For those who carry binoculars what type of straps, harness, chest case do you prefer: How do you like carrying your binoculars during turkey season? I use Rick Young Outdoors 002 Basic ultra light binocular harness for my Vortex 10 x 28 this harness is very comfortable and has the quick release snaps. Do you like compact binoculars or the larger binoculars for turkey hunting?
I've moved to some Cabelas Compact HD binos and actually tote them in a Marsupial rangefinder pouch. I'll never go back to anything larger for where I live, what I hunt, and the ground I hunt. They're incredible. Unfathomably light. And I usually just run the pouch onto my chest strap of my pack. It's like that pouch was made for them. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/e650c5528cc6d3193a37799d0c72f2ac.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/2b257349743983e437818c83cf416839.jpg)
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Up to 8 or so years ago I never used Binos. Today I feel naked without them! I do not have a good system for carrying, only the neck strap supplied.
I do usually throw them in the game bag on the back of my vest until I need them or get into a place I feel they may benefit me. They are Steiner 10X42, full size. They get heavy after awhile around your neck, I think one of those harnesses would be an improvement for me.
I just got one of those ALPS binoc harnesses and haven't used it yet. I did try it on and adjust it with the binoculars I carry and it seems to be a good product. Lots of places for calls and such. Not sure how it will work with my turkey vest yet.
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Vortex Glasspac Bino Harness. I believe several other Bino manufactures have them as well. These harnesses keep the binos close, protected and out of the way when running and gunning but very accessible when needed. Always with me.
I use the Rick Young as well. If I am hunting timber I rarely carry them, out west or field hunting I always do.
Been thinking about getting a mini pair to carry, just not a fan of the mini binos though.
For turkey hunting, none they are in the back pocket of my hip pack.
MK M GOBL
Kinda rigged up my own set up. I like small compact binos for turkey. Got these for a gift. Took a Crooked horn Bino harness, added quick detach clips to the binos, and it is a great set-up. They stay right against my chest, and the straps are comfortable. Works great. Be safe...
When I actually carry them, Rick Young harness for my Maven C.2 7x28s. The 7x28s are the perfect size for turkey IMO.
I like my Leupold 10x28s waterproof and lightweight.
Nikon aculon in a vest pocket
Bushnell were the lightest compacts I could find. Very pleased with them but the Rick Young harness wasn't to my liking so I carried them in a vest pocket last season. I don't use them a lot on most days so that worked out OK for me. 9 oz. Those Cabelas were 8.6 oz I think. Weight matters.
Vest pocket.
When I am hunting around home I have a small pair of Leupold bino's that I keep in my satchel or I just keep them around my neck (they're fairly light and compact). When I hunt out west I will carry my bigger glass and then I use a Alaskan guide Bino harness
Quote from: deerhunt1988 on February 20, 2021, 02:30:59 PM
When I actually carry them, Rick Young harness for my Maven C.2 7x28s. The 7x28s are the perfect size for turkey IMO.
Ive got a really nice pair of quality 8x42 optics that are Heavy
I got the maven 7x28 for my wife but I've completely stopped carrying my full size set for turkey and just use those 90% of the time
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I use the factory strap that came with my Leupold gold ring 10 x 28. It works well. I didn't used to carry binoculars because where I hunted was tight cover, but since hunting more open woods they have come in handy.
Jim
Vortex small 8x with the Rick Young harness.
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Vintage(1990's) pair of Waterproof Nikon Mountaineer II Compact 8x25's. I usually use the factory neck strap or just keep them in one of my front vest pockets.
Meopta 8x25 in vest pocket during walk-in and neck strap when in use
$25 cabela's shoulder harness. It is cheap and works.
Quote from: Tom007 on February 20, 2021, 02:25:33 PM
Kinda rigged up my own set up. I like small compact binos for turkey. Got these for a gift. Took a Crooked horn Bino harness, added quick detach clips to the binos, and it is a great set-up. They stay right against my chest, and the straps are comfortable. Works great. Be safe...
I did the same thing for years. I got a badlands chest pack last year and love it. I can put my small trumpet and my mouth call pouch in there with my bingos.
I carry 10x42 Nikon Monarchs. I have a chest carry Alaskan guide creations pack. Feel naked without them in turkey season.
Quote from: BBR12 on February 21, 2021, 01:46:47 AM
Quote from: Tom007 on February 20, 2021, 02:25:33 PM
Kinda rigged up my own set up. I like small compact binos for turkey. Got these for a gift. Took a Crooked horn Bino harness, added quick detach clips to the binos, and it is a great set-up. They stay right against my chest, and the straps are comfortable. Works great. Be safe...
I did the same thing for years. I got a badlands chest pack last year and love it. I can put my small trumpet and my mouth call pouch in there with my bingos.
Amen my friend, best of luck this spring...
I have carried a pair of 8x25 bushnell perma focus compacts for the last 13 years, however I noticed they were fogged up last fall during deer season.I sent them back and they sent me their new perma focus 8x25 and I hate them,they just are not what the older ones were.
I have a set of Nkon aculon 10x25 compacts on the way,should be here today for me to test out. I hav always kept them in my front right pocket of either my vest/pants or coat,easy to get too.
Usually just in a vest pocket but need a harness of some sort. That Rick Young looks simple and effective, those that have it would you recommend it? I don't think the big straps and pouch on the other harnesses would be too comfortable
Nikon 10x42's on a Crooked Horn Bino-System.
Don't need 10x42's to just turkey hunt, here in PA. But I like to be able to look at whatever........... They're tight to my chest and never in the way, so.............
The bigger glass IS nice when hunting western birds.
I usually carry an old, rubber armored version of the tasco compact binos. They are remarkably good for a cheap brand. I carry them in an unused pot call pocket in my vest, or in the carry case they come in on a carabiner snapped into d-ring on vest or my pack. I love having binos with me, it allows me to observe things that would be difficult with the naked eye.It's nice to watch wildlife during the morning lulls.
Started using north mountain gear bino harness really like it 20.00 free shipping
FHF Gear makes a nice chest harness as does Kuiu. I carry a midsize nice binoc. Both distribute the wt well and protect the optics from dirt, dust. I'm 65, but still sometimes am crawling up to glass an open field,etc. Both keep the binoc snug and quickly available. I prefer the Kuiu over the FHF as the access to the binoc is superior. I got both on sale as they're a bit pricy.
Quote from: Ranger on February 21, 2021, 08:13:13 AM
Usually just in a vest pocket but need a harness of some sort. That Rick Young looks simple and effective, those that have it would you recommend it? I don't think the big straps and pouch on the other harnesses would be too comfortable
Yes , i have been using it and i like how it's simple doesn't weigh anything and not hot at all.. The harness gives you 4 different ways of wearing your binos.
About 15 years ago a my turkey hunting buddy Roger showed me a pair of compact Leica's, small enough to fit in a pot call pouch on my vest, never hunt without them!
Maven 9x45 in FHF harness for deer
Leupold Cascades in a Rick Young harness for turkeys
Have an 8x25 Zeiss compact that wear around my neck inside my shirt using the factory strap. They are light weight and work well
8X42 Bushnell Legend ED on a Rick Young harness.
I carry binoculars so they are ready to use in an instant. I don't want them in a pouch, I don't want them with caps on, and I certainly don't want them in a backpack, bag, vest pocket or satchel.
It drives me absolutely insane when I'm hunting with someone else and they ask me to use my binocular because theirs are in their backpack or some other unreachable place. My answer is a solid NO. lol
Quote from: Number17 on February 21, 2021, 11:18:51 AM
8X42 Bushnell Legend ED on a Rick Young harness.
I carry binoculars so they are ready to use in an instant. I don't want them in a pouch, I don't want them with caps on, and I certainly don't want them in a backpack, bag, vest pocket or satchel.
It drives me absolutely insane when I'm hunting with someone else and they ask me to use my binocular because theirs are in their backpack or some other unreachable place. My answer is a solid NO. lol
Amen, i don't care for the pouch, i tried that, and it was a hassle for me even with the pouch that has the quick flip cover. I want them ready to use.
Timed it takes me 3 seconds to flip my pouch and have glasses to eye.
Quote from: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 11:58:58 AM
Timed it takes me 3 seconds to flip my pouch and have glasses to eye.
Mine without the pouch doesn't take that 3 seconds .. LOL..
Quote from: Greg Massey on February 21, 2021, 12:01:47 PM
Quote from: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 11:58:58 AM
Timed it takes me 3 seconds to flip my pouch and have glasses to eye.
Mine without the pouch doesn't take that 3 seconds .. LOL..
Haha Greg, that's good enough for me. LOL. My glasses are much less dirty, but hey, no problem-to each his own.
Quote from: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 11:58:58 AM
Timed it takes me 3 seconds to flip my pouch and have glasses to eye.
I just super glue them to my eyes to even the playing field with my quarry.
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/TppeLsqt8Jz20/giphy.gif)
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Quote from: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 12:19:39 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on February 21, 2021, 12:01:47 PM
Quote from: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 11:58:58 AM
Timed it takes me 3 seconds to flip my pouch and have glasses to eye.
Mine without the pouch doesn't take that 3 seconds .. LOL..
Haha Greg, that's good enough for me. LOL. My glasses are much less dirty, but hey, no problem-to each his own.
It's all in a little fun, i can see your point, it's all about what a person wants to use, with or without both have advantages. We can all learn form each other, great site and Forum Old Gobbler. Spring is coming.
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on February 21, 2021, 12:19:55 PM
Quote from: PalmettoRon on February 21, 2021, 11:58:58 AM
Timed it takes me 3 seconds to flip my pouch and have glasses to eye.
I just super glue them to my eyes to even the playing field with my quarry.
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/TppeLsqt8Jz20/giphy.gif)
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Haha CC-- that's a novel concept, pun intended. A talking falcon would be an awesome addition too!
Been using the Crooked Horn harness for years.
I use swarovski 10x 42 el binoculars in a marsupial chest rig. I do not hunt anything without them. Period.
Go check out one of these:
https://fhfgear.com/collections/hunting/products/bino-harness-pro-m
I've been using one the last two seasons for scouting and hunting everything. Hold my binos, permit, and several diaphragm calls, with the rangefinder case on the side strap off to the right side. Comfortable to carry, works well with a pack over the top of the straps if needed, and keeps my binos protected. Little pricey, but the quality of build is worth it.
I use Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10x42 with just the neck strap for everything!!! I use them so often that It would be a pain to constantly pull them in and out of a harness.
I glass at everything, just enjoying my time in the woods.
spring is coming......
Quote from: Crghss on February 21, 2021, 04:14:59 PM
I use Leupold BX-1 McKenzie 10x42 with just the neck strap for everything!!! I use them so often that It would be a pain to constantly pull them in and out of a harness.
I glass at everything, just enjoying my time in the woods.
spring is coming......
You are misunderstanding what a harness is, the Rick Young are straps, similar to a neck strap but a hundred times more comfortable and the weight is off your neck. That is a harness.
The other ones we are talking about are binocular pouches that are built into the harness and normally has full containment, but some allow you to leave them out of the pouches on straps, like the FHF setup.
Love my Rick Young!!
I've been packing my vortex 10x42 in the vortex pack,just ordered the marsupial harness it looks to be A good rig.
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Leupold 10x42s in a kuiu ultralight harness. I will never go back. 3 years in that and it works for me.
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Quote from: Tom007 on February 20, 2021, 02:25:33 PM
Kinda rigged up my own set up. I like small compact binos for turkey. Got these for a gift. Took a Crooked horn Bino harness, added quick detach clips to the binos, and it is a great set-up. They stay right against my chest, and the straps are comfortable. Works great. Be safe...
I use the same one but in black. Very nice slings, bought one very similar for my camera as a matter of fact.
I use the Vortex glass pack when I carry them. Last year I started carrying a monocular instead of the bingos. I like it a little better because of it being lighter and more compact.
I just carry in in one of the large pocket of turkey vest. I did get some smaller 8x32 this year instead of the 8x42
I never carried binos years ago but once I finally started I carry them most every hunt now. I first used a crooked horn outfitters strap that was nice but it didn't offer any protection for the binos. My binos took a serious beating while turkey hunting with them. A couple years ago I switched to a Marsupial Bino harness and bought some new Leupold 8x32 Bx 4 binos. I got a small harness but it offers me enough room for my binos and cell phone inside. It's nice and I really like the setup.
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I have an S4 Bino harness for my turkey rig(Zeiss 10x42 Terras) and an FHF Gear harness for my whitetail/big game rig (Swarovski 10x42 SLCs).
I want fast access to my binos and reasonable protection. You will never see me doing anything hunting related without a bino harness on. Once you start carrying them all the time you realize how much you were missing.
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on February 20, 2021, 11:42:39 AM
I've moved to some Cabelas Compact HD binos and actually tote them in a Marsupial rangefinder pouch. I'll never go back to anything larger for where I live, what I hunt, and the ground I hunt. They're incredible. Unfathomably light. And I usually just run the pouch onto my chest strap of my pack. It's like that pouch was made for them. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/e650c5528cc6d3193a37799d0c72f2ac.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/2b257349743983e437818c83cf416839.jpg)
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Are those cabela's 10x42's?
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Quote from: warrent423 on February 23, 2021, 09:07:54 AM
Have never felt the need to carry binoculars while turkey Hunting. I'm out there to call them to my gun, not stalk them. It amazes me how much sh#t some of these guys I see each year are actually carrying. To each their own though.
Maybe some of us like looking at the sunrise with our binoculars. So because we carry binoculars now we are stalkers. I guess because i carry turkey calls and a gun i'm a KILLER...LOL... each his own, i guess.
It ain't for stalking. Binos for lots of us are to make up for aging eyes. Been pinned down more than once by a dark tree stump across a swamp bottom. I used to have 20/10 vision and had no need for binos. I carry a pair of 8x42 M5 nikons now on a chest harness, same setup I use for bow hunting deer. Makes a big difference for me in both close range sports.
Quote from: Heavy Load on February 23, 2021, 09:13:05 AM
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on February 20, 2021, 11:42:39 AM
I've moved to some Cabelas Compact HD binos and actually tote them in a Marsupial rangefinder pouch. I'll never go back to anything larger for where I live, what I hunt, and the ground I hunt. They're incredible. Unfathomably light. And I usually just run the pouch onto my chest strap of my pack. It's like that pouch was made for them. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/e650c5528cc6d3193a37799d0c72f2ac.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/2b257349743983e437818c83cf416839.jpg)
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Are those cabela's 10x42's?
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No, they're 8x25. They make a 10x25 as well but I've always preferred the lower magnification as it gets you a larger exit pupil (i.e. gathers more light and better in dim situations).
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Quote from: Greg Massey on February 23, 2021, 09:31:52 AM
Quote from: warrent423 on February 23, 2021, 09:07:54 AM
Have never felt the need to carry binoculars while turkey Hunting. I'm out there to call them to my gun, not stalk them. It amazes me how much sh#t some of these guys I see each year are actually carrying. To each their own though.
Maybe some of us like looking at the sunrise with our binoculars. So because we carry binoculars now we are stalks. I guess because i carry turkey calls and a gun i'm a KILLER...LOL... each his own, i guess.
I agree Greg. I personally carry binos for long distance viewing and scouting. On roads, fields and in wide open STATES, binos are a must whether you have 20/20 vision or not. If I spot a bird across a 300 acre field or 1/2 a mile away across a pasture, I want to positively identify that bird before I try to make a move toward him and get to a position that I can SETUP on him and CALL him in. Personally, I'm not going in the turkey woods with 1 gun, 1 call and 1 shell and pray everything goes MY way! Each thing I carry has a purpose and 90% of the time it will get used.
I use the Leupold chest harness (exact concept as the Crooked Horn harness) that came with my 10x42 Gold Rings that I got years ago. Fantastic glass...too bad they don't make it anymore. The system works for me.
I did try a Vortex Glass Pak to see how it would work because I would like to have a little more protection for them. Didn't work for me. The main reason is that they fold back toward my body, leaving the cover in my way when wearing them at the spot of my chest that I want them at...it's even worse when deer hunting out of a saddle, which is about 75% of my archery deer hunting from an elevated position. I do feel like an enclosed harness like many use that folds down, away from your body, would work for me, but I haven't sprung for one yet. I would like to try one out first, but don't know anyone that has one near me. I'll probably just pony up and get one at some point to see how it does.
Quote from: Big Jeremy on February 23, 2021, 01:02:35 PM
I use the Leupold chest harness (exact concept as the Crooked Horn harness) that came with my 10x42 Gold Rings that I got years ago. Fantastic glass...too bad they don't make it anymore. The system works for me.
I did try a Vortex Glass Pak to see how it would work because I would like to have a little more protection for them. Didn't work for me. The main reason is that they fold back toward my body, leaving the cover in my way when wearing them at the spot of my chest that I want them at...it's even worse when deer hunting out of a saddle, which is about 75% of my archery deer hunting from an elevated position. I do feel like an enclosed harness like many use that folds down, away from your body, would work for me, but I haven't sprung for one yet. I would like to try one out first, but don't know anyone that has one near me. I'll probably just pony up and get one at some point to see how it does.
Jeremy, I have the same problem with the Glass Pak. What I do is turn the top of the cover inside out and stick it behind the body of the Glass Pak and my chest. It will usually stay put and out of the way. By doing this, it makes the binos more easily accessible as well.
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on February 23, 2021, 09:55:44 AM
Quote from: Heavy Load on February 23, 2021, 09:13:05 AM
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on February 20, 2021, 11:42:39 AM
I've moved to some Cabelas Compact HD binos and actually tote them in a Marsupial rangefinder pouch. I'll never go back to anything larger for where I live, what I hunt, and the ground I hunt. They're incredible. Unfathomably light. And I usually just run the pouch onto my chest strap of my pack. It's like that pouch was made for them. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/e650c5528cc6d3193a37799d0c72f2ac.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210220/2b257349743983e437818c83cf416839.jpg)
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Are those cabela's 10x42's?
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No, they're 8x25. They make a 10x25 as well but I've always preferred the lower magnification as it gets you a larger exit pupil (i.e. gathers more light and better in dim situations).
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Priced right to, thanks.
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Quote from: bbcoach on February 23, 2021, 01:24:31 PM
Quote from: Big Jeremy on February 23, 2021, 01:02:35 PM
I use the Leupold chest harness (exact concept as the Crooked Horn harness) that came with my 10x42 Gold Rings that I got years ago. Fantastic glass...too bad they don't make it anymore. The system works for me.
I did try a Vortex Glass Pak to see how it would work because I would like to have a little more protection for them. Didn't work for me. The main reason is that they fold back toward my body, leaving the cover in my way when wearing them at the spot of my chest that I want them at...it's even worse when deer hunting out of a saddle, which is about 75% of my archery deer hunting from an elevated position. I do feel like an enclosed harness like many use that folds down, away from your body, would work for me, but I haven't sprung for one yet. I would like to try one out first, but don't know anyone that has one near me. I'll probably just pony up and get one at some point to see how it does.
Jeremy, I have the same problem with the Glass Pak. What I do is turn the top of the cover inside out and stick it behind the body of the Glass Pak and my chest. It will usually stay put and out of the way. By doing this, it makes the binos more easily accessible as well.
Yeah, that would work, but it then doesn't offer much more protection than I already have with just the chest harness that doesn't enclose the binos. If I were to have a fully enclosed harness, I would want it to be able to be easily opened and closed without impeding my tree stand/saddle/turkey vest. There are a few that look like they would work, I just haven't tried one out yet.
Currently debating this myself. I have an older pair of Steiner Predator 10x24. Nice glass but a little heavy. Trying to lighten my loadout so looking at monoculars too. I fondled some Cabela's 8x compacts and like them too. But I am also considering just some cheaps so in case I loose them crawling around I won't have lost much.
Anybody use monoculars?
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I have a Nikon Monarch I carry on a Crooked Horn binocular harness-great setup
I use a Zeiss 10x42 and put then in a an older Crooked Horn harness case.