MR quick draw bino harness

[PantherCity]

Very good evaluation and report...thanks much.

I have tried a number of bino harness setups from various manufacturers and have yet to find one that didn't have me feeling like I suddenly grew a set of 38DDs. Every harness/pouch combo I've tried just projects too far off my chest. I'm just not happy with the extra bulk out there. The reality is that I really don't benefit much from that level of padding and protection. I don't why, but I keep thinking someone will make an ultra-low profile bino harness which does the whole security, weather protection and easy access thing while not projecting an extra 2+ inches in front of my binoculars as I normally carry them.

The Kuiu is the smallest one out there. I don't think it adds much bulk

 

[charvey9]

Here is my thoughts. I ordered on up from BO and it came in yesterday. I have pair of Swaro 8x32 EL's, which are fairly compact bino.

The good:
I like the overall material, weight, and comfort of the shoulder/back straps on the harness. The lid also completely enclosed and looks to be just about weathertight.

The bad:
My binos fit just fine in the harness when flattened out, but I have a fairly narrow face and have to fold my binos almost all the way in for them to fit properly for viewing. When the binos are folded like that, they were fairly tight in the harness, which made it a two handed operation to get them in/out. The front, back, and bottom are lined with fairly rigid foam...roughly 3/16" thick. I removed the foam pad from the front, which made it a little easier to get the binos in and out...but still not very quick or quiet.

The plastic clasp on the front is held in place with a magnet, and makes a pretty noticible "click" when opening and closing the lid.

The side buckles that attach straps to the harness are also small. I found it difficult to get them on / off with my cold weather gloves.

As noted above, I was also surprised by the lack of hardware. Tri-slides for the bino straps, etc.


All things considered I think it is a comfortable, very secure, weather tight harness at a good price. However, if you are also looking for easy access and quiet bino harness, it misses the mark.

I have already put a return request to BO.

 

[blackovis]

Kotaman, The AGC X50 Classic fits those HD-B's nicely!

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Profile and shots with demo Maven B2's. They don't fit in this particular harness. I have the same problem as mentioned above, my narrow eyes make it so getting the binocs in and out one handed isn't possible.

 

[blackovis]

Those Maven's are a bit bigger than most. Have you tried the AGC harnesses yet MT_Wyatt? Looks like you would need the x50 classic to fit those.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Those Maven's are a bit bigger than most. Have you tried the AGC harnesses yet MT_Wyatt? Looks like you would need the x50 classic to fit those.

I haven't, but I was looking at your website last night and the very helpful blog post on those, looks like the ticket for me. I prefer as small of a profile as possible, but that's hard to get away with on the B2's....looks like the AGC might have a bit of bulk on the front to it to me, but it certainly looks like they've thought things through.

 

[Kotaman]

Kotaman, The AGC X50 Classic fits those HD-B's nicely!

Yes, but I don't like feeling like I'm wearing a backpack on my chest. I'm currently using the AGC KISS with my HD-B's and though tight, they work, but I'm always looking for a "better mouse trap"! I'm going to try the new Sitka Harness in the XL size this year and possibly the Marsupial Pouch in the larger size.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Yes, but I don't like feeling like I'm wearing a backpack on my chest. I'm currently using the AGC KISS with my HD-B's and though tight, they work, but I'm always looking for a "better mouse trap"! I'm going to try the new Sitka Harness in the XL size this year and possibly the Marsupial Pouch in the larger size.

Having the same debate myself - I like the Kuiu system mainly for the low profile and fold forward feature. Both of those you named seem to fit hat bill in a more low profile manner.

 

[Kevin Dill]

Yes, but I don't like feeling like I'm wearing a backpack on my chest. I'm currently using the AGC KISS with my HD-B's and though tight, they work, but I'm always looking for a "better mouse trap"! I'm going to try the new Sitka Harness in the XL size this year and possibly the Marsupial Pouch in the larger size.

I thought maybe I was weird. I hear so many guys talk about their favorite bino harness and ALL of them feel like a 5 pound tumor on my sternum. I can't stand things bulging out in front. I've had harnesses by several good names and none of them is lo-pro enough to suit me. I bought an AGC KISS rig last fall and it's laying in the package beside my desk here. I tried it on and though I think it's well made, it suffers me to put up with the tumor again. I need to get it listed and sold.

The only setup that has really satisfied me decently is something I suppose most guys here would have zero interest in. Gray Wolf Woolens makes a Bino Saver which amounts to a simple (but nice) pouch/cover with a single elastic web strap which encircles the chest. Binocs are worn per usual with a good neoprene strap, but the Bino Saver covers the entire glass and secures it snugly to the chest. There is no flap or closure involved, and the whole setup is dumb simple.

 

[Trogon]

Good thread. I've been looking for a bino pack for a while and nothing seems to be quite right for me. The FHF looks to be the closest contender so far. Will be following along to updates on your quest!

 

[Kevin Dill]

After looking at a bunch of new and different binoc harness/pouch combos I decided it was time for drastic action. I took my new (sales tags on it) AGC harness and cut the heck out of it. I used my Havalon to carefully cut stitches and fabric, removing every last unwanted piece of extra webbing, side pockets, top pockets...I mean I stripped it down. I basically have a harness and a pouch. I had almost a double handful of material to toss away. The pouch is lighter and more flexible now. It looks cleaner and less busy. I'm still studying it to see if I can remove more or alter it to lighten it. I think I'm liking the result, though not a great feeling to start cutting away at $100+ gear.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

After looking at a bunch of new and different binoc harness/pouch combos I decided it was time for drastic action. I took my new (sales tags on it) AGC harness and cut the heck out of it. I used my Havalon to carefully cut stitches and fabric, removing every last unwanted piece of extra webbing, side pockets, top pockets...I mean I stripped it down. I basically have a harness and a pouch. I had almost a double handful of material to toss away. The pouch is lighter and more flexible now. It looks cleaner and less busy. I'm still studying it to see if I can remove more or alter it to lighten it. I think I'm liking the result, though not a great feeling to start cutting away at $100+ gear.

You mind throwing a pic up of how that came out? The B2 is just a bit too much for the L Kuiu bino harness, so I'm in the market....might just go XL on the Kuiu, but I like options.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Yes, but I don't like feeling like I'm wearing a backpack on my chest. I'm currently using the AGC KISS with my HD-B's and though tight, they work, but I'm always looking for a "better mouse trap"! I'm going to try the new Sitka Harness in the XL size this year and possibly the Marsupial Pouch in the larger size.

So I finally handled the new XL Sitka one at BHA this weekend - I'm thinking that thing is THE mousetrap. I was very impressed with the design, closure, and it is truly low profile. Can't really tell until I run around with it, but it really seems like they nailed it. Pre-ordering one, I'll be interested to compare notes with you.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

For anyone else looking at the new Sitka Harness: I posted a question to the Black Ovis crew on this harness - they indicated there is no "quick detect" on the bino tethers, but they reach to about thigh level. So you can connect to a tripod.....but you can't walk away without taking the harness off.


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