What is a Y-Strap?

A Y-strap is a top compression strap that branches into two separate straps, forming a “Y” shape before buckling down over the top of your pack. The removable Y-strap kit features two g-hooks that attach to sewn in tabs at the top of the pack. It provides extra security for larger or bulkier items that you may need to strap to the top of your backpack. Think back to middle school science class, giving something two points of anchoring often makes it more durable and secure, the Y-strap is no different. While carrying a bear canister on the outside of your pack having more points of contact and surface area between the object and your straps results in a more secure loadout. If you have a pack like the Nexus, you don’t need to worry about which one to choose because it comes with the Y-strap sewn in.

PRO TIP: If you plan on carrying your bear canister on the outside of your pack with the y-strap, we recommend wrapping the Siesta Pad around the canister and then putting the y-strap over both to give even more surface area for the straps to grab. Bear canisters  often utilize a flat and slick plastic for materials, the siesta pad offers a grippier surface instead.

Best Uses for a Y-Strap:

• Securing a Bear Canister: If you’re trekking through bear country, carrying a bear canister is a necessity. A Y-strap holds it in place more securely than a single strap, reducing movement and preventing it from shifting while hiking.
• Carrying Extra Gear on Top: Whether it’s a foam sleeping pad, tent body, or a puffy jacket you want easy access to, a Y-strap provides additional stability to keep everything in place.
• Better Load Compression: The dual-strap design distributes pressure more evenly across the top of your pack, reducing the chances of items shifting inside.

What is a Standard Top Strap?

A standard top strap is a single piece of webbing that runs over the top of the pack and buckles on the opposite side. The removable standard top strap features a g-hook attachment and a sewn in tab near the haul loop of the pack. It’s a simple, lightweight option that works well for securing smaller loads. All of our backpacks ship stock with a removable standard top strap. We recommend this set up for mostly a compression use case as opposed to load securing. Lightweight items like rain jackets, CCF pad, or an ultralight tent are acceptable for the standard top strap. Things that won’t put too much stress on the buckle. We do not recommend using it for heavier items like Bear Canisters.

Best Uses for a Standard Top Strap:

• Minimalist Packing: If you don’t plan on carrying extra items externally, a standard strap is a clean, simple option that keeps your pack streamlined.
• Lighter Loads: If your gear fits neatly inside your pack without the need for external storage, a single top strap is often all you need to keep your setup secure. This is the compression use case mentioned above.
• Quick Access: A single strap allows for fast and easy access to the main compartment of your pack without dealing with multiple points of adjustment.
• Please be aware that neither the y-strap nor the standard top strap are designed to bare load, this means you should never pick your backpack up by the top straps and instead always use the haul loop with assistance on the shoulder strap. The most common way to damage your pack components would be putting too much strain on your top strap causing the buckle to break. 

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you often carry a bear canister or strap extra gear to the top of your pack, a Y-strap is the better choice.
• If you prefer a simpler, lighter, and more minimalist setup, a standard top strap will do the trick.
• If you’re unsure and you have a Y-strap compatible pack, it never hurt anyone to have both!

If you’ve got a thru-hike coming up that calls for diverse terrain and travels through bear areas as well as places with long food and water carries, the Y-strap will offer more versatility from the start of your hike. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! If you need more resources on things like bear safety, preparing for your thru-hike, or on trail efficiency, we’ve got you covered!