I've read a ton of reviews and looked at hundreds of different set-ups. I'm looking for any advice or suggestions for a specific type of camera/lens carrier - I'd like one I can attach to my thigh (similar to a military-style gun holster). I do a lot of backpacking and carry all of my gear with me (3 lenses and my Nikon D700). It adds a little bit of weight, but is manageable.

My problem is I currently carry my camera by using two carabiners - one attached to the top of my back and one at the waist belt to keep my camera from swinging around. This works pretty well for me, but I still need to take the camera out of one carabiner each time and when I take my pack off I need to take the camera out of both carabiners to bring it anywhere.

I don't want a chest carrier, because my pack has chest straps and I carry a survival knife on my chest. So any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I bought one of these with my Cotton Carrier chest harness as well (no...just the camera harness, not the model) -

http://www.cottoncarrier.com/carry-lite ... es-bundle/



I haven't used it a lot, but it does the job. The only down side is that when you sit down (like back in the car) it gets in the way.

There is a review online comparing the Cotton Carrier side holster to a different type called the Spider Holster. I can't find the direct comparison, but here's a review of the spider holster.

http://www.photographybay.com/2009/10/2 ... on-review/

The issue with these sorts of carriers is that your camera is subject to being banged on stuff as you walk by.

Chris

I just read the spider holster review you linked to, they used the term "spin" and "twirl" way too many times. That alone is enough to make me not even consider their product. My camera flailing about at my side is just begging for me to hit my lens on something... No thank you

-Don

You should check out the the Peak Design things ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... ystem.html ) several people mentioned in the Cotton Carrier review or even Cotton Carrier's new item which mounts a camera mount to a backpack strap. Only $59 isn't a bad price either.

http://buy.cottoncarrier.com/cotton-car ... 211cps.htm

That backpack strap attachment looks great (for me at least). It says it works best with a 3in wide strap, I wonder about smaller straps. My field pack is an ultra-light (Osprey Evo 58) and the straps aren't that large.

-Don

Thanks for the suggestions Chris! I really appreciate it! I think the second suggestions look like winners to me. The Peak Design holster or the new cotton carrier options both look like great options. Gonna be a tough decision and I'll be sure to post which one works best. Hopefully they can stand some rugged hiking (my backpacking trips are anywhere from 45-75 miles long).

This is coming soon from Cotton Carrier .... a system that attaches to a backpack shoulder strap!

http://www.cottoncarrier.com/cotton-carrier-accessories/cotton-carrier-strapshot/

Dave

Check out this thread ...

http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9936