Updated January 23, 2022

If you’ve ever used a backpack, you’ve likely wondered how to manage all that excess webbing hanging from the pack. If so, wonder no more. Tame dangling straps with Web Dominator.

What is a Web Dominator

The Web Dominator is a simple strap management system comprising a small plastic clip with a piece of elastic cord attached. Just roll the excess strap over the clip and secure it in place with the bungee-like cord. It’s brilliant.

Tame dangling straps with Web Dominator

The Web Dominator’s usefulness isn’t limited to managing straps on backpacks. Anything with excess one-inch webbing can benefit. Use it on luggage compression straps, lifejackets, or tie-down straps on biking or camping gear. Or use one or more as anchor points on webbing or MOLLE loops.

From the anchor points, attach external accessories such as a compass, whistle, flashlight, hydration hose, tool, rain jacket, flip flops, or some other light object. The length of the cord or the position of the knot can be modified according to the size of the item or the bundle of webbing.

Web Dominator is easy to use

If the Web Dominator doesn’t come pre-assembled, cut the desired length of cord and knot the two free ends together. Sear the ends to prevent fraying. Pass the loop through the cord slot on the clip, and then through itself to attach the cord. Position the clip so the narrow tapered end faces outwards. This should prevent the clip from poking into your body while wearing a backpack. Then, thread the webbing through the two outside channels on the clip. Roll the excess webbing over the clip, and itself, to create a neatly rolled ball.

Another option is to fold the excess webbing back and forth on itself several times to create a small stack.

Finally, stretch the elastic keeper over the bundle of webbing to secure it in place. SnareMan has produced an excellent video demonstrating the process.

Web Dominator is a problem solver

It’s a simple solution to a problem I had previously addressed with elastic bands (that broke or slipped off) and duct tape (that left behind a sticky residue). It has solved the problem of those dangling straps that posed a tripping and snagging hazard.

I used to be concerned about picking up goodness-knows-what when the straps came in contact with unhygenic surfaces. Now, that issue been resolved as well.

While the Web Dominator works best on straps that rarely need to be adjusted, the clip repositions in a matter of seconds if a modification needs to be made.

The clips and cords come in matching colours — black, coyote brown, tan, or foliage green. Some vendors sell clips pre-assembled, each with a fixed length of cord.

Others sell packets of clips with one long piece of cord. This allows the user to custom configure the amount of shock cord needed for each application. A longer cord allows larger items, such as a rain jacket or sleeping pad to be attached to a bag.

Another option: strap keepers

Tom Bihn has developed a loyal following of customers who have purchased bags and accessories produced in Seattle, USA. Everything I’ve bought, from the Synapse 19 backpack to several packing organizers and accessories, have been of the highest quality.

In response to requests from customers to develop a product to wrangle excess webbing, the company has produced the Strap Keeper. Sold as a pair in black or coyote brown, they’re made of ¾ inch elastic webbing and a nylon-coated metal G hook. The strap keepers work with any 1-inch webbing. Like all Tom Bihn products, the site has detailed descriptions and instructions on how to use them.

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. Have you tried the Web Dominator or the Strap Keeper? If so, what’s your experience? What other strategies do you use to manage dangling straps? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

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