These straps go around your shoulders and cross in the back. The weight of your binoculars is carried on your shoulders, not your neck. The binoculars are connected to the straps with a quality quick disconnect connection on both sides. This connection is specifically designed to move smoothly and easily up and down the straps. It ensures that your bino's are hanging level and comfortable. The elastic holds the bino's firmer against your chest, while allowing the bino's to be raised through stretching.