Cotton Carrier CCS G3 Review

This is an honest review of a product I use constantly in the field. It’s not sponsored – nobody’s paying me to say nice things. The shopping links below are referral links that help support our YouTube channel, but they don’t influence what I say here. However, if you use our Cotton Carrier referral link, you will get 10% off your purchase.

First Impressions

A couple of years ago, my thoughtful wife (and birding partner) Sara gave me the Cotton Carrier CCS G3 as a Christmas gift. It has turned out to be one of the most game-changing bits of kit I own.

Before I had it, I used to carry my camera by hand, and after an hour or two my wrist and forearm would ache. It definitely dulled my enthusiasm for photography on long birding days. The CCS G3 completely changed that. The camera’s weight just disappears. It’s genuinely hard to overstate how much difference it makes.

Comfort and Design

The harness distributes the camera’s weight evenly across your shoulders and torso, so you can walk trails all day without strain. The camera locks securely into the chest plate, but a quick twist releases it instantly when a bird appears.

There’s a main torso strap and two shoulder straps, all fully adjustable. The waist strap clips open for quick removal. Cotton Carrier says it fits chest sizes from 26″ to 57″, and I believe them – our birding friends Jason and Spring both use the same harness, and we arrived on the planet in very different shapes and sizes. It fits us all comfortably.

Build Quality and Durability

After a couple of years of regular use, mine still looks and functions like new. The stitching is solid, the clasps feel sturdy, and the locking mechanism has never failed. It even comes with a rain cover – a nice touch for those inevitable “caught-in-the-rain” moments.

My setup weighs about 3 kg (6.6 lb): camera, long lens, side holster for binoculars, and a small phone tripod tucked into the waist strap. The harness carries it all effortlessly.

How Does It Work?

The CCS G3 uses a simple but brilliant “twist and lock” system to hold your camera securely to your chest – ready to grab in an instant.

Your camera connects via a small hub that screws into the tripod socket on the base of the camera (or lens collar). The hub itself is a sturdy disc made of hard plastic and metal, attached with the supplied Allen screw and key.

Once fitted, the hub slides into the chest plate on the front of the harness. A quick twist of the camera locks it firmly in place – it won’t release again until you deliberately rotate it back and lift it out. It feels solid and secure, but also very quick to use when you need to react fast.

Some CCS G3 version (which I’ll explain in the next section) come with an Everything Bracket instead of a hub. The principle is the same, but this attachment has a Velcro strap to tether binoculars or other gear to either the chest plate or the optional side holster.

Cotton Carrier Versions

The CCS G3 comes in two colours: grey or camouflage

It comes in three configurations. This part can get confusing on other websites, so here’s a simple breakdown of what each version includes and who it’s best for.

Option 1 – Single Camera Only

• Holds one camera on the chest plate using the supplied hub attachment.
• No side holster included.
• Ideal if you only ever carry one camera and want the lightest, simplest setup.

Option 2 – Two Cameras

• Holds one camera on the chest plate with a hub attachment.
• Holds a second camera on the side holster, using a second hub.
• Perfect for photographers who switch between a telephoto and a smaller or wide-angle body.

Option 3 – One Camera + Binoculars (Recommended for Birders)

• Holds one camera on the chest plate with a hub.
• Holds one pair of binoculars on the side holster using the Everything Bracket.
• You can also reverse the setup (binoculars on chest, camera on holster) if your camera is small.
• This is the setup I use – it’s the best option for birders who need quick access to both camera and binoculars.

Which Option Should You Choose?

If you’re a birder first and photographer second, go with Option 3. It lets you carry your main camera on the chest and your binoculars just above your hip – comfortable, balanced, and ready for action. See the picture below.

If you’re a photographer who often carries two camera bodies, Option 2 makes more sense. You’ll have your telephoto on the chest and a secondary body on the holster for wider shots.

And if you’re on a budget or simply prefer a minimal setup, Option 1 does the job beautifully with one camera in front.

Tripod Compatibility

Your camera attaches to the harness via a “hub” that screws into your camera’s tripod mount. That means you can’t use a tripod plate at the same time – unless you add Cotton Carrier’s Adapter Plate.

The adapter provides screw holes for both the harness hub and your tripod plate, letting you switch between the harness and tripod quickly. It’s an extra cost, but if you plan to use a tripod often, it’s worth it. There picture below shows how to use the adapter plate. In this image, the adapter is the bottom piece. The “hub” is top-left. Your tripod piece is on the right.

---

Summary

Overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Cotton Carrier CCS G3. It’s one of those rare accessories that truly changes how enjoyable fieldwork can be. By taking the strain off your wrist, shoulders, and neck, it allows you to stay out longer, move more comfortably, and stay ready for whatever flies your way. This isn’t a sales pitch – I just genuinely believe in this harness and wish I’d had it sooner.

With the camera + binoculars setup, I can swap seamlessly between the two without fumbling or fatigue. The harness feels secure, balanced, and solid.

Having a partner to help with the initial fitting is useful, but you can manage it alone. Once it’s dialled in, it’s rock solid. Here in Canada you may need to readjust when layering up for winter, but it’s easy enough. The shoulder straps are held in position by hidden Velcro behind the back mesh. The design takes the strain off those attachment points, so the Velcro remains secure. I’ve never had any issue with it slipping. If you’re concerned, a tether is provided, though I’ve personally never needed it.

Quick tip: the mesh panel on the back doubles as a large pocket. I keep the supplied Allen key tucked in there so I always know where it is, in case the hub on my camera ever needs a quick tighten. I’ve only had to do that once in two years, but you’ll be glad to have it handy if you ever need it.

In short, the CCS G3 is comfortable, durable and it just works. If you spend long days birding or photographing wildlife and need to carry the camera around, this harness is a genuine game-changer.

Where To Buy