One of the big decisions a hunter has to make is purchasing a pair of binoculars for hunting. Binos are essential to a hunter who wishes to see his prey before they see him. The next decision is how to protect that investment. Not everyone may see the benefit of a harness, but maybe after reading this article, you will see why we recommend it. Not only does it protect your gear, but it can also save your back and ability to navigate the elements and terrain.
Our Top Picks
Best For Overall
Kuiu Pro Harness
Best For hunting
Sitka mountain optics
Best Value
TideWe Bino harness
Best Binocular Harness At A Glance
Best Binocular Harness Reviews
Below you will find our top picks for best binocular harnesses complete with REAL REVIEW by REAL HUNTERS that actually use each of these binocular harnesses on a regular basis and share what they like and what they don't like about all of the top harnesses.
Best Overall
Kuiu PRO Binocular Harness
The new PRO Bino Harness delivers high-quality binocular protection and is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. The new PRO Bino Harness has a unique soft padded lid that provides total protection for your binoculars. This lid is formed to the exact shape of your binoculars. The lid is completely waterproof and includes a zip that extends out of the top of the lid to create a watertight seal around the entire rim of the binoculars. Simply pull the zip to open the top. This lid will keep the inside of your binoculars clean and dry when used in the field.
A removable, adjustable strap secures the lid to your binoculars. This is a must-have accessory for any avid hiker, backpacker, or photographer.
A soft fabric liner is included to protect your binoculars from dirt and dust. Just slide the liner into the bottom of the case to keep your binoculars clean and dust-free. The facing can easily be removed and washed if needed. The PRO Bino Harness is the perfect way to carry binoculars, new or old. They'll never slip out of place during the adventure of a lifetime.
Pros:
- One-hand operable
- Dead quiet
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Pockets are small
- Add on purchases
Here is a great video showing the features of the Kuiu Pro Harness.
The new KUIU Bino Pro is the perfect binocular carry system that is ready to go right out of the box. Whether your binos are at home, at the office, or on the field, the new Bino Pro will keep them safe and sound no matter where your next adventure or hunt takes you.
Best Binocular Harness For Hunting
Sitka Mountain Optics Harness
Mountain Optics Harness is an effective solution for those who prefer binoculars to spotting scopes. They have made this harness for hunters looking for a solution that allows them to carry their binoculars comfortably and securely without disturbing their primary weapon.
The harness provides quick access to binoculars for day hunts or long term use and other essential tools such as rangefinders, GPS units, cell phones, etc. The harness features a modular layout, allowing hunters to store additional items in its side pockets easily.
The zippered chest pocket can also hold items like a rangefinder or compass. The harness also has two elastic loops on the outside of the shoulder straps that can be used to attach an optional Molle compatible pouch that will carry smaller optics, such as spotting scopes or cameras. The harness is durable, lightweight, water-repellent 600D Cordura Polyester fabric.
Pros:
- Quick detach binocular attachment.
- Magnetic front binocular flap opening.
Cons:
- Could use a waterproof cover on the bino section
- Bino pocket could be larger
Here's a great video showing the features of the Sitka Mountain Optics Harness.
Mountain Optics Harness is an effective solution for hunters looking for a comfortable way to carry binoculars. The harness is a versatile hunting tool that allows you to take everything you need in one place. It is designed to hold a rangefinder or compass. The harness is made of durable, lightweight, water-repellent 600D Cordura Polyester fabric.
Best Bino Harness Staff Pick
Badlands Bino Harness
Don't trust your hunt or adventure to a bino harness case that doesn't hold up. Badlands has been making adventurers of all shapes and sizes feel comfortable and secure since 2004. The KXO-50 material have even more features in a super-comfortable, durable and waterproof bino pack that won't let you down.
The Badlands Bino Harness combines excellent features with a super-comfortable, durable, and water-resistant pack that won't disappoint you. At first look, it may look like any other pack, but its super-dense yarn fabric is engineered with patented Aramid thread.
This lightweight, breathable fabric is treated with Durable Water Repellant (DWR) to help repel moisture, making the KXO waterproof. In addition, it has a soft, comfortable, removable memory foam seat that conforms to your back while providing excellent stability and a comfortable fit. The ergonomic design offers maximum carrying comfort, while the dual-density shoulder straps are padded for added protection and support.
Pros:
- This is a favorite of many of our staff members
- Hydration compatible
- Unconditional guarantee warranty, no questions asked
- Zipper free
Cons:
- Closures and clips can be noisy
This harness is made from lightweight material with a high strength-to-weight ratio. The Badlands harness features bartack construction and reinforced pockets to keep contents safe. You can use the batwing straps on the back of the pack to secure your rifle or bow. No questions asked Badlands will fix it for free forever, and that's the only guaranteed lifetime warranty in the hunting industry.
Best Binocular Harness With Rangefinder Pocket
Alaska Guide Creations Classic
Alaskan Guide Creations Binocular Chest Packs are the perfect tool for the serious outdoorsman or hiker. This pack has plenty of space for a rangefinder, maps, a GPS, phone, snacks, and much more.
The chest pack is waterproof with multiple compartments for storing items and includes a durable, adjustable shoulder strap. A watertight storage compartment keeps maps and other gear dry and a front and back pocket for extra storage and organization.
In addition, there are additional side and bottom mesh pockets for storing small items such as pens, keys, and other things that you may want to access quickly. Tether and harness included. The adjustable strap fits people of all sizes, women to men, kids to adults, and sizes S-XXL.
Pros:
- Bottom pocket
- Very quiet
- Versatile sizing
Cons:
- Too small for some of the larger binoculars
- Sits a bit bulky
Alaska Guide Creation uses innovation, craftsmanship, and quality. These packs are second to none and have been tested in the worst conditions to ensure performance and comfort and are made in the US.
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Best Binocular Harness Value
TIDEWE Binocular Harness With Rangefinder Pocket
The TideWe binocular harness checks all the boxes for the features that you need, but without a big price tag.
This chest harness was brought to me by one of our staff members that was using it last season and he loved it.
It holds your binoculars securely and is super easy and quiet to access.
The heavy duty zipper has lasted 3 seasons so far and is showing no signs of wear.
It is very comfortable to wear, with an ergonomic design and vented in the back to help alleviate sweating under the harness.
I comes in two different sizes, standard and large, to accommodate virtually all hunting binoculars.
It is also the lowest priced binocular chest harness with a rangefinder pocket that we have found.
Pros:
- Rangefinder pocket
- Breathable mesh straps
- Binocular connector straps
Cons:
- Wish it had more adjustment
The Tidewe Binocular Harness has become one of our go-to chest harnesses here at DeerHuntingGuide.net and is the best binocular chest harness for the money that we have found so far.
Best Leupold Binocular Harness
Leupold Pro Guide 2 Chest Harness
Leupold Pro Guide Harness keeps your binoculars fully secured inside the chest case. It's American and tough enough to withstand the harshest elements and conditions.
This rugged, versatile bino harness from Leupold is made to endure a long day on the trail and will keep your binoculars securely attached in place. The fleece lining offers all-day comfort, and the no-buckle magnet closure keeps your binoculars secure and silent. A quick-disconnect safety tether attaches your binoculars to the outside of your backpack for added security when not in use.
The new mesh straps give you improved all-day comfort. There is a generous amount of storage for your calls, wind checker, lens cloth, or anything else you wish to carry with you. The quick-disconnect tether is attached to the exterior of your pack when you bring your binoculars home.
This model fits all current Leupold binoculars except for the 15 power Santiams.
Pros:
- Rear cell phone pocket
- Breathable mesh straps
- quick disconnect safety tether
Cons:
- lacks padded shoulder straps
- side pockets can be tricky to access
The Leupold Pro Guide Binocular Chest Harness is a great way to keep your binoculars safe, secure, and ready at a moment's notice. Made of thick, durable polypropylene, this ruggedly constructed binocular holster provides maximum protection against weather and rough use.
Best Bino Harness For Bowhunting
ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness X
The ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness X is the perfect bino harness for bowhunting or any time of the year. In addition, the Bino Harness has quick-opening lacing points for easily attaching additional items such as a flashlight or GPS device.
The ALPS OutdoorZ Bino Harness X offers a simple, effective way to do that. It's made from high-quality 1680D ballistic nylon fabric and includes a padded back panel and adjustable closure to suit a wide range of sizes.
You can wear this ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness X comfortably all day. The Bino Harness is lightweight and adjustable while maintaining a solid connection between your binoculars and hunting gear. Its simple, u-shaped design provides easy access to your binoculars. With four lashing points and sturdy nylon straps, it's ready to go wherever you need to take it.
Pros:
- Ballistic quality nylon fabric
- Padded back panel
- Pocket stays close to the chest
Cons:
- Can be a little noisy
- Rubberized binos can be challenging to take in and out
The ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness is an excellent option for bow hunters and is worth considering if you're looking for a comfortable way to keep binoculars on your chest. It comes with adjustable straps for extra accessories. The product is sturdy, adjustable, non-metallic, and practical. It is made from durable nylon ballistic fabric and fitted with a lens cloth.
Best Bino Harness For Treestand Hunting
Hunter Safety System Pro-Series Harness(Treestand Safety Harness with Bino Straps)
This is one of our top picks for best tree stand safety harness and it has a built in harness for binoculars that makes it simple to carry and use your binos in a tree stand.
The classic features of this harness made it a fan favorite. New fabrics and ventilating mesh made the harness 40% lighter. The ProSeries still has bino straps and eight pockets to hold all your gear, and a built-in USB port to connect your device to a battery pack. Hunters have trusted the Hunter Safety System for over 15 years.
ElimiShield treats the liners, straps, tethers, and the whole harness, for the life of the harness. Every single fiber of the Pro Series harness is infused with ElimiShield.
Pros:
- Harness is 40% lighter than the previous model
- Eight pockets
- ElimiShield Scent Control Technology
Cons:
- Tether Strap could be sturdier
- Sizing can be tricky
The HSS-ProSeries harnesses have been completely redesigned to offer more comfort, increased functionality, and superior durability. This is one of the highest quality, most comfortable harnesses on the market for deer hunting from a tree stand, and we're sure you will be impressed and pleased by its performance.
Top Rated Bino Harness
Marsupial Binocular Harness
The Binocular Bag is the perfect pack for serious hunters. Using powerful magnets for security, the main compartment lid folds down to allow binoculars to be cradled in the open pouch. The safety straps keep your binoculars safe and secure. Pull up the front lid to fully protect your binoculars. There are a lot of storage options for your calls, wind checker, lens cloth, or anything else you wish to carry, with a rear cell phone pocket and two elastic side pockets. Larger size will fit even the largest rangefinder binoculars.
Pros:
- Available in 3 sizes
- Great fit and function
- Affordable
- Very durable
- Auto-locking buckles
Cons:
- Waterproof may be pushing it
The Marsupial Gear Binocular Pack allows one-handed access to your binos. Utilizing strong neodymium magnets, the front lid folds down securely out of the way. Your binoculars stay safe and secure with an added quick disconnect and removable safety straps.
Affordable Binocular Case Harness
Vortex GlassPak Binocular Harness
Keep your binoculars securely stored and handy in this Vortex Glass Pak harness. This binocular bag has plenty of room to store your binoculars while keeping them protected and close at hand. Mesh side pockets hold calls, a lens pen, and other small items needing quick-access convenience. The tethers attach to your binoculars, preventing accidental drops, and the rear zippered pocket holds oversized items such as a cell phone.
This harness features a large main compartment to store gear and extra supplies. The mesh side pockets are comfortable and offer quick access to small tools and other equipment. The shoulder straps are adjustable to fit a variety of sizes. They also have a large front pocket that can hold most camera lenses and accessories.
Pros:
- Binocular pocket is roomy
- Lightweight
Cons:
- External pockets hold very little
- Straps can be cumbersome
The lightweight Vortex GlassPak is the ideal solution for your binoculars and small camera gear. This affordable harness protects your expensive optics, and this pack fits a variety of sizes and types of binoculars and small cameras. Weighing in at just 7 oz., the Vortex GlassPak offers a secure way to carry your equipment, whether you're hunting, birding, hiking, or enjoying a quiet stroll.
Best Binocular Harness Strap
Vortex Binocular Harness Strap
This just may be the most comfortable way to transport and use your binos for hours. When you carry heavy binoculars for an extended time, they can get heavier and heavier, and it's easy to strain your back. This binocular strap distributes the weight of your binoculars across your shoulders for more relaxed viewing.
This binocular strap keeps your binoculars and rangefinders, even cameras, from jostling around as you walk—freeing up the use of your hands. This keeps your binoculars close to your chest and out of your way.
Nylon/Lycra straps are durable and permit transitioning the binoculars into the viewing position. This harness is one-size-fits-all and is simple to attach and completely adjustable.
Pros:
- Keeps binos at your fingertips
- One size and adjustable
Cons:
- Binos are exposed to elements and lack protection
The Vortex Binocular Harness is compatible with all Vortex binoculars and allows for quick and easy access to your equipment. The convenient harness design spreads the weight of your binoculars across your shoulders and keeps them near your chest instead of bouncing around on your hip or back.
Best Binocular Harness With Pistol Holster
Alaska Guide Creations Pistol Holster
The Alaska Guide Creations Pistol Holster gives comfortable access to your sidearm while permitting the flexibility to connect it to almost any piece of gear. The two-piece construction allows the holster to be used right or left handed. It is not only compatible with all AGC packs but also with most other chest harnesses, backpacks, or everyday belts.
The adjustable nature of the holster makes it perfect for carrying MOST Compact and Sub-Compact Autos as well as Snub-nose and shorter barrel revolvers. Each holster comes with one Gate Keeper, which is to be placed on the side nearest the bino pack and should slide behind the buckle of your chest harness to keep it from sliding up the strap.
Pros:
- Versatile attaches to all AGC packs but also any other chest harness, backpack, or everyday belt
- Ambidextrous
Cons:
- There is a learning curve
This pistol holster was designed for use with the Alaska Guide Creations Gun Mounting Kits, providing easy access to your sidearm while allowing it to be used with any weapon you might own. The two-piece design of the holster is perfect for left-handed people and right-handed people alike.
Best Binocular Harness For Birding
S4 Gear Lockdown
The Lockdown Binocular Chest Harness was designed with safety, security, and convenience in mind. A pliable cover and Anti-Bounce Technology protect your optics from damage while preventing them from swinging or bouncing. Stretch shock cord security straps fasten your optics for maximum security and tension free glassing.
This is a fully adjustable, breathable harness and is lightweight for maximum comfort and fit. It provides a low-profile lens safeguard for maximum optics security and quick access. This allows you to draw your binoculars to your face without tension. Safely secure binoculars to your chest, preventing them from swinging or bouncing.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Anti-Bounce Technology
Cons:
- More color options
The Lockdown Harness was created with the enthusiast birder in mind. Designed to fit any standard binocular securely, this harness features an adjustable, breathable fabric and anti-bounce technology that safely secures your binoculars to your chest and prevents unnecessary movement.
Best Binocular Harness For Big Man
Tenzing Binocular Harness
The simplicity and function of the Tenzing Binocular Harnesses are deserving of an honorable mention. The Tenzing harness systems keep the binoculars protected and ready to use, so you can zero in and plan your attack.
A secure fit is provided by the shoulder straps, which transfer the weight of binos from your neck to your shoulders. For easy access and silent transport, a lined tricot fabric pocket that straps firmly against your chest is the best place to keep your eyes.
This harness is made from 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Ultra-thin mesh is used in the Spandex shoulder straps. The binocular pocket is waterproof and breathable. The Hypalon covered buckles minimize the noise.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Simple and functional
Cons:
- Side pockets are tiny
- Binos may become unsecured in rough terrain
The Tenzing harness system is a great way to carry binoculars for hunting, birding, hiking, camping, or any other outdoor activity. These binocular harnesses are designed for a secure fit and easy access. The simple design keeps the binoculars protected and ready to use.
Types Of Binocular Harnesses
There are typically five different types of binocular harnesses. The Sling Style Harness, Standard Harness, Bag Harness, Cover Harness, and Dual Harness Straps comprise the five categories.
- Sling Style Harness means that rather than having two straps over your shoulders, there is just a single one. This is becoming increasingly popular.
- Standard Harness is the classic, basic or standard chest harness.
- Bag Harness can contain many pockets and features to enhance your experience and be super helpful.
- Cover Harness is a harness with a bino cover only. The cover offers less protection than a full case, but they are less bulky and quite often cheaper too.
- Dual Harness Straps have more than one strap to allow you to carry a combination of equipment.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Bino Harness
Not all binoculars are created equal. Some binoculars are better suited for certain activities than others. This also applies to choosing a bino harness. Bino harnesses are versatile tools that protect your favorite binos when used in various sports and settings, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, birding, hunting, fishing, stargazing, golf, and sports events.
Size (Will your Binos fit)
The size of the binoculars and the weight of the binoculars should determine the size of the harness. Binoculars come in many different sizes, so choosing a harness has to begin with the binoculars they will house. Do your research. Many harnesses get returned because of the lack of research before buying.
Comfort
The primary function of a binocular harness is to keep your binoculars safe and secure. The harness should also be comfortable and breathable. If it's not comfortable, you won't want to wear it. It shouldn't feel like a straitjacket.
RELATED: How To Focus Binoculars
Durability
The binocular harnesses that are the most durable tend to be those made of nylon or polyester. They are excellent for binocular harnesses because they are both durable materials. They are also lightweight materials, which makes them easy to wear.
Nylon and polymer are synthetic (plastic-based) fabrics. Polyester is frequently made from recycled soda bottles and is less durable than nylon but still strong. It is also cheaper. Caring for nylon and polymer is straightforward, as with many synthetic materials. They are rugged, machine-washable, moisture-resistant, and washable.
Extra Pockets For Accessories
Storage can be a great thing. It is nice to have a place for everything and everything in its place but remember, all that storage filled with gidgets and gadgets adds weight. So it all comes down to preferences. You can choose what is essential and what you are willing to carry. You may want to consider how far your hike will be and how rugged the land is.
Noise
Noise is the enemy. When doing your research, consider how you will use your harness and experiment to see how to make it as quiet as possible. Alerting any game may end your hunt if you are not careful.
Weight
As we talked about when considering extra pockets, weight and the ability to carry it without injury is one of the if not the most important considerations. Remember to add the weight of the binoculars to the equation. Most harnesses are lightweight. The weight of your gear will be crucial.
Budget
Bino harnesses range from affordable to quite expensive. It is a matter of bells and whistles or a more primitive style. There should be access to a quality harness in your price range. We have explored some in each category that is worthy of your attention and would serve you well.
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Final Thoughts
There you have it, there are many pros to having a binocular harness and the con list is pretty short. There are all types of bino’s and some are more expensive than others. Some come with all the latest features and are delicate. A harness will protect your binos and also lengthen the time between binocular cleaning. It can help you to have all the tricks at your fingertips and help keep you invisible by reducing noise. We do not think you will regret finding your right fit and function.
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