Best Backpack Chest Straps (Budget to Premium Options)

Wisdompro Backpack Chest Strap

The Wisdompro chest strap is a solid and affordable option. It’s made from durable webbing, so it should last a while and hold up really well over time. The strap is 1” wide and features an adjustable length. All the hardware on the strap is made from plastic, so it’s very lightweight.

You can easily attach this to any backpack shoulder straps regardless of their width. The shoulder strap can be adjusted from 8” to 22”, which should be long enough for everyone.

Also, the Wisdompro chest strap features a D-ring on either side, which is convenient for keeping lighter items handy. They’re not the most durable D-rings out of the bunch because they’re made from plastic, so they’re best for sunglasses, keys, and similar items.

Another thing to note is that the strap features a quick-release buckle that’s super easy to handle. It’s possible to undo it with one hand, but it is worth mentioning that the plastic of the buckle isn’t of very high quality. Overall, this affordable chest strap performs well for the price and it’s a solid option if you’re looking for a quick solution.

SYIDINZN Backpack Chest Strap

The Syidinzn chest strap is an affordable option that wraps around the shoulder straps. It’s very easy to install and it performs exactly as you expect. Just wrap it around the shoulder straps, tighten it enough that it stays in place, and you’ve got yourself a sternum strap on your favorite backpack.

The strap is made from nylon, so it’s very durable. The hardware is plastic, which is great for the weight of the strap but not ideal in terms of durability. The buckle can be handled with just one hand, plus it’s super easy to adjust this strap on the go.

Additionally, this affordable chest strap features two D-rings, so you can keep some smaller items easily accessible. They’re plastic D-rings so they’re not really suitable for very heavy items, but work just fine for sunglasses, cables, and similar things.

Overall, it’s a sturdy chest strap that performs very well, and it’s one of the most affordable options at just $5.

8TIMBER Stern Link Backpack Chest Strap

The 8 Timber Stern Link is one of the more expensive chest straps, but also one of the highest-quality options. It’s important to note that you can only attach this to backpacks that already have some webbing (usually in the form of daisy chains) on the shoulder straps. It won’t work with all backpacks, so it’s essential you check whether your pack is compatible before you buy it.

This is 3-4 times more expensive than most other chest straps, but it’s also one of the highest-quality options. The strap is made from durable webbing with quality plastic hardware and a magnetic buckle with a pull tab.

The quick-release tab allows for easy adjustments on the go, and you can undo the strap in just one swift move. Also, the design of this strap means that it will stay put where you attached it no matter what, which is great for adjustments on the go.

There are no D-rings on the straps and it’s got very few plastic pieces, so it manages to stay super lightweight at just 1.6 oz. Overall, it’s definitely one of the best options if you want a chest strap that will last you practically forever, but it is a rather expensive solution.

Oziral 2-Pack Adjustable Backpack Chest Strap

The Oziral bundle is great value if you need multiple accessories for your backpack. It includes two adjustable chest straps and 10 zipper pull tabs, and you get all those accessories for about $11. It’s great value for money, especially because the sternum straps are heavy-duty.

To secure this chest strap to a backpack you just need to wrap the ends around the shoulder straps, so it’s going to work with any packack. The only downside of this design is that the straps can sometimes drop down a bit, but that shouldn’t be a major issue.

They’re classic webbing straps with plastic hardware including an easy to handle quick-release buckle. Each strap also features a pair of D-rings, which are useful for keeping any smaller essentials easily accessible while you’re on the move.

The zipper pull tabs are also made from nylon and they’re extra sturdy. They’re perfect replacements for broken metal pullers, especially because these are much more durable than metal and plastic pullers. The only downside is that, if you pull on this type of puller a little too hard, you can very easily detach it from the zipper tab.

Tenalleys 2 Pieces Backpack Chest Strap

The Tenalleys pack of two chest straps is super affordable and great value if you need more than one sternum strap. The pack includes two identical chest straps and it retails for less than $7, pricing the individual strap at just a little over $3. That’s the best deal you can get, although it’s important to note that the chest straps are not the best quality.

They’re made from durable nylon so the strap itself is quite sturdy, but the plastic hardware is poor quality. It should hold up well with regular use, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend these straps for very heavy backpacks.

The buckle is quick-release for easy handling, and it’s worth noting that the Tenalleys straps feature a non-slip texture on a PVC grip pad. This helps the straps stay put and prevents them from sliding down the backpack straps.

The buckles are suitable for one-handed use, and each strap has a couple of D-rings that you can use to keep some necessities easily accessible while you’re wearing the backpack. Overall, if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest solution and you need more than one chest strap, this pack is certainly a good option.

HDHYK 2 Packs Nylon Backpack Chest Strap

The HDHYK pack includes two very durable chest straps that are compatible with backpacks that have webbing on the shoulder straps. Both chest straps feature the same type of installation, so consider this pack only if your backpack is compatible.

What I like the most about these sternum straps is that the pack includes two different designs of the buckle. One is a standard quick-release buckle suitable for one-handed use, and the other buckle doubles as a whistle. This feature is very convenient for hikers, cyclers, and pretty much anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors and needs a way to draw attention to themselves quickly.

I usually use the whistle only when I want to annoy others, but I’ve also never found myself in an emergency in which the whistle would be very useful. Nonetheless, I’m glad to have it in my backpack and hope that I will never need to use it in a life-threatening situation.

One thing to note about this strap is that the securing buckle is not anti-slip, so it’s possible that the straps will slide down the webbing if it’s in one piece. This type of sternum strap works best with backpacks that have daisy-chain style webbing so that the strap can stay put in one place.

Ikerall Sternum Straps For Backpacks

If you like the idea of a buckle that doubles as an emergency whistle but you don’t have a backpack with webbing on the shoulder straps, then go with the Ikerall sternum strap. It features standard wrap-around installation so the strap will be compatible with nearly all backpacks.

The sternum strap is made from nylon and features ABS plastic hardware for excellent durability. However, there are no anti-slip features on the strap, so it’s likely that it will slide down the backpack straps if you don’t tighten it enough. I would recommend that you tighten this so much that it bends the shoulder straps because that’s one of the ways to make the straps move as little as possible.

The quick-release buckle is easy to use even with just one hand, and if you position the chest strap properly, you should be able to use the emergency whistle without your hands. It’s a very convenient feature to have, especially if you even find yourself in a situation where you actually need it.

Wisdompro 2 Pack Backpack Chest Straps and 12 pcs Zipper Pulls

The Wisdompro accessory bundle is a really good option if you want additional items for your backpack. It includes two chest straps and ten zipper pullers, and it’s important to mention that the Wisdompro sternum straps are of great quality. They’re made from durable nylon with plastic hardware and even include convenient D-rings.

The straps have quick-release buckles for easy one-handed operation, and they can be adjusted from 8” to 22”. It’s worth noting that the straps don’t have any anti-slip properties, so it is possible that they could slide down the shoulder straps.

This bundle also includes 12 zipper puller tabs with textured grip tabs. The pullers are made from nylon and the tabs are from PVC, and they’re great if you find the metal pullers tricky to handle. The nylon pullers are very easy to use with gloves, and you can use them to replace broken pullers or even just attach them to existing zipper pullers.

This entire bundle retails for approximately $11, so it’s an absolute steal. The value for money is great, especially since you’re getting good quality gear.

DEFY Backpack Sternum Strap

The Defy sternum strap is the absolute best option for very heavy backpacks. It’s the most expensive sternum strap you can buy, but it’s also the only one that features metal hardware instead of plastic. This strap will last you years, and it’s perfect for backpacks with heavy loads.

The actual load capacity for the sternum strap is 1000 lbs. It is a very expensive chest strap, but worth every penny if you want something high-quality and extremely durable. The stainless steel buckle has a quick-release button for one-handed use.

The strap is made from durable webbing and it features Velcro on the ends for easy attachment to the backpack shoulder straps. Also, the strap can be adjusted from 3” to 18”, so it should be pretty easy to make it fit your body perfectly.

The Velcro will also help keep the strap in place so that it doesn’t slide down the straps. Overall, this is without a doubt one of the best (if not THE best) sternum straps money can buy, but it is pretty expensive and worth buying only if you need a heavy-duty chest strap.

BASSDASH Adult Sternum Strap for Backpack

The Bassdash sternum strap is an okay option, but it’s definitely not the best out of the bunch. It’s got folding locks on the sides so you’re supposed to just clip this onto the backpack strap, but they don’t always work as intended.

The thickness of the shoulder straps will be an important factor for this sternum strap, and the thinner they are the better it will work. This chest strap is not fully compatible with backpacks with thick shoulder straps, so keep that in mind.

The chest strap is made from durable webbing and features hardware made from ABS plastic. The buckle is sturdy and easy to handle with one hand, so you can adjust it while you’re on the move. It’s worth noting that you might not have the best luck if you’re adjusting the length of the strap while you’re moving because it could detach from the backpack if you pull on the webbing too hard.

The best thing about the clip-on design is that you can mount the chest strap as high or low as you want and it won’t slide down, which isn’t usually the case with the wrap-around straps.