This simple accessory could step up my phone photography game
Peak Design's straps let you go hands-free (and stay safe from phone snatchers)
Photography might be Peak Design’s bread and butter, but the luxe camera baggage brand knows a thing or two about keeping your smartphones secure as well. First we got cases with baked-in SlimLink mounting points, and now there’s a new take on the MicroAnchor connection system, courtesy of a new family of Mobile Straps.
The Mobile Cuff, Mobile Crossbody Strap and Mobile Crossbody Multi-strap all promise low-profile drop protection, while keeping your smartphone safe from snatchers. Each has one (or more) MicroAnchor mounts, which hook onto compatible cases so your phone is always in easy reach – without having to keep your mitts around it all the time. Phone photographers will then be able to concentrate on composition, rather than if ne’er-do-wells are eyeing up their handset.
Each mount swivels to stop the nylon straps (which can be worn on the wrist, around the neck, or across the body depending on which version you get) from twisting. The trio come in a bunch of subtle yet stylish colours, which should go down well with fashionistas wanting to stay hands-free when wearing clothes that don’t have pockets.
Naturally they play nicely with Peak Design smartphone cases, but a bundled adapter will also let you hook up any third-party cases. Covers and cases with strap loops – namely Apple iPhone cases – have been given the thumbs up as well.
Each attachment point is rated for 50lbs/23kg of force, so the real limit will be how much you want to lug around your person rather than in a backpack. The Multi-Strap has several hooked onto its anodised aluminium carabiner, for your keys and other small gadgets as well as your phone.
The mounting system is secure enough for small point-and-shoot cameras too. Larger cameras with metal eyelets and fixed lenses – so system cameras and DSLRs – are still better served by Peak Design’s dedicated camera straps though.
They’ll be hitting the US first, with UK and European launches to follow later. The Mobile Cuff will set you back $30, the Mobile Crossbody Strap $50, and the Mobile Crossbody Multi-Strap $60.
Tom Morgan-Freelander
Deputy Editor 
