Firefighter Radio Strap Guide
Where does the radio strap go: over or under turnout gear?
It depends on your department's SOPs. Most firefighters wear the strap under turnout gear so the radio stays accessible through the coat's radio pocket or lapel flap. Some wear it over the coat for faster access on non-fire calls. When in doubt, follow your department's policy or ask your officer.
How to attach the strap
- Loop the strap over your shoulder like a sling, with the radio platform sitting chest-high on your dominant side.
- Route the tail across your back or torso and clip or thread it per the hardware on your strap.
- Add the anti-sway strap around a fixed point, most commonly your SCBA shoulder strap or turnout coat strap, to keep the radio from swinging during movement.
- Check the radio face is visible and the PTT button is reachable without removing gloves.
Do I need the anti-sway strap?
For interior work, yes. Without it, the radio swings freely and can snag, rotate, or shift out of reach in low-visibility conditions. The anti-sway strap anchors the radio body so it stays flat against your chest.
Choosing an anti-sway length
- Shorter length: fits compact chest profiles, or when attaching to a narrow SCBA strap.
- Longer length: needed when routing around a thicker SCBA harness or a bulkier turnout coat.
- Not sure? Measure the circumference of whatever you'll wrap the strap around (SCBA strap, coat lapel, etc.) and contact us. We'll point you to the right option.
Sizing the radio strap
Radio straps are sized primarily by radio width, not body size. Before ordering:
- Check your radio manufacturer's specs for the radio body width (not including the antenna).
- Note whether you use a speaker mic, since it affects how the radio sits in the platform.
- If your radio is at the edge of a size range, sizing up gives a more secure fit.
Shop radio straps
- Custom Radio Strap with Anti Sway Strap — interior firefighting and full SCBA use, includes anti-sway hardware.
- Fixed Length Radio Strap with Anti-Sway Strap No Holster — a fixed-length strap with anti-sway included, no holster.
- Anti Sway strap only YOU pick the length! — upgrade an existing strap or replace a worn anti-sway.
Still not sure about fit?
Fit depends on your specific gear combination: SCBA brand, turnout coat cut, and radio model all factor in. Contact us with your radio model and gear setup and we'll help you get the right configuration before you order.