Protec BP-Strap Backpack

Bought a Protec case for an alto sax and thought this would make a useful additon to free up hands when there's a long walk to the bandstand. In practice, the backstrap has proved its worth many times over, either slinging the sax over one shoulder for a short walk, or using both straps for a longer route march.

Slightly fiddly to fit, but not a real problem, although the instructions could be a bit clearer to make sure you get the strap on the right way round first time.

The only improvement I can think of would be to provide some way to tidy the straps when you're not carrying the case on your back. They dangle somewhat irritatingly - I may have to improvise something with a length of Velcro or similar.

**UPDATE** After several years, the backstrop was showing signs of wear - mainly fraying along the seams and an occasional tendency for the plastic clip to unhook itself. I decided to buy a new one (two actually, as I have one for my tenor, too, and it was wearing out as well). Interestingly, the new version has taped seams, so it appears that Protec have discovered that the fraying is a design weakness and they have addressed it by taping the seams. Excellent!

These backpack straps attach to my Protec bass clarinet case. They bring that case into town and back ~4km by foot a few times a week.

They work great, with plenty of adjustment room while attaching easily to the case. It?s a fair amount of weight I?m carrying and there?ve been no problems the past couple months. They?re water proof, which I need as it?s often rainy here. I don?t use the little straps that go across your waist, but they have them.

The bit keeping the straps locked to the case is made of two hard plastic pieces that snap together. Over time, especially if you?re constantly attaching and removing them, that part might wear out. The straps themselves look to be thin foam covered with a nylon material. They?re comfortable for everyday use, but if you?re going hiking/need to have your instrument on your back for long periods of time, you?d appreciate a little more padding.

These straps save my hands from carrying a heavy case while I?m walking, which is an absolute necessity for me. I couldn?t see owning a Protec case without having a set of these to go along with it.

I bought this backpack strap to fit to my Protec Trumpet/Flugel combo case. It's perfect and takes the strain from carrying the instrument case by the handle or slung over one shoulder with the single shoulder strap supplied.
It's a shame that the bigger Protec cases are not supplied with these backpack straps as standard as it certainly helps keeping your hands free. Easily attached and can be taken off in seconds and stored in the outside pocket of my Trumpet/Flugel combo case when not required. I also have a double Protec Trumpet case that this backpack strap will fit too, so the ease of swapping between to two cases is also a plus point. An essential bit of kit if you are walking any distance or just need your hands free for that post gig beer!!!