A week or so ago GORUCK released a sternum strap (finally) for their rucks. It only took them 3 years or so but it’s finally here… the GORUCK sternum strap. I picked one up (along with a few other things) and figured I’d post some pictures and my thoughts on it. As many of you know before this came out I was using the Maxpedition sternum strap and the Mystery Ranch sternum strap with my rucks. Just warning you that there may be some comparisons made to them because they’re what I’ve used up until now.
Specifications
According to the GORUCK website the sternum strap is made of Nylon, is 1 inch by 45 cm (max) or 19 cm (min) in length, and weighs half of a pound. Now I did some of my own measurements and found the following: the Nylon that they use is 3/4 inches wide, not 1 inch wide. When the strap is attached to the ruck and cinched up completely there’s 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) between the shoulder straps and 6 inches (15.25 cm) between the edges of both pieces of plastic on the sternum strap. Neither of those numbers are 19 cm so that was a bit confusing but we’ll move on to the max length. I found that fully expanded the sternum strap allowed for 17 inches (43.18 cm) which is pretty close to the specs that GORUCK provided for the max. At this point I had already attached the sternum strap to the ruck so I was not able to weigh it but I’d assume it’s much less than half of a pound. Check out the following table for an easier way to view the conclusion of this:
| GORUCK | All Day Ruckoff | |
| Width: | 1″ | 0.75″ |
| Min Length: | 19 cm | 6.35 cm or 15.25 cm |
| Max Length:M/td> | 45 cm | 43.18 cm |
Quality
The GORUCK sternum strap is made by GORUCK in the USA and the quality is what you would expect coming from them. They sew them up very well and I can’t imagine the stitching coming undone or tearing. If anything I would assume the plastic hardware would break before the Nylon did or the sewing came undone. As far as accessories go this is standard GORUCK quality.
Price
At $9 the GORUCK sternum strap is cheaper than pretty much anything the competition as put out. In addition if you order at least $25 worth of stuff from GORUCK you’ll get free shipping. The Maxpedition is $11 shipped and the Mystery Ranch one is around $25+ shipped depending on the order so this beats both of those in price.
Overall
Overall it’s a sternum strap. There’s no GORUCK markings on it, it’s good quality, and it’s cheap. I haven’t spent too much time wearing it or rucking with it but sternum straps are one of those things that pretty much either work or don’t. I picked up a Foliage one to compliment my Ranger Green ruck and the color is close enough that it looks fine. I’d say if you’re looking for a sternum strap and are already ordering something through GORUCK then you might as well buy one from them. They’re affordable and you probably won’t regret it.
An absolutely essential piece of equipment for rucking.
I have tried multiple sternum straps from various sellers and hands down GORUCK’s is my favorite. Not only is it super durable, I can also adjust it with one hand while on the fly without having to do a bunch of adjusting of buckles and whatnot. Just grab that free end and give it a tug and boom, you’re tighter. Loosening it is almost as easy, but can still easily be done one-handed. Most other sternum straps I have used require that they be adjusted from both sides with a fair amount of effort. I’ll never use a sternum strap other than GORUCK’s.
Where would you recommend a sternum strap to be located at as far as how high or low on your chest?
I’ve had pretty good luck with the straps from SKD tactical. They hold well, and they have a ton of different colors for all the different colored rucks!