This harness is the ultimate utility piece for big game hunters. We took a systems-based approach to the issue of carrying multiple at-hand essentials into the field. The harness features a silent secure magnetic one-handed front flap for binos. Removable, modular side pockets keep rangefinders, GPS, cell phone and other accessories at the ready for quick quiet access. Additional elastic pockets deliver storage for calls or a wind gauge and the internal lens cloth keeps your glass clean and sharp. The Mountain Optics Harness is rounded out with a brushed polyester face fabric for close in silent stalks.
Standard Fit
Fit Guide
SITKA Gear engineers gear with a specific Fit and intended end use in mind. These functional designs provide the user with authentic garments for the right situation. We can communicate our Fit descriptions in 3 different ways. Keep in mind that each garment will allow for layering in accordance to the garments place in a system and described Fit.
P/F - PERFORMANCE FIT
Designed for minimal layering. Whether an early season piece or already insulated this garment fits to prevent inefficiencies in heat retention caused by dead space.
S/F - STANDARD FIT
Designed to accommodate layering for more versatility from early to late season climates.
E/F - EXPEDITION FIT
Designed for maximum layering in the worst conditions. Cut roomier to accommodate additional layering underneath.
FEATURES & SPECS
GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment Open Country is scientifically optimized for engagement ranges of 50 yards and beyond at ground level in rocky terrain above the timber line.
Magnetic front binocular flap opening.
Quiet brushed polyester face textile.
Modular side pockets along with zippered and stash pockets on the back.
Molle compatible chassis.
Internal lens cloth.
Quick detach binocular attachment.
Why We Made This
Get fast, easy access to your binos and essential gear with this streamlined chest pack that keeps your stuff at the ready while preventing it from bouncing around. We recognized a problem in carrying around bulky packs laden with cumbersome attachments, and we took inspiration from military chest rigs in designing this modular solution. The result is a stealthy and convenient system that lets you quickly and efficiently access your optics and other gear—whether you’re making a long hike in, moving between glassing points, or in the middle of a stalk. Plus, it’s adaptable, giving you the ability to add or subtract elements to fit any given situation, season, or hunting style.
Product Comments
12 Reviews
Great build quality as expected. Huge negative- Zeiss Victory 10x42s do not fit without jamming them in. Getting them out is a struggle. Forget about leaving the eye cups Extended. Hugely disappointed in Sitka for making the harness to small to fit 10x42 binos without a struggle. Returning and looking elsewhere.
The mountain harness is without a doubt the best bino caddy system i have ever used. Incredibly comfortable, super light, and well thought out. Since i have to pick something to criticize literally the only thing i can think of would be to have the two accessory pouches open from the front rather than the rear but that’s 100% personal preference.
Love this product. Great versatility across seasons.
There are some great things and not so great things I’ve found with this harness after taking it out on some summer scouting trips.
Pros:
>excellent modular design that allows you to customize the layout and what you want to carry. I hope sitka thinks about making their own side arm holster for this.
>typical Sitka build quality that shows me this will take a beating and keep going.
>intelligent mapping of brushed fabrics to keep noise down on the exterior side compartments.
>ridgid enough construction to ensure that your binos shouldn’t slip out when open.
>the first rear opening lid design on the binocular portion that I trust won’t open when I don’t want it to and stows out of the way nicely with the hood magnet.
Cons:
>almost impossible to latch with a 12x50 binocular. I’m using some Swarovski EL 12x50s and you have to stretch the bungee latch to its full extent and pull the top plastic receiver clip past a normal tension. Even then, it’s seems like it’s ready to pop at any second. I even tried a buddy’s 10x42s in there and it was even very snug. This is absolutely not a one size fits all or even most harness. Sitka would be wise to post internal dimensions for perspective buyers.
Nitpicks:
> I’m not overly fond of the strap retention bands for the excess amount Of your shoulder straps. You could obviously modify this with cutting and burning the amount you don’t need, sewing down the ends, or zip tying, but it would be much better if they used some sort of a Velcro strap or pliable, notched, strap.
>the removable side compartments are not as easy in and out as I would like for a rangefinder. They are also a little louder than I would like if you need to drop something in there quickly in a hunting situation. There is definitely a pretty resonant thud. You could fix this by cutting a little piece of foam or something to put in the bottom to dampen or I would be cautious.
In conclusion:
This harness has so many good ideas going for it, but is not at all designed for larger binoculars. They could fix this by either 1) deepening the bino compartment in an “XL” version 2) increasing the length of the bungee latch or 3) adding one more plastic receiver clip up higher to accommodate taller binocular profiles. I also hope they continue to iterate on it in regards to modular accessories.
I love the modularity of this product. It reminds me of when I was on active duty and changing load out for mission set. Great product. I cannot get the lid to close well on my vortex 10x50s. They are tall enough to keep the flap up high enough to really strain the closing. My 8x42s fit great. I love the pockets and stash places that are built in. I will get years of use from this bino rig I am sure.
This harness is genius. It’s lightweight, well built and super functional. The bino compartment is a little snug with my vortex razor uhd 10x42’s but they do fit. All in all it’s a stellar harness. I’ll be using it for the 3D season as well and it’s got great room for a range finder and a couple different releases. Nice job.
I really like the layout and fit compared to the last Sitka bino harness and the extra pockets are super accessible. My only complaint is it barely fits my Zeiss Victory SF 10x42's, this would seem to be a standard bino along with Swaro ELs and Leica Noctovids to confirm fit (can't confirm if the last two fit). The lid will not close with the eyecups raised.
This bino harness is legit. All the right pockets in all the right spots. Absolutely love it! Do be aware that it will not fit 15x binos... I intentionally bought it for my new 15x Leupold Santiams and they will not fit... I would say 12x or smaller for this harness.
Steven Drake - 08.11.2019
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I ordered the Sitka Mountain Optics Harness in Subalpine. First off, this harness is amazing. I have held and compared many other bino harnesses, and it's clearly superior. Lighter, modular design, quiet and everything else that you'd want in a bino harness. Prior to purchasing this I read many reviews and the size of binocular that it fits was very contradicting. So, here is the down low on fitting binoculars in it. I am currently using a pair of Vortex Viper HD 12x50's and have ZERO issues with using this harness. Despite what other reviews state, the Viper 12x50 binoculars fit like a glove. The dimension of this binocular is 6.5" x 5.2". If you're on the fence about buying this harness, do it! Thanks for the quality Sitka!
Pros: Quiet opening and closing if you move slowly. Great design and build quality. Cons: Bino opening should be a bit bigger, it's very tight on my 10x42s. The side modules open from the rear which is awkward to open but I could get used to it. The compartment grab tabs needs to be bigger as trying to open the lid with winter gloves on is very difficult. The back webbing design is not as good as the gen1 design because when throwing the harness on over a winter jacket the webbing gets twisted up nearly overtime, which is frustrating.
The two side modules make it the best bino harness out there. Great purchase but could use some improvement!
well made but does not fit the Swarovski EL Range 10x42, had to return
Best system I have ever used. Innovative and typical amazing Sitka quality. No other harness competes in versatility so far.