“How important is the chest strap on a rucksack, and is it just for mountaineering?”
Chest straps are fundamentally there for two reasons really, one is to stop the shoulder straps from slipping out of position and potentially sliding off the shoulder and two, to position the shoulder straps in the most comfortable position.
It is not just a mountaineering thing but if all you are doing is a simple walk or hike you may feel that it’s not worth fastening and that’s OK.
The number of times we see people pulling the chest strap really tight and completely undoing the perfect fit of the pack is incredible. This is a small strap but does play a key role, treat it gently.
Mostly, chest straps are height adjustable and should be positioned in the mid to upper part of the chest and above the bust for ladies. If the adjustment does not allow this then you may have the wrong back length in your pack, and it may need changing or adjusting. Once it is at a height you are comfortable with, clip the buckle and slowly tighten the strap until you have taken in the slack. This is normally enough and in doing so maintains the good fit of the shoulder straps without adding any unnecessary pressure points.
Should you feel this is not sufficient, then tighten only a little more and this should do it. DO NOT over tighten. The idea is that when you climb over a stile, round a rocky outcrop or even ride a bike the pack stays firmly rooted to your back and both straps stay in place to maintain that stable and comfortable fit.
