Gear Review: Peak Design Capture Clip

The Peak Design Capture Clip allows you to mount a camera directly to your backpack strap, nearly eliminating the hassle of bringing it along on hikes and other adventures. If your camera isn’t your (only) packing issue, Peak Design also makes Capture adapters for binoculars, GoPros, and extra lenses. 

 

Quick Specs

 

MSRP: $79.95

 

Strap Compatibility: any strap up to 2.5” (6.4 cm) wide and 0.88” (2.2 cm) thick

 

Weight: total weight of 3 oz (84 g), including the clip, mounting plate, and thumb screws

 

Dimensions: 3.3” (8.3 cm) x 1.6” (4.0 cm) x 0.79” (2.0 cm) 

 

Weight Rating: 200 lbs (90 kg)

 

Materials: CNC-machined aluminum, anodized finish

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Pros

 

Hands-free

The Capture clip keeps your hands free while also keeping your camera always at the ready. This is essential not only for comfort, but for safety as well- having your hands available means you can still use trekking poles, scramble over rocks, and do whatever else you need to. 

 

Less Strain On Your Neck 

Neck straps put all the stress on your neck and shoulders, which is the last thing you need when you’re wearing a backpack. They also create a pendulum effect, causing the camera to swing. With the Capture clip, your camera is locked in position.

 

Design

Although it has a quick-release for easy access, a safety lock ensures it won’t accidentally release your camera. It also includes either thumb-drive bolts (for easy, tool-free installation) or hex-drive bolts (which are longer and more secure), depending on your needs and priorities. 

 

More possibilites

Peak Design also produces GoPro adapters, which allow POV shots without any added straps or harnesses. Binocular mounts (which are sold out at the time of writing) allow you to clip in any binoculars that have a 1/4"-20 tripod mounting hole. Additionally, it can attach to belts with the use of a Pro Pad.

 

Cons

 

Strap frustration

Although it does include longer hex-drive bolts, the thumb-drive bolts are a quick

and easy way to clamp and unclamp the Capture. They’re nearly essential if you often

switch between packs. Unfortunately, they struggle to reach around some straps,

making the installation process challenging. 

 

Added bulk

This is the third generation of the Capture clip, and by far the most small and

minimal one yet. Despite these improvements, there’s no denying that it’s bulkier

than a strap with nothing on it at all. After a few hours of wear, it becomes

noticeable and a bit uncomfortable. 

 

Vulnerability to elements

If your alternative to the Capture is keeping your camera in your pack (or leaving it at

home), using the clip does result in vulnerability to dust and precipitation, unless

you’re using a rain cover. Conveniently, Peak Design offers those too. 

 

The Bottom Line

Although it’s not without its discomfort, once you start using the Capture you won’t be able to imagine life without it. The Capture is hands down the smartest way to bring your camera hiking with you.