If you travel a lot, you must already appreciate how invaluable a camera is. Cameras help us to immortalize those precious memories that would have otherwise been easily forgotten. With a camera, you can always go back and relive the glorious moments that you experienced on vacation from years back. That’s why most tourists often pull all the stops while shopping for their ideal camera for travel photography.
But while most people already appreciate the significant role that a powerful travel photography camera plays, not as much thought is usually given to camera straps. Some tourists only realize they ought to have invested in a camera strap after losing their cameras to pickpockets.
However insignificant they may appear, camera straps are highly useful, and must always feature in every traveler’s packing list. They help to keep your camera strapped around your body, making it difficult for thieves to cut it loose without your notice. But as you shall find, finding the right camera strap isn’t a walk in the park. Generally, experts recommend investing in a strap that comes with extra reinforcement, is lightweight, packable, and one that fits tightly around your shoulders, hands, wrists, or wherever you wear it.
We’ve rounded up some of the top camera straps in 2020 that any travel photographer will find useful.
1. Peak Design Black Slide Camera Strap
- Size: 12.7 x 3.7 x 1.4 inches
- Weight: 0.16 ounces
- Material: Nylon webbing
- Color Options: Black
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3f7NOOu
Pros
• Comes with a lifetime warranty
• Dual quick adjusters
• Comes with a smooth and grippy side
Cons
• Bends inwards while the wearer is walking
• Unideal for people with short torsos
Product Description
Peak Design Black Slide Camera Strap is designed with nylon webbing that offers maximum comfort to the wearer. The strap is versatile and can be used as a regular neck strap, as well as a shoulder or sling strap. It comes with a grippy side, which allows you to wear it as a sling/shoulder.
Peak Slide’s two quick-pull adjuster handles are reinforced with aluminum for extended durability. The inclusion of several attachments makes it easy to use this strap with different camera systems.
2. BlackRapid Curve Breath Camera Strap
- Size: 8.7 x 2 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
- Material: Nylon webbing
- Color Options: Black
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3TVKrbS
Pros
• Comes with a 65.8″ adjustable length
• Wider shoulder pad
• Cross-body strap for right-handed users
Cons
• The strap hangs the camera too low for some people
Product Description
BlackRapid is a household name as far as camera straps go, and most of their products are hailed for their remarkably high comfort levels. BlackRapid Curve Breath Camera Strap is an upgrade of most of their previous camera straps, sporting a mesh material for enhanced breathability.
Its cross-body design allows a camera to rest on the wearer’s waist level, making it particularly ideal for female photographers. The cross-body design places the camera comfortably within your sight and enables you to go hands-free.
3. ONA Presidio Camera Strap
- Size: 14.6 x 1.2 x 5.1 inches
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Material: Italian Tanned Leather
- Color Options: Black, Antique Cognac, Field Tan, Camouflage, and Dark Truffle Brown
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3W6ODaR
Pros
• Breathable, durable leather
• Comfortable to wear
Cons
• Too long for short travel photographers
Product Description
If you’re looking for a camera strap that’s sleek enough to match your gear while still keeping your camera safely wrapped around your shoulder or neck, look no further than the ONA Presidio Camera Strap. The strap is designed using Italian tanned leather, making it one of the most breathable and durable camera straps out there.
To enhance the comfort of the wearer, ONA Presidio comes with soft neoprene padding. The inclusion of chrome buckles allows for ease of length adjustment.
4. Woolnut Camera Strap
- Size: 5.9 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Material: Leather and Wool
- Color Options: Black and Brown
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3TYFaR1
Pros
• Premium leather quality
• Comfortable to wear
• Length adjusters
Cons
• Relatively expensive
Product Description
Woolnut Camera Strap features a blend of premium leather and wool, which delivers a touch of comfort and luxury. The manufacturer used leather on the outside to ensure that the strap remains breathable regardless of the condition that you’re traveling in. The inside is lined with wool felt that exudes a soft and luxurious feel.
Woolnut allows you to adjust the length, so you can use it either as a neck or shoulder strap. Soft padding makes the strap safe and comfortable for wearing around the neck, while additional metal rings account for its high compatibility with most cameras.
5. Leica Rope Camera Strap
- Size: 49.6 inches
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
- Material: Leather/rope
- Color Options: Black, Blue, Fire, Red, Glowing Red, and Oasis
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3N9giUz
Pros
• Leica branding
• Great color choices
• Novel rope design
• Compatible with any mirrorless or DSLR camera
Cons
• A bit cost-inhibitive
Product Description
If you fancy the glamorous feeling of sporting a Leica but are a bit limited financially, then this is the strap for you. Leica Rope Camera Strap, designed by Cooph, comes with a thick rope that’s completed with leather detailing, which gives it an elegant and stylish look.
The product is available in two different length options and a wide array of colors to choose from. The fact that the strap is handmade means it has already been checked by hand, hence you can vouch for its performance.
6. Pacsafe Carrysafe 100 GII Secure Camera Strap
- Size: 44.5 x 0.7 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Material: Wire-reinforced Slashguard
- Color Options: Black
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3TF6jJ9
Pros
• Lots of anti-theft features
• Nonslip neckpad
• Adjustable length
Cons
• Extra padding makes the strap a bit thick
• Steel clip doesn’t flex easily
Product Description
Pacsafe Carrysafe 100 GII Secure Camera Strap boasts some of the best anti-theft features, including a cut-proof steel cable that runs inside the strap, offering prevention from slash-and-go theft. Pacsafe Carrysafe also sports a webbing connector that’s designed to make the strap compatible with most cameras. Wire loops particularly make this strap fit for use with DSLR cameras. It’s reinforced with anti-twisting metal clips that keep it strong and durable.
For neck wearing, Pacsafe Carrysafe comes with padded neoprene neckpad. Another excellent feature is a TurnNLock security through which you attach this strap to a secure fixture, thereby preventing grab-and-run theft.
7. BlackRapid ProtectR Strap Attachment
- Size: 21.9 x 2 x 0.1 inches
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Material: Steel-reinforced fabric
- Color Options: Black
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3fdvFyD
Pros
• Attachment is easy to install
• Visible steel is a deterrent to muggers
• Relatively affordable
Cons
• Thick steel cable makes it difficult to pack
Product Description
BlackRapid ProtectR is another excellent anti-theft camera strap out there. The strap is integrated with 1.5 mm steel cable that easily attaches to your bag or existing camera strap, offering protection from cutting or slashing. The steel cable is also visible enough, serving as a deterrent to thieves and pickpockets.
There are two length options to choose from, i.e. Regular and Long options. The Regular length option is a bit short for most people, so you might want to go for the long option right away.
8. HoldFast Gear MoneyMaker Two-Camera Harness
- Size: 9.8 x 7.2 x 2.7 inches
- Weight: 20 ounces
- Material: Leather
- Color Options: Brown and Black
- Product Link: https://amzn.to/3Dey8Rf
Pros
• Strong and water-resistant leather
• Comes in many length options
Cons
• Can be a bit noisy
Product Description
As its name suggests, the HoldFast Gear MoneyMaker Two-Camera Harness is designed to hold two DSLR cameras, one at each side. The back sports a leather finish while the front comes with speed straps for quick access to your camera.
HoldFast Gear MoneyMaker is available in three different size options to suit the needs of every traveler. The Small option is a maximum of 170 cm high, the Medium length measures between 173 and 188 cm, while the Large size measures above 191 cm high.
Conclusion
Evidently, travel photography camera straps come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. And what works for one traveler may not necessarily work for another. However, when shopping for the best camera strap, focus on anti-theft specs while also keeping an eye for comfort and convenience features.