Best Binocular Harness for Hunting

Hunting Binocular Harness – Keep your binoculars safe and close at hand!

A binocular harness is a perfect solution to carry your binoculars while on the hunt.

With a binocular harness, you can quickly look at your prey without having to worry about dropping your expensive equipment.

Best Binocular Harness for Hunting

The best binocular harness makes hunting a lot easier and it protects your investment.

Finding the right binocular harness for you may seem like hard work, but it doesn’t have to be.

We are going to discuss the six top-rated best binocular harnesses and give you a summary review of each product so that you can find the perfect match for your hunting binoculars.

Tired of carrying your binoculars around your neck?

The Nikon PROSTAFF Bino Harness is a comfortable solution for those who want to carry their optics on their shoulders. It’s easy to attach and completely adjustable, fitting all binoculars and many cameras or rangefinders. You’ll never have to worry about neck fatigue again!

Nikon has created a simple yet effective harness that distributes weight evenly across both shoulders. The harness effectively keeps your binoculars snug against your chest so they won’t bounce around when walking or stalking through brush.

The durable straps are comfortable enough for all day use without chafing. Additionally, they’re easy on / easy off so you can quickly take them off to shed or add another layer of clothing.

Features

• Quick Release Elastic Straps – This binocular harness strap is made of heavy duty, durable material that will last for years. The elastic straps also allow for easy sliding of binoculars into viewing position.
• Easy to Use and Adjust – The one-size-fits-all harness is very easy to attach. Simply slide the straps through your binoculars’ eye relief loops. Then simply tighten the straps until you find the perfect fit for your body type. 

Pros

Things we like

• Easily adjustable to fit most body types and sizes 
• Works with all type of binoculars and some rangefinders
• Great value for the money

Cons

Things that could be better

• A little snug if you have a larger chest (44″ plus)
• Straps are a little bouncy

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Overall, the Nikon Prostaff Binocular Harnesses are a great value for the money. They’re easy to adjust and work with all types of binoculars. The only downside is that they can be snug if you have a larger chest size.

The Badlands Bino Basics has everything you need in a binocular harness for hunting.  It lets you go hands-free when needed, but keeps your binoculars close at hand.

The wide, ergonomically-designed shoulder straps make it comfortable to wear all day long without any discomfort. It also reduces bounce when you’re moving around so that you can focus on what’s important – the hunt!

Features

• Unconditional Lifetime Warranty – Badlands famous warranty that guarantees your investment for life.
• Breathable and Sturdy Straps – Wide, ergonomically designed straps reduce bounce and the fully-vented design keeps you cool. The elastic straps are strong enough to hold your binos firmly in place while you move around.
• Works with Backpacks – The 4 point harness systems works with almost all hunting backpacks.

Pros

Things we like

• Lightweight, padded, and fully ventilated straps for all-day comfort
• Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
• The 4 Point Harness system is flexible and works with backpacks

Cons

Things that could be better

Thicker shoulder strap pads if you want a minimal option

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The Badlands Binocular Strap Harness is a great choice for hunters who are glassing all day and need the comfort of padded straps. The harness also comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty, which means that your investment will be protected no matter what happens! 

The Vortex Optics Guide BinoPack has everything you need to keep your optics in pristine condition and ready for use at a moment’s notice.

It features an integrated bino leash, front zippered pouch with shell loops, side pockets, zippered pocket on the rear face, and elastic sleeves on the top.

This pack will help you stay organized while also keeping your binoculars safe from damage. Plus it has all of the space you need to store everything else you might need out in the field.

Features

• Protection – Protect your binoculars from the elements with this fully-featured binocular pack. Keep your lenses clean and your binoculars protected until you need them.
• Large Zippered Pouch – The large zippered pouch on the front is perfect for larger items such as rangefinders, a knife, fire starters, gloves, etc.
• Multiple Pockets – Side pockets and a zippered pocket on the back hold additional items. Additionally, elastic sleeves on top hold small accessories or other items where you need quick access.
• Bino Leash – The integrated bino leash connects your binoculars to the bag, which prevents you from dropping them. This allows you to quickly lower the binoculars and store them away.

Pros

Things we like

• Keeps your lenses clean and protected
• Bino Leash protects you from dropping your binoculars  
• Ample Storage for items like knives, rangefinders, and fire starters in the side pockets or roomy front pocket
• Elastic sleeves on the top to secure other items

Cons

Things that could be better

• A bulky option that might not work for bowhunters

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Overall, the Vortex Optics Guide Binopack is a capable bag-style harness. It has a lot of storage and is great for hunters who need to carry additional items.

Protection and convenience of a harness bag for even the biggest binoculars. This is a great bag if you are using 10×50 binoculars or bigger.

The Bino X Case is perfect for protecting your binoculars with a case but still providing quick access to them.

It’s tough, lightweight and loaded with features such as: lash points, Hypalon reinforcements and Aramid bartacking. It’s even compatible with hydration systems up to 1 liter. 

The zipperless design means it opens and closes silently in one smooth motion – no more fumbling with zippers! You can easily open this bag with one hand to access your binoculars.

Additionally, the external lash points mean you can carry other gear on top of your binoculars for easy and quick access.

Features

• Magnetic Closure System – Super-strong magnets secure the pockets. Easily open the pockets with one hand quickly and quietly. No more scaring off game when opening a zipper pocket!
• Bino Connect System – Badlands’ Bino Connect System lets you connect your binocular case directly to your backpack harness for a more comfortable carry. This system is compatible with all Badlands packs and most other manufacturers’ packs that have connectors.
• KXO-32 Fabric – Tough, waterproof fabric that’s incredibly quiet and lightweight too! Treated with C6 Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to keep moisture from seeping in. Water beads up and rolls off, keeping your gear dry.
• Aramid Bartack – All stress points are reinforced with this thread. It is so tough that a single strand can hold up to 100 pounds.

Pros

Things we like

• Magnetic closure is quick, quiet and secure
• Durable and waterproof fabric
• Aramid bartacking thread reinforces every stress point
• Unconditional lifetime warranty

Cons

Things that could be better

• Bulky bag that is better for walking and scouting

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Overall, The Badlands Bino X Case is a bigger bag made for larger binoculars. The KXO-32 fabric is tough, waterproof and incredibly quiet and lightweight!  It is a great option for hunters who want to walk and scout.

The SITKA Gear Mountain harness is a do-it-all option for big game hunters.

The Mountain Optics Harness has everything you need to get the job done. In many cases, this harness can replace the need for carrying a backpack.

It features a quiet magnetic one-handed front flap for binos, removable modular side pockets that can hold rangefinders, GPS, cell phone or other accessories for quick and quiet access.

It also has numerous elastic pockets providing at-hand storage scents and animal calls. The bag also contains an internal lens cloth to keep your optics clean and sharp for glassing.

The harness is completed with a brushed polyester face fabric which makes it perfectly quiet for stalking.

Features

• Quick and Quiet – Magnetic one-handed flap for quick and quiet access to your binoculars and accessories.
• Multiple Pockets – Removable, modular side pockets can hold all your hunting accessories: rangefinders, GPS, cell phone and more. Eliminate your backpack and make everything more accessible!
• Brushed Face Fabric – Brushed polyester face fabric to keep the pack quiet. This bag won’t make noise and scare away game when you are scouting and stalking.

Pros

Things we like

• Magnet closure is quick and quiet
• Side pockets are removable
• Incredibly large storage so you only need one pack

Cons

Things that could be better

• Expensive option
• Too bulky for tree stand hunting

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The SITKA Gear Mountain Optics Harness is best for big game hunting from the ground. It’s quick and quiet, has a magnetic closure that makes it easy to access your gear without making any noise or scaring away game. Side pockets add a huge amount of storage and are removable so they can be used as an accessory pouch on their own if desired.

A bag harness that is also compact and lightweight. This is a great bag-style binocular harness for bow hunters.

The ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness X is the perfect balance of protection and size.

This low profile, compact, lightweight and easy to put on harness is made of highly durable 1680D nylon ballistic fabric that will endure through rugged environments.

The pack stays close to the chest with a padded back panel that gives you extra comfort while wearing. The panel also provides ventilation to keep you cool on longer pursuits.

A fleece lined interior and included lens cloth provides extra protection for your binocular lenses.

Features

• Adjustable Closure – The adjustable closure allows you to quickly size the harness flap to your binoculars for a snug fit.
• U-Shaped Access – The Bino Harness X has a unique design that allows you to access your optics with one hand. The U-Shaped design keeps your binoculars secure, but allows you to easily grab the binoculars when removing them from the case.
• Durable Fabric – Constructed using 1680D ballistic nylon fabric, this harness is built for any hunting environment. Whether you’re hiking through thick brush or crawling over rocks, this harness will keep your optics safe and secure while providing comfort all day long.

• Low Profile – The Bino Harness X was designed with hunters in mind! There aren’t any unnecessary straps and buckles which can get caught on brush when moving through tight spaces.

Pros

Things we like

• Low profile and lightweight for bowhunters
• Made of high-quality 1680D nylon fabric
• Keeps the pack close to your chest for easy access
• Fleece lined interior and lens cloth included
• Great value for the money

Cons

Things that could be better

• Snug fit for larger binoculars (use 10×42 or smaller)

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Overall, the ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness X provides the best of both worlds when it comes to size and protection.  It is lightweight and low profile, but still offers the extra protection you need to keep your binoculars safe. The price of this harness makes it a great deal.

Binocular Harness Buying Guide

You invested in a nice pair of binoculars but they only came with a simple strap.

Why do they do that?

It’s time to upgrade to a binocular harness for better performance and comfort. This simple buying guide will help you find the best binocular harness for your situation.

Benefits of Using a Binocular Harness

Using a binocular harness provides several benefits to hunters. These benefits include comfort, binocular security, and quick accessibility.

Comfort

A binocular harness takes the weight off your neck and puts in on your shoulders. This allows you to move freely without having the weight of your binoculars pulling down on your neck. The harness also provides padding for increased comfort during all-day use.

Security

A binocular harness keeps your binoculars safe and secure. It prevents the binoculars from swinging around and hitting you or a tree while you are maneuvering through the woods. The harness also ensures that you don’t drop your binoculars from your tree stand while glassing for game.

Accessibility

A binocular harness ensures your binoculars are always ready and within reach when needed. You can quickly grab them when you need to check out some movement in the brush. You can also quickly let go of them when you need your gun or bow in your hands.

Type of Binocular Harnesses

There are three primary types of binocular harnesses for you to choose from. They include a standard harness, a sling type harness, and a bag harness.

Standard Harness

The classic style binocular harness simply gets the job done. This design is simple, easy to put on and use.

Standard binocular harnesses are usually inexpensive so you can get one without breaking the bank! Also, standard harnesses typically work with all types of binoculars.

The main downside of a standard harness is that it doesn’t offer any additional protection to your binoculars.

Sling Type Harness

The Sling Type Harness is the perfect solution for those who don’t want to deal with complicated straps. It’s easy to put on and take off, lightweight, and compact. Plus it’s inexpensive!

With this harness, there are no more straps over your shoulders or pulling it over your head. All you have to do is slide your arm through the sling and you’re good to go.

Bag Harness

Do you want to protect your binoculars and have them accessible?

The Bag Harness is the best binocular harness to protect and carry your binoculars. It’s a simple, lightweight design that will keep your optics safe from dirt and dust. You can also use it as an everyday harness for carrying other gear like water bottles or tripods.

Protecting your investment in quality optics should be one of the first things on your mind when out in the field. Your binoculars are expensive, so why not get them a little extra protection?

Common Questions about Binocular Harnesses

Conclusion – Best Binocular Harness

The binocular harness is a must have accessory that makes your outdoor adventures more enjoyable.

Not only does a bino harness provide you with quick and convenient access to your binoculars for glassing, but it also keeps the weight off your neck so all day hunts are less stressful on muscles and joints.

The best binocular harness depends on how and where you are hunting. 

Tree Stand Hunting

For tree stand hunting, I prefer a simple traditional harness so my binoculars are always ready for use. 

The harness I recommend is the Badlands Bino Basics Camouflage Binocular Strap Harness. 

Scouting / Stalking

If you are out moving, then I prefer the additional protection provided by a bag-style harness.

It’s hard to beat the value provided by the ALPS OutdoorZ Extreme Bino Harness X.