Bino Harness

[P-nut]

I got a Badlands Bino case for Christmas.. Only used it during deer season in south Alabama so far. headed out to Wyoming in October hopefully. Mine is the no zip magnetic. I love it. You will not be disappointed.

P-nut

 

[wildstreak]

I use the AGC. I bought both the KUIU and AGC at the same time to choose between the two and the AGC was hands down the better option for me. What I like about the AGC is the option to carry other stuff in it. I keep my GPS in one of the side pockets, spare rounds or speed loaders in the other side pocket (if rifle or muzzleloader hunting), and my camera in the front pocket. It also has a couple elastic pockets on the top where I put my cell phone and a small pocket in the back where I keep my license/ tag and ink pen. I attach my rangefinder pouch to the side strap. This way everything I routinely grab for is in one spot on my chest. It does seem weird having on a "chest pack" at first if your not used to it but after you take off hiking you never even notice it anymore (at least I don't).

Aside from the fact that you can't carry anything else with the Kuiu, I did not like the way it attaches to your binos if you want to hand your binos to your buddy or attach them to your tripod real quick. Also I did some crawling tests with both bino packs on and with the top cover off of both for easy retrieval and my binos would fall out of the Kuiu. I couldn't get them to fall out of the AGC.

The FHF is very similar to the AGC and would probably be my second choice. I like the top lid on the AGC much better than the fold over lid of the FHF.

I looked at the AGC on their website. I know you said that you don't notice it but that thing looks huge. I like having the ability to have my range finder and GPS right there, ready and available but it looks awful cumbersome. Which model do you have?

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I love my FHF. I don't even really look at the other options. I don't have much problem with debris getting in, either.

It is really nice how you can get it to ride higher on your chest than other options.

BB, good to see you back on the forum. We really value your input!

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

Thanks UH, good to hear from you too!

 

[CoHiCntry]

I looked at the AGC on their website. I know you said that you don't notice it but that thing looks huge. I like having the ability to have my range finder and GPS right there, ready and available but it looks awful cumbersome. Which model do you have?

I bought mine a couple years ago and they have since changed some small details & gave them new names. When I bought mine I think it was a regular large? I think back then there were three sizes, a large, extra large, and compact. I jumped on there website and am assuming mine would be the equivalent of what they call the classic or maybe even the cub now.

I was concerned about the size too which is why I ordered a KUIU at the same time to compare. After the initial putting it on you won't notice the size. It doesn't feel cumbersome to me. Love having everything I need right on my chest too. I use it all the time on hiking, backpacking trips and it even works good as a chest pack for fishing. Just replace the binos with a small lure or fly box!

 

[Laddy]

I hate change. Most new things in the hunting realm I disregard and ignore.....falls into the "my dad was killing elk and deer in the early 60s while wearing a red flannel shirt and cowboy hat," attitude. Went through three bino harnesses until I found FHF, and have gone through two already....OK, the first one I left behind somewhere on a tree in unit 21B in Utah.

I'll have complete brand loyalty as long as they continue to make them right.

Contents:
Binos in center compartment
Garmin on top of binos in center compartment (just need to adjust the cord larger to fit)
Range finder in pouch attached to right shoulder strap
License, tag, ID, and stick of gum in zippered front pouch
Side pouches (varies): chap stick, wind indicator, LED torch, .270 cartridge

Spike camp 2015:

 

[Elkhunter96]

I have no experience with some of the others listed, but I do like my Kuiu harness. I see no need to change...

 

[LaHunter]

I've been running the FHF for the past 3 seasons and have been very pleased with it. It rides great and it is the perfect combination of bino protection, size, and functionality. Also, you can let your binos hang outside the pouch when you are sitting and glassing for extended periods. This system is not totally sealed, so a small amount of dust can get to your binos if the conditions are very dusty. In the 3 years that I have used this system, I probably clean my lenses about 2 times per year, so my binos stay clean. I do keep my swaro lens covers on, even while in the pouch, just for extra protection.

 

[Doe Nob]

Good thread, buying some before next season. Thanks for all the good information!

 

[s8mdevo]

Does anybody have experience with the agc pack with leica 10x42 hdb's? They have three sizes I think and am unsure which would fit them best.

 

[hferrin701]

I have the KUIU, I like it cause its light and comfortable but I wish it has the external pockets like the FHF.

 

[crzy_cntryby]

I have ran a couple AGCs. Love them both. Wouldn't use anything else. If you are worried about bulk. Look at their "Archery" harnesses.

 

[IDELKFVR]

I use the S4 as well.. Like because it protects the glass and lets the binos breath so when you pull them out they dont fog up. Dont know if thats an issue with the others but something i always worried about thats why i bought the S4

 

[mntnguide]

I have used the S4 for a couple years...I do like it, but it also has its drawbacks for me...the back always still rides up onto my neck and after days of hiking and wearing a pack etc..it sure gets annoying and can actually rub my neck raw. This year I will be going with the FHF gear bino harness. Have only heard great things, and i can attach my rangefinder right next to it and have a small pocket for calls etc.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

First of all THANKS for all the great feedback. I ultimately picked up the Guide Binopack (by AGC) from Vortex. Can't beat the warranty. I figured if it's too big it will be fine for camping, hiking, and family adventures. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of bulk and it feels much better than having my binoculars bounce around on my chest. Cell phone (iPhone 6) fits in the back pocket. Wind detector on one side pocket and the other side pocket some chap stick and my compass. Front pocket fits my rangefinder and holds 6 rounds which I didn't know about (bonus). Top pocket sleeve holds my diaphragm game calls (can hold more if needed). I'm looking forward to having easy access to these items versus using my pant cargo pockets. It if doesn't work out for hunts, too bulky etc., I will likely go with the Guide Lite Binopack (by FHF) from Vortex.

 

[graybird]

I have tried the Kuiu and S4 Gear harness. I'll never use the S4 again after getting the Kuiu, as a matter of fact, I sold that harness within the week. The Kuiu has straps that stay snug to your body. the S4 had elastic straps that always seemed to loosen throughout the day. Not to mention, the elastic will deteriorate after a few years. I have a pair of Leica Geovid binos; therefore, no need for the added rangefinder case.

 

[Bughalli]

FHF for me and I really like it. I haven't tried the other high quality ones, but you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[duckbum]

if you use your binos on a tripod i would go with the fhf if not i would go with the kuiu.

 

[CForest]

Does anyone know of a way to put a rangefinder pouch on the side of a kuiu? Fhf is sold out and found an excellent deal on a brand new kuiu harness.