Panzerfaust77 no they aren't very comfortable if you are trying to sleep with your tunic on and your gear removed. But when wearing your gear they were very comfortable and the internal strap bore the load of the belt and gear on the shoulders. Once they introduced the Y-Straps the belt hooks and and internal traps for them were removed. They put the hooks back in when on leave when wearing just their belts and buckle as per regulations. Till the Y straps were introduced the belt hooks and internal straps supported the belt and all the gear that hung from the belt.