Mindshift’s Multi-Mount Holster Review


Super brief Summary: This is my favorite holster bag of all time.

Mindshift Gear kindly sent me one of their new Multi-Mount Holsters.  I chose the smallest size to fit my Fuji X-T1 and 18-135.  I have been using it for a quite a while and really love it.  It is the perfect holster bag for normal, every-day use and its multiple configurations offers some huge benefits for other uses you don’t get with other holsters.

SIZE

I chose the smallest size and it works absolutely perfect for my body and one lens.  However, the bag comes in four different sizes so you can get the perfect match forholster 6 your set up.  In picking which size would work best for me,  I measured the length of my set up, leaving a couple spare inches, and found the right fit for me.  I wanted the holster to fit my Fuji X-T1 and 18-135 mm lens so the smallest bag was my pick.

The camera fits in snugly without a lot of wasted space, but the design of the holster also reserves a little space on top so you can conveniently place your camera strap there without having to shove it in with your camera.  This is especially helpful when I use one of my bulkier camera straps, like the Peak Design Slide or the Black Rapid Retro.  Because I have the smallest holster, there is not a whole lot of space for extras, but the 30 and 50 sizes feature an expandable front pocket for additional storage if you need that.  That being said, I can easily fit a spare battery and memory cards and such.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOU

Multi-Mount Holster 10

  • Holds one large (un-gripped) Mirrorless body and one standard zoom lens or prime
  • Holds one compact DSLR (Rebel, 3300 or 5300 series) and one lens
  • Compatible Lenses: Prime lens; Kit Lens; 16-85mm (Canon or Nikon) with hood REVERSED; 16-35mm f/2.8 (Sony)
  • External Dimensions: 8.5” H x 7.25” W x 6.25” D
  • Camera Compartment: 6.75” H x 6” W x 3.75” D
  • Weight: 10 oz.  (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover:  1 lb. 2.125 oz.)

Multi-Mount Holster 20

  • Holds one standard-size DSLR (5DM3 or D810) and one standard zoom lens or two primes
  • Holds one large (un-gripped) Mirrorless body and one standard zoom lens or two primes
  • 16-35mm f/2.8 with hood EXTENDED (Canon); 16-35mm f/4 VR with hood EXTENDED (Nikon); 24-70mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 17-55mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon)
  • External Dimensions: 9.5” H x 8.25” W x 6.5” D
  • Camera Compartment: 7.5” H x 7.25” W x 4.5” D
  • Weight: 11.625 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover:  1 lb. 3.5 oz.)

Multi-Mount Holster 30

  • Holds one standard-size DSLR (5DM3 or D810) and one standard zoom lens
  • Holds one gripped DSLRs (1Dx or D4s) and one standard zoom lens
  • 24-70mm f/2.8 with hood EXTENDED (Canon or Nikon); 70-200mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 300mm f/4 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 80-400mm f/4 AF-S/G with hood REVERSED (Nikon)
  • Front pocket holds SB-910 (Nikon Speedlight); 600 RT (Canon Speedlite)
  • External Dimensions: 9.5” H x 8.25” W x 6.5” D
  • Camera Compartment: 7.5” H x 7.25” W x 4.5” D
  • Weight: 11.625 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover:  1 lb. 3.5 oz.)

Multi-Mount Holster 50

  • Holds one gripped Pro DSLR (Nikon D3/D4 series or Canon 1D/1Ds/1DX series) and one standard zoom lens
  • Holds one standard DSLRs with L-bracket (Nikon D800/D700) and one standard zoom lens
  • 24-70mm f/2.8 with hood EXTENDED (Canon or Nikon); 70-200mm f/2.8 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 300mm f/4 with hood REVERSED (Canon or Nikon); 80-400mm f/4 AF-S/G with hood REVERSED (Nikon)
  • Front pocket holds SB-910 (Nikon Speedlight); 600 RT (Canon Speedlite)
  • External Dimensions: 9.5” H x 8.25” W x 6.5” D
  • Camera Compartment: 7.5” H x 7.25” W x 4.5” D
  • Weight: 11.625 oz. (Weight w/ all straps and rain cover:  1 lb. 3.5 oz.)

The 5 MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS

Above anything else, the versatility of the mounting configurations offered by this holster make it more appealing than a normal holster bag.  I think it also justifies the price tag (which has gone down quite a bit if you check the current price), which might be a little more than what you would expect to spend on just a normal holster bag.  I have tried the different configurations and found I definitely like some more than others.  The only annoying, but necessary, thing is that with the different configurations, different straps are required.

This means there is a little effort  required to switch between configurations.  It also means you have to store all the extra straps.  Between the straps and the rain/dust cover, there was not much room for anything else in the Holster 10 model.

I find that I predominantly use the sling configuration for causal use and strapping it on to the back of my backpack for hiking, but I could see how the other configurations would be very useful.  While I don’t use it as often, the belt configuration is a complete game changer when the need arises.

holster 2

SHOULDER/SLING CONFIGURATION

This is likely to me your most common configuration.  It is definitely mine.  It fits like a normal sling bag.  The strap is comfortable without being too large.  With the bag strapped across my chest, it feels very comfortable and secure.  Everything was easy to access and my one big complaint–the zipper configuration (see below)–was not a huge factor when worn over the shoulder. You can also wear the belt at the same time to take some of the weight off your shoulders  for more comfort.  This is great for just casual use to pick up and go where you want.

PACK/FRONT HARNESS CONFIGURATION

In this configuration, you can actually strap the Holster onto your backpack to fit across your chest.  The Holster has hidden side pockets that contain stabilizer straps that allow you to strap it to your bag in a manner that works best holster 3for your comfort.  This option is great for those situations where you want your camera accessible, but need it up off your waist.  For example, hiking in a river or, what is often my situation, you have a kid with her legs around your waist.

Placing the Holster in this configuration will allow easy access to your camera.  There have been multiple times hiking through rivers where I have taken a step and found myself waist-deep unexpectedly.  The last thing you want in that situation is to have a camera on your waist.  So, while the situations I am going to use the pack/front harness configuration are likely rare, they will add a huge degree of convenience and safety when needed.

CHEST CONFIGURATION

If I am going to be honest, I did not really care for the chest configuration.  It was difficult to get tight and seemed mostly unnecessary for anything I will be doing.  Still, having the option is nice in case the need ever comes up such as river hiking if I do not have another backpack.

STORAGE CONFIGURATION

The stabilizer straps are also useful for attaching the Holster to the back or top of your backpack.  I love this configuration.  This ability allows you to keep your holster with you, but not have to wear it all the time if you are not going to be using your camera often.  It is great for long hikes or traveling where you do not want your backpack to be full of camera gear.  If you are doing a 5-10 day hike or so, you will likely have a big pack full of food and camping equipment rather than a dedicated camera bag.  In a situation like this, I strap my tripod to the side of my hiking bag and then I can mount the Holster on my hiking backpack and not have to try and safely store my camera somewhere accessible in my hiking backpack.

BELT CONFIGURATIONMulti Mount lifestyle lowres

The belt configuration, although I don’t use it often, might be my favorite thing about this bag.  Call me what you will, but I love a good fanny pack.  About 12 years ago, I hurt my shoulder pretty badly in a bike accident.  I could not carry a backpack for the next six months or so and I came to love carrying my things everyday in a fanny pack.  I was living in Japan so I did not care so much about looking silly, but it was amazing how much I came to love the convenience of a fanny pack (for disclosure, I don’t actually have a fanny pack these days).

I think it is even better for a photographer because you can have your camera right on your hip and can slide it to your back to have it out of the way or slide it to the front for easy access to your camera.  All this without putting any weight on your back or shoulders.  This configuration is where my one big complaint about the holster comes in.  The zipper is up against your body when wearing it on your waist.  This is nice when you are getting your camera out because you are not fighting the flap, but it makes it really annoying when you are trying to unzip the top and it is pressed up against your body.

ZIPPERS

Mindshift Gear uses the absolute best YKK zippers.  I really really like these zippers.  They feel heavy duty, yet smooth.  My only complaint again is the zipper can be somewhat difficult to use when the bag is up against your body because the zipper runs along your body rather than to the outside of your body.

The Holster has the build quality you would expect of something from Mindshift Gear.  The material is 420D nylon with a holsterdurable water resistance finish.   I have no fears of this bag wearing out anytime soon.  I would also not worry about carrying this bag in the rain for small amounts of time without the rain cover as the material does not lend to water soaking through.  I am pretty confident buying anything from Mindshift Gear when it comes to quality.

COMFORT

Whether wearing this bag on your back, side, chest or stomach, it is quite comfortable.  It features an air mesh back panel that is soft against your body.  The shoulder and belt straps also have padding that make them soft and comfortable.  When wearing on my shoulder, the bag felt secure and did not slide and bump around like typically occurs with many sling-type bags.  Overall, I can comfortably say this is the most comfortable holster bag I have used.

WEATHER PROTECTION

holster 5The holster comes with a little rain cover.  Being in Las Vegas, I have not found the chance to use it yet, but there is another weather protection asset I really have appreciated in this holster.  When you open the zipper, there is a barrier that sits over your camera upon which your strap rests.  This is great because it keeps your camera safe with another layer before anything can reach it.  It also opens up really easily so there is no added burden.

CONCLUSION

If you haven’t been able to tell by now, I love this holster bag.  It may not be the right fit for everyone, but if you are in the market for a good-quality holster, I highly recommend this bag from Mindshift.  I have used half a dozen holster bags over the past few years and this is the one that has stuck in my collection and is most used.  For me, the best part is that I can wear it on my waist, shoulder or backpack as the need arises.  I am very impressed with the build quality and the size is perfect for my needs.  If you have any questions about the bag, feel free to comment here or ask me on the facebook group.

You can pick it up the Multi Mount Holster on Amazon or get a free gift using our link at Mindshift Gear.

One thought on “Mindshift’s Multi-Mount Holster Review

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts