Peak Design Leash Camera Strap Review: Strong Yet Minimal
The surprising part about the Peak Design Leash Camera Strap is how often it’s been called “the best strap Peak Design makes” by long-time users — even over their flagship Slide series. Based on aggregated feedback, the leash scores a strong 8.7/10, balancing ultra-portable versatility with a few comfort trade-offs, especially for heavier rigs.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — ideal for minimalists, travel shooters, and mirrorless users, but less suited to long sessions with large DSLRs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anchor Link system offers instant, secure attachment | No built-in cushioning for neck comfort |
| Adjustable from 33" to 57" with one-finger quick adjusters | Can slip off shoulder due to smooth webbing |
| Light (86g) and pocket-stuffable | Anchor hardware can get in the way of grip for some users |
| Works as sling, neck, or shoulder strap | Very small camera eyelets (e.g., RX100) may prevent direct fit |
| Supports over 200 lbs — strong enough for pro rigs | Thin strap can dig into shoulder with heavy gear |
| Includes 4 anchors, mount, pouch | Metal adjusters may rub camera in bag |
| Durable seatbelt-style nylon with upgraded webbing | Lacks stability compared to wider straps for big setups |
Claims vs Reality
Peak Design markets the Leash as “everything you need, nothing you don’t” — a minimalist strap with pro-level functionality. It’s advertised as working equally well as a sling, neck, or shoulder strap, with rapid length adjustment and “smooth seatbelt-style webbing” for glide. Amazon listings highlight its 200 lb anchor strength and pocket-friendly design.
From user experience, the claim of versatility holds up well for lighter, travel-friendly setups. Reddit user feedback repeatedly emphasized the Leash functioning “fairly well” as a sling, with one traveler noting, “once you use a sling, you'll never go back.” A verified Amazon buyer praised being able to “adjust the strap so that I can leave the camera at my side, move it up to shoot, and then let it fall back” — a direct reflection of Peak’s sling mode claim.
However, the smooth webbing creates a comfort gap for heavier systems. One Amazon reviewer reported that “the seat belt material is just too slick” and can slide off the shoulder, especially without a shoulder pad. While marketed as a shoulder-strap option, it clearly performs best as a sling or neck carry. The advertised universal compatibility also meets resistance in reality — users with cameras like the Canon G7X and Sony RX100 found the anchors too large to fit eyelets without workarounds.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The Leash’s quick-adjust functionality is the feature most celebrated. Photographers with fast-paced workflows benefit from one-finger length changes, and travel shooters cite the ability to instantly reconfigure from sling to neck carry without breaking stride. Amazon reviewers lauded this adaptability: “I can slip my camera into its compact carry bag along with the strap without the strap taking up too much room.” Reddit hikers echoed similar sentiments, keeping their camera “accessible at all times” during long treks.
The Anchor Link system stands out as universally appreciated. Users on Reddit, Amazon, and Best Buy all commented on the security and ease of the click-in connection, with indicators that show wear before failure. This reassures both urban and outdoor photographers — as one Amazon buyer put it, “yellow will appear telling you to replace, red will appear telling you it’s too unsafe to use.”
Portability is another strong point. Several users mentioned folding or pocketing the strap when not in use, with the thin webbing and small hardware making it “the ideal spare strap to keep on hand.” Peak Design’s ecosystem integration also earns praise — multiple reviewers said they switch between the Leash and other PD straps or cuff seamlessly thanks to shared anchor connectors.
Common Complaints
Comfort under heavier rigs is the top recurring criticism. Mirrorless shooters generally report the Leash as “surprisingly comfy,” but DSLR users often note shoulder discomfort for all-day carry. The absence of cushioning means neck carry with weighty lenses leads to fatigue, with one Amazon reviewer observing: “I don't think I'd want to use these on larger SLR cameras... due to increased tension a thinner strap like this would have.”
Anchor hardware placement is another sticking point. Some users found the connectors “get between your hand and the camera,” requiring repositioning during shooting. Others worry that the newer metal adjusters, while smoother to operate, could rub against the camera in a bag — prompting one buyer to seek out older plastic-buckle versions.
Compatibility with small camera eyelets poses problems. Owners of compact cameras sometimes resort to improvised loops or alternate attachments. A reviewer with a Sony RX100 M3 stated flatly: “Impossible to get the little connector tabs through the eyelets... ended up using the connectors that came with my camera instead.”
Divisive Features
The seatbelt-style webbing earns both love and criticism. Fans praise its silky glide in sling mode, saying it enables “quick camera movement” without catching on clothing. Critics counter that the same slickness undermines shoulder stability and makes the strap “feel weak” despite ample strength rating.
Size and minimalism itself are polarizing. For some, the 0.75” width is perfect for travel and low bulk. Others associate the thinness with reduced comfort and security. The decision to omit extraneous features aligns with Peak’s minimalist ethos, but as one Amazon buyer put it, “the strap is plenty enough, but its thinness makes it feel weak... should include a twist-free swivel.”
Trust & Reliability
Across platforms, Peak Design maintains a strong reputation for build quality and customer support. Multiple Reddit and Best Buy users refer to the “ecosystem” as worth the investment, and anchors are consistently reported to hold up over years of use.
Long-term reports show durability holding — an Amazon buyer said they’d “used [it] for a few years now... still going strong.” Another Leash owner praised upgraded twist resistance after 2018 redesigns. No widespread reports of strap failure emerged, and anchor indicators appear to prevent surprise breakages.
Alternatives
Competitors mentioned in user discussions include the Spiderlight hand strap and Peak Design’s own Slide and Slide Lite. Spiderlight was described as “beefier and more ergonomic” but bulkier. Slide Lite offers more neck comfort via wider padded webbing, making it better for heavier setups. The Clutch hand strap, also by Peak Design, appeals to those wanting grip-based carry, but as one Reddit user warned, “any hand strap is going to tire your hand out by the end of the day.”
The Leash differentiates itself by outright compactness and packability. For minimalists, this trade-off is worth the comfort sacrifices — as the Quora-sourced review put it, “super packable… stuff it into my pocket when not in use.”
Price & Value
The Leash retails around $44.95 new, with eBay listings showing resale prices between $34 and $59 depending on condition and color. The minimal depreciation suggests sustained demand, particularly for rare colors. Buyers note Peak’s inclusion of four anchors, hex wrench, and pouch as strong value-adds compared to bare-bones straps.
Community buying tips: Seek used units from trusted marketplaces, but verify anchor cord wear indicators. Those concerned about metal adjusters rubbing gear may prefer earlier versions. Travel photographers find bringing extra anchors for multiple devices maximizes the value proposition.
FAQ
Q: Can the Leash handle heavy DSLR setups?
A: Structurally yes — it supports 200 lbs — but comfort suffers with prolonged neck or shoulder use under heavy weight.
Q: Does it fit small compact camera eyelets?
A: Not always. Owners of RX100 or G7X models may need to use camera-supplied connectors or DIY loops.
Q: Is the Leash better as a sling or neck strap?
A: User consensus favors sling mode for accessibility and comfort; neck carry works for lighter setups.
Q: Will the metal adjusters scratch my camera?
A: They can, if packed tightly in a bag. Some users seek older plastic buckle models to avoid this.
Q: Can I use it with other Peak Design gear?
A: Yes, it’s fully compatible with PD’s ecosystem, making it easy to swap between straps or accessories.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a travel shooter, minimalist, or mirrorless user seeking ultralight versatility. Avoid if your workflow involves long sessions carrying heavy DSLRs on your neck or shoulder. Pro tip from the community: carry spare anchors and experiment with sling mode — “once you use a sling, you'll never go back.”
