By Robin Owens 20 days ago, Bags
The best binocular harness for all price ranges.
Just tying any strap to your binoculars, especially the more expensive and heavy ones, is not a good idea. The best binocular harness, while costing comparatively little, will free your hands, eliminate pain and digging into the skin, and protect the optics from mechanical damage. This way, you can mindlessly drop the binoculars when hunting and know they’re safe, or place more devices within your immediate reach.
There is a selection of harnesses that can be small and simple or tailored for professional use. You can find the best option to feel comfortable during trips. Below, you will find lots of different models with descriptions of their advantageous features, plus some advice on how to pick the best binocular straps for a particular device or activity.
Type: Low-Profile | Attachment: Buckle | Pockets: 5 Pockets | Weight: 494 g
⊕ Compact
⊕ Easy access
⊖ None
The binocular case harness from this brand comes with a few great features. It can hold and protect your optical devices. The case has a front pouch on a zip where you can store supplementary gadgets, like a rangefinder or a pocket knife.
A few more zippered or elastic pockets around can store a number of additional items. A lid on a bungee is easy to remove and protects your objectives. The leash is convenient and reliable; it allows you to drop the binos quickly without worry.
If you’re hunting or shooting, your rangefinder and licenses can be kept under the fingertips to eliminate time loss. The whole construction is well made and sturdy, promising long service and convenience.
Type: High-Profile | Attachment: Clip | Pockets: 1 Pocket| Weight: 360g
⊕ Usage
⊕ Reliable
⊕ Comfortable
⊖ None
The best binocular harness from this brand actually has three slightly different varieties: FreeStyle, EXO, 360. They differ in the amount of protection provided for your device. However, each provides you with a stowaway hydration net so that you never have to reach far to sip some water.
The harness itself is fully adjustable and has a ventilated yoke. You can secure the binos at your chest to run or climb without extra fuss and then unlock them in a second.
Type: High-Profile | Attachment: Buckle | Pockets: 1 Pocket | Weight: 340g
⊕ High-durability materials
⊕ Comfortable
⊕ Comfortable
⊖ Somewhat expensive
Here is the best binocular harness for hunting if you don’t mind spending an extra penny. The 1680d Nylon Ballistic Fabric is immensely resistant and the internals are made of fleece to gently protect the objectives. Its fittings and straps are non-reflective, the release mechanism noiseless, so no prey will be aware of your presence.
Everything can be adjusted for your comfort, the design and buckles are optimized for speed and ease of use. The padded back with a mesh distributes the weight and eliminates excessive sweating.
The small accessories can be stored in the wind indicator pocket or attached to the lashing points on the sides. The clasp mechanism is pretty easy, just pull the plastic tap after you’ve put the loop under the hook.
Type: Low-Profile | Attachment: Buckle | Pockets: 2 Pockets | Weight: 453 g
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Can hold roof Prism 8x-10x
⊕ Fixed magnetic lid
⊖ Few pockets
If you want a low-profile binocular harness case for lightweight travel, here is a great model. Its design is slightly different from the usual. Instead of a cumbersome and fidgety construction, you get a clamshell opening.
If you want to remove the front shell, just pull on it and the magnetic clasp will release. No jarring zippers, noisy Velcro or tangling straps, a simple movement and you can use the binos.
For useful accessories, you can use the side panels with loops and things like a rangefinder or radio fit securely. The straps are breathable and elastic, allowing you to move confidently and with comfort. If the binos are on your way somehow, the quick detach buckles let you remove it in a moment.
Type: High-Profile | Attachment: Clip | Pockets: None | Weight: 100g
⊕ Small weight
⊕ Compact
⊕ High comfort
⊖ Absence of pockets
This is the best binocular harness for birding and other activities where you need a minimalistic carrier. It holds everything in place tightly so the device will not be slamming your chest at each step.
But it does not restrict your movements so you can walk comfortably and enjoy the hike. This one-size-fits-all model is perfect when you change optics or don’t want to be bothered with long searches for a particular type.
Nonetheless, you are provided with the same ease of use as the tailored models give, the harness quickly releasing the binos into viewing position. It is also durable so one purchase will provide you for years to come.
Type: Low-Profile | Attachment: Buckle | Pockets: 4 Pockets | Weight: 320 g
⊕ Compact
⊕ Reduced weight
⊖ The ‘quick clips’ are not on all straps
This bino harness can accommodate the larger models but does not create excessive bulk for the carrier. You will find the mesh pockets on the side convenient, as you can keep there many little items for cleaning the lenses or doing whatever you went outdoors for.
There is even a larger pocket on the back to store your smartphone. The model has special tethers for the binos to make sure they never fall and get damaged. It is lightweight and comparatively small but extremely durable.
As a matter of fact, the manufacturer gives you an unconditional lifetime warranty promising to repair or replace any product that becomes damaged, regardless of how that happened.
Type: Low-Profile | Attachment: Buckle | Pockets: 5 Pockets | Weight: 450 g
⊕ Noiseless closure
⊕ Aramid Bartacking
⊕ Durable Hypalon material
⊖ Uncomfortably snug fit
If you already have your binos and rangefinder, here is a great model that can conveniently hold them both. The binocular harness has a Zip-No closure that’s exclusive to the brand and functions with magnets. Take your gear out in just a second without making any noise.
The design of this model is way beyond that of a simple harness, giving you a practically indestructible item. It is water repellent, tear-resistant and assembled with special Aramid thread that bartacks all the stress points of the harness.
This particular thread can hold 100 pounds so your hunting gear has no chance of damaging the harness.
Type: Low-Profile | Attachment: Buckle | Pockets: 3 Pockets| Weight: 430 g
⊕ Lightweight
⊕ Magnetic closure
⊕ Universal gear loops
⊖ Poor stitching
If you need an inexpensive binoculars harness with no frills, check this one out. It is comfortable even with heavy optics and has much room for adjustments. Most roof Prism 8x-10x models fit within and a few accessories can be placed in other compartments.
The material is durable, breathable and lightweight. The magnetic drop-down lid is an extra touch that makes taking things out a breeze.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Vortex Optics Guide Binopack
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
Nikon Trex Freestyle
Compact |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
ALPS OutdoorZ
Stylish |
CHECK PRICE → |
This accessory can be as simple or as complicated as your mode of use requires it.
Basic. This will be the regular thin strap that is also typically compatible with cameras or other similar gear. It is just fine for sightseeing or hiking, especially if your binoculars are on the lighter side.
Low-profile. This one distributes the weight better with thin straps on your back, which is more comfortable in summer or when you hike for long stretches.
Full-size. Here we’re talking about the best bino harness that holds the optics securely, making it easy to reach but hard to damage while you’re out and about. It is more appropriate for professional use and can hold various other gear for more convenience.
Dual harnesses. If you have several pieces of equipment that you need to carry or quickly switch between, this is a great option that holds everything in place and redistributes the weight for more comfort.
Photographers and hunters often prefer these unless they want to also place small items in close reach, in which case, a vest works even better.
If this is just the strap itself, in most cases, you will see nylon in the composition as this is a cheap and durable material that people buy willingly when it comes to fittings and accessories.
If a case is included, the fabric will most likely be KXO-32 because of its water-repelling qualities. If the type includes some padding for more comfort, expect to find polyurethane in the composition. These common and affordable materials comprise the majority of market offers.
These come in all shapes and materials and it is a good idea to pay attention to the type of fastening. It can attach with a clip or some lacing, include Velcro or hook-and-loops in its structure.
Neck Strap Attachment. This type of attachment consists of a pair of straps that connect to the binoculars and form a loop that goes around your neck. The straps are usually adjustable to fit different body sizes and can be made of various materials like nylon or neoprene. The advantage of this attachment type is simplicity and ease of use.
Quick-Release Clips. Some binocular harnesses feature quick-release clips that attach directly to the binoculars' strap lugs or rings. These clips allow you to easily detach the binoculars from the harness when needed, without having to remove the entire harness from your body.
Split Strap Attachment. A split strap attachment is a variation of the neck strap attachment. Instead of a single strap going around your neck, the harness features two separate straps that connect to the binoculars. These straps cross over your back and shoulders, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing strain on your neck.
MOLLE/PALS Attachment. (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) or PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) attachment systems are commonly used in military and tactical gear. Some binocular harnesses are designed with MOLLE or PALS webbing, allowing you to attach them to compatible backpacks, vests, or other gear. This type of attachment provides flexibility and customization options.
Shoulder Strap Attachment. In addition to the traditional neck strap, some binocular harnesses include a shoulder strap attachment option. This attachment allows you to secure the harness to your shoulders, providing extra stability and preventing the binoculars from bouncing around when you're on the move.
Whatever the type, make sure it is robust and well attached to the strap. If you’re not sure what will be more convenient, pick a bino harness case with clips for more convenience and absence of noise.
You typically need to remove the plastic cover first, and it only needs some gentle force to do so. Pull it off, while carefully lifting the edge with your nail to help the two pieces separately. Afterward, you will have a ring similar to that on a keychain exposed. Just find something to lift one part of the spiral from the other, which could again be your nail or a thin metal object like a screwdriver. Avoid leaving a scratch, carefully lift the ring end, slide it over the mount point, and you’re done.
This is the most secure kind of strap made from the material they use for cargo so even the heaviest binoculars don’t run the risk of breaking them. The Cam Buckle Tie Downs or Straps can have one or two inches of width.
You only need to know where your brackets are, so search the sides and tops to find them. Pass the strap through that bracket and then loop it back to pass into its buckle. Adjust the length and even out the straps.
First, make sure it’s flipped the right way so that the buckle is facing outward. Then, pass the loose end through the fixture on the body of the binoculars, bend it towards the buckle and pass through its openings. Pull on the strap to even everything.
