The new Peak Design Slide Lite strap is Peak’s most comfortable strap yet.
With the Peak Design Slide Lite strap, you’ve got a brand new option and some cool innovations from the favorite company of many outdoors photographers. The Peak Design Slide Lite strap is a camera strap designed for lighter cameras–like mirrorless options. But to be honest, I think that it’s more than good enough for most APS-C DSLRs. It uses Peak Designs quick release system and has soft seat belt webbing along the entire area of the strap. Additionally, the Peak Design Slide Lite strap has a very quiet but subtle handsomeness to it that in my mind actually makes it sort of stylish.
But most of all, it is adjustable and not necessarily caters to the less curvy photographer–or, you know, the one who wears a lot of layers in the winter.
Tech Specs
Specs for the Peak Design Slide Lite strap taken from their website
TOTAL STABILITY
Highly stable camera carry via 2 configurable points of connection
HOLDS ALL CAMERAS
Works with heaviest of pro cameras or binoculars
HYPER ADJUSTABLE
Huge range of length adjustment, made possible by 2 quick-pull adjusters
SO SMOOTH
Webbing glides over clothing for quick camera access
NO BULKY D-RINGS
Connects to strap loops or bottom of camera body via ultra low-profile Anchor Mount hardware
WHAT’S NEW
REVAMPED ANCHORS
More secure, fast, and lower profile than ever. New canted/angled Anchors for effortless 1-handed connection. New thin Anchor cords fit through more camera strap loops/eyelets. 25% slimmer Anchor housing hardware.
STILL STRONG AS EVER
Anchors still hold 200 lbs (90 kg)
WORKS WITH ANY TRIPOD OR L-BRACKET
Anchors work with any Peak Design or 3rd party tripod plate, including L-brackets
ANCHOR MOUNT
New low-profile Anchor Mount is strong, versatile, and leaves a tiny footprint
WEBBING UPGRADE
New ultra-smooth nylon webbing with tighter, more durable weave
BETTER GRIP
Upgraded silicone grip is more effective and durable
OVERMOLDED HARDWARE
Strap molded directly into adjustment hardware for significantly lower-profile design
Gear Used
The Peak Design Slide Lite strap was used with the Sony a6000.
Ergonomics
When you look at the Peak Design Slide Lite strap, you see that the entire main region of the strap is made of seat belt-like material. Of all the options that I’ve seen, this is by far the softest seat belt strap that I’ve ever held and used. Many are rough on the skin especially when you wrap them around your wrist. But when you look at this one and feel it, you’ll realize that it’s soft to the touch. They also added a bit of cushioned grippy material. It isn’t that strong, but it’s just enough in most cases. But the even weirder thing is that it is on the outside of the strap. Why? I’m not sure. It’s really odd.
To adjust the Peak Design Slide Lite strap, you can use either of these locks. It’s how you can quickly make the strap longer or shorter accordingly. This is great because if you’re wearing a winter jacket with layers then it can work for you. But when you wear less layers, you can adjust it to hug your body just a bit more. The strap also uses Peak Designs quick release system that makes it interchangeable with a number of their other accessories.
Ergonomically, this is the camera strap that I am most impressed with by Peak Design. Their Leash and Cuff are okay, but this is not only soft to the touch but rugged, beautiful and functional. I’d dare say that it’s my favorite from Peak.
Build Quality
This strap isn’t like the canvas and leather straps that you see out there. So with that said, it’s not going to look nicer with age and wear. Instead, it’s mostly going to stay the same but is bound to get a bit worn over time. However, it’s still really well built and tough. Peak Design’s quick release system is also without fault. Even further, the locking system for the adjustments never seem to go out of place either without intentional assistance from you.
Oh yeah, and it survived a snowstorm with no issues!
Ease of Use
Attaching this strap to most cameras is very simple. You simply loop the quick buttons through the strap loops and then slide them into the strap. That’s it. Then you can set it up to be a shoulder strap, a neck strap or a sling strap. Alternatively, you can attach the plate for the Capture Clip to your camera and then attach the quick button onto said plate. Then you can use the Capture Clip and switch to the strap whenever you feel like you need it. You still may be best served with the Cuff, but it’s a nice option if you want it. In my weeks of using the Peak Design Slide Lite I found the strap to not only be durable but really simple to use. One day it wasn’t so cold so I had on only two layers of clothing. But when it came to NYC snow, I put on four layers. Unlike many fixed straps, this one gave me the adjustment width I needed. I’m also in the process of continually losing weight to be on our new show on Adorama TV, but even at my heaviest I wouldn’t have had a problem with the Peak Design Slide Lite.
Conclusions
Despite my worries that over time the Peak Design Slide Lite won’t look as snazzy as it does brand new, it’s being awarded our Editor’s Choice award for being relatively affordable, comfortable, beautiful, functional, and durable. There is very little more than you’d want from a strap.
