Cotton Carrier — A Great Way to Carry Your Camera [ Review]
Over the past ten years, two products dramatically changed my life as a landscape photographer. The first was high-resolution digital cameras that made it possible to review your photos instantly in the field. The second product was the carbon fiber tripod whose weight was measured in ounces instead of pounds—a huge difference when carrying 20-30 pounds of camera gear 8-10 hours a day.
Now, thanks to the innovation of photographer Andy Cotton and also my friend and fellow photographer Mike Eckstein who first introduced it to me, I’ve found a third product that’s greatly transformed my landscape photography work and that also has resulted in many more ‘keeper shots.” It’s a unique camera carrying system called the Cotton Carrier Camera System. Over the past six months I’ve used this system extensively to carry my cameras on 15-20 mile backcountry hikes, 9,500 foot mountain climbs, long ocean kayak trips and for aerial photography done inside an open cockpit plane traveling at 150 mph. In each case the camera gear was easier to carry and more accessible than ever and, it remained securely in place even during moments of high strenuous activity.
And for photographers like myself who carry multiple cameras, the Cotton Carrier makes it a breeze to switch quickly from one camera to another. For example, previously on backcountry photo shoots I use to hand carry one camera fitted with a wide angle lens and wore a backpack containing a second camera fitted with a telephoto lens. The problem in nature and landscape photography of course is that you can’t predict what subject will present itself in the next moment. In the past, for example while carrying the wide angle lens, I might spot an animal that was best photographed with the telephoto lens. But, by the time I took off the backpack and removed the camera with the telephoto lens I missed the shot. Now, with the Cotton Carrier I can easily and effortlessly carry two cameras, all within arms reach, and easily switch from one to the other in just seconds.
The Cotton Carrier Camera Camera System is a collection of small, light weight belts, harnesses and holsters that make it possible to easily carry one or two cameras of just about any size or weight. These carriers eliminate the neck pain that can happen when carrying a camera for hours on a neck strap. And, because of a unique locking system, the cameras stay firmly and safely attached to the harness until you need them.
The harness I use is their Camera Vest System that allows for carrying one or two cameras. It consists of a lightweight vest made of sturdy Denier fabric with an attached belt that wraps around the body just above waist level and two over-the-shoulder straps that help distribute the weight evenly. A camera attaches to the harness at chest-level making it easy to carry and to access.
EASY TO ATTACH/REMOVE THE CAMERA FROM THE HARNESS
I carry a second camera in a similar way using an optional side holster that attaches via a velcro strap to the belt. Both the harness and holster are fitted with a special metal receptacal and the system comes with special metal hubs (round attachments) which screw into the camera’s tripod hole. To attach a camera you simply slide a hub into the receptacal , give it a slight twist and the camera stays locked firmly and securely in place. (Note: If you use a quick release plate to attach your camera to a tripod, such as Kirk, Monfratto, RSS plates, they offer special hubs that work with those systems as well).
The Cotton Carrier is a camera carrying system that’s greatly changed the way I do landscape photography and in some instances made it possible to capture images that might have been missed. Whether you work with one or two cameras, their harnesses and belts can make it easier to carry your equipment, especially for long periods of time and they keep your cameras secure and easily accessible. To everyone at Cotton Carrier, my sincere thanks for this revolutionary product!
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Cotton Carrier Camera System
Rating: Highly Recommended 
