Any opinions on the new Kuiu Pro Bino Bivy?

[Where's Bruce?]

Need a bigger bivy for my new Swaro SLC 15X56.

 

[doverpack12]

I just got my harness and accessory pouch yesterday afternoon. I've used the original since spring of 2013 and liked the way it carried and functioned but always wished for more weather protection especially from wet snow or rain. I had actually bought some AGC straps to sew onto the original and make it like the Pro with straps permanently attached to the pouch and independent straps to the binos before they released the Pro version.

I took my time setting up the new harness and at first when taking it out of the package thought it seemed really large as it is taller and sticks out from your chest further than the original at the bottom. After getting it setup and wearing around for a bit I actually like it and don't notice the additional bulk at all. I did have mixed feelings about the pocket on the bottom when I ordered but after wearing I really didn't notice it being there. I use 10x42 minox so not a really large bino and no actual field time with the harness but I foresee no issues or dislikes and if it is as weatherproof as claimed I will be very happy.

 

[coyotecreek]

My thoughts are very similar to that of doverpack. I use mine for the Maven C1 10x42s and ordered the size Large. The Large in the Pro is quite a bit larger than that of the original. I used two of the shims to elevate my binos and there is quite a bit of space on either side. They felt bulky at first because they are larger than the original which was very much a minimalist design, but seem very comfortable now. I like the new fabric, especially if it is as waterproof as they claim. The side pockets are at least functional now compared to the old model. I feel like I can more easily store a wind indicator bottle in them or something of similar size. The harness is a little larger and has a mesh built in which is nice. I like the full enclosure, and like having the bino pouch attached to the harness like most other brands. The front wire is a nice touch to allow you to create more of a triangular shape. Overall I am very pleased.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

you guys that have them already. will a phone fit in the mesh pocket between your chest and bivy?

I wanting one of these in ash or verde in large,but there sold out

 

[coyotecreek]

There is not a pocket there, it is sewn closed.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

thanks for posting i thought that mesh was open in the top so you could slide something in there. my mistake must be to help it breath . is that the steel color? looks darker grey in you picture

 

[coyotecreek]

It’s vias, there is a zippered pocket in the front, but it is pretty thin/tight. Maybe room for a permit or diaphragm call.

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Ordered the Large for my new binos...was amazed it arrived three days later. Only concern I have is the RF holder. The Velcro seems like an unreliable retention method once i actually attached it.




Glass can (and in my case is) a serious investment in coin...I would hate to look down and find my RF gone. I thought I had the option to slide it onto the bivy strap but I was wrong. The general "feel" when trying to access the RF is just awkward. I think I need one that sits vertical.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I also have one on the way . I got the case that goes on the belt. either way i think i run there lanyard witch there sold out of.

 

[doverpack12]

Ordered the Large for my new binos...was amazed it arrived three days later. Only concern I have is the RF holder. The Velcro seems like an unreliable retention method once i actually attached it.


View attachment 119651

Glass can (and in my case is) a serious investment in coin...I would hate to look down and find my RF gone. I thought I had the option to slide it onto the bivy strap but I was wrong. The general "feel" when trying to access the RF is just awkward. I think I need one that sits vertical.

The Rangefinder that goes on the bottom side strap of the harness works great. I did modify my Rangefinder holder slightly following another members post on here. Cut the sides down 1”-1.5” making it easier to get RF in and out quickly and quietly one handed. Worked before and works excellent now.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

The Rangefinder that goes on the bottom side strap of the harness works great. I did modify my Rangefinder holder slightly following another members post on here. Cut the sides down 1”-1.5” making it easier to get RF in and out quickly and quietly one handed. Worked before and works excellent now.

Thanks for the tip on cutting case down, have a new range finder on the way that is smaller than my old one. Kuiu sold of lanyards so i plan on solving that problem with this on on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hunting-La...rentrq:f240d3f416c0a9cadb83a08affd4b8f3|iid:1

 

[Trial153]

Cant speak for the kuiu range finder on the bottom. However I have MR range finder pocket attached to the bottom of my sitka bino harness. Did that couple years ago before a caribou bow hunt and attached it with velco. It was an epic fail as it came off during a stalk. Lucky I found it. I then attached it with cordage woven in. Now it totally soild the last two season. Having it underneath is excellent. Put the opening at you string hand side and make sure the range finder is tethered to somthing.

 

[coyotecreek]

Kuiu makes a rangefinder pouch that attaches to the harness vertically. I wouldn’t trust the velcro either.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

Kuiu makes a rangefinder pouch that attaches to the harness vertically. I wouldn’t trust the velcro either.

what model range finder is in that pocket? just trying to get a idea of how mine will fit. I have on order the leupold rx-1600 i its 3.8 tall

 

[Where's Bruce?]

Found a Marsupial RF holder that works. Kuiu is backordered on tethers (among other things) but I already have one on my RF so I think I'm good to go. Isn't as comfortable as I'd hoped, like my Sitka more but wish they'd integrate a rangefinder pocket into it. Seems obvious to me.

 

[coyotecreek]

will fit. I have on order the leupold rx-1600 i its 3.8 tall

It’s a Vortex Impact. It’s a little snug, but not bad. If I have an animal approaching, i just let it hang out with the lanyard so it’s easier to access

 

[rjf611]

I have been messing with mine for a few days and I’m going to return it and continue to use my original Kuiu Bino holder. Too much added bulk for my 8x 32 swaro’s....the binos are swimming in the pocket and I feel and hear them banging around in there when walking. Perhaps if they made a medium I would reconsider. With my rangefinder mounted like skinny Indians my arm now brushes against rangefinder when drawing my bow and that is just with a T-shirt on. Plus it sticks out further and wider. I liked the minimalist design of the old one and will just have to fabricate something to attach the top straps to the harness.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I have been messing with mine for a few days and I’m going to return it and continue to use my original Kuiu Bino holder. Too much added bulk for my 8x 32 swaro’s....the binos are swimming in the pocket and I feel and hear them banging around in there when walking. Perhaps if they made a medium I would reconsider. With my rangefinder mounted like skinny Indians my arm now brushes against rangefinder when drawing my bow and that is just with a T-shirt on. Plus it sticks out further and wider. I liked the minimalist design of the old one and will just have to fabricate something to attach the top straps to the harness.

are those swarovski's EL model? just trying to compare size to 10-42 slc's

 

[Trial153]

Seems like the insert spaces are are band aid for too few size options

 

[rjf611]

Yes Swarovski el 8x32.
The insert spaces worked great for height adjustment. I just felt there was too much empty space around my binos. I guess I got used to how small the original Kuiu Bino holder is and prefer that size.