A photo opportunity on the trail can pass while your camera is still inside your backpack. That’s why I value my Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3: it keeps my camera securely within reach without making me take off my pack.
I purchased the clip in April 2022 and use it on a backpack shoulder strap to carry my Nikon D5100, usually with a 55–300mm telephoto lens. A push of the release button lets me access the camera, and a simple click secures it again when I’m ready to continue hiking.
From short outings to longer, rugged hikes, it has become part of my setup whenever I expect photo opportunities. After more than four years of heavy use, it still works, though I’ve run into a couple of drawbacks worth mentioning.
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Quick Access Without Taking Off My Pack
The clip attaches to one of my backpack’s shoulder straps and holds the camera securely in front of me. When I want to take a photo, I press the release button and remove the camera. When I’m finished, I clip it back on and keep hiking.
View the Peak Design Capture Clip V3 on Amazon.
For me, that is much more convenient than keeping the camera in my pack and having to stop and take it out whenever I want. Carrying a camera around my neck also hasn’t worked well for me while hiking.
I appreciate the quick release and simple return to the clip most. They make it easy to keep the camera accessible without it getting in the way.
Comfortable and Secure on the Trail
I usually carry my Nikon D5100 with a 55–300mm telephoto lens attached. With the clip positioned on my shoulder strap, I’ve found this setup comfortable for both short outings and longer, rugged hikes.
Keeping the camera secure makes a noticeable difference. It stays in place instead of bouncing or sliding around, so I can focus on hiking while keeping it ready for photos.
Whenever I expect photo opportunities, I use the clip. It has become my preferred way to carry the camera on the trail.
Two Drawbacks I’ve Encountered
The first drawback is that the camera is exposed to the elements while attached to the clip. If it rains, I can put the camera inside my pack. I also bought a separate rain cover that fits over the camera while it stays in the clip.
The second issue involved the mounting screws. When I attached the clip to a narrow section of the shoulder strap, the screws extended through the mounting piece and rubbed against my skin. During one hike, I taped over the back as a temporary fix.
Moving the clip to a thicker part of the shoulder strap resolved that problem for my setup. The experience showed me that the clip’s position matters for comfort.
Wear After More Than Four Years of Use
After heavy use since April 2022, my clip has picked up scrapes where the metal plate attached to the camera slides into the metal base. In my experience, those marks have been cosmetic.
The release button also shows some wear after more than four years of use, but it still works. I continue to use the clip whenever I take my camera hiking.
My Overall Experience
The Peak Design Capture Clip V3 has worked well for the way I combine hiking and photography. It keeps my camera secure and comfortable to carry, with quick access when I want a photo and a simple click back into place afterward.
I’ve encountered the exposed camera and the need to find a comfortable mounting position firsthand. For my setup, moving the clip to a thicker section of the shoulder strap solved the rubbing, and a separate rain cover gives me another option for outdoor use.
After more than four years of heavy use, quick access remains its biggest benefit. It keeps my camera accessible while I enjoy the hike.
To learn more about the clip I use, you can view the Peak Design Capture Clip V3 on Amazon.
For more equipment ideas, explore our Gear guide. Our Hiking guides share trail experiences and practical advice, while our National Parks guides can help you plan outings with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take photographs.
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