Shoulder strap questions

[altano]

I've been poking around the forums in addition to reading the descriptions on the pages of the Q-AM strap as well as the absolute shoulder strap. I have two questions:

1) It appears that even the older ID bags (I got mine ~June 2006) will now work with the Absolute/Q-AM shoulder straps if I use a 2" webbing adapter. Is this adapter included with the shoulder straps or do I have to purchase it separately, and if separately, where is the option to do so?

2) It looks like Tom Bihn designed the Q-AM strap to satisfy his requirements of his bag while WALKING and not biking. So, how does this strap compare to the Absolute shoulder strap for walking? Is it a matter of preference or is this strap just flat out better?

I currently have the standard strap and I find it inadequate for walking several miles, which I tend to do everytime I'm wearing my bag. I would like to get the Absolute shoulder strap, but if the Q-AM strap is just as comfortable and will keep the bag more stable while I ride my bike, then I'll definitely get that.

I'm definitely more concerned with the walking comfort, but I do wear my bag while riding my bike around too. When I do ride my bike, the standard strap and waist strap seem adequate despite my having to occasionally readjust the bag.

I'm very confused now about which strap to get :( Please, if any of you have more of a clue, do share.

-alan

[Adi]

Hello Alan:

I can't tell you anything about the Q-AM strap but I can say something about the Absolute strap I optioned for on my new Imago Messenger bag. And that something is a "WOW!"

I'm carrying twice as much stuff around as I was in a Medium Cafe Bag and I hardly even notice there is a strap over my shoulder with the Absolute. It really is an amazing piece of technology, the way it distributes weight to something almost weightless in how it feels.

So if you decide on an Absolute strap I think you'd probably be very happy with how it performs.

Cordially,
Adi

[altano]

I would kill to be able to fly out to the Seattle store. I spend way too much time doing online what could be done in 1 minute in the store. Not to mention I'd get to check out all the other stuff!

Sigh. :(

[moriond]

Is this adapter included with the shoulder straps or do I have to purchase it separately, and if separately, where is the option to do so?

Hi Alan,

I'm sure you've seen this thread about the adapter where Darcy said

The 2" Webbbing Absolute Shoulder Strap adapter is $5.00 and can be ordered by calling us at 1-800-729-9607 (or +1-206-652-4123).

The adapter is separate from the shoulder strap. You could probably email Darcy. (Heck, they took my order for the adapter from my forum post!). So you've already heard Adi's comments about the Absolute Strap

I'm carrying twice as much stuff around as I was in a Medium Cafe Bag and I hardly even notice there is a strap over my shoulder with the Absolute. It really is an amazing piece of technology, the way it distributes weight to something almost weightless in how it feels.

So if you decide on an Absolute strap I think you'd probably be very happy with how it performs.

In the Adapter thread I said

. . . if you've been buying Tom Bihn products since 2004, you probably . . . have bought more than one Absolute strap over this period. This is the most comfortable strap I've used. I won't search for the link to the post from the guy who said it made the weight carried seem much lighter -- since when he put the bag down on his car seat he once managed to trigger the airbag, which goes off at 60 pounds!

OK, here's the reference to the earlier post about using the absolute strap with 60 pounds worth of stuff. It's from a thread titled "My first 2 weeks with the Empire Builder" where the original poster discusses his EB used with the Absolute Strap:

Accessories:

The shoulder strap is easily the most comfortable I have ever used. I move it to my other bags when I need to go on a trip (I’m a OneBagger, at least I try). I may end up buying another one, and I’m thinking about buying some as gifts for others I know are carrying bags a lot. Try this experiment: load up the bag, attach any other shoulder strap you own and carry it on your shoulder for 5 minutes. Then switch to the Absolute strap. It will actually make the bag seem a little lighter.

Here's the comment from the person who was carrying 60+ pounds on the Absolute Strap:

I agree with everything the reviewer said...

The strap is comfortable. The reviewer is right. In fact... how about this one... I am a teacher. Just before midterm grades were due, I put a bunch of papers in my bag to grade... along with a bunch of memos... lesson plans... all divided up nicely in the bag. I put the bag on my passenger seat and the airbag engaged. The airbag engages at 60 pounds. I was carrying around 60+ pounds and had no idea!

For comments on the Q-AM strap, you'd probably have to poll someone like Zephyrnoid. See his comments about the Q-AM strap in this thread.

Hope this helps,

moriond

[Darcy]

The adapter doesn't come with any of the shoulder straps: it's something you can request in the comments field during the checkout process to be added to your order, or order or have added to your order via the phone.

I've asked everyone here at the TB headquarters for their input, and it's evenly split between the Q-AM and the Absolute.

Here's an idea: Order both straps. Return whichever one doesn't work for you back for a credit. We'll include a prepaid return label (please request this when you place your order, citing this forum post) with your order so that you don't have to pay return shipping. We'd love to hear what you think of the straps!