Who uses a sternum strap?

[dessertrat]

I see these on almost all new packs bigger than day packs. I notice that all of the models in the REI catalogs use them. I notice that in real life, very few people seem to use them. I know one of the first things I do when I get a new pack is cut the stupid thing off.

Who uses it?

[minnesotasmith]

I see these on almost all new packs bigger than day packs. I notice that all of the models in the REI catalogs use them. I notice that in real life, very few people seem to use them. I know one of the first things I do when I get a new pack is cut the stupid thing off.

Who uses it?

A sternum strap reduces the strain on my arms & shoulders, as they can relax and I don't have to worry about keeping my primary pack straps from sliding off my shoulders. My pack moves around on my body less with them on, which I believe means I waste less energy that way.

[Cabin Fever]

For me, it helps to have the sternum strap to keep the straps from sliding off the top of my shoulders and putting strain on the shoulder joint instead of being on top of my trapeziuses (sp?).

[dessertrat]

For me, it helps to have the sternum strap to keep the straps from sliding off the top of my shoulders and putting strain on the shoulder joint instead of being on top of my trapeziuses (sp?).

Hmm. Maybe it's a matter of how one is built, as to whether the sternum strap is helpful. I find that the pack rides the same with or without one, so I get rid of them.

[sasquatch2014]

There are times that I use the strap. The way my pack is set up the hydration tube holder is built into the strap and slides along he adjustment slot. I find if the terrain is causing my pack to shift more the strap will help hold it a bit closer to my body and so I get less pack wiggle that could cause me to loose balance. I am a bit wide across the chest and so the strap is not the most comfortable thing to use, but it is nice to have.

[mudcap]

I always use one,very important to me for comfort. I have broad shoulders,without it the straps keep sliding wider making it very uncomfortable.

[Ender]

I never use one... doesn't help the pack ride any better, and constricts my breathing.

Maybe it's my body type that makes it act this way? I know plenty of others who swear by them, but I can't stand them.

[Alligator]

I always use one,very important to me for comfort. I have broad shoulders,without it the straps keep sliding wider making it very uncomfortable.

I don't think I'm that broad-shouldered but I find that it helps for the same reason.

[Cookerhiker]

I use it to hold my camera so that it's reaily accessible.

[Gumbi]

I like to hang my 9" tactical knife upside down from the sternum strap for that quick "tactical draw". JK lol

[Many Walks]

I'm with Cookerhiker. I have my camera on the sternum strap and it's so accessible I tend to take more pictures. Plus it has some protection from the rain with some cover from my hat and being tucked under my chin.

[Homer&Marje]

I like to hang my 9" tactical knife upside down from the sternum strap for that quick "tactical draw". JK lol

Couldn't live without it. very broad shoulders so it reduces the amount of shoulder adjustments, and my 12" buck knife hangs from it. zoom in and look at that perfect application of a sternum strap

disregard all other parts of picture i.e. beer gut, armpits, and odd style of expressing oneself.

[Lyle]

I always use mine. Before I started using two hiking poles I would often walk for hours with my thumbs hooked onto the shoulder straps. Now that my hands are no longer free, the sternum strap adds to the secure feeling of the pack. I miss it if I don't fasten it, kinda like driving without a shoulder restraint.

[Grumpy]

I have carried a pack most of my professional life. I prefer the strap connected though there were some situations which it was not practical. When I was young I did without because I thought I was tough and those who used the strap were weak... my body is very glad I grew out of that stage.

[berninbush]

A lot may depend on the natural "slope" of your shoulders... whether they are square or rounded toward the ground. Mine slope a LOT. If I don't have a sternum strap and I'm carrying an overnight load, the primary straps tend to slide downward and outward, and I waste a lot of energy re-adjusting them. My load actually feels lighter with a sternum strap because the primary straps stay centered over the strongest part of my shoulders, instead of being at the outer edges of my shoulders where leverage makes things heavier.

[BobTheBuilder]

My initial response was along the lines of, "Yeah, and I use the hip belt, too" because the question seemed silly. However, reading the responses, I guess some people have a body type that makes the sternum strap unneccesary. Me, I couldn't do without it. Who would have thunk? Pretty good question, after all.

[Boudin]

I can't stand the sternum strap. It is very uncomfortable for me.

[Wolf - 23000]

The issue with the sternum straps can be connected to how big a pack someone is carrying. If someone is carrying a medium or large pack the sternum strap can help. If they are traveling ultra light or lightweight it servers little benefit.

Wolf

[NICKTHEGREEK]

I see these on almost all new packs bigger than day packs. I notice that all of the models in the REI catalogs use them. I notice that in real life, very few people seem to use them. I know one of the first things I do when I get a new pack is cut the stupid thing off.

Who uses it?

What was the second thing you did? I use em, My shoulder straps are fairly loose with most pretty much all the weight on the hipbelt so the S.S. keeps things in place

[minnesotasmith]

The issue with the sternum straps can be connected to how big a pack someone is carrying. If someone is carrying a medium or large pack the sternum strap can help. If they are traveling ultra light or lightweight it servers little benefit.

Wolf

When I'm dayhiking, with only about 10 pounds in my pack, I still find it helpful to take the 5 seconds to buckle the sternum strap on my pack. I don't get in THAT much of a hurry to start the day's hike, that I don't have time to do it.