A little over a month ago we introduced you to the Cotton Carrier G3 Camera Harness. We’ve run it through the paces and it’s time to weigh in.
About the Cotton Carrier G3 $119
The Cotton Carrier G3 Camera Harness system is designed for the active photographer. The harness supports and secures one camera with a long lens, keeping it always at the ready. The ergonomic design of this camera vest carrier distributes the weight of the camera helping to lessen the fatigue of a long shooting day.
Comes complete with a comfortable and durable, one-size-fits-all adjustable Camera Harness made of Kodra Synthetic canvas with DWR coding fitted with our patented super-strong Twist & Lock camera mount. The C&C machined, anodized aluminum camera hub mounts to the base of your camera and secures the camera to the harness.
The updated design also features: A quick release waist belt with speed straps; Two stash pockets for carrying extra memory cards or small items on the front; A large outside pocket on the back; Redesigned quieter lens hold-down strap.
This system keeps your hands free, your equipment safe, and your body mobile. Ready to shoot. Right now!
The Good Stuff
Hiking and bank fishing with backpacks for years has taught me that my back is going to sweat with a pack on. I expected the same thing with the G3 since it has a front and back panel. To my surprise, I didn’t have “swamp back” at all. The mesh ventilated back still has a semi-rigid frame in the back but the large mesh panel allows air circulation for those long days on the stalk. The mesh also doubles as a big pocket but if you utilize it, airflow will be reduced.
The connection hardware and cradle install very easily. I had a concern when I got the harness that I might have to remove my camera frame to mount the hardware so it would fit in the front cradle. Luckily, the hardware screw attached to my frame with the included spacer with no issues. The instructions show the proper alignment to make it swivel and release so make sure to check that out. I didn’t look at it at first and it was swiveling the wrong direction and not secure. When in doubt, read the instructions.
The four adjustment points make this harness work for folks between 100 pounds and 300 pounds. The strap that goes across my stomach has a lot of strap so folks with a larger girth will still be able to use it. Not many products consider that all people are not the same size as the models in their photo shoots but Andy Cotton and his team obviously did.
I also appreciate the rigidity of the internal frame. It’s not solid like aluminum but semi-rigid so it feels secure to hold the camera and harness in place but not be a weighted burden. This also makes the twist and lock mechanism strong enough that it will be very difficult for a thief to grab it and go if you happen to be shooting in the city.
Patented Twist & Lock Mount
The patented Twist & Lock Camera Mount System is stable and secure. One twist locks your camera in place, making it difficult for a thief to grab and go. It also stabilizes the camera so you are free to move vigorously without a camera banging around on your body.
When I strapped up the camera the first time my wife asked me “what if it rains?” Good question. Attached to the harness is a rain cover. It fully covered my camera with no issues.
Points of Improvement
The first change would be the front harness clips. They utilize a plastic buckle with a metal clip. Under stress, metal on plastic is usually a fail point. A strong but lightweight aluminum clip or small screw style carabiner might be a better option.
In the front, below the camera is a pocket but it is open. I’d love to see a flap added and just enough size to fit a passport or small wallet. This is a great harness for traveling so including a front pocket with that in mind (and a little more security and weather protection) will make it even better. I don’t carry essential items, cards, IDs in back pockets when traveling to help alleviate temptation for pickpockets.
The last addition would simply be an additional colorway. For those of us out in the woods, camo is good but camo with a strip or two of blaze orange for safety would be even better. Add some reflective strips and you’ve got a great woodland safari harness.
Final Thoughts on the Cotton Carrier G3 Camera Harness
I really love this harness and the thought that the Cotton team put into it. Anytime a designer is designing from passion and experience, you get a better product. This is no exception. This is a perfect, glowing example of that. If you’d like to read more or see more, check out: Cotton Carrier.