The Cotton Carrier Skout – Sling Style Camera Harness provides the solution I have been looking for! After years of carrying my camera through the toughest terrain and conditions, with a series of strap concoctions, this set up is so comfortable.
Since I’ve received this strap in the midst of winter, I thought I’d put it to the true winter test: backcountry snowboarding (and snowshoeing).
DCIM100GOPROGOPR3149. 
As an adventure/lifestyle photographer, I consistently bring my camera on multi-day hikes, biking excursions, and backcountry snowboarding trips. Most of the time, my 24-70mm lens sits on my Canon Mark III making it a pretty heavy set to carry for long distances. For my petite size, carrying a holster style strap weights down one side of my backpack and is annoyingly uncomfortable. My best solution to this a taking a side sling strap and attaching it to the top and side of my backpack taking the weight off my shoulders but the camera still sloppily bangs around my hip on those big climbs or descents. Let’s see what the Cotton Carrier Skout does to fix some of these issues…
Cotton Carrier Skout – Sling Style Camera Harness Specs
✔️ Twist and Lock (Easy to take on and off) camera mounting system with Zip-up stash packet (which comfortably fits extra storage cards, lens cap, credit/debit cards, money)
✔️Quick Release Tether Strap
✔️Slip-over all-weather cover
✔️Anodized aluminum camera hub and rubber washer
✔️Allen key and mounting hardware
✔️3-year warranty against manufacturing defects
Pros of the Cotton Carrier Skout – Sling Style Camera Harness
I was pleased with its mesh back design and reinforced shoulder strap. It’s very easy, comfortable and lightweight to wear under a backpack. Though I haven’t yet tried it out on a multi-day hike (so it wasn’t worn for extremely long periods of time), I am confident it will perform well.
The Quick Release Tether Strap conveniently and easily clips your camera into the strap; it’s a good length between not hitting the ground when unhooked from the twist and lock, and long enough not to annoy you when shooting.
The Twist and Lock system is quick and easy to use and allows your camera to slightly sway left and right while walking which is great to hold side to side when your lens gets in the way – particularly with a long lens in situations such as walking uphill. The Skout system is certainly big, durable and distributes the weight well. I was able to snowboard short distances when needed and lock and load quickly for the next destination.
The camera hub is very durable and well thought out with a tripod screw-in mount to avoid taking it off when using tripod extensions.
Cons of the Cotton Carrier Skout – Sling Style Camera Harness
Though I really liked the twist and lock ability to allow the camera to slide side to side, when bending over to release bindings or tie a shoe, it’s possible that the camera could release. However, I don’t see this as a true issue as once you take note of this, you can easily position it so this doesn’t happen (hold sideways along your knee for example). Additionally, the extra tether strap saves the day if it does happen to slip out.
The all-weather cover would perhaps be convenient for long distance hikes in the rain, however, it was very snug with a 24-70mm lens attached. Personally, I’d rather clean the snow off my camera after then deal with the cover at the time – it’s just as quick to throw in the backpack.
Lastly, this could be an issue that would perhaps only apply to me. With no winter jacket or extra clothing on, the strap is too loose. I don’t fit into the “one size fits all” category so the strap doesn’t tighten up enough. I will have to cut and re-sew it and make it fit me. This is something to keep in mind for those who are slim, short and have a very short torso as I do.
Overall, I’m a big fan of my new Cotton Carrier Skout – Sling Style Camera Harness. It’ll certainly be a new necessity for my backcountry and travel adventures. It’s comfortable, durable and I can always keep my camera right in front of me – ready for when I need it.
To learn more about this carrier or buy yours, head over to Cotton Carrier.
To read more Gear Reviews, click here!
Would this camera sling be a game changer for you?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!