Trying out the CCS G3 Strapshot for camera carry on the trail

I hope everyone is making the most of summer and finding time to get out and walk a little. The coast has been humid, the bugs are out, but the trails are still calling. I have been easing back into hiking since the surgery, and each mile feels more like myself. With the miles returning, the gear starts mattering again.

One thing that has been bugging me is how to carry my camera. My Nikon has some weight to it. When I sling it over my shoulder, it bounces. When I jam it into the pack, it gets in the way. I finally pulled the trigger on a camera harness system I have been eyeing for a while. The CCS G3 Strapshot by Cotton Carrier.

The Strapshot is a compact camera holster that attaches directly to your backpack’s shoulder strap or belt. It uses a twist-and-lock mount system that secures your camera to a small aluminum hub plate. That plate screws into the tripod socket on the bottom of your camera and connects to a clip on the strapshot body. It also includes a quick-release safety tether and weather cover. Altogether, it weighs less than five ounces.

Once mounted, your camera stays close to your chest or hip, depending on how you wear it. It keeps your hands free while walking and eliminates the swing and sway that comes with a traditional neck strap. From what I have read, it is especially useful for folks doing uneven hikes or carrying heavier gear over longer distances. The company says it was built to handle rough movement without the camera popping loose.

So far, it seems like the setup will solve my biggest frustration. I like walking with my hands free. I like knowing the camera is there when I need it, not buried in a pack or dangling off my shoulder. I am curious to see how it feels on longer walks. Will it rub? Will it pull? Will it keep the camera steady when I move faster than a casual stroll?

If anyone has used the Strapshot or something similar, I would love to hear your experience. There are other camera carriers out there like chest harnesses from Cotton or sling-style holsters from Peak Design. Some folks even modify fanny packs or small daypacks to house their camera and gear. Let me know what works for you and what to avoid.

My first few hikes with the strap are lined up. I plan to keep things easy at first. Some level trails and short distances to see how everything settles in. After that, I will take it out on more uneven ground and see how it handles movement. I will write up a follow-up post once I have put in some honest miles with it.

I am always looking for small improvements that make walking easier and photography more natural. The goal is not to be flashy. It is to keep the gear out of the way so the moment can speak for itself.

Disclaimer: I purchased this gear myself. No discounts. No sponsorship. Just curiosity. All opinions and any mistakes are my own.