more difficult as I get older. I do have to pay attention to the fact that I do have two cameras attached at the hip, which make me a little wider, so I have to be careful walking through congested areas or tight spaces. I don't know how this would impact using hiking poles. I also have to be aware that when I remove a camera to shoot I have to be certain that I reattach it to the holster before lifting the other camera. You also have to be certain the belt is adjust properly to carry the load. I have worn the belt over winter clothing but never for extreme cold. There are locking switch on the belt connector so I can lock the camera in the clip to prevent it from sliding out of the clip unintentionally.

When cameras are attached to a strap around your shoulders your center of gravity moves higher and I think that increases the chance of falling if you stumble. The Spider Holster lowers your center of gravity which may lower the chance of falling when you stumble. I don't have any scientific evidence that this is true, it's just a thought.

You described why I moved to the Holdfast Moneymaker it avoids the strap issues you describe and distributes the weight very well. They also have belt and belt loop anchors that take care of the swinging issue and lets you tuck camera not in use behind you helping with the width issue. I can also kneel down with the cameras attached. I get no soreness in my neck or shoulders. I had a Z6III with grip with Z600 f/6.3 on one side today and a Z9 with Tamron z mount 150-500. I also carry a Z9 with Z800 pf on one side and a Z9 with the Tamron Z mount 150-500 on the other. This system was developed for wedding photographers but works great for this birder. Anyone interested can check out videos and more here: https://holdfastgear.com/collections/money-maker

As I noted earlier they make most of their products when you order and are better at designing and making the product than marketing, ordering and communication.

 

[MartyD]

You described why I moved to the Holdfast Moneymaker it avoids the strap issues you describe and distributes the weight very well. They also have belt and belt loop anchors that take care of the swinging issue and lets you tuck camera not in use behind you helping with the width issue. I can also kneel down with the cameras attached. I get no soreness in my neck or shoulders. I had a Z6III with grip with Z600 f/6.3 on one side today and a Z9 with Tamron z mount 150-500. I also carry a Z9 with Z800 pf on one side and a Z9 with the Tamron Z mount 150-500 on the other. This system was developed for wedding photographers but works great for this birder. Anyone interested can check out videos and more here: https://holdfastgear.com/collections/money-maker

As I noted earlier they make most of their products when you order and are better at designing and making the product than marketing, ordering and communication.

I really like my Spider Holster for my sports shooting but I may have to look into the Holdfast Moneymaker when doing more hiking.

 

[Ken Miracle]

I really like my Spider Holster for my sports shooting but I may have to look into the Holdfast Moneymaker when doing more hiking.

As I mentioned earlier I learned about it from @wotan1 and now my black rapids straps sit in the closet and my think tank holsters are used for transport in the vehicle and my speed belt and racing harness sit in the closet.