Neoprene has been used in all sorts of hunting and fishing equipment for a variety of reasons. Browning used it in a big game rifle sling specifically for comfort. As you walk, especially through wooded or mountainous terrain, your body moves up and down. The neoprene pad on this sling will absorb the shock from this motion, allowing the gun to comfortably "bounce" a short distance as you scout or make your way to your stand.