Green Garden Vest Style Backpack Straps vs Conventional Backpack Shoulder Straps – GWC Mag gwcmagApril 8, 2024040 views This post may contain affiliate links. Philip Werner April 8, 2024 Frequently Asked Questions Backpacks with vest-style shoulder straps, inspired by the trail running community, are increasingly popular. Vest-style backpack straps work best on lower-volume backpacks with a maximum of 40L of volume and maximum recommended loads under 25 pounds. This is because the pack weight sits higher up on your torso – your chest, shoulders, and upper back instead of the more powerful muscles of your hips. That’s also why many packs with vest-style shoulder straps don’t have hip belts or the ones they do have aren’t load-bearing. Here’s a breakdown of vest-style straps compared to conventional backpack straps: Vest-Style Shoulder Straps Design: Wide, often made of breathable, stretchy material. They wrap around the torso like a vest. Benefits: Stability: Snug fit minimizes bouncing, ideal for high-movement activities like running or biking. Balance: Distributes load across the front and back of the body. Momentum: Front weight helps generate forward momentum, good for running. Comfort: Distributes weight evenly across shoulders and chest, reducing pressure points. Accessibility: Easier access to gear stored in front pockets on the vest itself. Drawbacks: Capacity: Typically designed for lighter loads, not ideal for multi-day adventures. Ventilation: Can trap heat against your back, especially in warm weather. Adjustability: May offer less adjustability compared to traditional straps or backpacks with adjustable torso lengths. Since vest-style packs are usually frameless, they lack load lifters. Conventional Backpack Shoulder Straps Design: Padded straps with adjustable buckles and sternum straps. J-shaped straps are designed for use by men. S-shaped straps are better for women because they curve around breasts, but are also comfortable for men. Some companies like ULA Equipment offer the choice of J or S-shaped shoulder straps on their semi-custom packs. Benefits: Capacity: Can handle heavier loads due to weight transfer to hips through a hip belt when the backpack has a frame. Ventilation: Mesh padding allows for better airflow. Adjustability: More straps and buckles for a customized fit. In particular, shoulder straps with load lifters can be used to bring the main compartment closer to your core muscles. Drawbacks: Stability: Can bounce more during high-movement activities. Comfort: May dig into shoulders with heavy loads. Accessibility: Gear stored in the main compartment may be harder to reach. Popular Vest Style Backpacks Choosing Between Them: Activity: Vest-style chest and shoulder straps excel in running, biking, and fast-paced activities. Conventional backpack shoulder straps are better for hiking, backpacking, and carrying heavier loads. Comfort: Vest-style straps are great for lighter loads, while conventional backpack straps are better for heavier loads with proper adjustment. Climate: Consider ventilation if you tend to get hot easily. Conventional straps may be cooler. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs, preferences, and fit. SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.