(Photo submitted by the author)
October 02, 2024
By Andrew McKean
Bino harnesses might seem immune to innovation. After all, how many variations on the theme are possible? Infinite numbers, if the rise in the number and style of bino harnesses over the past year alone is an indication. But which model is the most weatherproof? Which will accommodate larger-framed optics? Which fits plus-size hunters the best? And which will last for many seasons of hard use?
The only way to answer those questions is to take a selection of units into the field and test them the way you use them. Testers fit each unit to their respective torso and assessed the sizing, range of adjustment, strap and buckle configurations, and—because this is a test of hunting gear—the quietness and abrasion resistance of each model. We added any accessories or pouches the brands sent with their submission, and then put each model through the same dynamic drills. We jogged with each loaded unit on our chest, crossed a fence (both ducking under and over the awkward obstacle), and shot rifles prone while wearing the harness. Testers assessed how the harnesses protected their optic, how well each accommodated a wide range of motion, and how much bouncing, sagging, and lateral movement each harness allowed while we moved through our course.
Eberlestock Recon Modular Bino Pack (Photo courtesy of Eberlestock) This unit offers very good binocular protection, but its superpower is its modularity, enabled by MOLLE-compatible “wings.” We added Eberlestock’s laser rangefinder pouch to one wing and a utility pouch to the other that would accommodate a folding knife, ammunition, wildlife calls or a communication device. Other accessories (sold separately) included a bear-spray holder, a “Quickcase,” and a fleece-lined handwarmer sleeve that connects below the main bino pouch. Stretchy side pockets will handle all sorts of miscellaneous items, and a roomy zippered pocket on the front of the pouch is large enough for a cell phone. The Recon did not shift or move during our dynamic drills, and its strap configuration doesn’t inhibit arm movement. Its padded shoulder straps do a good job of distributing the weight of optics and accessories. The bear spray pouch is a little small, and testers wanted better lid protection for the rangefinder pouch. But in terms of fit, versatility, and binocular protection, Eberlestock’s Recon is a gold-medal harness system. $129 ; eberlestock.com
Sitka Mountain Optics Harness (Photo courtesy of Sitka) This unit features a main binocular pouch and two removable accessory pouches that easily accommodate mobile phones and/or monocular-style rangefinders. Testers loved the brushed exterior fabric that dampens noise and the magnetic bi-fold lid of the main compartment that provides adequate optic protection. The harness is designed to be configured in any way users want, but testers uniformly liked the 3-pouch arrangement. Elastic side pockets on the main pouch handle smaller gear, from ear plugs and a wind-checker to diaphragm calls and extra ammo. The articulated lid is smart, allowing users either full protection from the elements or fast deployment of their optic. The Mountain Optics Harness, which borrows its modularity from military chest rigs, is sized just right for standard 8x32 and 10x42 binoculars, but is too small for large-framed binoculars. $159 ; sitkagear.com
Advertisement
Stone Glacier Sentinel (Photo courtesy of Stone Glacier) Stone Glacier’s new Sentinel bino harness utilizes Velcro “wings” as attachment points for pockets that fit rangefinders, Kestrels, bear spray and cell phones. Its low-profile suspension system distributes weight evenly across the shoulders. But the heart of the Sentinel is the smart magnet-free OptikFit design. Measure the height of your binocular, then adjust both the “throw” of the front-pull hood and the height of the back plate to ensure a tight but accessible fit. The stretchy hood keeps out debris, and the HydraShield fabric keeps your optic dry. The accessories are solid, though we wanted a little more room in the rangefinder pouch for larger models, and the bear spray tether came loose a couple of times during testing. But the main value proposition of the new Stone Glacier rig, its infinite adjustability, is among the best in the field. $139 ; stoneglacier.com
Badlands Bino X2 (Photo courtesy of Badlands) The X2 is slimmer than the OG Badlands harness, and while it won’t accommodate big 15x56 frames, it can handle any of the 32, 42 and even 50mm binos with ease. If you’re not planning to strap a bunch of accessory pouches on your rig, this harness is an excellent choice. The suspension is wide enough to distribute weight evenly, and its “AirTrack” mesh lets your shoulders breathe in hot weather. And its ample pockets—zippered on the front, elastic on both sides, and magnetically clasped in the back—won’t leave you lacking. The bottom of the main pouch has tethers to add bear spray or a handgun holster, and attachment points on the small wings are compatible with their Bino Connect kit. By far the most useful feature of the Bino X2 is the simple plastic J-hook on the bottom of the pouch that solves the age-old problem of bowhunters: what to do with your bow when you want to deploy your binoculars. Simply hang your bowstring on the hook, and your hands are free to glass. $139 ; badlandsgear.com
Marsupial Enclosed Binocular Chest Pack (Photo courtesy of Marsupial Gear) Consider this the platonic ideal of a binocular chest pack. Its style is square and businesslike. Its suspension is infinitely adjustable. Its optic pouch offered the best protection of our group. And it has just enough secondary pockets to be useful without overdoing it. Design elements worth noting are the high sidewalls of the bino pouch that keep dust, debris, and moisture entirely out, and the tight-fitting lid that opens silently and confidently. A lower magnet ensures the lid stays open. Adding to the stealth component, the optics pouch is lined with fleece for quiet operation. Accessories included a rangefinder pouch with the same magnetic lid as the main optics compartment, rangefinder tether, and a very useful zippered pouch that has webbing for internal organization. A rear pocket easily fits a cell phone. The harness comes in three sizes (and 10 colorways) that fit just about any binocular or hunters’ style. $135 ; marsupialgear.com
Advertisement
Vortex GlassPak Pro Binocular Harness (Photo courtesy of Vortex Optics) Along with Stone Glacier’s Sentinel, the GlassPak Pro from Vortex is worth your consideration if you’re magnet-averse. The harness is available on Vortex’s website, but it ships as an added-value accessory with Vortex’s premium Razor UHD binocular. It features a forward-deploying lid that uses elastic cordage for an optics-specific fit and its wings will accept Vortex’s rangefinder case. The Pro has an expansive zippered front pocket, a phone-accommodating stretch rear pocket, and stretchy pockets on both sides of the bino barn. Its suspenders are made with breathable mesh material and wings have ample connection points for aftermarket accessories. $134 ; vortexoptics.com
Leupold Pro Guide Binocular Harness 2 (Photo courtesy of Leupold) Like the Vortex, Leupold’s harness ships with its brand’s premium binoculars but is also available as a stand-alone purchase on the company’s website. The Pro Guide uses strong rare-earth magnets to secure the optics pouch lid, has a good number of secondary pockets and its ample suspension is breathable and adjustable to fit a wide range of torsos. Testers noted that its neodymium magnet closure was so strong that they had to consciously close the lid in order to avoid a percussive, and potentially game-alarming, “clack.” The Leupold unit has ample room for calls, extra ammo, a lens cloth or a wind-checker. Cell phones easily tuck into a rear pocket. Leupold sells accessories—rangefinder pouch, semi-auto holster, bear spray pouch, and a zippered accessory pouch—that fit the Pro Guide 2 harness via loop connections, though testers noted that the ability to add these accessories is clunky and something of an afterthought. $119 ; leupold.com
Kuiu Pro Bino Harness(Photo courtesy of Kuiu) Another good option for hunters looking for magnet-free harnesses, Kuiu’s Pro features a high back wall, removeable foam shims, and an elastic lid that snugs around a wide range of binocular sizes and shapes. With two stretchy side pockets and a zippered front pocket, it can handle those miscellaneous pieces of gear we want close at hand. A Velcro panel on the bottom of the pouch will accept any number of accessories from bear spray totes to handgun holsters. The fleece interior and forward-pull lid are dead quiet in the field. Testers loved the weight-distributing harness but the suspension straps could use some work. We struggled to both tighten the straps and keep the chest pouch level, and even when tightened, it was hard to shoot prone with the Kuiu harness. But the high grade of material, the minimalist design and the overall build more than makes up for the jinky fit. $119 ; kuiu.com
Alps Outdoorz DeadQuiet Shield (Photo courtesy of Alps Outdoorz) This might be the ultimate whitetail bino harness. With fleece on both the inside and outside of the unit, and with a dead-quiet forward-pull lid, you can access your binoculars without making even the slightest noise. That should appeal to Midwestern bowhunters, close-quarters elk hunters, and frankly anyone who doesn’t want to call attention to themselves at critical moments. The DeadQuiet Shield has a roomy pocket in its rear for a cell phone, smaller front pocket, and loops to accept accessories. But you’re buying this unit for its quietude. The suspension is very adjustable and does a nice job of distributing weight across the shoulders. Binoculars are attached to the pouch via elastic shock cords. At under $50, this might well be the steal of the century for a capable binocular barn that will do everything you ask of it. $49 ; alpoutdoorz.com
Alaska Guide Creations Alaska Classic Gen L (Photo courtesy of Alaska Guide Creations) Alaska hunting guide Jaret Owens conjured his first bino harness out of leather straps and later had a shoe repair shop sew little pockets for accessories. The first Alaska Guide Creation bino harness came out in 1971 and hasn’t changed that much in over 50 years. That’s a good thing, because this simple, reliable harness has a very roomy optics pouch with a serviceable lid and just enough pockets for the basics. The Gen L model has an ample front pocket—I run a slate call in this unit during turkey season, and stick the striker in the nylon keeper on top of the lid—and two zippered side pockets that I stuff with mouth calls and extra shells. If there was a quibble from our testers, it’s that the unit sits relatively low on the chest, which makes prone shooting uncomfortable. But the AGC didn’t sag or sway in our dynamic testing. Our crew was mixed on the lack of attachment points for accessories, which is a big sales pitch with modern modular harnesses. But I’ve found Owens’ original minimalist design a feature rather than a bug. MOLLE straps on the bottom can accommodate accessories. $126 ; alaskaguidecreations.com