Slings and Straps
Top Picks
How we choose: The best slings and straps highlighted here were selected based on 11 reviews of 6 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a sling/strap that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
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Mountainsmith Strapettes
(3 reviews)
Featured review
by Pete Bobkat
Important stability for lumbar packs, especially the TLS Day.
Reasons to Buy
- Easy fit and added comfort and stability for larger loads
Reasons to Avoid
- The webbing straps need to be longer for folks over 6 feet as the sternum strap becomes obtrusive.
I've been using the TLS Day and Tour for 5 years or so for lightweight hiking and biking plus my daily commute to work. At 5 feet 10 I found the straps a good length. In practice I've removed the buckles and attached the straps using the sliders. This provided a more stable and less twisty saggy over strappy system where the plastic Y divider, sits. I started using the whole system as an alternative to a pack. Lumbar disc problems dictated I needed to do something to enable trips to the mountains etc and this system is unbeatable, but as I've mentioned it needed tweaking to make stability paramount especially on the Day lumbar pack.
Read more: Mountainsmith Strapettes reviews (3)
Backcountry Solutions Keyhole
(2 reviews)
Featured review
by KurtS 
Keyhole Hands-Free Camera Harness - No more swing!! I've been looking for just such a device for years.
Reasons to Buy
- Protects my camera from swinging and getting damaged
- Always ready to use
- Great price
- Alleviates the weight of my camera around my neck
- Harness stays on pack, but easy on/off buckles make it easy to put on/off
My wife bought me the Keyhole Camera Harness for my birthday as a gift because she knows I hate carrying the camera, but love to take photos. I tried it out on a weekend backpacking trip and loved it! No more swing and easy to use. Now I use it every time I use my camera. The hassle of having a swinging camera was reason enough to stash it in the pack and forgo the pics. Not any more. I love the Keyhole! Simple design, quality product.
Read more: Backcountry Solutions Keyhole reviews (2)
Gossamer Gear Lightrek Pack Bungee Attachment
(1 review)
Reviewed
by LoneStranger
Light little loops of stretchable cord with an easy to use, one-handed line lock with built-in hook. Made to attach hiking poles, but lots of other potential uses. Easy to use, but easy to lose if you don't keep them under control.
Reasons to Buy
- Small and light
- Easy to use
- Adaptable to many uses
Reasons to Avoid
- Easy to lose if not attached to pack well
- A bit pricey for what is involved
Specs: Length = 6" unstretched Weight = 4.25g avg claimed / 4g on my scale Use: These are meant to be looped through a daisy chain or similar attachment point to hold trekking poles. As someone who never stops using his poles I looked at them and saw a lot of other potential uses. Can't tell you how they work for holding poles, but in the right application they are pretty useful. When testing the Six Moon Designs Minimalist earlier this year I needed a way to secure my inReach SE if it popped out of the mesh pocket in the vest harness.
Read more: Gossamer Gear Lightrek Pack Bungee Attachment review (1)
Eureka! Barrel StormShield Universal Harness
(1 review)
Reviewed
by DECKEL!
Add backpack straps to almost any container or object, so long as it fits within the straps. For use with a gear barrel, Pelican case, duffel bag, small kayak, etc... use your imagination!!
Reasons to Buy
- Universal Fit - "Wearer"
- Universal Fit - "Container"
- Variety of uses
Reasons to Avoid
- Thin padding
- Weak stitching
- Not ventilated
- Barrel / Hard-Case sold separately
Grey front handle and back pad, LESS padding, and yellow shoulder adjustment straps distinguish this harness from the more expensive "Expedition" model. This is the cheaper of the two barrel harnesses that Eureka! has made. (Harness only! Container reviewed separately) Fit (10/10): Unisex, Universal fit. The shoulder straps and hip belt are large enough to accommodate a large adult with a PFD on, but are also adjustable enough to snug down for a youth fit. Very versatile. Comfort (5/10): Ventilation and padding are lacking on this pack.
Read more: Eureka! Barrel StormShield Universal Harness review (1)
More Reviews of Slings and Straps
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