How to carry your camera while hiking: Q&A with LemurStrap founder Jim Cursley

LemurStrap is a sponsor of the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards. This post is part of a series showing some love to the brands backing the awards, and the photography community more broadly. Header image: LemurStrap.

We met the LemurStrap team at MODE by Flickr in Minneapolis and loved them straight away. If you read our MODE recap, you'll know skate photographer Josh Katz was wearing one during his session, and it made a lot of sense once we saw it in action.

LemurStrap is a family run business that started on Kickstarter, built by photographers who were tired of fighting their gear. So we asked founder, designer and CEO Jim Cursley the questions photographers ask most about carrying a camera on the move.

How did LemurStrap start?

"LemurStrap started because I got sick of carrying my camera around. After trying many different types of straps, I set out to make myself something better. I started with a piece of aluminum attached to the bottom of my camera, attached to a simple shoulder strap.

Over the course of five years, I kept upgrading and adding features until I had something that solved pretty much every problem I'd experienced with camera carrying. I showed it to Andy Mann, a National Geographic and adventure photographer and longtime friend, and he encouraged me to launch it on Kickstarter and bring it to market."

What's the best way to carry a camera while hiking?

"When you're hiking, you ideally want a crossbody strap that gives you as much stability as possible. That's especially true for the way I like to hike, which is very physical and often involves unexpected scrambling, and when you're carrying a larger DSLR or mirrorless camera like the Nikon D850 or Nikon Z7, which are the cameras I carry.

We designed LemurStrap specifically for this kind of situation. The locking mechanism and wide baseplate give you maximum stability."

How do you protect your camera from knocks, dust and weather on the trail?

"Protecting your camera from the elements can be tricky, and I've seen plenty of that on my adventures. Always have a lens cap handy to protect your lens. It's also a good idea to keep your camera under a raincoat, or to use a cover like the Peak Design Shell.

This was another problem we set out to solve with LemurStrap. The camera sits lens down, and the locking mechanism stops it swinging around and knocking into things. Because it hangs in a stable, predictable way, it's also much easier to protect from rain and other harsh conditions."

What should you pack for a hiking photoshoot?

"Always bring an extra lens, lens caps and a lens hood. A lens cloth is really important too, for smudges and weather. And of course, I always bring my trusty LemurStrap!"

How do you stay ready for the shot while moving fast?

"The most important advice I can give is to know your gear well, so there's no learning curve when you're in the moment. Understand how to change your settings quickly and how your camera's accessories work.

This was another thing we focused on when designing LemurStrap. I can release the camera from the baseplate quickly, and bring it up to my eye easily and smoothly."

Who is LemurStrap best for, and can you use it with two cameras?

"LemurStrap suits all kinds of photographers, but especially those who move a lot. Whether you're hiking, biking, walking busy streets, or shooting a wedding or portrait session, it keeps your camera comfortable and easy to reach.

If you carry a second camera, we recommend using two LemurStraps, one on each shoulder, or combining it with any other type of strap."

👉 Check out LemurStrap

Why we love LemurStrap 💜

Beyond a genuinely clever strap, we love how LemurStrap runs its business. Everyone involved in making the strap is paid at least a living wage, the packaging is free of single use plastic, and they partner with a Madagascar based conservation organisation to help protect the lemurs that inspired the name.

From the trail to the edit

A big day outdoors usually means a full card when you get home. LemurStrap keeps your camera ready on the move, and Narrative helps with what comes after, so you can get through the cull faster and spend your time on the images that tell the story.

Enter the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards

LemurStrap joins Flickr, KEH Cameras, Richard Photo Lab, QT Albums and Summer School as this year's sponsors, and every one of them has generously put forward incredible prizes.

There are six categories across wedding, portrait and family photography, each judged by an influential photographer. Your first five images are free to enter. Any images after that have an entry fee, and that money goes to Doctors Without Borders. Entries close at midnight ET on 31 October 2026.

Enter the Narrative International Photography Awards

FAQ

What is LemurStrap? LemurStrap is a quick release camera strap that attaches to a baseplate on the bottom of your camera. It holds the camera flat and secure against your body, locks in place while you move, and releases quickly when you're ready to shoot.

Who founded LemurStrap? LemurStrap was founded by Jim Cursley, who spent five years developing the design before launching it on Kickstarter with encouragement from adventure photographer Andy Mann.

Can you use LemurStrap with two cameras? Yes. LemurStrap recommends using two straps, one on each shoulder, or pairing it with any other type of camera strap.

Who sponsors the 2026 Narrative International Photography Awards? This year's sponsors are Flickr, LemurStrap, KEH Cameras, Richard Photo Lab, QT Albums and Summer School.

Is the Narrative International Photography Awards free to enter? Yes. Your first five images are free to enter. Any images after that have an entry fee, and that money goes to Doctors Without Borders.

When do entries close for the 2026 awards? Entries close at midnight ET on 31 October 2026, and winners will be announced in mid November 2026.