Binocular harness

[Will_m]

I currently use the standard elastic binocular harness, and have been for some time, but these new chest rigs have caught my attention. For anyone that has made the switch, is it that much of a difference? I can definitely see some level of functionality in it but it also seems to be a product of the tacticool movement.

I like the idea of the binoculars not bouncing and swinging around everywhere but I'm also concerned about the profile of the chest rig and breath-ability. Not having anywhere nearby to actually see one first hand, I figured here would be the next best thing.

 

[elkyinzer]

You can definitely find a place to try one out, even if it's ordering from an online retailer that has a lenient return policy. I briefly tried a friend's FHF harness and the S4 Lockdown and did not think either was an improvement over my setup. I just use the neck strap and and an elastic band around my chest to pin them close. Being an archery hunter I know that the harnesses/chest packs don't get in the way shooting with proper form, but for those contorted "real world" shots, I don't want an extra millimeter potentially getting in my way. Never heard the term tacticool...I like it...and agree these huge bino harnesses are a love child of that evolution. Even my setup gets hot sometimes and I end up just chucking my binos in my pack lid quite a bit. I've given some thought to just carrying my glassing binos in my pack and getting a lightweight monocular for quick use while on the move.

 

[beetlespin]

I think it's way better than the elastic ones. With those it just feels like you are fighting that tension the whole time. Having the binos protected and tight to your chest is nice. I would never go back to hunting without one.

 

[dunner543]

I'm with beetle. Used the elastic style for a couple years and my binos were always dirty and it was annoying to have to constantly put the covers on and take them off if I wanted to keep the glass clean. The harness keeps them a lot cleaner and it is nice to carry some other little things like calls, knife, map, gps, range finder, wind checker, glass cloth, etc right there on your chest. It does give me a little sweat spot where I didn't get that with just the binos sitting there but that doesn't bother me.

 

[wyodan]

It's way better! Made the switch about 5 or 6 years ago, I will not go back.

 

[7-Pointers]

You only have to get smacked in the face/mouth with your binos once or twice when jumping off a boulder while wearing the elastic harness before you realize the value of the secured chest pack. I also avoided the bulky versions and wen't with a slightly modified bino bro (modified to make it easier to get in and out one handed).

 

[Solo86]

KUIU Bino harness is awesome.

http://www.kuiu.com/hunting-accesso...l?dwvar_80010_color=VerdeCamo&cgid=field-gear

quite a few years ago I got the elastic harness which is a step up from having them sway around your neck. Like everyone else, the binoculars end up by your belt and I think I've even been smacked in the nuts with them. While stalking and crawling they would hang down and get in the way so I would always take them off. I tried stopping this by tying a rope to the leather on the back and securing it to my back belt loop so it wouldn't ride up to my neck but I gave up that idea.

A friend of mine had the S4 bino harness and I thought that was the cats meow, which was definitely a step up from what I had been using. I used it one hunting season and was pleased and still would be had I not found something better. Last year I went on 2-1 week elk hunting trips. The first trip one of my partners had the KUIU bino harness and I studying how he would use his bino harness and how efficient and quickly he could get the binos in and out and even with one hand. My S4 would ride up on the back of my neck, perhaps I even synched it down tighter but it still rode up there. I'm a person that if I find something that works better than what I got, and if I am going to use it, I don't hesitate to purchase. So before the 2nd elk trip I had the KUIU bino harness. The binocs were a little tight to begin with but soon formed to my binocs. I can EASILY and Quickly take my binos in and out with one hand. And trust me, it is much better than the S4. The binos are not exposed like on the sides of the S4, does not use elastic around your body so they are absolutely snug on your body. They have two side pockets which I use one for a diaphragm call and my wind indicator. I also attached my rangefinder case to the lower strap that goes under my arm.

 

[Solo86]

I believe that this is probably the minimalist bino harness out there. It does not get in my way of shooting my bow, I put it on every time I shoot my bow and never once has been a problem.

 

[elkbowkevin]

I am quite partial to my horn hunter bino harness. I used it late season and last week on a cold snowy elk hunt. Loved it. Glass stayed dry, fog free, and one handed operation, the RF harness hooks on the side and has a magnetic strip as well.

 

[Gumbo]

I have been using the FHF harness for the last three years and they are WAY better than the elastic standard bino buddies. They stay tight to my chest because they are not elastic. And they don't get in the way when shooting at all. The one thing I don't like about them is that my binos fall out if I lean forward with the lid tucked in behind them. But since they are strapped in they haven't hit anything yet...I've thought about trying Alaska Guide Creations but will wait until these wear out.

 

[Flyrod]

Last year I used the AGC CUB model. While it is nice having the pockets to put stuff in, it got a little much for me. Found the front pocket just too bulky, and although the lid comes down to protect the bino's… They still got pretty dirty. Also found that the tethers interfered with the lid function.
Just picked up an FHF to try this season.

Previous to these I had an S4… it worked fine for what it is too….

 

[PantherCity]

I have the Kuiu and I like it a lot. A buddy of mine has the Alaska guide creations ones and its huge, too big for me.

 

[Ben Nicholson]

You only have to get smacked in the face/mouth with your binos once or twice when jumping off a boulder while wearing the elastic harness before you realize the value of the secured chest pack. I also avoided the bulky versions and wen't with a slightly modified bino bro (modified to make it easier to get in and out one handed).

How did you modify yours? I have a bino bro too, and that is my only complaint with it.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[Dos Perros]

Does anyone make a harness that is secured to/by your pack's shoulder straps?

 

[robie]

I've been using the FHF for the last 3 years. Great harness and the range finder pouch is fantastic.

 

[twall13]

I think it's worth the upgrade for a couple of reasons. I found it a lot more comfortable to carry without my binos bouncing all over the place. I also like that it keeps them a lot more clean than they were on just the elastic straps, especially when it gets wet outside. It's nice that I don't have to stow my binos in my pack if it's raining or snowing; they are protected but still accessible should I need them. Lastly, I found it nice to have some extra pockets for a wind checker, calls, etc. right there handy. I originally purchased a binobro (low profile) and an AGC (more bulky) thinking i'd use them both in different situation but once on I don't notice the extra bulk of the AGC and found it very comfortable and convenient for my use. I sold the binobro and just use the AGC now. It's replaced my case the binos came in for storage all the time, I just grab the AGC with the binos in it and throw it in my truck and I'm ready to roll.

Lastly, my old elastic harness always rode up and ended up digging in to the back of my neck by the end of the day. The AGC is much more comfortable, even with a pack on, and it stays in place. I'll not be going back to the elastic harness ever again.

 

[twall13]

Does anyone make a harness that is secured to/by your pack's shoulder straps?

I don't know of any like that but since the AGC uses standard buckles I would imagine it would be easy to fit some to the harness of your pack and just clip it in their and leave the shoulder straps off. Then you could use it either way, strapped to the shoulder harness of your pack or on the rig provided when you but the harness.