Hunting & Fishing Pls suggest Chest rig / bino harness

[Rifletuner]

Guys, looking for suggestions to manage gear I am using a lot on hunting trips. I am currently running a marsupial gear bino harness with my RF binoculars and also some pockets to carry a garmin rino and a garmin astro. I also carry a pack, but like having these items on my chest handy as they get a lot of use each time I go out.

I spent a bit of time looking around to see if there is a better chest harness to carry this stuff, but havent really found anything so far. The Sitka harness probably comes closest, but still not ideal. I did see a few predator hunters who have modified AR15 chest rigs to carry an assortment of gear, so considering trying that. Before I start frankenmodding chest rigs, can anyone point me to anything that already exists?

Some videos I found for reference:

 

[Lightning8]

I also use the Hill People Gear chest pack with their bino pouch on front attached to MOLLE

 

[Fig]

I've had a bunch of on brand and off-brand ones, and I think Badlands are the best, period. They're really quiet and easy to deploy/stow with their magnetic closures. There is nothing to mess with. Flip it open, grab binos, glass, replace binos, and flip it closed. I've beat the hell out of mine and it's still like new (well, kinda).

Binocular Harnesses for Hunting | Badlands Gear

Badlands binocular harnesses aren't just tough and functional. They're versatile enough to adapt to any species or style of hunt. Whatever you glass with, we'll make sure it's covered.

www.badlandsgear.com

I currently have the X and have a MOLLE pouch on either side for rangefinder and calls. If I didn't already have that I'd definitely go with their new XR that already has the pockets for your other necessaries.

They're quite spendy $$$$, but I think they are the best.

p.s.- They also have a camelback net that stows away in the back of the harness if you don't need it, but it's nice when striking off as light as possible from spike camp to be able to put a liter of water on your bino harness.

There's a bunch of youtube reviews you can look up.

 

[shields shtr]

FHF Gear | Fish - Hunt - Fight

Modular outdoor gear systems that you can customize by activity and season. Designed for sportsmen by sportsmen. Shop now. Made in the USA. Modular & Customizable. Designed by Field Experts. Shop by System. Backed by Warranty.

www.fhfgear.com

These guys used to be good, not sure after they got bought out by the MeatEater crowd. Only thing I wish they did different was to make their strap more padded. I still have the original one I bought years ago back when the dude actually sewed them in his garage.

 

[dgheriani]

I also use the Hill People Gear chest pack with their bino pouch on front attached to MOLLE

I run a similar setup. HPG chest pack with their bino pouch on front and a pistol/rifle taco on each side of the bino pouch.

 

[kthomas]

Similar/adjacent question to the OP, so I hope he doesn't mind if I add to this thread with a question.

Is there a place to just buy a harness which a molle pouch will attach to? I have a Mystery Ranch pouch for my Terrapin-X, but would like to wear it on my chest like these bino pouches.

 

[dgheriani]

Similar/adjacent question to the OP, so I hope he doesn't mind if I add to this thread with a question.

Is there a place to just buy a harness which a molle pouch will attach to? I have a Mystery Ranch pouch for my Terrapin-X, but would like to wear it on my chest like these bino pouches.

Just get a minimalist molle chest rig like a BFG Molleminus. That will have more coverage than a bino harness though. Or you could get a HPG Recon kit bag since it has molle on the front, that would cover you less. I don't know of any pouchless molle harness with the same footprint as a bino harness.

 

[kthomas]

Just get a minimalist molle chest rig like a BFG Molleminus. That will have ore coverage than a bino harness though. Or you could get a HPG Recon kit bag since it has molle on the front, that would cover you less. I don't know of anything pouchless molle harness with the same footprint as a bino harness.

The HPG recon kit seems like the way to go.

 

[Rifletuner]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will go do some more research.

 

[Anb618]

In the event you can’t find anything you love, LBT (LBX is their non-Berry compliant line, still the same great quality in my experience) has their ranger green Assault Chest Rig on sale right now for <$50. It runs placards, so you can change your setup as you wish.

RG Assault Chest Rig

Assault Chest Rig, 0063a, 0063, 0063b

lbxtactical.com

 

[Anb618]

In a stroke of fate, I just got a text message from Eberlestock today. They just dropped a modular bino harness system. The “Recon”. Check it out and see if it’s what you’re looking for.

Recon

Recon Modular Harness System™ is streamlined, adaptable, and built on a foundation of mission-proven design. Take on any environment with this purpose-built, backcountry tested harness and accessories.

eberlestock.myshopify.com

 

[Altoonabcm157]

Badlands makes great bino harnesses, you can also choose camo or just a brown color. Great quality and solid performance.

 

[Sixfivesavage]

Alaska guide creations are what you seek.

Bino Packs

Rugged Dependable Optics Protection Get Your PackAccessories We have packs for every size binocular Denali Built specifically for large objective binoculars, such as the 15×56, and extra-large rangefinders. The Denali Pack holds more than any of our other packs. Alaska Classic Designed to fit...

alaskaguidecreations.com

 

[wyliecoyote]

I would second the Alaska Guide Creations bino packs. I've tried a bunch of them and none are as well thought out as they are. The Denali pack's front and side zippered pouches are awesome for carrying all manners of things. Very comfortable rig to hike with a pack on too.

 

[zeroz]

I have had the sitka rig for 3 full seasons. Its had bunch of use, probably 50 plus days spot and stalk in CO, 50 plus days in and out of the woods in Bama plus a bunch of taking it to the BLM to shoot. I have the geovids or (small leopolds/ rangefinder for archery) in the main pouch. Rino 650 in the left pocket and elk reeds and or wind checker in the right. It has been a good pack. The elastic on the left pocket is getting saggy because I jam that Rino in there. It is showing some wear and for the price I'd hoped it would last a bit longer but I should at least get one more season out of it. Over all it has functioned well for how much I have asked of it but my hope is there is something better when it is time to replace next year. I haven't been looking around so there may well be something better these days.

edit. Mine is not the "mountain optics harness". Mine is the oiler single pouch with the two slide in elastic pockets on the sides.

 

[powdahound76]

Tried a few.
Love my Alaska Guide Creations.


Does work over a chest rig for a pistol if you want.
Have done it with both G20 and 44 mag Mtn Gun.
Prefer the belt carry on my pack then swap holster to a paddle when no pack for long days, and easily doable if you want/need.

 

[Rifletuner]

I have had the sitka rig for 3 full seasons. Its had bunch of use, probably 50 plus days spot and stalk in CO, 50 plus days in and out of the woods in Bama plus a bunch of taking it to the BLM to shoot. I have the geovids or (small leopolds/ rangefinder for archery) in the main pouch. Rino 650 in the left pocket and elk reeds and or wind checker in the right. It has been a good pack. The elastic on the left pocket is getting saggy because I jam that Rino in there. It is showing some wear and for the price I'd hoped it would last a bit longer but I should at least get one more season out of it. Over all it has functioned well for how much I have asked of it but my hope is there is something better when it is time to replace next year. I haven't been looking around so there may well be something better these days.

edit. Mine is not the "mountain optics harness". Mine is the oiler single pouch with the two slide in elastic pockets on the sides.

Thanks for the insight. Its good to hear because I dont actually know anyone that has this harness.

 

[Rifletuner]

Tried a few.
Love my Alaska Guide Creations.


Does work over a chest rig for a pistol if you want.
Have done it with both G20 and 44 mag Mtn Gun.
Prefer the belt carry on my pack then swap holster to a paddle when no pack for long days, and easily doable if you want/need.

Thanks. I am in Australia, so no handgun carry possible. But based on a few of the comments added to this thread, I will take a good look at Alaska Guide Creations.

 

[powdahound76]

Thanks. I am in Australia, so no handgun carry possible. But based on a few of the comments added to this thread, I will take a good look at Alaska Guide Creations.

Do you know my homey down under?
@barneybdb
He is of my people, just with a speech impediment......

Also, if you can get a Vortex dealer down there, they do a AGC carrier with a Vortex patch sewn on in coyote.

 

[Rifletuner]

Well, I went with the majority of the suggestions got a HPG Recon Kit Bag to try out. I found a barely used second had, so easily available to me at a reasonable price.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a MOLLE attachment for bino carry and / or pouches for Garmin Rino GPS, Apha 100 tracker, etc? Just trying to work our the best way to use the real estate on the harness.

 

[Halfnutz]

Eberlestock email hit today, they just came out with a modular rig that looks interesting.

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Eberlestock is imported junk

Get a Hill People gear heavy recon with their bino pouch. Its the perfect combo.

 

[dgheriani]

Well, I went with the majority of the suggestions got a HPG Recon Kit Bag to try out. I found a barely used second had, so easily available to me at a reasonable price.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a MOLLE attachment for bino carry and / or pouches for Garmin Rino GPS, Apha 100 tracker, etc? Just trying to work our the best way to use the real estate on the harness.

The HPG bino pouch is great. As for the Rino and Alpha 100, I'm not to sure what size pouch is needed. I run HSGI rifle/pistol tacos on each side of the bino case and that lets me carry pretty much anything from spare mags (bolt or AR) to a kestrel, phone, folding knife depending on needs.

 

[Totoro]

FHF Gear gets my money!

 

[beetroot]

Well, I went with the majority of the suggestions got a HPG Recon Kit Bag to try out. I found a barely used second had, so easily available to me at a reasonable price.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a MOLLE attachment for bino carry and / or pouches for Garmin Rino GPS, Apha 100 tracker, etc? Just trying to work our the best way to use the real estate on the harness.

Bumping an old thread.

Did you find the HPG Recon was suitable for your usage?
I’m considering a chest rig set up for shooting matches to help with gear management. Most of the chest rigs are either was too tacticool for my liking/requirements or not tacticool enough.

I like the look of the HPG kits but have zero use for the pistol pocket, and it doesn’t look like there is another way to utilise it.

 

[Rifletuner]

Hi mate. The HPG has been okay, but it requires any of the MOLLE addons to sit off the main pocket which I dont like as much. I recently bought a locally made bino harness with MOLLE flaps on each side. I am hoping that is the answer, but wont know for a couple of months when I start hunting with it.

 

[Powdermonkey4]

Highly recommend

LVG - Mountain Binocular Harness V2

Updated design of the most rugged, adaptable & practical harness on the market. CHECK THE INTERNAL POUCH DIMENSIONS BELOW & COMPARE WITH THE EXTERNAL MEASUREMENTS OF YOUR BINOCULARS. Having used and owned numerous binocular harnesses in the past, they were all pretty good in their own way but...

www.lowvisgear.com

 

[beetroot]

Hi mate. The HPG has been okay, but it requires any of the MOLLE addons to sit off the main pocket which I dont like as much. I recently bought a locally made bino harness with MOLLE flaps on each side. I am hoping that is the answer, but wont know for a couple of months when I start hunting with it.

Do you have any pictures of your setup?

Sounds like you are trying to do what I want. Rather than buying a bino harness and strapping 15 molle pouches to it, start of with a bigger base setup that hopefully have the pouches you need.
My issues is I don't want the mag holders (like the Haley D3CR) but would like the option to add some mag holders for ACIS magazines.

 

[Dobermann]

Do you have any pictures of your setup?

Sounds like you are trying to do what I want. Rather than buying a bino harness and strapping 15 molle pouches to it, start of with a bigger base setup that hopefully have the pouches you need.
My issues is I don't want the mag holders (like the Haley D3CR) but would like the option to add some mag holders for ACIS magazines.

Stone Glacier has a new bino harness coming out soon that I think will include a dedicated pouch that will hold AICS mags.

 

[beetroot]

Stone Glacier has a new bino harness coming out soon that I think will include a dedicated pouch that will hold AICS mags.

I'll have to read through your thread on Rokslide.

Not convinced I want a bino harness though, I already have one that works fine for binos (obviously) but doesn't have the flexibility I'm hoping to get.

The HPG recon looks quite close to what I want, could probably modify it to do what I need. But i'm wondering if a modular system is more what I need, a chest rig with plain molle and attach pouches as needed.

 

[Dobermann]

I'll have to read through your thread on Rokslide.

Not convinced I want a bino harness though, I already have one that works fine for binos (obviously) but doesn't have the flexibility I'm hoping to get.

The HPG recon looks quite close to what I want, could probably modify it to do what I need. But i'm wondering if a modular system is more what I need, a chest rig with plain molle and attach pouches as needed.

There's not much info on that thread, but the revised version should be here in the next month or two.

 

[sinister]

Do any of these bino pack manufacturer recommenders use a compass?

Seems like a bunch use a magnet holding the cover up or down.

 

[beetroot]

Do any of these bino pack manufacturer recommenders use a compass?

Seems like a bunch use a magnet holding the cover up or down.

Most of the ones with magnets give a warning about using them with pacemakers and that they may effect a compass.

 

[kthomas]

Do any of these bino pack manufacturer recommenders use a compass?

Seems like a bunch use a magnet holding the cover up or down.

Some have non-magnetic closure options, such as Marsupial Gear.

 

[R_A_W]

But i'm wondering if a modular system is more what I need, a chest rig with plain molle and attach pouches as needed.

AirLite® Convertible Chest Rig

www.cryeprecision.com

Buy The UW Ultra-Lite Chest Rig Online

The UW Ultra-Lite Chest Rig is made in the USA and available at Velocity Systems now.

www.velsyst.com

 

[Jackalope]

The Thing 2 might be worth considering as a base too. Seems like a lot of us want the same thing but can’t quite nail it down.

The Thing 2

www.spiritussystems.com

 

[beetroot]

AirLite® Convertible Chest Rig

www.cryeprecision.com

Buy The UW Ultra-Lite Chest Rig Online

The UW Ultra-Lite Chest Rig is made in the USA and available at Velocity Systems now.

www.velsyst.com

I was probably going to buy this, should be enough Molle to mount a reasonable number of pouches and is low profile enough it won‘t look like seal team 6 cosplay if I were to wear it hiking or for other non-shooting sports.

MFF Rig - Mesh

MFF Rig - Mesh - SORD

www.sordaustralia.com

 

[smcfarland]

I’ve run a crye jpc for many years now and couldn’t be happier. Like how it distributes the weight better than typical chest rigs. Also very low profile.

 

[Rodney65]

Stone Glacier has a new bino harness coming out soon that I think will include a dedicated pouch that will hold AICS mags.

Neat

 

[Badger300wm]

at this point for me a Hill People gear recon with bino pouch has fit my needs the best. I am going to try a Fulltang Tactical kit bag this year also with the HPG bino harness just due to the modularity of the bag itself. I actually find myself putting my binos in a pocket on the pack or jacket alot especially in technical terrain for better vision, maybe I shouldn't be looking down so much but it has been an issue. I still prefer the chest pack carry though for convenience. I have tried the badlands also and it worked great just not as much room for other accoutrements.