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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: PeteA on January 01, 2015, 09:43:00 AM

Title: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: PeteA on January 01, 2015, 09:43:00 AM
Hey Guys, I recently posted a couple posts on binocular and monocular recommendations. Thanks to all the guys that responded with all recommendations. It was a wealth of information for a guy that for years had been using a few different cheapo pairs. I wound up purchasing a pair of 6x30 Leupolds Yosemites. I've been glassing the wooded area around my house for a few days now and all I can say is WOW! These are the best darn binoculars I have ever owned. Relative light and compact, crystal clear and sharp. The low light viewing in fantastic as well. And they didn't break the bank either. They're perfect for disecting the hardwoods areas I hunt in.

So I'm going back to the experts. Looking for recommendations for a versital binocular harness. I've looked into a few on-line and the Rick Yound Ultra Lite Binocular Harness caught my eye. Does anyone have any experience with this or other harnesses they can recommend.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: goingoldskool on January 01, 2015, 09:50:00 AM
I have the cabelas brand of stretch harness that keeps the binos up against your chest. Fully adjustable and very functional.  Highly recommended!

God bless,
Rodd
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Mike Vines on January 01, 2015, 09:53:00 AM
I bought the Sportsman's Warehouse version of the ones Rodd mentioned and I'm completely happy with the purchase.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: LC on January 01, 2015, 10:06:00 AM
I just bought a Cabelas brand that was on sale for $15. SO far very pleased with them. It was the exact same pair a buddy has been using for years and I tried his before buying. On another note IF your binoculars come equipped for a tripod (front cap of hinge screws off and tripod screws in it) Vortex makes a binocular lock that screws in there to lock them in place. VERY handy especially for harness as they want to squeeze your binoc's together when you raise them. Once locked in place you can pull up binoc's with one hand and only have to focus.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: sleepyhollow on January 01, 2015, 10:10:00 AM
I'm looking at the badlands bino harness myself and can recommend the vortex bino-lock mentioned above
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: ChuckC on January 01, 2015, 10:25:00 AM
I suggest you experiment to see what feels right for you.  STart with cheap.  Mount them on a piece of 550 cord just long enough to hang over one shoulder and have it sit at belt level on the opposite side.  It is easily available, out of the way, the 550 cord moves quietly across your shirt or jacket when you move the binos up to view.  Small binos can then be put inside a belt mounted pocket or a jacket pocket to protect them.

The next step will cost no more, the Wensels seem to like this one.  Basically the same set up, but much shorter cord, then the binos go over the neck and sit just under the chin, low enough to be out of the way and leave enough to be raised comfortably to view.

The next step will be a full chest harness.  I have one and use it sometimes (I tend to use the first scenario).  I don't know that there is a ton of difference between the various brands.

Try them all !  Then choose.
ChuckC
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Surewood Steve on January 01, 2015, 10:27:00 AM
Look in to Bino Bro. by The Pack Works out of Bend Oregon.  Holds the glasses close to your chest so you can shoot without the string hitting them.  Can also be used to carry extra flies when fishing with waders.  Karl is also a archer and comes to shoots in Oregon.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: paradocs on January 01, 2015, 10:30:00 AM
Got the Rick Young Ultra lite for Christmas and really like it. Also got an extra set of the quick release rings, so now can switch between my Swaros and Minox compacts in seconds. I tend to wear it as a sling, with the binos below my left armpit, but works great as conventional harness or neck strap...rapid adjustment. Great product; ordered the single post attachment model for our camcorder.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: LC on January 01, 2015, 11:51:00 AM
Dang this is why I have a love hate relationship with this site! LOL Those Rick Young Ultra Lite harness's look like a sweet set up! Ready to pull the trigger but my only concern is that the smaller cord may not be as comfortable with light clothing on! Not much of a problem for me though as my binoc's are mid size and relatively light and use mostly in cooler temps with extra clothes on. Ah heck I'm going to try them! Thanks paradocs!
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: PeteA on January 01, 2015, 12:20:00 PM
LC, yeah the Rich Young harness looks like a great solution. I like all the options possible vs it just being a single harness. The cord looks like standard 1/8 inch shock cord. It seems like it will stretch and conform to your body vs dig in like regular cordage.

I was thinking I could whip something as a DIY project but I just can't figure out the cord adjustment system.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: nineworlds9 on January 01, 2015, 12:44:00 PM
Bino-pac.

 Very comfy, can quick release unclip the binos if needed without removing harness.  Only around $35.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: ALDO on January 01, 2015, 01:18:00 PM
I have tried a lot of harnesses as well and have settled on the ones supplied by Kuiu.  I have both the large and XL.  THey stay put and I can shoot with them on and they protect the binos great.  
ALDO
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Gdpolk on January 01, 2015, 01:39:00 PM
I use and like my Leupold harness.

It keeps them right where you need them and out of the way of the string plus it doesn't let them flop around like a neck strap when walking and stalking.

The leather on the back is thick and strong.  The straps are elastic all the way around which lets you keep them high and tight but still glass and lets you fit them tight with a coat but not be sloppy when you take it off as it warms up.  I'll never go back to neck carry.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Hummer3T on January 01, 2015, 01:42:00 PM
I have the kuiu one, very nice, used it mountain goat hunting in 2014,and for several scouting hikes.  Love it especially for trad shooting totally feels good and is out of the way.

only down fall they are in that 85.00 range.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: hunting badger on January 01, 2015, 04:11:00 PM
I use a coated steel leader and attach a another snap swivel to the opposite  end from the swivel already on the leader, then I carry the binos around my neck and under my right arm. The system is light and cheap and the binos are out of the way  I have several bino harnesses but then are bulk and in the way. Just something to consider.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: hunting badger on January 01, 2015, 04:12:00 PM
I use a coated steel leader and attach a another snap swivel to the opposite  end from the swivel already on the leader, then I carry the binos around my neck and under my right arm. The system is light and cheap and the binos are out of the way  I have several bino harnesses but then are bulk and in the way. Just something to consider.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Ryan Sanpei on January 01, 2015, 04:15:00 PM
Here's one I just made for the New Year!

 http://rysanpei.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-bino-harness.html
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: LC on January 01, 2015, 06:09:00 PM
That's REALLY cool S2! I can relate. I always enjoy your well put together videos and have learned a lot watching them.  I'm always "customizing" my own gear even to the point for the last 15 years I make my own recurves , knifes, strings, fletching, arrows, taxidermy and butcher my own wild game. Thanks for posting!
With that said I still like the looks of Rick Young Ultra lite binoc harness basically because it does all that if you watch his video and see the various ways it can be used. Like I said before the only draw back I can see with heavy binoc's it may not be the best. Plus this is one of the rare times that I don't think I could make it cheaper! It's very reasonable. Time will tell! I've got one on order!      :)
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Ryan Sanpei on January 01, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
Thanks LC! I'll be sure to check it out!

Ryan
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: md126 on January 01, 2015, 06:40:00 PM
Vortex harness works great
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: tracker12 on January 01, 2015, 08:47:00 PM
That Rick Young harness looks interesting.  Like to hear some reviews from guys that  have worn them all day for a week.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Whip on January 01, 2015, 10:53:00 PM
I recently bought a Kuiu harness.  Have only used it about 5 days so far but think I am really going to like it.

I really dislike the standard rubber eye piece cups and wanted something that protect the binos from abuse while hunting and keep the lenses dry in any kind of weather.  The Kuiu's do both very well.  Getting them out of the harness works well one handed.  Putting them back isn't as smooth as I wish,  but is getting better with practice.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: limbow on January 02, 2015, 08:39:00 PM
KUIU, functional.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Jim Jackson on January 02, 2015, 11:02:00 PM
I really like the FHF gear binocular harness system.  I've used lots of different types and really like these.  Here is a   link (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=31;t=001216#000000)  to a review I did a while back.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: ShadeMt on January 03, 2015, 05:34:00 AM
After seeing how well my buddy's KUIU harness worked on an elk hunt I bought one this past spring. I have not been disappointed at all. The binos are held tight to the body plus are covered from the elements and dust.  Another plus to that type of encasing harness is that when my binos are stuffed in a pack or being transported on a trip they are protected as well without needing a separate case.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: La flecha on November 23, 2016, 05:34:00 AM
I struggled with trying to decipher differences between the many rigs.  One thing I DID know was that I didn't want something big and clunky.  If so, i'd just wear a fanny pack on the front!  

I finally looked long and hard at Kuiu which seems to fit all my criteria - except one.  I want to be able to retain the bino neck strap and also have the harness be fully attached when binos are removed.  By luck, I stumbled into Oregon Pack Works and their Bino Bro.  Let's just say I liked it enough that after ordering one for my 8x42's, I ordered another for my little 8x20's and an extra pouch for the RF!

I'll try to get some pics this weekend.  Oh, and the customer service if over the top.  Owner obviously CARES about what he does and is totally hands-on.  I love finding craftsmen like that which also have top-drawer products ;-)
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Ryan Rothhaar on November 23, 2016, 09:10:00 AM
For smaller glass I've never found or observed a better way than ChuckC's first option.  I've been wearing mine this way for a loonngg time -over left shoulder, across body, under right arm for right handed shooter.  Out of the way, protected under your arm from rain if needed, easily accessed and stored, and quiet.  I wouldn't even touch a system that took 2 hands to work.

Leave one end of the string a bit long, and fiddle with length till you find what works best for you.

Cheap, too.... but some folks figure it ain't no good if it isn't expensive    :rolleyes:  


R
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Longbow58 on November 23, 2016, 10:35:00 AM
Lots of paracord bino strap makers out there. That's the way I carry mine around my neck under my left arm. Paracord braid slides real nice.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Bladepeek on November 23, 2016, 10:46:00 AM
I use one of the typical bino harnesses when gun hunting. It's handy, keeps my binos out of the way, especially my 8.5x45 glass. I just don't like it for bow hunting, where I have a fear of the string snagging. For bow hunting, I use a lighter 6x30 set of binos and like the over the shoulder - under the arm on my string hand side.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Biathlonman on November 23, 2016, 12:25:00 PM
I've tried a bunch and have actually come back to just the factory strap over one side so the rest under my left arm.  I liked my binos stuck in a Hill People Gear chest pack before that.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Mike Vines on November 23, 2016, 07:44:00 PM
I have made a complete switch over to Kuiu harnesses (I now own 3 of them).  Fit, functionality and protection are the best I have encountered.  

Do yourself a favor and try as many harnesses as you can, to get an idea of what you are looking for, and or, prefer.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Longtoke on November 23, 2016, 08:41:00 PM
eh nothing fancy, just a paracord strap (need a collared shirt or its painful) I keep them under my arm.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: sticksnstones on November 23, 2016, 10:51:00 PM
I got some nice glass this year and I put them in a FHF Gear harness. I'm very happy with the purchase.
Thom
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: kwc on November 24, 2016, 08:18:00 PM
i use alaska guide creations bino harness, would'nt leave home with out it!
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: kwc on November 24, 2016, 08:19:00 PM
i use alaska guide creations bino harness, would'nt leave home with out it!
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: achigan on November 25, 2016, 08:28:00 AM
I picked up the Sitka harness for my Nikons. 40 bucks, low volume bomb proof.https://www.sitkagear.com/products/big-game/new/bino-harness?color=OB&size=OSFA&gclid=Cj0KEQiA39_BBRD0w-_rmOrc__8BEiQA-ETxXbC-0aTlavFsSwc5yS1Xoq-h0lF0sfHzT9yh-jjbxpQaApNF8P8H AQ
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: tracker12 on November 25, 2016, 09:02:00 AM
I have used the Kuiu and there are a great option.  I just wish they would get some inventory in.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: 1flyfish on November 25, 2016, 02:19:00 PM
Crooked Horn harness is a great one also. Online for 20.00 dollars
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Alvey on November 25, 2016, 03:39:00 PM
I only tried a few always went back to the shoe lace across the shoulder you can carry them under you arm to protect them from rain or push them all the way back to get them out of the way ,completely functional with one hand.they never come off even in a tree stand. just push them behind you when you bent at the waist to shoot.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: LC on November 25, 2016, 06:58:00 PM
Well thanks to this thread I bought a Rick Young bino harness! After two seasons of whitetail hunting I COULDN'T BE MORE HAPPY! I love this harness! It's everything the promo video says and more! So I ended up buying a pair of Vortex semi compact 8x32 diamond backs WITH BINO LOCKS, and a RY bino harness. It can do every thing talked about in this discussion from multiple positions to being compact easily wrapped up and put in day pack when not in use! I can't give enough stars to this harness. Nope have no afflation with them just a great product.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: PeteA on November 25, 2016, 07:07:00 PM
X2 what LC said. Since I posted this thread in 2015 I also purchased the Rick Young Harness. Could not be happier as well. I find I actually use my 6x30 Leopolds more then ever. Great product.
Title: Re: Binocular Harness Recommendations
Post by: Chain2 on November 25, 2016, 08:11:00 PM
KUIU