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.

 

[Nine Banger]

Dropping in an anecdote from a gear-obsessed wannabe that lives in a tropical climate:

Wash all your wool sweaters (with cold water, on delicate) at the same time.

Pull them out of the washer and the ones you want to wear whilst you fall thru a hole in the ice are blatantly apparent.

 

[Nine Banger]

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

Mines kinda weird too. Mine's probably a body thing and may be too tight. It's a large. Takes a minute to adjust the sleeves and the neck is uncomfortable. Not really because of the size, but because of the lip/roll they put in the fabric right around the neck.

I'm going to try the quarter zip XL.

 

[yeky83]

Mines kinda weird too. Mine's probably a body thing and may be too tight. It's a large. Takes a minute to adjust the sleeves and the neck is uncomfortable. Not really because of the size, but because of the lip/roll they put in the fabric right around the neck.

I'm going to try the quarter zip XL.

I wear XL tops and got an XL, fits nicely and wife approved.

Neck was a bit uncomfortable, and I'm not sure why they designed in extra material in the collar in front of the throat. But after a few weeks of wearing it in everyday, I guess it's stretched out cus I don't notice it anymore.

Quarter zip should also be nice!

 

[Nine Banger]

I wear XL tops and got an XL, fits nicely and wife approved.

Neck was a bit uncomfortable, and I'm not sure why they designed in extra material in the collar in front of the throat. But after a few weeks of wearing it in everyday, I guess it's stretched out cus I don't notice it anymore.

Quarter zip should also be nice!

Yeah...I sat on the couch and folded that material on the neck flat against itself origami style about about 50 times and it feels way better.

 

[mthayr]

The Stone Glacier Sentinel is the best option on the market currently. Get the mag pouch and accessory pouch to put on it. However, I have it rigged to work with this harness-

Airframe Harness

We’ve built the Airframe Shoulder Harness using a skeletonized design which produces a lighter weight product while providing ultimate breathability for the user. This shoulder harness is made from laminated Squadron material and edged with premium air mesh for all day comfort. It also has a...

fhfgear.com

I am going ti try this one next-

Overwatch Harness

The Overwatch Shoulder Harness is a low-profile, webbing-based harness designed for seamless integration with any FHF Gear Bino Harness or Chest Rig. Built for comfort and versatility, this harness provides a secure, comfortable and minimalist fit. It comes standard with detachable bino hangers...

fhfgear.com

Has anyone tried Kifaru's Mesa? Looks like it would be adaptable to most bino packs. Would love to hear opinions on it before buying, as its on the pricier side for just a harness.

@ExoMtnGear this wouldn't happen to be similar to what you're planning for 2026, would it? Any updates on that one?