My gear/pack layout from base layers to binos

[eltorro]

Maybe “noisy” in the east and the west are two different things.
I remember counting paces and cadence in the east forests, while in the west one can be successful trotting through the landscape.

 

[Alpha Echo]

100%

 

[yeky83]

Got the Atlantic Rancher sweater, wonderfully warm, comfy, and breathable.

But the elbow patches don't make sense to me. When I bend my arm, my elbow lands either at the very edge of the patch or even off it.

Is it my particular sweater's patch placement? Or are they all like this?

The patches make sense if I slouch and side-elbow, but for anything requiring actually putting your elbows down, the patches aren't quite functional... puzzling. And it's not like the elbow patches are small, it's plenty big enough to do the job. Can anyone check theirs to confirm please?

 

[9487329]

But the elbow patches don't make sense to me. When I bend my arm, my elbow lands either at the very edge of the patch or even off it.

Is it my particular sweater's patch placement? Or are they all like this?

The patches make sense if I slouch and side-elbow, but for anything requiring actually putting your elbows down, the patches aren't quite functional... puzzling. Can anyone check theirs to confirm please?

Yup. I have the same issue. It's the one thing that takes the sweater from being perfect to slightly annoying.

 

[yeky83]

Yup. I have the same issue. It's the one thing that takes the sweater from being perfect to slightly annoying.

Thanks! That helps me be less crazy about it, it's not just mine then.

I'm thinking of creasing a centerline on the patch with an iron so it wears in more that way, maybe it'll help. Still annoying though for an otherwise great sweater.

 

[9487329]

Thanks! That helps me be less crazy about it, it's not just mine then.

I'm thinking of creasing a centerline on the patch with an iron so it wears in more that way, maybe it'll help. Still annoying though for an otherwise great sweater.

I think I'll seam rip it and sew it in the correct spot haha

 

[yeky83]

I think I'll seam rip it and sew it in the correct spot haha

Let me know if it works out!

 

[hilltop23]

Pretty disappointing for a $350 sweater

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Hmm… both? I’ve never used either. I wanted to see if I could get by without one before spending the money on it. On AD, I kept binoculars in the back pouch on my assault pack. For how I was employed (observing and calling for fire from an OP), that worked.

This past year, most of the time, I used a military surplus LBV with an old map pouch for my binoculars and various other pouches for ammo, kill kit, etc. It worked well for keeping everything I could possibly need attached to my body, but the Leica Geovid R 10x42 binoculars were too large (a very tight fit and hard to open and close) and too heavy for the map pouch (it sagged down, away from my body). They ended up hanging by the strap from my neck most of the time, which was cumbersome and left them exposed to the elements. The pouch that came with the Leicas doesn’t seem easy to attach or use on one’s chest.

The rest of the time, I wore my beloved old Filson tin cloth vest. The SWFA 12x32 binoculars were light enough and small enough to carry in a vest pocket (I really like them for the price) and I had a handheld rangefinder and spare ammo on the other side for balance. But I prefer the all-on-one Leicas.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each setup, but the bottom line is that each was inadequate enough to warrant trying a binocular pouch and harness setup.

I’d like a combination that is comfortable enough for summertime with 3-4 pounds of gear over a t-shirt and fatigue jacket (or other collared shirt) while walking 5-6 miles a day. And will still work for cold weather covering about the same distance (which means adding a fleece or sweater and maybe a poncho, I don’t usually wear more than that. I usually keep my warming layers in my pack.).

My typical loadout:
2.5# Leica range-finding binoculars
5-15 rounds spare ammo
Spartan lite bipod in Aspis carrier
Knife
Compass (old habits die hard)
Phone
Inreach
Lighter, etc.

I don’t plan to ever carry a pistol on my bino harness/pouch. If I can’t kill “it” with the rifle that is always in my arms, over my shoulder, or within arms reach, I don’t think a pistol will do me any good. I am hunting in rural CONUS, not Detroit or Helmand.

So, what I would like is advice on how to pick out a good pouch and a good harness system that will work for that. And, if that includes a specific brand recommendation, I’ll consider that strongly. But I really want to know what an informed consumer should look for… Thanks.

Edit - going down to the local store and trying one out isn’t an option where I live.

For what it’s worth, I have now used this for hunting a couple of days, hiking a couple of days, and while walking the dog. I really like the SG Sentinel setup and appreciate the recommendation.

 

[Formidilosus]

Got the Atlantic Rancher sweater, wonderfully warm, comfy, and breathable.

But the elbow patches don't make sense to me. When I bend my arm, my elbow lands either at the very edge of the patch or even off it.

Is it my particular sweater's patch placement? Or are they all like this?

The patches make sense if I slouch and side-elbow, but for anything requiring actually putting your elbows down, the patches aren't quite functional... puzzling. And it's not like the elbow patches are small, it's plenty big enough to do the job. Can anyone check theirs to confirm please?

View attachment 1000675View attachment 1000676View attachment 1000677

I think it’s a trained thing. Mine did that when new, but after wearing it and twisting it how I wanted- it lines up on the patch.

 

[yeky83]

I think it’s a trained thing. Mine did that when new, but after wearing it and twisting it how I wanted- it lines up on the patch.

Hm thanks, I’ll try to wear it in then and see how it goes then.