Mountain Optics Harness Reviews

Randy R.

Nov 15, 2022

2/5

I really liked this case

I really liked this case and was looking forward to using it on my Kodiak bear hunt this last May. It works good for my binoculars, has room for my inreach and still another pocket for minor emergency items. All went well until it started raining. Alaska rain isn't like rain in the lower 48 but is a slow steady drizzle to heavy sprinkle. It also lasts all day and goes from the drizzle to the heavy sprinkle. It appears the form is made of a cardboard or other similar material because after about 2 days of this weather it got very soft. I had to quit using it or it would get ruined. It is back to normal after drying out but it would be so much better if it was made out of a material that could withstand the weather. I would have given it 5 stars except for this.

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Canyen D.

Nov 15, 2022

3/5

This definitely needs some work.

This definitely needs some work. My buddy has one of Sitka's older bins harnesses and it is far superior. The straps are thin and don't provide much support.

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Donald I.

Nov 13, 2022

5/5

I initially had another brands

I initially had another brands binocular case, but it was loose and never felt secure. So far, I have used the Mountain Optics Harness a few times on deer hunts, and I really like it. It fits just as snuggly as I need it, and I tend to forget it is there until I need it, unlike most gear that hangs on you. The two additional pouches work great for my SPOT device and range finder. The only issue I have with it is that I would like to see some type of secured Velcro strap retainers instead of elastic loop retainers for the strapping excess, which I may add myself. The elastic retainers seem to let go of the excess strapping too easily.

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David M.

Nov 13, 2022

5/5

I've tried a handful of

I've tried a handful of different binocular harness systems and this one is definitely my favorite. Accessing each of the three pouches is totally quiet, and the magnetic flap on the main pouch works great when frequently pulling binoculars in/out of the harness, and provides just the right amount of cover from rain/snow when necessary, even without fully closing the compartment. The pouches also have enough structure to provide some meaningful protection to their contents, but aren't so beefy that it feels like I'm carrying unnecessary weight. The ability to remove pockets and attach other accessories is also nice, especially outside of hunting season when I don't feel the need to carry my rangefinder. And the sheer number of places to put things has been a very nice surprise -- I can easily fit my phone, my tags, some emergency allen wrenches, a replacement battery for my rangefinder, a wind checker bottle, a couple diaphragm calls, a bic pen, and a small compass all in the various compartments *surrounding* the main three pouches. The small fabric loops on the outside edges of the outer pockets are also a nice touch, giving a good place to attach my rangefinder lanyard. I'm giving five stars for this product because it is a joy to use, and because I haven't seen any other product on the market that I feel does a better job.

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Oct 31, 2022

1/5

The adjustments for the straps

The adjustments for the straps are not ergonomically positioned. Trying to reach the adjustments in situations when hunting conditions change from no jacket to jacket is frustrating. I have another harness in a different brand and the adjustment are all in the front and very easy to access. The straps are also too narrow and they roll up.

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Dan

Oct 29, 2022

4/5

Love it but the straps

Love it but the straps are not comfortable after a few hours of wear. Please make thicker padded straps.

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Military & Veterans

Steve S.

Oct 21, 2022

4/5

Great product. 2 small reasons

Great product. 2 small reasons it looses a star #1 need a belt extension for going over heavy cold weather gear. #2 can't find any accessories pockets for different sizes

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Jake M.

Oct 10, 2022

4/5

Love the harness so far,

Love the harness so far, I’ve only worn it on a few hunts so far and I only have one complaint. I’m not sure if the harness is only supposed to have one or two magnets to hold the front flap up but mine only has one and it doesn’t seem to hold up the flap very well. Wish there was two magnets.

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Brian

Sep 17, 2022

3/5

Sitka has made quality products

Sitka has made quality products for years and my closet supports that. The hunting harness is great with the exception of the neck strap. Even with the additional supports of the torso strap the neck strap quickly becomes uncomfortable. The thin narrow strap diggs into the back of my neck and becomes irritating. I understand the desire to allow the strap to fit different body types but the neck strap needs some type of padding or buffer between the neck and strap, especially if the harness is being used in warm weather. Cold weather hunting allows the clothing to act as a buffer between the strap and neck. If you hunt in warm weather I would suggest other options. I used the harness twice during archery season and then put it on the closet shelf its just too uncomfortable. This is the first time I have been disappointed with a sitka product.

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Mike

Aug 11, 2022

2/5

Many great features, love the

Many great features, love the storage and small pockets all over the harness. However two things knock it down. Vortex 12X50 UHD’s cannot be used as yes you can get the cover closed but it is tighter than a piano string and makes a pretty loud pop when you open it. It also is an absolute bear to close since it is so tight. The second, which is prevalent through the comments are the straps. They could be significantly better by adding a different back like other companies to keep the straps from digging into your neck.

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Military & Veterans

Carl T.

Jul 19, 2022

5/5

I had another well made

I had another well made bino harness but it did not have the two pouches that come with the Mountain Optics harness. I wanted a harness that could carry a few more items other than a range finder and binocular. I was going to use a fanny pack with the old harness but the SITKA harness eliminates that option. My Vortex 10x42 Viper HD binos fit perfect in the center compartment. My Sig range finder fits great in the right pouch and my head lamp folding locker knife fits in the left pouch. Wind indicator in the elastic left pocket on side of center pouch and extra CR2 battery for range finder in the right elastic pouch. Cell phone that has the OnX app goes in pocket on back of the bino pouch and license, pen and zip ties in the rear zippered pocket. Love the simple strap system and the excess strap is easily folded and bound with the sliding binder that comes on each strap. You just put your head through the center strap foillowed with your arms through the arm straps and then attach the waist strap and your set. Very comfortable. The tether straps are easily attached to your binoculars and do not slip as some have reported. The tethered cleaning cloth in the bino pouch is a nice touch. I am a Sitka fan and I would rank the Mountain Optics Harness right up with the Jetstream as a solid no brainer product for the western big game hunter.

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Mark

Jun 12, 2022

3/5

I’d read the reviews on

I’d read the reviews on the product. It was stated the harnesses was poor quality. I’m a big Sitka fan and purchased it anyway because I wanted to maintain the same camouflage pattern. Everyone was right about the straps. They are terrible to say the least. Rigid polyester blend and way too thin. The compartments are well-made and fit mini items well. I would expect a little more product research before Sitka utilize the straps.

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Marcus

May 16, 2022

4/5

I have several different bino

I have several different bino harnesses and this is my go-to. Two areas for improvement: Add a waterproof cover to the bino section. Other companies incorporate a waterproof cover you can pull out and cover it up for heavy rain times. Second, and maybe just my preference, but I would prefer if the side pouches opened front to back just like the bino section. Still, a great product.

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Steve S.

May 12, 2022

5/5

Absolutely love it!!!! Maybe have

Absolutely love it!!!! Maybe have an option for a gun holster. Maybe it is avaliable but I'm struggling to find my way out of this page for avaliable options.

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Curt

May 3, 2022

5/5

Used this harness on a

Used this harness on a hunt in Idaho for a month in October. Climbing over rocks and rained on. Worked excellent. Had my rage finder, iPhone with phoneskope case and InReach GPS in the pockets.

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Military & Veterans

Jacob

Mar 18, 2022

3/5

This is a great harness.

This is a great harness. It has all the bells and whistles that I need. But there is just one problem. The harness is too small so it can't hold my Swarovski Binos. Also, the straps aren't the greatest and there is some room for improvement. I would personally like to see the main pocket become bigger so that it can fit some of the bigger size binos. Overall it is a great harness just sucks the main pocket is too small.

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Jonathan R.

Feb 25, 2022

4/5

Awesome bino harness, but there

Awesome bino harness, but there is room for improvement. Personally, I would like the main pocket to be a little bit bigger and have some improvements on the strap system (they change up, but with some practice you get the hang of it). But over all a great bino harnes.

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Preston P.

Feb 12, 2022

5/5

As stated by many before

As stated by many before me; the shoulder straps are narrow and don’t distribute weight that well which can become a nuisance over time. I did an elk rifle hunt last weekend and had my vortex binos that fit very comfortably in the center, my range finder on my right side (shooting hand) and then I use the left pouch for my call and a thick left hand glove in case It got miserable out there. The weight over 7 miles of tracking and taking the shot was very manageable and I will be using them every time I go out in the future. The straps are 3/4” thick so maybe adding an extra 1/2” would be helpful, but anything past that would become a bigger nuisance when a ruck sack is placed on your back. Overall this performed above and beyond. Much better than vortex chest carrier and much slimmer than the eberlestock recon carrier. My only complaint is that it did not come with a water bottle case which the photos did lead me to believe it might come with lol. Overall if you’re on the fence about this product: do it. It’s worth it.

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Military & Veterans

Hugh

Feb 12, 2022

5/5

This harness is fantastic! Comfortable

This harness is fantastic! Comfortable and the pockets just make sense. The latches for the side pockets are nice that they open away from the body. You can comfortably wear this harness all day without any rubbing or issues. My very broad chested human being and I am comfortable in this harness

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Hayden M.

Feb 12, 2022

3/5

Big Sitka Gear fan so

Big Sitka Gear fan so I chose their harness over some recommended competitors plus I thought it was nice that their accessory pockets are included and not extra attachments. Overall pleased with the pack but the strap design is pretty bad. Works okay over thin layers but nearly impossible to put on comfortably over the fanatic system in late season. Also find the flap to the bino pocket opens easily on its own as there is only two closing positions. Love their gear and the harness is decent but could use a couple tweaks.

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Alpine Z.

Feb 4, 2022

5/5

Best harness on the market!

Best harness on the market! I carry a Vortex 12x50 (it fits very tight as I would prefer smaller binos someday), Rangefinder (micro clothe in the bottom) and various items (battery, calls, multi tools) in the 3rd pouch. I keep my phone in the pocket behind the main compartment with my hunting tag and license in the zipper pouch. It fits to your body with the cross straps in the back. They make it very comfortable for the outside of any layer! My background is in the small unit tactics in the army, a ton of backcountry hiking/ice climbing, so I couldn't ask for a better form fitting harness that carries everything you need for the scout and stalk. It does not get in the way at all when shooting a bow. I've even used it to help prop my rifle butt up just a little higher with my day bag as the bipod for a well supported shot in the mountains. I love the solids color as it matches any camo!

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Paul K.

Jan 19, 2022

3/5

Concept sounds good, however there

Concept sounds good, however there are issues. The Front pocket is too small for both of my Leupold binoculars. The the X-straps in the back are too narrow, twist easily, and dig into your shoulders with the rig loaded. The shoulder straps should be wider and padded.

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Samuel

Nov 10, 2021

5/5

This is a great piece

This is a great piece of a gear. The ability to remove side pockets gives a lot of versatility in how you choose to attach gear that you want readily available. I live in Kodiak and take this with me all the time whether I’m actively hunting, scouting or just hiking. I have tried to attach bear spray in place of one of the removable pockets which I find to be a little awkward. I think having an attachment point on the bottom of the harness to allow for horizontal carry of spray would be a great addition. It is a bit of a stretch to say you could attach a pistol holster to this harness; however, I carry my Glock 40 in a Gunfighters Inc. Kenai chest holster underneath this harness. When the holster is canted to the correct angle it works perfectly with this harness. I give this harness 5 stars with a little room for improvement in accommodating a pistol holster and bear spray.

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Military & Veterans

Kevin

Oct 23, 2021

4/5

Almost perfect, really have next

Almost perfect, really have next to no complaints.

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Brian R.

Oct 13, 2021

2/5

I bought this for a

I bought this for a Wyoming mule deer hunt. My first impression was the pockets and closing system was good. I carry 12x50 binoculars and they fit good. After walking 8-10 miles my shoulders started to ache where the straps crossed my shoulders. By the time I shot my deer I was in actual pain. I think the straps need to have padding, the this straps ate terrible. I was expecting a better product for the price and Sitka name.

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Kyle T.

Sep 28, 2021

5/5

Works great for hunting and

Works great for hunting and scouting. I love the closure method, accessory pouches, and fit.

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Jeffery I.

Sep 25, 2021

5/5

I love this bino harness.

I love this bino harness. I was hesitant at first buying this for whitetail hunting only but the versatility and customization is phenomenal. I run the Vortex Crossfire HD 8x42 and they fit perfectly. Both side pockets are deep and big enough to fit a large number of items. I have my range finder on my right side, attached with an FHF bino tether for added security in the field. I keep my release and other various items in the left side. There are 2 pockets on the outside of the main bino pouch and I carry a knife in one and a wind checker in the other. the material is super quite and very durable. The one major draw back I have found is that it can be warm on your chest when it is hot out. The material on the back is made to protect your binos and doesn't breathe much but that is not something that would turn me away from purchasing this item. My favorite feature are the magnets on the lid. They allow you to silently open the lid and keep it in multiple positions while using your binos. This is well worth the money and I would recommend these to anyone needing a optic harness.

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Matt G.

Sep 19, 2021

5/5

With half star ratings, truly

With half star ratings, truly I’d give this product a 4.5 star review. As for all you women that rate this thing as anything below 4-star, your either lying to yourself (when you purchased this product) or lying to review when you left that. This is a well thought, customizable harness that purely just best-fit-the-bill for me. As a left handed bowhunter with a 55” chest, I can put my rangefinder on the left, my two release aids, Allens, and compass on right pocket and just barely fit 12x50 binos in main. Sure it’s a little more expensive and could be more comfortable while I'm training in June/July and some MINOR room to improve but I bought this to hunt during deer season not for spring turkey season or sweat my butt off in while I’m training! Tons of storage/adjustment & honestly this thing is the best I’ve seen on the market!

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Not H.

Sep 7, 2021

3/5

Researched many cases and this

Researched many cases and this one was the best. So I thought, I ordered and when it arrived my binoculars did not fit. I have the Bushnell trophy 10x50 binoculars, I am returning them and will look to another manufacturer.

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Zachary A.

Aug 27, 2021

5/5

I find the straps outstanding

I find the straps outstanding and simple to use: head in one hole, one arm in each of the other, strap around the waist. SIMPLE. The straps are a nice thickness/firmness that do not tangle or twist easily. I compared my binocular specs to the main pouch spec of this harness so therefore my Vortex Viper 12x50 and my Leopuld RX1400i rangefinder fits in the main & side pouch. I use windchecker/milkweed and fruit snacks/elk jerky in the 3rd side pouch. Theres two compartments behind the main pouch that I put my tags in the smaller zip pouch and phone in the big one, respectively. I use this harness for turkey hunting too, as the main pouch will fit my box call, side pouches for slate & striker. The halfway/partial open capability of the main pouch with the magnets and seamed hinges is a nice feature. All 3 pouches open with a stretch & clasp (SILENT) mechanism. This is my first Stika gear item and will definitely continue to browse their inventory when I need things in the future, for this harness is 100/100. Thanks Sitka, and good luck to all hunters!

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Jon L.

Aug 11, 2021

3/5

Well, I love the design

Well, I love the design on this product. It is an incredible balance of feature richness and simplicity. The side pouches are generous and extremely well designed, down to the stretchy pockets on the fronts of them. The dual pockets behind the main pouch (one zippered and one wide open) allow for separate tag and sidearm storage (I can comfortably fit a full sized Glock in there). I was pessimistic about the strap system at first, but it is very comfortable. This would be a 5 star review except for the size of the main pouch. It's a flat out deal killer, if you run anything over a short 10x42. My Maven B2 (7.1' with eye cups down) won't fit at all and the Maven C series 12x50 and Vortex Razor 12x50 only fit with the cups down. Ideally I'd like to be able to close the cover over a Maven B2 sized optic with a closure that keeps rain out from the side.

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Pro

Matt

Jul 23, 2021

5/5

This harness is great and

This harness is great and even stable enough to mount a pistol. I like the strap system a lot better than the old harness. It is easy to adjust, little foot print to not cause heat spots, and stays put. If they get twisted it doesn't bother me. The pouches are even big enough to hold your beer.

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Military & Veterans

Radek

Jul 3, 2021

4/5

Very nice product, but only

Very nice product, but only for small binoculars. I have Swarovski EL Range - is impossible close cover. I believe that Sitka makes a model for other than small binoculars.

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Pro

Robert T.

Jun 26, 2021

4/5

I love this harness so

I love this harness so much! It is awesome, I like that you can take the side pouches off if you'd like and they fit my binos very well (Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD 10x42) I really like the lens cloth that is attached to the inside, because I'd loose or forget it if it wasn't, the little pockets on the side for my lense pen. The side pouches work really well for range finder and small gear such as eye wear and hearing protection. Only thing I don't get is why the bino harness lid opens towards you. Makes it a little annoying on the stock opening it to grab your binos everytime you need em, but isn't that big a deal. It is very comfortable, breathable, quite, and functional.

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Military & Veterans

Bobby

Jun 15, 2021

5/5

Great so far, you can

Great so far, you can even fit a full size 1911 in the rear slip behind the binocular pouch!

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Military & Veterans

Nick P.

Jun 14, 2021

5/5

Bought this bingo harness expecting

Bought this bingo harness expecting great quality and I wasn't disappointed at all. it fits nicely and has tons of room for everything you need on you. I use it with my vortex 12x50 bins and they fit snuggly. I definitely recommend these to anyone looking to get it.

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Driston L.

Jun 7, 2021

5/5

Really enjoy this Bino Harness,

Really enjoy this Bino Harness, love the modularity and the storage, I've been in situations where I could leave my pack and still have everything I need, fit my binos perfectly and my rangefinder as well. I actually enjoy the strap system, it's very comfortable of you know how to set it up properly, it's not hard to figure out. I do wish that Sitka would make a Bino Harness that was a little slimmer for warmer times of the year, something similar to the Leupold Bino Harness with a separate pouch for a rangefinder, other than that, totally recommend this Bino Harness!

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Mateo

May 12, 2021

4/5

Super pumped about this. Been

Super pumped about this. Been rocking my unit issued chest rig and this one is nearly identical. It works perfectly for when I've got my tree stand/climbing sticks on my back.

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Military & Veterans

Brian

May 12, 2021

4/5

Great product. The only issue

Great product. The only issue is that when I’m rifle hunting, this must be worn on the outside of my gear which covers my hunter orange vest. This would be a perfect harness if it was made in hunter orange.

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Southern R.

May 5, 2021

5/5

One of the best products

One of the best products yet!!!

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Nick

Apr 18, 2021

4/5

I actually run this for

I actually run this for spring turkey. Instead of binos, I keep my pot call in the main pouch which gives me quick and easy access so I can tuck it away quickly and easily if I get a response. Love the knife and mouth call storage area, and the smaller storage pieces are great for phones, GPS, gloves or whatever the hell you want to throw in them. Zipper pocket in the back keeps your license and tags. My only complaint is the strap system; it takes a bit of work to get it balanced and the ends come loose from the elastic a little too easily. I’m going to add velcro to mine to ensure I don’t have it hanging loose. Overall, I much preferred this to a pack as I don’t run decoys and the harness lets you keep it on while leaning against a tree.

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Scott

Apr 9, 2021

2/5

I purchased the harness from

I purchased the harness from a local distributor and was pleased with the design and functionality. However the quality was very poor for the price. I ended up sending it back to Sitka for repair for blown stitching which took 2 months and commutation was very terrible. I ended up receiving the same harness back without the issue fixed and had to send it back to wait an additional month. The 2nd harness I received the stitching was fine but the construction was very poor. The magnets did not line up to keep the front flap up. The stitching went diagonal and was not even. Overall I am disappointed. The design is great and the functionality is there, but the quality and customer service drove me to put it in the closet and go with a different manufacturer.

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Military & Veterans

Chris

Feb 22, 2021

3/5

Very nice product, I agree

Very nice product, I agree with everyone else, the straps get tangled and make it not so easy to use. Would like to see them make a strap system for them like the old bino bivy system.

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Tim H.

Feb 12, 2021

4/5

I do really like this

I do really like this harness but there are a couple of issues. It does not fit either pair (two different brands) of my 10x42’s without pulling and stretching. It is a two handed operation to get it closed and latched. I hope it stretches enough over time to accommodate the binos’s. I do like the additional side pockets a lot. The narrow straps had concerned me but they work fine. It’s a great idea that needs a little improvement.

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Mt H.

Dec 10, 2020

5/5

I love this harness. I

I love this harness. I struggled finding one that was quiet, comfortable and functional that could keep all my 'stuff' easy to access but secure. This does the job perfectly.

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Pro

Casey S.

Dec 8, 2020

5/5

The mountain harness is without

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.

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Greg M.

Nov 20, 2020

3/5

Well made but too small

Well made but too small for our 10x50 Binos which are taller than the case so the cover won’t close.

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Justin E.

Oct 29, 2020

5/5

Great Bino harness and my

Great Bino harness and my favorite to date. Very quiet, fits everything I need and the material has a nice water repellent to it. Only thing I would like to see for improvement is the ranger finder pockets lid. It would be nice if once you open it there was a way to keep it open, I cut the lid off one so I can pull my range finder out quicker and don’t have to fumble with the lid or make noise opening it. Other than the pocket lids I love this harness and fits all my needs.

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Military & Veterans

Nick O.

Oct 25, 2020

3/5

Overall the harness is ok.

Overall the harness is ok. What I like about the harness is the amount of items I can have in the different compartments. It fits my 10x42 leupolds nicely but I wouldn’t go much bigger. Comfort of the harness is decent and the large surface area of the front of the harness gives a very comfortable and stable feel to the hunter. The strap system is not very user friendly and can easily get tangled up/ twisted especially when layering up. The soft fleece type material on the very front of the harness that makes up the small side pouches on the main compartment and the outer pouches on the two side compartments is incredibly susceptible to snow and ice build up. It holds onto the elements and requires constant cleaning. If these things are not an issue for you then I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it. It will serve me well for archery seasons but I will be using another option for rifle seasons here in Montana.

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Military & Veterans

Brandon

Oct 10, 2020

2/5

Really wanted to like this

Really wanted to like this harness but the strap system is quite poor. Not having a central back attachment causes the straps to move around too much and create uneven stress points. For the price I really would have expected a much better design.

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