Kifaru Bino Harness Review

[Oregonhuntrboi]

Photos inbound.

Yeah. A rangefinder fits, but it’s tight.


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I like the idea of that.. are you able to attatch the range pouch on the under side or front ? I typically do not like to run the rangefinder on the harness for I hate when it slides around.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I like the idea of that.. are you able to attatch the range pouch on the under side or front ? I typically do not like to run the rangefinder on the harness for I hate when it slides around.

You could attach to the front for sure. The bottom would be laid flat but I suppose it could work.

The rangefinder pockets won't slide around on this harness.

They also don't slide on the Marsupial if you attach them correctly.

 

[SirChooCH]

They seemed to make a big deal about the front nav pouch and how it could hold your phone for map viewing when dropped open. But the way the bino pouch flap folds open and pins to the bottom of the main pouch, doesn't that make those other pouch attachments unusable?

I guess what I am asking is are you reviewing the system/pouches as well since that was kinda their selling point over competition was no magnets and a dedicated nav pouch?

 

[Howard Mee]

They seemed to make a big deal about the front nav pouch and how it could hold your phone for map viewing when dropped open. But the way the bino pouch flap folds open and pins to the bottom of the main pouch, doesn't that make those other pouch attachments unusable?

I guess what I am asking is are you reviewing the system/pouches as well since that was kinda their selling point over competition was no magnets and a dedicated nav pouch?

I do not have any of the accessories. Just what you see in the pics above


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[WBrim]

I went off this sizing chart.
Also for reference: (if you can see these pics.)

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This size chart is different from the one I found to reference on the Kifaru website (which is in the link on your post #18) It makes me a bit concerned, as I use Vortex vipers. This chart shows a small, but the one I used to order recommended a medium. I wonder what went into having different charts.
If your 10x50s are a bit snug, it should be about right for my 10x42s (I hope).

Thanks for all the insight on this. Good info

 

[TheBootBowhunting]

This size chart is different from the one I found to reference on the Kifaru website (which is in the link on your post #18) It makes me a bit concerned, as I use Vortex vipers. This chart shows a small, but the one I used to order recommended a medium. I wonder what went into having different charts.
If your 10x50s are a bit snug, it should be about right for my 10x42s (I hope).

Thanks for all the insight on this. Good info

I ordered smalls for my SLC 10s and Maven B1.2 8s. But Id rather the harness take a bit to loosen up so I dont have extra room. I used small in marsupial and fhf for both, so I went with small. I also run cups all the way down. If you run them up, that could make a difference.

As far as the website charts....they need some work. Same binos, same size from 8x to 10x show 2 different size harnesses.

Just for a visual representation of how the website charts need work....its shows the SLC 10x42s on the left as medium, and the B6 12x50s on the right as small.

 

[footingit]

Three loops in the back for strap placement.

I currently have mine on the top loop.

Mesh pocket in the back between you and the harness.

Three Molly loops on the bottom.

Two pocket on the underside of the lid

Another front pocket

Front view open

Front view closed

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Yeah that fit and finish does look disappointing. Lots of uneven edges all around and the PALS webbing looks quite sloppy, especially on the bottom.

My main questions I’d love to see answered in the review:

1. How well does it work with MOLLE attachments? It looks like attaching items to the front might interfere with the lid. Is the nav pouch still useful with the lid open? Lots of folks will want to know how well the system as a whole works together.
2. Water / dust resistance
3. Level of protection / retention. Is it well padded? Does it retain binos well when you’re scrambling, crawling, bending over, etc?
4. Curious to see how various aftermarket tether options work. Tethers are a must for me and many others, so I’d like to see how easy it is to add something and if it gets in the way at all. Eg reduces retention of the closed lid.

 

[PNWGATOR]

The craftsmanship on this thing looks ‘cheap’.

Sad.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

I was really interested in this whole progression. This really misses for me. While I haven’t actually seen one in person, it looks bulky and that top folded down looks like it would stand a good chance of rubbing a bow string. No retention straps is a dealbreaker for me. I’m way too clumsy.

 

[TheTone]

I wish you could get one without the front webbing/molle. I’m pretty minimalist with what I carry in my bino pouch so doubt I would ever add something there

 

[justin davis]

The craftsmanship on this thing looks ‘cheap’.

Sad.

Huh? Got mine. The craftsmanship is top notch in my opinion.

 

[TheBootBowhunting]

that top folded down looks like it would stand a good chance of rubbing a bow string.

I can’t see how it would even be remotely close. That low under your chest, the bowstring shouldn’t be anywhere near that at draw.

 

[GoatPackr]

I really wish they had made it with some way to carry a small framed pistol. Maybe velcro under the lid so you could use their velcro pistol holster. I would have already ordered one and have a few other buds that were also ready to pull the trigger. We were hoping for something like their steelhead chest rig.

Kris

 

[justin davis]

I can’t see how it would even be remotely close. That low under your chest, the bowstring shouldn’t be anywhere near that at draw.

Yea forsure. I’ve been shooting my bow with it on. It’s no where close to hanging out. It hangs out less than my marsupial one

 

[Justin Crossley]

The craftsmanship on this thing looks ‘cheap’.

Sad.

Huh? Got mine. The craftsmanship is top notch in my opinion.

A few seams on mine are not quite what I would consider typical Kifaru quality. I don't see anything that will impact performance, but it's not quite as refined/clean as all the other Kifaru products I have and have had over the years. My guess is they are just working through some training as they get their new facilities up and running.

I have all the accessory pouches on order and am interested in how everything works together.

I've now used the harness for a couple of NRL Hunter matches and some bear hunting. It's pretty snug on my EL Range TA binoculars which some people will love and others won't. I had no issues getting my binoculars in or out while on the clock at the matches. I did notice that the lid didn't always close fully over the top/back of the harness when I was in a hurry. I may need to mess with the shock chord adjustment some more.

I like the little pouch in front of the binos for my electronic earplugs. That was the perfect spot for those at the matches.

 

[azjason]

A few seams on mine are not quite what I would consider typical Kifaru quality. I don't see anything that will impact performance, but it's not quite as refined/clean as all the other Kifaru products I have and have had over the years. My guess is they are just working through some training as they get their new facilities up and running.

I have all the accessory pouches on order and am interested in how everything works together.

I've now used the harness for a couple of NRL Hunter matches and some bear hunting. It's pretty snug on my EL Range TA binoculars which some people will love and others won't. I had no issues getting my binoculars in or out while on the clock at the matches. I did notice that the lid didn't always close fully over the top/back of the harness when I was in a hurry. I may need to mess with the shock chord adjustment some more.

I like the little pouch in front of the binos for my electronic earplugs. That was the perfect spot for those at the matches.

What size harness are running for your EL Range binos?

 

[Justin Crossley]

What size harness are running for your EL Range binos?

I have the medium, and it's snug but fits.

 

[azjason]

I have the medium, and it's snug but fits.

It also appears some photos that the lower buckles might be to far back. In other worlds doe it interfere with your shoulder straps on your pack? It looks the shoulder straps would come right over the buckles possibly digging into your side with a pack on.

 

[HuntHarder]

Looks like a prototype. Seems unrefined and kind of thrown together. Does it have any rigidity when open so it is an easy 1 handed in and out operation? The lack of tethers is mind boggling. Why not have them and have the option to quick disconnect them? Not a chance this will replace my marsupial.

 

[Howard Mee]

Looks like a prototype. Seems unrefined and kind of thrown together. Does it have an rigidity when open so it is an easy 1 handed in and out operation? The lack of tethers is mind boggling. Why not have them and have the option to quick disconnect them? Not a chance this will replace my marsupial.

No rigidity. I would call it a soft case.


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