Particularly interested in still hunters who use them often. If you use a harness was there a learning curve?
I run about 16" of 1/8" elastic cord (the kind used for arm-guards) behind my back with a plastic hook on either end that clips to the existing binocular neck-strap.
Keeps them out of the way when shooting or moving and allows easy use when needed. A couple $ invested.
Leupold shoulder harness. The straps are elastic so it keeps them both tight and easily accessible.
I use a small monocular in the pocket or pocket of my pack.
Around my neck and the binos rest under my left arm. The strap is paracord
Op/Tech USA elastic harness. Never know they're on me until I need them.
Bino/Cam Harness (http://optechusa.com/bino-cam-harness.html)
I shorten my Bino strap so it barely fits over my head and puts the binos under my chin with just enough strap to reach my eyes. They never get in the way and are instantly available with one hand.
The other option is to use Barry Wensel's Monostrap which attaches to your belt in the back and snugs your strap so the binos fit just under your chin.
Both systems do basically the same thing and work great for me.
I'll go with the "under arm" carry option. Requires a bit longer strap than standard, but very comfortable and easy to use for me.
I have tried the harness that places them on your chest but didn't really care for them, they always seemed in the way and I was beating up my binos pretty bad climbing trees etc.. I agree with the under the arm placement but followed a tip I got from a old Alan Altizer video which is to use a longer strap and have them right around your hip, they can be slid around very easily either behind you to get them out of the way or brought up for viewing.. have used this method for a lot of years.
I use the same system Dave Lay uses under my right arm with a long strap of para-cord to the waist. When not in use they hang out of the way. When needed to para-cord is quiet & slides without hang ups to my face.
Hunting from the ground wearing a backpack I have found that the best carry option for me is using the Kuiu binocular harness. Holds tight to the chest out of the way of the sternum strap on the pack yet quickly and quietly available.
QuoteOriginally posted by tippit:
I use the same system Dave Lay uses under my right arm with a long strap of para-cord to the waist. When not in use they hang out of the way. When needed to para-cord is quiet & slides without hang ups to my face.
Pictures?
S4 harness. Used it a couple seasons, really like it. My brother just got the newest version, it works even better than the original.
I tried the harness for a few years thinking it had to be the best way to carry them. After reading Asbell's ground hunting book though (required reading for anyone wanting to improve their ground hunting efforts) I went to the under arm carry with a long strap. I find I use the binoculars more and that they are far more comfortable and out of the way than when using the harness.
I use a Rancho Safari binocular case. It's not perfect, but holds them close to my chest and keeps them covered so they don't get wet or full of debris. I also use the case for my video camera when I want it right there at my fingertips.
I've been using the Crooked Horn slide n flex harness. Keeps my binos snug and ready to go. I always carried binos, but didn't actually use them much until I got this setup.
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/wachatz/NCM_0064_zpslqtybthm.jpg) (http://s44.photobucket.com/user/wachatz/media/NCM_0064_zpslqtybthm.jpg.html)
In my pocket when hunting! When scouting I carry full size pair on one of those type that hold them to my chest.
I use a Bushnell bino harness. On my left side I have a carabineer attached to my belt loop with a short string of paracord. If I want my binos out of the way I just unclip one of the straps and attach the carabineer to the strap still attached to the binos. I adjust my harness so my binos wear low not up high on the chest.
I also use the Crooked Horn Harness.
Thanks for all the ideas, I will try the under arm and cord methods first. This is something I will play around with before season opens.
Does anyone have problems with glass fogging when carrying under your arm in warm weather?
I like the FHF harness that I borrowed from a friend. Crawled about 400 yards while pronghorn hunting n didnt get any debris or dust or anything on his bino's.
Very comfortable and easy to use
Crooked Horn Harness
I hand them to my wife.
My Leica's go in the pocket of my shirt. Well worth the money.
Grouse
QuoteOriginally posted by John Havard:
Hunting from the ground wearing a backpack I have found that the best carry option for me is using the Kuiu binocular harness. Holds tight to the chest out of the way of the sternum strap on the pack yet quickly and quietly available.
A buddy just bought these and I was able to use them for a few days. This is a great system and you don't feel the strap on your neck all day.
I've been using the Crooked Horn harness for years. Easy to glass when I want to and the harness keeps my binoculars close to my chest and away from the bowstring when I shoot. Works for me.
crooked horn is what i use also..
I actually used my brothers bino strap once and just shook my head afterward, maybe old school, but I like some paracord, I make it to where I can adjust it under my strong arm, or if stalking cinch it up to where it sits high chest. Paracord and learning few knots cheap and priceless.
I never really found a harness I liked. I now just slip/tuck them under the front strap of my Safari Tuff quiver and find that I like that the best.....
QuoteOriginally posted by Rooselk:
I've been using the Crooked Horn harness for years. Easy to glass when I want to and the harness keeps my binoculars close to my chest and away from the bowstring when I shoot. Works for me.
X a bunch! Seems to well for me. If I'm wearing a jacket, I put the harness under that, then I can tuck mt binos inside to keep the debris/weather off.
X3 on the Crooked Horn harness!
I've had the Crooked Horn harness for as long as I can remember. One thing I didn't like when hunting out west with it and my 8 x 42 binos is that I couldn't always get them in the right position that was best for both climbing and for using them. Strap tension was a compromise accordingly. For spot & stalk hunting I have now gone to using more compact glass accordingly. Their minimal weight as compared to my usual 8 x 42 binos makes it worthwhile even though they offer slightly less field of view due to their size.
Usually in my pack. I have a piece of parachute cord tied to them and hang them on a bow hook in the tree or when I am in the blind I hang them on my chair.
bought a kuiu harness, should have got one of these long ago, great fit, feel and function.
Crooked horn or, if I'm wearing a jacket, factory strap and binos in the jacket. Crooked horn does let them bang around a little while climbing but I use that as a reminder to slow down.
Badlands Bino Vault.