Bino Harness Buying Guide
For a hunter, binoculars are an indispensable tool. They allow us to scout game from a distance, observe movement, and assess the terrain with precision. However, the traditional neck strap that accompanies binoculars can be a source of discomfort and inconvenience during those long hours in the field. Enter the unsung hero piece of gear: the hunting bino harness.
In this article, we’ll give you all of the information you need to upgrade that pitiful neck strap that came with your glass. We’ll begin by exploring the various types of harnesses available and how they cater to the unique needs of hunters. You’ll gain insights into critical considerations when choosing a harness, such as size, weight, durability, and additional features that can elevate your hunting experience. We’ll also highlight some of the most popular bino harnesses currently on the market
Whether you’re gearing up for the next hunting season or looking to optimize your existing setup, join us in uncovering the world of binocular harnesses. By the end of this guide, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and insights needed to make an informed choice—one that enhances your hunting prowess and ensures that your binoculars are not just an accessory but a vital tool in your pursuit of the perfect hunt.
Understanding Bino Harnesses
A binocular harness, often referred to as a “bino harness,” is a specialized carrying system designed for securely holding binoculars against the chest or torso during various outdoor activities like hunting, birdwatching, hiking, or wildlife observation. It typically consists of adjustable straps, holsters, and attachment points explicitly designed to accommodate binoculars.
Definition And Function Of A Bino Harness
The primary function of a bino harness is to offer a hands-free and comfortable method of carrying binoculars. It accomplishes this by distributing the weight evenly across the upper body, reducing strain and discomfort often associated with traditional neck straps. This hands-free operation enables users to keep their hands available for other tasks, like holding a rifle, camera, or navigating rough terrain, making it especially advantageous for hunters. Furthermore, the harness provides stability, preventing binoculars from swinging or bouncing, ensuring a steady and clear view, even when tracking fast-moving wildlife. Additionally, quick and easy access to binoculars is facilitated through secure closures, while added protective covers or cases shield the optics from dust, moisture, and impacts when not in use.
Advantages Of Using A Bino Harness Over A Standard Neck Strap
Opting for a bino harness over a conventional neck strap presents a range of distinct advantages that cater to outdoor enthusiasts and hunters alike. Foremost among these benefits is the remarkable enhancement in comfort. While traditional neck straps often lead to neck and shoulder fatigue during extended use, bino harnesses distribute the weight of binoculars evenly across the upper body, effectively reducing strain and discomfort. This balanced weight distribution proves particularly valuable for activities that involve prolonged binocular use, such as birdwatching or hunting.
Moreover, bino harnesses excel in providing superior stability for your binoculars. They securely position the optics close to your body, which is essential for maintaining a consistently clear and steady view. This stability becomes particularly critical when tracking swiftly moving subjects like birds or wildlife, as it minimizes unwanted movement and vibrations that can blur the image.
Hands-free convenience stands out as a compelling reason to opt for a bino harness, especially in the context of hunting. With your binoculars securely attached to your chest, both of your hands remain free for essential tasks such as holding a firearm, adjusting camera settings, or navigating challenging terrains. This hands-free capability can prove pivotal in critical moments, eliminating any delays or fumbling associated with traditional neck straps.
Additionally, bino harnesses are designed for swift and straightforward access to your binoculars. They often feature magnetic closures, clips, or quick-release mechanisms that secure the optics in place while allowing rapid, one-handed retrieval. This swift access is invaluable in scenarios where you need to spot game or wildlife promptly, ensuring you can react swiftly and efficiently.
Lastly, many bino harnesses come equipped with protective covers or cases to safeguard your binoculars from dust, moisture, and potential impacts when not in use. This added protection not only preserves the condition of your optics but also extends their lifespan, offering a level of safeguarding that may not be standard with neck straps. In summary, the advantages of using a bino harness encompass a significant improvement in comfort, stability, and convenience, making it a worthy investment to elevate your outdoor activities, be it birdwatching, hunting, or other forms of outdoor exploration.
Factors To Consider Before Buying
A good binocular harness is a tool that you’ll be using frequently as a hunter. Good ones aren’t cheap, so you’ll want to make sure that you buy right the first time around. When shopping for a bino harness, consider the following factors before you make your purchase.
Size And Weight Of Binoculars
The size and weight of your binoculars play a pivotal role in determining the most suitable bino harness for your hunting needs. Larger, heavier binoculars necessitate a harness that can effectively support and distribute their weight across your upper body. This underscores the importance of selecting a harness with well-padded and adjustable straps, ensuring a comfortable and tailored fit to prevent discomfort or fatigue, especially during long hunting excursions.
Additionally, bulkier or heavier optics require a secure harness that can prevent them from bouncing or swinging as you move. A robust design and a snug fit are key to ensuring that your binoculars remain steady, even in challenging hunting scenarios, where a clear and focused view is paramount for spotting and tracking game.
Good weight distribution is essential, especially for heavier binoculars. A well-designed harness excels in distributing the weight evenly across your upper body, relieving strain on your neck and shoulders. When your binoculars are balanced and the weight is distributed effectively, your hunting experience becomes more comfortable, and you can stay focused on the hunt itself, rather than grappling with gear-related discomfort or inconvenience.
Comfort And Adjustability
Comfort and adjustability are two critical factors that should be top of mind when you’re in the market for a bino harness. Comfort is paramount because it directly impacts your ability to enjoy outdoor activities like hunting, birdwatching, or hiking for extended periods. A comfortable harness should be designed with padding and ergonomic considerations that minimize pressure points on your shoulders, chest, and back, preventing discomfort and fatigue during long outings. This level of comfort enables you to stay focused and endure lengthy expeditions without distraction.
Adjustability is equally vital for ensuring that the harness fits your body perfectly. An adjustable harness allows you to customize the fit by modifying the straps and holsters to match your physique and specific needs. This feature is especially beneficial when adapting to changes in clothing layers or equipment during different weather conditions. Moreover, an adjustable harness contributes to even weight distribution, reducing strain and fatigue, which is particularly important when carrying heavier binoculars.
Durability And Materials
Durability and materials are fundamental considerations when you’re in the market for a bino harness. These factors have a significant impact on the harness’s ability to endure the challenges of outdoor activities like hunting, birdwatching, or hiking. Firstly, durability directly correlates with the longevity of your investment. A durable bino harness should withstand the test of time, resisting wear and tear from exposure to varying weather conditions and rugged terrains. Opting for a durable harness means you won’t have to worry about frequent replacements, saving you both money and hassle.
Moreover, durability is synonymous with reliability in the field. When you’re immersed in the outdoors, you need gear that won’t let you down. A durable harness can handle the demands of your chosen activities, ensuring your binoculars remain secure and accessible when you need them most.
Considering the materials used in the harness is equally vital. The fabric’s choice plays a pivotal role in determining its durability. Seek out materials known for their ruggedness, tear resistance, and durability in outdoor gear, such as nylon, Cordura, or other high-denier fabrics. Pay attention to the quality of stitching and reinforcements; double-stitched seams, reinforced stress points, and bar-tack stitching contribute significantly to the harness’s longevity by preventing seams from unraveling and straps from breaking during heavy use.
Hardware components like buckles, clips, and zippers should also be scrutinized for quality. High-quality, corrosion-resistant materials, whether metal or heavy-duty plastic, ensure that these components won’t fail due to exposure to moisture or harsh conditions. Lastly, consider the type and quality of padding on the harness. It not only affects comfort but also durability. Look for padding that is comfortable against your body and can withstand wear and tear, with closed-cell foam padding being an example that provides both comfort and durability.
Compatibility With Pistol Holster
Since many hunters carry a sidearm when hunting, some manufacturers offer bino harnesses that facilitate chest carry of a pistol. If you’ve never worn a pistol on a chest harness, you’re missing out! The weight is centered on your body, and the pistol is easily accessible with either hand. If you carry, definitely consider a harness that allows you to use the harness for your pistol as well as your glass.
Additional Features (pockets, attachment points, weather resistance)
Seemingly small features can significantly enhance the overall usability of your binocular harness. Look for harnesses with strategically placed pockets or compartments that allow you to carry small essentials like a compass, field notebook, spare batteries, or a first-aid kit. These pockets ensure quick access to crucial items during your adventures.
Secondly, check for attachment points or loops on the harness. These are invaluable for securing extra gear such as a rangefinder, GPS device, knife, or water bottle, offering flexibility and customization options.
Finally, quiet closures are also important for minimizing noise that could startle game during hunting or disrupt your surroundings during wildlife observation. Integrated lens cleaning cloths provide convenience by allowing on-the-spot cleaning of your binoculars’ lenses. Adjustable straps and buckles ensure a secure and customizable fit, accommodating different body sizes, clothing layers, and gear configurations.
Popular Bino Harness Brands And Models
When it comes to binocular harnesses, there’s a diverse range of brands and models to choose from. Whether you prefer a chest or shoulder harness, these trusted brands offer various models to suit your specific needs, ensuring a hands-free and hassle-free experience during your outdoor adventures. Explore the options below and find the perfect binocular harness to enhance your field of view.
Marsupial Bino Harness
Features
- Super durable fleece lining makes sliding binoculars in and out virtually silent
- Quieter in cold weather and when hunting from a tree stand
- Elastic side pockets
- Molle webbing on the bottom
- Rear Cell Phone Pocket
- Front zippered pocket
- Included removable quick disconnect safety tethers
- Secures open and closed with magnets on the bottom and top of the pack
FHF Gear FOB Bino Harness
Features
- Standard Dimensions: 7″H x 5.25″W x 2.5″D
- Large Dimensions: 8.75″H x 6″W x 2.75″D
- Fully enclosed
- Ultra-quiet stretch nylon exterior and fleece lined interior
- Bi-fold lid and a magnetic closure system
- Stiff but shapable front bar allows you to custom shape the harness to your binos
- Full-size, stretch pocket on the front
- Air mesh backing for increased breathability
- Rear pocket for small item storage
- Laser-cut MOLLE panels on each side
- Bottom MOLLE panel and loop attachment points for accessories
KUIU Bino Harness
Features
- Exterior Size Large: 8″L x 6.5″W x 3.25″D (Fits Bino height 6.75″ or less)
- Exterior Size X-Large: 9″L x 7″W x 3.75″D (Fits Bino height 6.75″-8″)
- Two side accessory pockets
- Overlapped forward-folding lid
- Zippered front pocket for licenses, ballistic data card, or mouth calls
- Internal foam shims for optimal bino height
- Adjustable-cinch lid
- Compatible with KUIU bino harness accessories
- Hook-and-loop bottom accessory attachment panel
- Pro Hydration Rig compatible (sold separately)
Sitka Bino Harness
Features
- Magnetic front binocular flap opening
- Quiet brushed polyester face textile
- Modular side pockets along with zippered and stash pockets on the back
- Molle compatible chassis
- Internal lens cloth
- Quick detach binocular attachment
Vortex Bino Harness
Features
- Dimensions: 8.5″H x 7.5″W x 4″D
- Weight: 14.6 oz
- Generous front zippered pouch with shell loops
- Side pockets
- Zippered pocket on the rear face
- Elastic sleeves on the top hold additional items
- Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime Vortex VIP Guaranteed
- Manufacturer Item Number: P300
Badlands Bino Harness
Features
- Hypalon Reinforcements
- Aramid Bartacking on Stress Points
- Backpack-Friendly Harness
- Bow Hook
- Ventilated Shoulder Straps
- Hydration Compatible (Up to 1L)
- Holds Up to 12 x 50 Binoculars
- External Lash Points
- Bino Connect™ Compatible
Muley Freak Game Changer Bino Harness
Features
- Dimensions: 7.75″H x 6″W x 3.75″D
- NO MAGNETS
- 100% Enclosure
- One Handed Operation
- Whisper Quiet
- Lightweight (bino pack + yoke = 14 oz )
- Low Profile
- Dual Front Pocket (second pocket pleated zip)
- Stretch Front, Side, and Back Pockets
- Rear Pocket (Cell Phone/Phone Skope)
- Dedicated Rangefinder Pouch
- Wolf Gray Rangefinder Cord Leash (included)
- Custom Accessory Pouch w/ Bullet Holster
- Custom Muley Freak Logo Zipper Pulls
- Side Wing Gate Keepers
- Molle Bottom Webbing For Future SideArm Holster
Eberlestock Bino Harness
Features
- Large Internal Dimensions: 8.5″H x 5.5″W x 2.5″D
- Small Internal Dimensions: 7.25″H x 5.5″W x 2.5″D
- Weight: 13.6 oz.
- Magnetic closure to keep binos secure and accessible
- EMOD compatible with six available accessories
- Easy access large front zipper pocket
- Dual side stretch pockets
- Adjustable forward-pull shoulder harness
- Low profile MOLLE compatible wings
Kifaru Bino Harness
Features
- One handed operation with an adjustable hood
- Six pockets (three in the front, one in the back and two small pockets in the lid)
- Molle on the front and bottom to attach accessories
- 1” Rhodesian style straps x webbing with three slots to adjust the ride height
- Very thin and rides under a pack harness very well
Mystery Ranch Bino Harness
Features
- Fits most 10x binoculars (height 6.75″ or less)
- One-handed, quick access design with magnetic closure
- Zippered front pocket
- Stretch front and side pockets
- Soft inner lining
- Quick attach adjustable harness with web retention
- Quick attach lanyards for binoculars that attach over shoulders to harness
- Breathable spacer mesh on the body panel of the bag serves as a pocket
- Designed to work with and without a backpack
- Works with MYSTERY RANCH Rangefinder Holster and Tech Holster
- PALS web on bottom of bag for attachment of MOLLE accessories including the MYSTERY RANCH Bear Spray Holster
Leupold Bino Harness
Features
- Carries binoculars secure and protected
- Elastic-free design
- Adjustable nylon webbing straps
- Bungee-close, full-flap lid
- Durable nylon shell
- Tether straps
Alaska Guide Bino Harness
Features
- Waterproof/dustproof
- Attaches to any AGC Bino Pack (not included)
- Compact and lightweight
- Fits in any pocket of the AGC Pack
- Made in the USA
Stone Glacier Bino Harness
Features
- Weight: 8.8 oz (R)
- OptikFit™ Patent Pending Technology
- Textile: 3-layer HydraShield™ Waterproof Laminate
- Forward Opening Lid
- Minimalist Design
- Fits binos up to 7″ tall
- Accessory Compatible
- Universal Webbing Attachment Points
- Side Pockets
- Back Panel Pocket
- Made in the U.S.A.
T&K Bino Harness
Features
- 1000D/500D CORDURA
- 3.0MM Military Spacer Mesh
- Cordura Nylon Webbing
- 1” Elastic Nylon
- #5 YKK Zipper
- 550 Cord Zipper Pulls
- 1” Auto Lock Buckles
- 1” Grosgrain Binding
- 1” D Rings
- #69 Nylon Thread
- 3/8 Buckles and Webbing (Quick Release Hangers)
- Made in USA
Final Thoughts On Choosing The Best Hunting Bino Harness
Ultimately, the right hunting bino harness should complement your outdoor adventures, whether you’re a hunter, birdwatcher, hiker, or wildlife enthusiast. It should be an extension of your gear, allowing you to focus on the beauty of nature or the excitement of the hunt without distraction or discomfort. By carefully evaluating your requirements and prioritizing the features that align with your activities, you can make an informed choice and enjoy the benefits of a well-selected binocular harness during your outdoor pursuits. So, gear up wisely and embark on your next adventure with confidence, knowing that your binocular harness is there to support you every step of the way.
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