Looking for recommendations for camera bag straps

[Gabriel M.A.]

I have a rather old coat that I like; it's over 8 years old (yes, I like it that much). But in spite of me trying to take good care of it (even though I used it almost every day during non-warm days), I noticed a lot of wear and scratches where I usually carry the camera bag --namely, where the strap rubs onto near the neck, chest and shoulder.

I have various Crumpler bags -- and these are the ones I use 90% of the time. I never gave it a thought, until I noticed this on my coat; I haven't noticed it on other coats except for another new one, where there is a bit of evidence of a bit of rubbing. I should also mention that these two coats are either wool or cotton (very nice blends, btw).

Do you know of any good replacements for the straps, namely brand names or places online? Or maybe a material that some of you crafty ones out there have maybe stitched onto the edges to counter the friction from their hard edges?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Nobody, really?

 

[kshapero]

Here you go I have the silver version:

 

[zuikologist]

I like the Lowpro straps but I suspect they may also produse the same result from the grippy shoulder pad. Perhaps a Billingham with leather shoulder pad might be suitable?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Here you go I have the silver version:

It looks good, but also rather short; do they come in different lengths?

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I like the Lowpro straps but I suspect they may also produse the same result from the grippy shoulder pad. Perhaps a Billingham with leather shoulder pad might be suitable?

I actually use the shoulder pad (I only have one, and I have to switch from bag to bag) for the Crumpler, but it's sometimes a PITA.

I was surprised to see that the leather bag options have pretty much the same poly-whatever material for the strap. I just wish they'd pad the edges with a soft material; or take the edge "off".

 

[Bruin]

How about a Domke replacement bag strap? It's cotton so it's soft and easy on your clothes, and it has gripper tracks if you want non-slip. I switched out the nylon strap on my Timbuk2 for this one. For about $13 it's worth a try...

 

[PMCC]

+1 for the Domke replacement bag strap (FA-140). Coincidentally, I just bought one to replace an uncomfortable, abrasive nylon strap. It's a big improvement. I bought mine here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16172-REG/Domke_745_1BK_FA_140_Utility_Strap_Black.html

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

How about a Domke replacement bag strap? It's cotton so it's soft and easy on your clothes, and it has gripper tracks if you want non-slip. I switched out the nylon strap on my Timbuk2 for this one. For about $13 it's worth a try...

Domke sells them separately? I haven't found a way I could order one --and Google searches bring up so much crud. Do you have a link to a store to one (or a few)?

 

[dave lackey]

Unfortunately, constant pressure will eventually do in your coats, etc. Grippers will be even worse for wool or cotton. Something like a seat belt cover (sheepskin) could help or even a wider pad to distribute the pressure over a broader area.

Keep us posted on your ultimate solution.

 

[nksyoon]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16177-REG/Domke_790_5BK.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/16172-REG/Domke_745_1BK_FA_140_Utility_Strap_Black.html

I think the wider ones are meant to be sewn on to domke bags' existing fittings and can't be used with other bags.

The problem with wear on your clothes is that grip usually means friction, so grippy straps are more inclined to wear softer fabrics?

 

[dave lackey]

Op/Tech has these neoprene straps with pads. Might be the best out there:

 

[Landshark]

http://www.amazon.com/Domke-725-310-FA-031-Office-Shoulder/dp/B00009R86L

The real thing!

 

[Nikon Bob]

There is also a very good shoulder pad Domke sells for use with their bag straps. No matter what you switch to I think you will have the same wear problem though.

Bob

 

[semilog]

Tom Bihn Absolute Shoulder Strap. It might be manufactured by OpTech -- looks highly simlar to the contoured OpTech shown above. I use the Bihn version on my camera bag and on my overnight travel bag. It's absolutely superb for heavier loads.

 

[Bruin]

Domke sells them separately? I haven't found a way I could order one --and Google searches bring up so much crud. Do you have a link to a store to one (or a few)?

http://www.adorama.com/DMFA150BK.html

Don't be fooled by the pic; all you get is the strap with no hardware. You can get the tan version, too.