UKH

Hi everyone, 

I am looking to replace my sliding chest strap (I think that's how they are called) from a Karrimor bag. Any ideas where I can source one?  

I have contacted Karrimor, but no reply yet.

I have tried the ones that can wrap around the straps, but it does not work.

Any ideas?

Cheers

If you search for "sternum strap" you might find more results

I would probably try a bodge repair if it were me. 

If you don't still have the other half of the buckle, you can get replacement buckles that can be put in captive loops:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/set-of-2-quick-buckles-for-backpacks-20mm/_/R...

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15981446/eurohike-air-tent-bag-buckle-15981446

You could use a pair of plyers to snap the old half off. 

Then you'd just need to sew a short bit of webbing (can be bought /m at a lot of outdoor shops for <£2 a metre) to the one shoulder strap, where the old bit pulled out. 

I would personally use upholstery thread and go overboard on the number of stitches. 

I've bodged bag straps before and it doesn't take any special skills. 

Have a look on vinted for a cheapo rucksack,  quite a few have the same system so could be taken off there. Then resale the bag at a lower price to compensate.  

Thanks, I will search for sternum strap instead.

I have tried doing that, and it did end well . I will give it another go. 

Thanks for the links

It is possible to get the slider back onto those silly gliders, but it's incredibly awkward. Heat up the replacement in hot water first to soften it and try to force it on at the end of the rail - using something as a wedge to open up the glider helps.

Personally though I'd look to sew through the strap to create a non-adjustable replacement, they don't hold much weight so just hand sewing should be fine. Or a decent cobblers should be able to do it if you can source the parts.

Getting compatible squeeze buckles is (almost always) impossible, so most likely you will need to replace both sides - if you want to keep the rail I would advise cutting the webbing off the glider and stitching new on with the glider still on the bag (as above, fitting the glider back on the rail is not easy).

Thanks for the reply. 

I think I will end up going to a cobbler . 

Not familiar with karrimor, but most decent manufacturers will carry spare buckles. Us

Shout out to Osprey who sent me a free replacement buckle despite it being totally my fault - also for designing a buckle that's actually replaceable without having to restitch the webbing. 

try a search for vaude chest strap... looks like a similar end slider thing and only £4... might be worth a try?