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Thorough Examination and Analysis of BlackRapid Backpack Strap Quality and Performance

Newbie photographers often resort to the camera straps that come with their devices. Yet, these straps can cause discomfort, even in ideal situations, and become much more aggravating when using a backpack, as they tend to conflict with the shoulder straps...

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5 min read
Camera straps included with photographic equipment can feel uncomfortable under optimal conditions,...
Camera straps included with photographic equipment can feel uncomfortable under optimal conditions, and they become even more irritating when used with a backpack due to their interference with the backpack's shoulder straps. Novice photographers often rely on these default straps initially.

A New Take on Camera Carrying: The BlackRapid Backpack Strap

Thorough Examination and Analysis of BlackRapid Backpack Strap Quality and Performance

Hey there, shutterbug! Ever felt bogged down by that clunky camera strap during backpack adventures? Well, worry no more! The ingenious BlackRapid Backpack Strap is here to save the day. This nifty accessory allows you to carry your camera without a fuss while using a backpack - no more neck pain or dangling cameras interfering with your shoulder straps.

In this review, we're diving deep into the world of the BlackRapid Backpack Strap and finding out if it's your snuggly solution to camera comfort when donning a backpack. Remember, I've personally used this strap, no big sponsors or connections here. Let's get started!

(Image from BlackRapid website)

The Camera Strap Nightmare - Backpack Edition

First things first, let's talk about the alternatives to the BlackRapid Backpack Strap and how they fare when coupled with a backpack.

  • Neck Straps: Oh, boy! Bundling a neck strap over backpack straps is about as comfy as hiking with a rock-filled pack on your head. The weight of the camera digging into your neck is a surefire recipe for fatigue and discomfort, especially with heavy setups. The constant swinging and dangling doesn't help either.
  • Single Shoulder Sling: Combining this option with a backpack might as well be called the "Camera Slip N' Slide." The camera strap straining for space on your shoulder with the backpack strap is a recipe for disaster. One or both will invariably slip, requiring constant adjustment.
  • Belt Clips or Shoulder Straps: These systems offer swift access and can be useful with lighter gear, but they struggle to support heavy loads and can be bulky.

The BlackRapid Backpack Strap - A Different Perspective

BlackRapid tackled the problem from an unconventional angle. Rather than designing another strap to compete with the backpack, they crafted a solution that integrates with it. The BlackRapid Backpack Strap works by utilizing the backpack's load-bearing structure as a camera support system.

At its core, the Backpack Strap comprises three simple, yet highly efficient components:

  1. Backpack Attachment Points: This isn't your typical neck or shoulder strap. It's a sturdy ballistic nylon webbing made to attach to the backpack via D-rings, webbing loops, or other strong attachment points found on most technical or photography backpacks. Check your backpack before using the strap to see if it has these points!
  2. Sliding System: The heart of the system includes an adjustable buckle to accommodate different body shapes, a carabiner to connect to the backpack, and a thread to fit the 1/4′′-20 tripod mount on your camera body or lens collar. This setup allows the camera to float comfortably at the side or move smoothly along the strap as you raise it to shoot.
  3. Locking Bumpers: These adjustable bumpers determine the distance the camera travels along the strap, ensuring it stays securely in place.

Weight and Comfort

The BlackRapid Backpack Strap itself is impressively lightweight (132 grams / 0.29 pounds all in), adding negligible weight to your overall rig. Additionally, it comes with a compact mesh bag that can stow the strap system when not in use.

The primary advantage of this strap lies in its ergonomic design. Instead of burdening your neck or a single shoulder, the Backpack Strap transfers the weight of the camera directly to the harness of your backpack. This means the weight's evenly distributed across the padded shoulder straps and hip belt, allowing for comfortable, stress-free shooting, even on long hikes.

During my experiences, I found the following benefits:

  • Comfort: There was little tension on my neck or shoulders, so it was possible to go on extended hikes without the fatigue typically encountered with traditional shoulder straps.
  • Stability: The camera remained stable along my side, offering a snug fit with minimal oscillation. Moreover, the system fits in harmony with a backpack, so there's no conflict between straps and shoulder pads.
  • Safe Transport: While carrying the camera outside the backpack isn't recommended, the stable attachment point felt much safer compared to a traditional neck strap. In case of an accident or knock, the camera is less likely to swing around.
  • Freedom of Movement: The strap can be adjusted to keep the camera out of the way, allowing for complete freedom of movement, even when using trekking poles.
  • Access: This strap system ensures that your camera is always quickly accessible, enabling smooth transitions from shooting to hiking - a major benefit over keeping the camera tucked away in a backpack.

Pushing the Limits: Chunky Gear Tested

The true litmus test for any carrying system is its ability to handle heavy, expensive gear. That's why pairing the Nikon Z9 with the Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens is an excellent test-case. In my experience, the BlackRapid Backpack Strap is one of the few practical and effective solutions for this scenario, as it can efficiently transfer the load to the backpack harness, making it more comfortable and less stressful to carry heavy gear for extended periods.

The Downsides

While the BlackRapid Backpack Strap is undeniably clever, it isn't without its issues:

  • Removing and putting on the backpack with the shoulder strap attached at both points can be done, but it's far from comfortable. I normally detach the camera and lens and remove one of the two carabiners for a smoother experience. It's not hard, but it does slow things down.
  • The bolt needs to be screwed into the bottom of the camera or lens to function. As a result, it prevents immediate use of the camera or lens on the tripod. While unscrewing the bolt doesn't require any tools and can be done quickly, BlackRapid does offer flat-head bolts that can "disappear" into certain tripod plate models. However, these only work with specific tripod plates and can be expensive. Alternatively, you can use a ring connected to a quick-detach quick-release mount to speed things up, provided that the tripod plate you use has such an attachment option.

Final Thoughts

The BlackRapid Backpack Strap is an ingenious tool designed to solve a specific and common issue between photography and backpacking. It alleviates the frustration and discomfort of carrying cameras in an accessible position while wearing a backpack, offering comfort, stability, and hassle-free access to your gear. While it doesn't come without its drawbacks, the benefits far outweigh the minor inconveniences, especially when combined with a well-fitting backpack and a proper setup to meet your carrying style.

You can pick up the BlackRapid Backpack Strap from B&H or Amazon using these affiliate links. Shopping through these links supports our website at no extra cost to you:

  • Buy at B&H for $64.95
  • Buy at Amazon for $64.95

Did you find this BlackRapid Backpack Strap review helpful? Do you have any questions or feedback? Don't hesitate to leave a comment below! I'd love to hear your thoughts. Happy shooting!

  1. When utilizing the BlackRapid Backpack Strap with a Nikon Z9 and Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens, I discovered it to be one of the few practical and effective options for heavy gear, as it transfers the weight to the backpack harness, making it more comfortable.
  2. To integrate the BlackRapid Backpack Strap with a neck strap or a single shoulder sling, one must detach the camera and lens and remove one of the two carabiners, although it isn't particularly cumbersome.
  3. To use the BlackRapid Backpack Strap optimally, the camera or lens must have a 1/4′′-20 threaded mount, and the bolt provided needs to be screwed into the bottom of the device, preventing immediate use on a tripod, though this can be fixed with specific tripod plates or a quick-detach quick-release mount.
  4. The BlackRapid Backpack Strap offers numerous advantages while trekking, such as comfort, stability, safe transport, freedom of movement, and quick camera access, improving the photography experience during traveling.
  5. The nifty BlackRapid Backpack Strap is an impressive piece of gear and photography technology that addresses the issue of carrying cameras while using a backpack, making it a must-have accessory for any avid shutterbug or tech enthusiast.
  6. This review demonstrates the benefits and minor flaws of the BlackRapid Backpack Strap, empowering photography and backpacking enthusiasts to make an informed decision about whether it is the right gadget for their needs, ultimately enhancing their travel photography experiences.

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