The Best Backcountry Bino Harnesses

Well, you did it. The research is done, and you bought an expensive set of optics that you were promised would glean bucks and bulls your next time afield. That’s all fine and dandy, but how are you going to protect your investment and comfortably carry them into your hunting spot?

It tends to shock me—even though I’ve witnessed it countless times—when I see hunters carrying their binocular on the standard neck strap that comes with most models. While this is an option to transport and keep them semi-attached to your person, it is terribly uncomfortable and less-than efficient when hiking. Plus, you don’t have any protection covering your premium glass.

The simple solution: Purchase one of the countless bino harnesses found on the market today. These harnesses allow you to carry your binoculars in a chest rig that is secure and, most of the time, offers significant protection from potential field damage. Deciding to buy one of these rigs is the easy part.

Picking the right brand and model that fits your price point, fits you, and is easy to operate is a whole other challenge. Here are a few models you should focus on when considering your next bino harness purchase.

KUIU Pro

The KUIU Pro Bino Harness is the perfect mixture of comfort and protection. This low-profile harness is fully enclosed and offers easy one-hand operation. The Toray Stretch Nylon with a waterproof membrane offers protection throughout the worst weather Mother Nature can throw your way. The harness fits well and offers two side pockets for extra storage while the design allows for a rangefinder attachment to be easily added to the harness straps. This harness is available in two sizes to ensure you have a proper fit for your optics.

$100 | kuiu.com

Alps Shield Bino Harness

Designed for the whitetail hunter that needs quiet gear, the Shield Bino Harness from Alps uses DEADQUIET fabric to ensure you won’t spook that trophy buck. The fleece exterior and suede inner lining are silent, and the waterproof inner membrane will protect your optics from the elements. The main compartments has been enlarged to fit most all rangefinding bino options. The system is built to work in tandem with the Ember Hand Warmer, sold separately, that is made from the same quality materials. This harness will be available in summer of 2023, just in time for season.

$50 | alpsoutdoorz.com

Stone Glacier Skyline

This company has earned a reputation for lightweight, adjustable gear and this harness fits that mold perfectly. The Skyline Bino Harness uses OptikFit technology to make it the most adjustable harness on the market. Your optics are protected by a 3-layer HydraShield Waterproof Laminate for all-weather protection. It is low profile and offers easy one-hand operation. The main pouch has side pockets for extra storage and is fitted with various webbing attachment points for additional accessories.

$119 | stoneglacier.com

Eberlestock Recon Bino Harness

Born from the desire to match the fit and function that the military has in plate carrier systems, the Recon Modular Bino Harness is a do-all system that is completely customizable per user. The 3D mesh harness system is comfortable and easy to adjust. The main compartment is sealed by magnets that are quiet and easy to operate, even with one hand, and it features a large, zippered pouch on the front. The best part of this system is its modularity. Equipped with Molle webbing, it is easy to attach a variety of accessories including utility pouches, rangefinder pouches, hand warmers, bray spray holders and additional Molle panels.

$129 | eberlestock.com

Mystery Ranch Bino Harness

Coming from the famed pack company, the Mystery Ranch Bino Harness is a great addition to any hunter’s kit. It is designed to fit close to the body and work well while underneath a pack. Constructed from 330D Lite plus Cordura it will keep your optics safe while being quiet and lightweight. The pack features magnetic closer for the fully enclosed pocket—lined with soft polyester—and has a front pouch accessible by a zipper to secure smaller items. You can also add the company’s Rangefinder or Tech Holsters to ensure you have all the essentials accessible. The bottom of the pouch features Pals webbing to easily attach Molle-compatible attachments as well. The pouch comes in either 10x or 12x options which fit most all of the optic options in those powers.

$140-$150 | mysteryranch.com

Marsupial Gear Enclosed Binocular Pack

While this pack is more expensive than others, it is durable, rugged, and reliable. The Enclosed Binocular Pack from Marsupial Gear comes in three sizes to ensure a proper fit for your optics. This pouch is fully contained to keep your optics completely covered while afield. It has three durable stretch pockets—one on each side and one on the front to hold extra gear. MOLLE webbing can be found on the bottom of the pouch to allow for additional storage pockets and accessories to be added.

$125 | marsupialgear.com

T&K Gen 2 Bino Harness

The Gen 2 Bino Harness from T&K Hunting Gear is made from 1000D/500D Cordura for great durability in rugged field environments. The forward-opening flap completely covers your optics to make sure moisture and debris doesn’t get into the compartment. The harness has built in shoulder pads that are made from spacer mesh to ensure a comfortable ride during long hikes. There are three different sizes—small, medium and large—that will fit a variety of different binoculars. These harnesses are designed to accommodate a variety of accessory pouches and are made in the USA.

$130 | tandkhunting.com

Browning Bino Chest Pack

Browning knows a thing or two about outdoor gear. The Bino Chest Pack is designed to be comfortable with an adjustable double-strap harness system that spreads the weight across your shoulders. The main compartment features full-coverage flap for easy access to your optics while the side pouches are zippered to hold any additional accessories like a rangefinder or a kill kit. The main compartment also has two stretchable mesh pouches for any extras you may need.

$94 | browning.com

Alaska Guide Creations Alaska Classic

Alaska Guide Creations Alaska Classic with M.A.X. pocket is the ultimate harness when it comes to chest storage. These packs go above and beyond just carrying your optics. While designed to fit a variety of full-size binoculars, these packs offer additional storage built directly into the chest pouch. With an additional front pocket, two side pockets, and the M.A.X. pocket on the bottom, you can keep your must-have gear right on your chest if you need to drop your pack.

$110 | alaskaguidecreations.com

---