[FOX_111]

The thick strip help break the flat spot on the back and on the head. But it's not really nessesary if you add local vegetation.

The strands will shrink a little once it get wet, dirty and dried. Be carefull not to put long strand near your face/neck and arms. Or you will end up crawling on it or it getting too much in your face.

For crawling, I just hold my rifle from the bipod and rest it on my arms. That way, the rifle point forward and it's not getting tangled in the brushs. IMO, it's better than a 2 arms rest crawl like it's so often seen. When on all 4, I just old it in one hand and "walk" walk with it. The rifle get dirty that way, since it's mostly resting on the ground, so you have to be carefull not to dirty it too much or rest it in a way so your weight break it.

The sling is only used for long travel (walking upright) or for steading the rifle when aiming with not resting position. A properly used sling for stabilising the rifle is a very good thing. You can hold that heavy rifle up in place with less effort and your aim will be much steadyer.