A decade or so back, a bino harness was often considered a luxury item. Now, it’s hard to imagine an outdoor recreation kit without one.
One reason for that is that bino harnesses got much better. These nice chest packs can now hold anything from phones to bear sprays. In fact, they can carry so much stuff that it can be hard to pick one for your specific needs.
Looking for an ideal bino harness for your next outdoor activity? Read on to learn about the top-rated harnesses on the market and their best uses!
Eberlestock Recon Modular Bino Pack
The main asset of this Eberlestock pack is its versatility. It comes with a large zipper pocket, stretch side pockets, expander wings, and the pouch itself.
Despite all this storage space, the Recon remains quite comfortable. The shoulder harness is very adjustable, and the strap system will fit anyone. The material is durable and provides decent sound muffling.
Even with a full range of attachments, the Recon won’t shift during crawling or prone-shooting. This makes it a great fit for most hunting expeditions. The one downside is that there’s no bottom magnet to hold the lid open.
StealthRig Bino Harness
Like all StealthRig products, their bino harness screams quality. It’s robust, durable, and offers a great way to carry your bow with you.
The key piece of technology behind this product is StealthRig’s patented Magnet and Quick Release. This technology allows for hands-free bow hunting while being a bit more practical and comfortable than a bow sling.
Beyond the bow and binoculars, this harness has plenty of space for other tools. It’s compatible with all the key attachments, from hydration pouches to rangefinders. The release pouch is also notable for its sheer size.
Marsupial Enclosed Binocular Pack
When it comes to how to choose a bino harness, protection plays a key role. This Marsupial product reigns supreme in that department.
Where this design really shines are the high sidewalls. When paired with the tight-fitting lid, the walls will keep any binoculars dry and safe. The pack also comes with a magnetic lid that provides easy one-hand access.
The material (breathable mesh) is comfortable but can get a bit loud. The pack includes plenty of different pockets for a variety of accessories. That said, the rangefinder pouch could use another attachment loop.
Badlands Bino Mag2
The original Badlands harness was a significant innovation in portability. The Mag2 isn’t as groundbreaking but it does come with some neat updates.
First, there’s the secondary magnet to hold the lid open. This provides space for a large back pocket behind the main optic compartment. This is a nice pouch for a folded map, phone, or portable power source.
Like the StealthRig product, the Mag2 allows for hands-free bow hunting. In practice, though, this harness is a bit “bouncier.” This is probably due to the suspension material causing the straps to slip and move.
Stone Glacier Skyline Bino Harness
Looking for an outdoor gear harness that favors mobility over protection? Weighing in at just 8.8 ounces, the Skyline is a solid option.
As comfortable as this pack is, it does require some setup. You’ll need to adjust the Velcro panel to the height of your binoculars to create a snug fit. Then, you’ll lift and pull the lid forward via elastic straps to deploy the optic.
Due to its small size, the Skyline doesn’t bounce or sag, even when prone. The clear downside is that it only has a few attachment points. The straps are also a bit flimsy and seem unlikely to fit every torso.
ALPS OutdoorZ Shield Bino Harness
Every bino harness review you’ll find stresses the importance of being quiet. In that regard, this ALPS harness is the best you’ll find on the market.
The design of this pack is so quiet that even the zippers don’t make noise. Its lid deploys completely silently, and the fleece exterior won’t amplify the noise you make. If you’re looking to hunt whitetails, this pack is for you.
Beyond these attributes, this pack struggles to set itself apart. The lid doesn’t fit very well, so it doesn’t provide much protection from the elements. The pack’s strap system is also quite prone to sagging and bouncing.
FHF Gear FOB Bino Harness
This FHF product is the most expensive harness on this list. It makes up for it with its variety of features, especially if you include the Foundation Wings.
Though these wings are optional, they add a lot to the harness. They offer enough attachment points to enable a full line of accessories. This includes two rangefinder pouches, a bear spray holster, and a utility pouch.
Another great feature of this pack is its tri-fold magnetic lid. It comes with a secondary magnet that can fully extend or fold the lid. The interiors are packed with noise-dampening fleece — perfect for close-quarter hunting.
Sitka Mountain Optics Harness
With its optics pouch and two removable small pouches, this Sitka pack is designed to be modular. Still, it works best if all the pouches form one unit.
The main pouch is spacious and protected by a very quiet magnetic lid. The lid has two attachment points, allowing it to fit binoculars of different sizes. It also makes it easier to deploy your binoculars as fast as possible.
The two side pockets are great for knives, elk calls, or wind-checking powder. Their closures are quiet, and the hard shell protects them from the elements. The main issue with this pack is that the straps are easy to twist.
What Is the Best Bino Harness for You?
In general, choosing a bino harness will depend on what features you want. Storage space, protection, quietness, and comfort can all play a key role. This buying guide for a bino harness will help you make an informed decision!
Getting ready for your next outdoor adventure? At Specialty Gear, we sell a variety of practical, reliable, and easy-to-use outdoor gear. Take a look at our product selection right now!