Peak Design Capture Camera Clip with POV Kit

This accessory is a great solution to how to carry your camera securely yet keep it easily accessible. Very versatile, can be secured in a variety of ways to belts and backpack straps. Sturdy design that can accommodate a large DSLR with a big lens and anything smaller. I highly recommend this if you are looking to carry a camera on the trail.

I purchased the Camera Capture Clip (standard) new from Peak Designs to use while hiking, backpacking and even just walking around. I found that my DSLR was causing me neck and shoulder pain when I carried it by the strap either off my shoulder or around my neck.

I still wanted my camera readily accessible so I looked into other carry solutions. Harness carry straps that connected to both backpack straps I found uncomfortable and confining. The Capture Camera Clip has been a great solution to how to carry my camera comfortably, securely and ready to use. 

The design is sturdy aluminum and nylon backed by a lifetime warranty. It quickly attaches to straps and belts up to 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick using thumb screws to lock it in place securely. The plate attaches to your camera tripod mount via a screw which you need to use the provided hex key to secure fully. The plate slides into the clip and locks with an audible click. The plate also can be used with many models of tripod, unfortunately not the ones I currently own.

Once the camera is attached to the clip either on a belt or on pack straps it can be further secured by a quick twist of a button that locks the quick release. I really only use that when in crowds. The beauty of the design is the quick release button. One firm press and you can slide the camera out of the mount and be ready to shoot.  The manufacturer rates this system to 200 lbs of force, not something I tested, but after several months of regular use I feel confident that once the camera is in the clip it isn't going anywhere.

When using this with a DSLR, it acts like a holster holding the camera usually lens down and readily accessible. When I purchased  a Sony NEX 3N I checked out the other options available with this clip system. I purchased the additional POV kit to go with the Capture Clip. Note that the POV is for smaller cameras like GoPro, point and shoot, and mirrorless cameras — not for DSLRs.  

With the POV point and shoot adapter I can mount my Sony on my backpack strap and take POV video or photos without removing it from the clip. This is a great option when hiking, especially if you have shaky hands from cold weather, strenuous exercise, etc. There is an included J arm adapter specifically for GoPros. The POV attachments still allow for the same quick release and lock functions. 

The biggest downside of the product is that I want to use it all of the time, but there is no good way to protect your camera in rain. I hope that they design some sort of rain cover to go with this in the future. At this point if the weather isn't too bad I wrap the camera in a plastic bag. For some cameras you need to remove the plate in order to access the battery compartment, this means you need the tool. On one outing using a Panasonic Z200 , I forgot the tool and was unable to change out the battery. Finally, some might find it a problem that it usually requires two hands- one to press the release button and one to grab the camera and slide it out of the clip, particularly with a big DSLR.

I have never experienced any problems with the equipment after several months of using several days per week. I don't like camera straps blowing around when a camera is in the clip, but don't want to remove them either. I usually loop the camera strap around another point of attachment on the pack to keep it out of the way and as an added security in case I were to drop the camera after removing it from the clip. This has become a go-to piece of gear whenever I am out and about with a camera, I highly recommend it.

Here are a few photos using a daypack for reference:

Nikon D5100 mounted on Peak Design Capture Camera Clip
on daypack strap

The Peak Design Capture Camera Clip. Red button is quick release
button. Black thumb screw opposite is locking screw. Two large thumb
screws on front are used to tightened the clip to strap.

Side view of Sony Nex 3N and POV adapter

Required tool for secure attachment of plate to camera base

Sony NEX 3N with POV adapter on daypack strap

Top view of POV mounted Sony NEX 3N. Red button is quick release button.

Black thumb screw on opposite side is the locking feature.

Here it is in use mounted to the strap of a Deuter Act Lite backpack
and holding a Sony Nex 3N camera with the POV attachment. 

Update 9/20/14

After a summer of heavy use, the Camera Capture Clip still looks and operates like new. I have unfortunately dropped it occasionally when attaching/removing it and banged it around on my shoulder strap often when removing my backpack (not with the camera in place). Not recommended, but that is just what has happened during my use.

This is a sturdy accessory that has kept my camera handy but securely attached to my pack. I can't imagine heading off on a hike without it.