The Best Way to Travel With a Camera? Peak Design Capture Clip V3 Review
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Traveling with a camera can be tricky, especially when you want quick access to your gear without the hassle of digging through a backpack. If you're like me and looking for the most efficient way to carry your camera while trekking or exploring a new place, the Peak Design Capture Clip V3 is a game-changer. Let me explain why.
The Problem with Camera Backpacks
I’ve been using camera backpacks for a while now, and while they are convenient with side pockets for quick access, they’re not as fast as I’d like them to be. When you’re out walking around, trying to get that perfect shot, you want to have your camera ready at all times. But with a backpack, you either have to carry it in your hand or take the time to dig through your bag when a shot presents itself.
For my upcoming trek in Nepal, I’ll be hiking for about four days, and I’ll need a proper trekking backpack. A traditional camera backpack won’t work for this kind of trip. It’s going to be tough to access my camera quickly while I’m out exploring, so I needed a solution that was both efficient and practical.
The Solution: Peak Design Capture Clip V3
The solution I found is the Peak Design Capture Clip V3, a small, sturdy clip that allows you to securely attach your camera to your backpack strap. This device lets you keep your camera on standby at all times, ready to grab and shoot with minimal effort.
I purchased this item myself, and it’s not sponsored, but I’ve been incredibly happy with the product. Here’s how it works:
Attach the Clip to Your Backpack: You attach the Capture Clip to your backpack strap by clipping it in place.
Use the ARCA Swiss Plate: You mount an ARCA Swiss plate to your camera, which makes it compatible with both the Capture Clip and your tripod (if you’re using one). You can seamlessly switch between the clip and your tripod using the same plate.
Secure the Camera: The Capture Clip has a quick-release button that locks your camera in place, preventing accidental drops.
Easy Access: With the camera attached, you can quickly release it, either by unlocking the clip or rotating the camera to face up or sideways, depending on your needs.
Key Features of the Capture Clip V3:
Heavy Duty: The clip can withstand up to 200 pounds, which is much more than you’ll ever need for carrying your camera.
All-Metal Construction: It's built with durability in mind and is waterproof.
Flexible Orientation: You can attach your camera in four different directions for maximum flexibility, so you can adjust the orientation based on how you want to use it.
Convenience: Once it's attached to your backpack, you just "set it and forget it." You don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting it throughout the trip.
Included Accessories: The clip comes with a hex key and a few extra screws for adjustments.
Price: It’s priced at about 99 CAD (less in USD), which is reasonable considering its quality, and it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Downsides:
While the Capture Clip V3 is excellent for quick access to your camera, it does have a couple of minor drawbacks:
Compatibility with Tripods: I mostly use photo plates with long plates, and I don’t have a tripod with an ARCA Swiss mount, so I’ll need an adapter for that. This might be an issue for people who are used to different tripod plates.
Not Ideal for Vertical Shots: If you frequently need to shoot in portrait orientation, the clip might not be as convenient as other setups.
Final Thoughts
The Peak Design Capture Clip V3 is easily one of the best solutions for carrying your camera when traveling or trekking. If you need quick access to your camera without the bulk and hassle of traditional camera backpacks, this clip is perfect for you. It’s durable, practical, and highly functional—exactly what you need for those spontaneous moments when you need to capture a shot on the go.
I’m excited to take it with me on my upcoming trip to Nepal, where I’ll be filming a short documentary in the jungle. If you want to follow along on that adventure, make sure to check out my Instagram, where I’ll be posting daily stories about the journey.
Hope this was helpful. See my other posts for more tips and tricks. See you next time!