I love holster bags. I think they are perfect for every situation where you don't need a tripod. I usually do not like to carry a lot of gear so I want a bag that will just fit my camera, a spare battery and a spare memory card. Unless I am shooting landscapes or using a flash that is all I really need. I think a holster bag is perfect for all those occasions when you are going out with friends or family and just want to bring your camera along. I have spent years searching for the perfect holster and have struggled to find one that was comfortable, not too big and not too small. Then, Mindshift Gear, a popular bag company on this site, sent me the press release for their new Multi-Mount Holster. It looked awesome so I quickly arranged to get my hands on the Multi-Mount Holster 10.
GENERAL REVIEW
I have been using the Holster for the past month or so and I love it. I love the size and comfort. It feels really secure and offers enough versatility that I can wear it however I want depending on the situation. I also love bags that include a top grab handle for easily carrying it to and from the car and such. While there have been a thing or two I do not love, I can confidently say this will be my go-to holster bag for a long time.
SIZE
The first thing I love about this holster is the size. It comes in four different sizes so you can get the perfect match for
your set up. I have included the specifications for each model at the bottom of this review for your use in picking out the perfect size for your needs. 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. It has been the perfect size.
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. I have been testing out a ton of camera straps for an upcoming article and even the bulkiest straps have been easy to get into this holster. 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.
5 MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS
Above anything else, the versatility of the mounting configurations offered by this holster is what is most appealing. I think it also justifies the price tag (which is pretty reasonable if you check the current price on Amazon), 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.
SHOULDER/SLING CONFIGURATION
This is likely to me your most common configuration. It fits like a normal sling bag. The strap is comfortable without being too large. With the bag strapped across my chest, it felt 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 a lot of the weight off your shoulders for more comfort.
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 
for your comfort. This option is great for those situations where you want your camera accessible, but need it up off your waist. My first thought was hiking in a river.
Jim Harmer and Nick Page love the Mindshift rotation bags and I was a little envious hiking the Narrows in Zion National Park as everyone had to find somewhere to rest their bags to get their gear out and Jim just rotated his waist compartment (trying not to call it a fanny pack for Jim's sake) around to access his camera without having to get out of the river.
Placing the Holster in this configuration will allow those of us with non-rotating bags to be able to do the same thing while keeping our camera further from the water. 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.
CHEST CONFIGURATION
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. In most situations, I will just stick to wearing it on my waist if I want it in front of my body.
STORAGE CONFIGURATION
The stabilizer straps are also useful for attaching the Holster to the back or top of your backpack. I think this is hugely beneficial. 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 would be 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 would 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 CONFIGURATION
The belt configuration is probably 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 really is a super convenient way for carrying a small amount of items.
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.
WEATHER PROTECTION
The 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.
ZIPPERS
Like Thinktank bags, Mindshift Gear uses YKK zippers. I 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.
BUILD QUALITY
The Holster has the build quality you would expect of something from Mindshift Gear. The material is 420D nylon with a 
durable water resistance finish. I am not sure what all that means, but I know it felt very high quality and durable to me. 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.
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 occurs with many sling-type bags. Overall, this was the most comfortable holster bag I have used.
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 holster from Mindshift. While it is more expensive than other holsters I have tried, the build quality and extra features more than make it worth it. 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.
Pricing
Check out the current prices and get more details at amazon or Mindshift Gear.
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.)