Bino Harness Recommendations

[Fordy]

I am in the market for a bino harness, and was wondering what others use in the field and what works for them. Ideally I would like one that also has a side pouch to fit my thermal in.

I have been looking online for some time and have a couple in mind , however thought I’d try to get information straight from the horses mouth about what works / what doesn’t, and any perks or downside to certain harnesses while they’re actually being used. Thanks

 

[scotch_egg]

I own Alaska guide creations and Kuiu bino harnesses.

Both are comfy and hold the binos where they should be. However if I am really honest with myself I prefer the Kuiu as the access is forward opening and allows a really simple access.

 

[Fordy]

I own Alaska guide creations and Kuiu bino harnesses.

Both are comfy and hold the binos where they should be. However if I am really honest with myself I prefer the Kuiu as the access is forward opening and allows a really simple access.

Thanks that’s great. The Kuiu and Harkila harnesses were on my shortlist as preferred. Both partly because of the forward opening access, meaning there won’t be a flap trying to close on me when accessing my binos. Thanks

 

[Andyquadra]

Thanks that’s great. The Kuiu and Harkila harnesses were on my shortlist as preferred. Both partly because of the forward opening access, meaning there won’t be a flap trying to close on me when accessing my binos. Thanks

We all like easy access

 

[Dave Lakes]

I’ve got an Alaska guide. I really like it, not sure if side pouches would fit a thermal but you can get add-on pouches for various items. I can keep everything I need in the slim pockets on the harness which suits me as I hate things in my pockets. Only downside for me is the ‘towards’ opening lid, but on the other hand the lid is very secure and rain resistant. Also looks a bit speshul fawses, but I suppose most chest harness’ do. Got mine from Malmo at a good price and with a decent range of available colours and options.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

I’ve got a Ravus from Alaska Guide Creations, bought from Glenn at @Malmo Guns. I really like it! Depending on where you are in N Yorkshire you’d be welcome to take a look at it, @Fordy.

 

[@theroedeerguy]

Another vote for the Kuiu pro- harness.
You’d need to get an add on for your thermal but as a user friendly high quality bino harness it’s pretty hard to beat.

 

[Kbuck]

Love my kuiu

 

[NullMac]

Kuiu. I also bought the hydration pack (without the bladder) and use it as a mini rucksack. Worth the extra £40. Everything in one place but no room for gubbins that I don't need. Make sure you get the right size for your bins though.

I attach the thermal to the harness with an elasticated lanyard so i can just hang it by my side if a shot presents itself. It gets stuffed into the front pocket on my smock during a drag out. Most of the time stalking it is in my hand.

A mate bought one of the Alaskan's and he is happy with it.

 

[Foxholes Country Pursuits]

I’ve got a Ravus from Alaska Guide Creations, bought from Glenn at @Malmo Guns. I really like it! Depending on where you are in N Yorkshire you’d be welcome to take a look at it, @Fordy.

Loads of stock, including the latest Gen L models with improved harness and tethers. Also have the new Ravus model with forward opening lid and magnetic clasp. Big choice of colours. All online at www.foxholescountrypursuits.com of phone me on 01524 793007. Cheers, Glenn

 

[User00040]

Alaska Guide way too bulky for my liking, think you would need to take the thing off to get in a prone firing position.

Personally use FHF but they don't ship to the UK anymore. Also have a KUIU Pro as a spare but they are not as light or comfortable.

 

[Brighty3006]

Kuiu

 

[nicowilson]

I have a Red Kettle bino harness. It's essentially an elasticated open sided pouch with a flap over the top. I like it as can drop the binos back into the pouch without securing with the flap and the binos don't bounce/dangle around when walking.

I had an S4 harness and this wasn't as good - it was simply a cover that needed securing with elastic every time to stop the bino bounce/dangle, and I could never get the straps cross my back to stop slipping.

As for the thermal - I'm fairly sure that Red Kettle do an accessories pouch.

 

[sh1kar]

Alaska Guide way too bulky for my liking, think you would need to take the thing off to get in a prone firing position.

Personally use FHF but they don't ship to the UK anymore. Also have a KUIU Pro as a spare but they are not as light or comfortable.

I have the cub and manage fine

S

 

[Westley78]

I have the same Kuiu set up as NullMac I.e with the hydration pack as a small backpack I also added the phone case to hold the thermal when not in my hand and all works really as a grab and go set up with enough room for essentials only….. until you get to a seat and have to take the whole lot off and unclip then binos to use them.

Saying that Kuiu kindly supplied me with another set of clips so I can quickly swap back to the original neck strap but seems like a faf and a waste to do this whilst out.

 

[Muntybuck5803]

I’m addition to the above brands, also check out Marsupial. I use their bino harness for my ELs and thermal in their large RF pouch. The whole thing attaches to the Kifaru harness that the rest of my gear is on to minimise strapping.

I’ve had Kuiu and gifted it to a mate. If I was to go for another harness that wasn’t my marsupial it would be FHF

 

[Magnificent 7]

I’ve gone from an Alaska guide to a marsupial as they are more binocular specific size wise and less bulky.Nothing wrong with the Alaska guide the pockets ect are handy

 

[Klenchblaize]

Also looks a bit speshul fawses, but I suppose most chest harness’ do.

Easily countered if you tote an all-wood Blaser or Stutzen.

K

 

[Stalker62]

Alaska Guide way too bulky for my liking, think you would need to take the thing off to get in a prone firing position.

I bought the Alaska Guide (for the Hill) on the recommendation of a friend.

I took it out for the first time, (to the Hill), last month.



Here are some fun facts, that I learnt.




1) This is what is feels like...



2) Whilst wearing it, you cannot see your feet. This makes walking difficult. It makes walking on the Hill, nigh on impossible.

3) Whilst wearing it, you cannot lie prone. This makes taking such shots difficult. On the plus side, you can lie supine - this makes astronomical observations easier.

4) Because of point 3), there is a temptation to remove the damn thing when you are crawling in - or going prone for the shot.

5) Because of point 4), there is a risk that you will forget you have done so, and consequently risk leaving the harness and binocular on the Hill. See "Seven nights on a small Isle".

6) Because of points 1-5, you end up losing the "friend" who made the recommendation in the first place.




Thanks Adam...

 

[Magnificent 7]

I bought the Alaska Guide (for the Hill) on the recommendation of a friend.

I took it out for the first time, (to the Hill), last month.

View attachment 276372

Here are some fun facts, that I learnt.




1) This is what is feels like...

View attachment 276373

2) Whilst wearing it, you cannot see you feet. This making walking difficult. It makes walking on the Hill, nigh on impossible.

3) Whilst wearing it, you cannot lie prone. This makes taking such shots difficult. On the plus side, you can lie supine - this makes astronomical observations easier.

4) Because of point 3), there is a temptation to remove the damn thing when you are crawling in - or going prone for the shot.

5) Because of point 4), there is a risk that you will forget you have done so, and consequently risk leaving the harness and binocular on the Hill. See "Seven nights on a small Isle".

6) Because of points 1-5, you end up losing the "friend" who made the recommendation in the first place.




Thanks Adam...

I found the not seeing your feet hard for woodland stalking specially if you’ve a belly I did raise that point after buying one with the shop as feedback.