When hiking into faraway mountain ranges, climbing tall peaks or big walls, or hunting for rare specimen in the wilderness, it is important to keep your hands free.
Binocular harnesses solve this issue by preventing your binoculars from swinging around wildly when you move around.
Relatively new to the market, they have been gaining popularity recently. It is a great invention that is bound to make your outdoor activities even more enjoyable.
What are the best binocular harnesses you can get in 2022? Below you will find five top contenders.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Badlands Camouflage Tactical Bino X Hunting Binocular Case | Best Overall |  |
| Vortex Optics Glasspak Binocular Harness | Budget Pick |  |
| Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak Cub Multicam Binocular Pack Bino Pack | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Badlands Camouflage Tactical Bino X Hunting Binocular Case
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Sits heavy binoculars nicely
- Harness easily fits over shoulder comfortably
- Comes with side pocket with organizer for some extra storage
- Made for all day use
- Front pouch is easy to access without taking off harness
- Comes with plentiful pockets so plenty storage room
Cons:
- No hydration pockets
- Only fits full-sized binoculars
- Straps may be a bit too bulky for smaller framed people
The Badlands Camouflage Binocular Harness is made to take on the long hunt. It allows you to take in the sights in absolute comfort. This heavy duty harness features a chest and waist strap as well as a gear hold on the back. A great bonus feature is the side pouch with an organizer inside.
So whether you're carrying a few extra pounds of gear or you're after a trophy buck, Badlands has every hunter in mind when creating this harness, making it a smart investment for any hunter.
2. Horn Hunter op-x Bino Harness System Combo Camo
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly
- Maximum Comfort
This binocular harness system from Horn Hunter is a great option for you if you’re tired of that achy neck and back from carrying your binoculars on a strap. This soft and lightweight harness system is sure to have a place in your gear bag.
It comes with a removable front piece that works to keep your binoculars locked in tight while you’re on the move. The USA made Velcro is designed to be reliable and secure.
If you like this product you can find and buy it here.
3. Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak Cub Multicam Binocular Pack Bino Pack
Pros:
- Big enough for full-size binoculars yet weighs only 2 pounds
- Plenty of storage for personal items
- Made in USA
- MOLLE webbing
- Made from 1000D Cordura
More than just a storage compartment for your binos, the Kodiak Cub Binocular Pack is perfect for backpack hunters and backcountry travelers.
It's a lightweight, full-sized binocular pack with cross straps. Its interior dimensions measure 4 inches by 7.5 inches. This makes it secure enough to carry full-sized binoculars yet light enough to carry on long walks. The zippered closing compartment features waterproofing. It contains a loop that can be used with the provided strap to hold binoculars.
The Kodiak Cub Multicam Binocular Pack has the ability to hold one full-sized binocular as well as numerous other personal items such as a Hydration or Utility sleeve for a water bottle or extra gear.
4. Vortex Optics Glasspak Binocular Harness
The Vortex Glasspak Harness is one of the best offerings on the market now for binocular and camera harnesses. This one will hold most cameras and binocs of varying weights.
It has four attachment points so you can adjust it to your body size.
Very well made and great looking, it is extremely safe and comfortable to wear.
5. Bushnell BinoculAR Accessory 19125C Deluxe Bino HARness Black Clam
Pros:
- Gives great neck support
- Compatible with a variety of magnifications
- Out of the 29 reviews, 27 were 5-star reviews
- Quick and easy to setup
Sometimes the best way to see the outdoors is with the Bushnell Binocular Harness. The ability to quickly and securely attach binoculars to your body makes this a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.
The unique design of this binocular harness allows you to easily adjust the binoculars and lies comfortably on your back when you are not using the binoculars.
The Bushnell BinoculAR Accessory 19125 Deluxe Bino HARness fits binoculars up to ten inches around and binoculars sizes 18-23 millimeters in diameter. The harness also is designed with padding around the harness for added comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a binocular harness?
Binocular harnesses provide a convenient way for birdwatchers, naturalists, and others to carry binoculars. They are ideal for those who don’t want to wear a bulky pack or sling around a binocular for long periods of time.
Among binocular harnesses, there are two primary designs: low profile and full-size. A low-profile binocular harness (such as the Eagle Peak binocular harness) is lightweight (360 grams) and very low-profile. It is made up of a stretch strap with a single chest strap and open design.
A full-size binocular harness (such as the Eagle Ridge binocular harness set) is bulkier and more structurally sound. It has a sling-style design and is designed for bigger binoculars.
How do you wear a binocular harness?
The best binocular harness system attaches binoculars directly to a binocular waist harness system. This has several advantages over binocular straps or a neck harness system. It’s stable and ergonomic, comfortable, and easy to use.
The main drawback of the harness system is that the binoculars are attached to the system, meaning you cannot use another harness without first detaching the binoculars. These systems do not work with single binoculars or small binocular-to-tripod systems.
The best binocular harness generally maintains the center of gravity low on the waist to reduce strain on the neck and back. One of the simplest and most popular systems is harnesses offered by Richard Franiec (recommended products listed above). His designs are usually made from high-quality nylon webbing and are optimized for a binocular-to-harness weight ratio.
How do you use a Bushnell binocular harness?
Instead of holding the binoculars in their hands, they strap them on so that their arms can stay free for climbing etc. Many of these harnesses are designed to be low profile so that they do not get in the way during activities such as hiking, hunting, and climbing.
The material of the harness is also important. Good ones are well padded and will be comfortable on the body. Otherwise, they can cause rubbing and friction. Choosing a harness that’s waterproof will also be useful if you’re going for an outdoor activity in the rain.
How do you set up a vortex binocular harness?
This is the first binocular harness that I’ve come across that was actually developed with comfort and stability in mind. The design has been field-tested and is quite simple. If you compare the details of this harness design to others on the market, you’ll see that it’s simple and streamlined.
It’s not full of unnecessary condors and belts that waste material, making it comfortable and lightweight as well as sturdy. It definitely doesn’t leave the back of your neck looking like an accordion player’s tie either—although that might be the ultimate sign of distinguishing quality when it comes to binocular harnesses.
Conclusion
What is the best binocular harness? While this may seem like a simple question, there are actually a myriad of features and technologies that need to be taken into account. This article will help you break down exactly what these are, and how to ensure you buy the best binocular harness for you and your needs.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Badlands Camouflage Tactical Bino X Hunting Binocular Case | Best Overall | |
| Vortex Optics Glasspak Binocular Harness | Budget Pick | |
| Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak Cub Multicam Binocular Pack Bino Pack | Upgrade Pick | |