When it comes to hunting, bird watching, and even surveys, rangefinding binoculars are convenient tools.
They usually come in different shapes and sizes. Regular binoculars are mostly strapped to the neck.
This can often be uncomfortable and sometimes even lead to pain in the neck.
Here’s where the binocular harness comes into play, providing comfort and making your binoculars easy and less stressful to carry about.
So, how to use binocular harness for hunting minus the neck pain?
That’s what we’re going to talk about today.
A binocular and a rangefinder harness are similar, in the sense that they serve the same purpose.
They come in form of a backpack which makes them very easy for you to carry around.
A binocular harness designed for hunting will be our main focus in this article, so if you want to learn all there is to it, then keep reading.
Introduction to Binocular Harnesses
What’s a Harness for Binoculars/Rangefinders?
Harnesses for binoculars or rangefinders are an accessory used for outdoor activities that require binoculars or a rangefinder.
They are designed in such a way that you can wear them just like a jacket.
This ensures that the weight of the equipment is transferred to your upper torso and shoulder.
And an even distribution of weight means that you will not face any fatigue anytime soon, and comfort is yours.
Why Would You Need One?
A harness unlike the common straps that put pressure on your neck; provides you with comfort and ease all through hunting or birdwatching activities.
The binocular harnesses are of great benefit to people that usually make use of these apparatus for a long period of time.
So, you need one if you hunt for a very long period of time and want to keep your sanity intact.
Security
The harness provides you with the confidence of knowing that your binoculars are secure.
And no chance for you to drop them accidentally.
Security is assured with the binocular harness because it is top-notch and specially designed to keep everything in place, so you can focus on bowhunting or shooting. Because that is all that matters.
Comfort
The most striking attribute of a harness is that they provide you with a comfortable way to carry your equipment about.
As the design makes it so that it allows the harness to take almost the whole weight from you.
The binocular and range finder harness does this and much more for you, assuring comfort.
Stability
The harness makes a triangular shape between your eyes, and your body makes your aiming more stable and accurate.
The fun fact is that the triangle is one of the strongest shapes in the world, so the binocular rangefinder harness was equipped with it for good reasons.
Let us take a look at how the binocular harness has been of great benefit to the community of people that use it.
For Hunting
Hunters make use of binoculars and or rangefinder harnesses because of the following reason they provide them with.
For convenience, they provide hunters with access to the hunting binoculars with ease because they keep the device close to your chest.
The harness pouch keeps your binoculars in place preventing them from getting in your way.
Most of the harness pouches allow you to draw your bow without any hindrance. It also adds comfort and ease to the already hectic activity.
For Birding
Bird watchers, in a fair number, claim to suffer neck pain.
This is no longer so with the introduction of a binocular harness, you can watch birds for a longer period of time without fear of neck pain.
It enables the birder to gain easy access to the binocular without having to struggle.
Binocular Harness Buying Guide: What to Expect
To enable you to get a good harness various factors need to be put into consideration.
1. Cost
They are definitely the price range attached to everything.
Go online and even nearby stores and ask for different price ranges.
This will make it much easier for you to decide on the type that is suitable and convenient for you.
2. Quality
Harnesses often come in different sizes and shapes.
Choose the one that suits your binoculars to provide optimum support for you just as you would do for a quality optical instrument for your pursuits.
3. Size
Knowing your size to allow the strap fits in perfectly is also advisable.
Also, you should know want in terms of what kind of protection the harness will provide for your binoculars.
4. Harness Profiles
We have different types of harnesses. They come in different shapes and sizes, you can get different kind of designs that is suitable and work best for you.
So let’s see the different types of harnesses in detail and their attributes.
So when it comes to making a decision, it will be easier for you to decide.
Below you will get to see the different types of harnesses, their sizes, and designs/profiles.
Basic Harness
These are also referred to as classic or standard harnesses.
Though they are not as outstanding as some latest models we get to come across. They also have their specific functions and benefits.
They are usually small and does not weigh a lot which makes them very easy to package the basic harness are very simple and easy to use.
When we talk about the cost, they are less expensive when compared with other intricate designs.
Although, these designs sometimes have its weakness which are; they don’t provide extra protection for your binoculars. And they don’t come with any extra storage space for other outdoor equipment.
Low Profile
Based on data preferences the low-profile harness is one of the best harnesses you can come across.
They safeguard your binoculars firmly to your chest in a way that you don’t have to worry about them swinging.
The low-profile harness fits very well to your body and this makes carrying heavy binoculars very easy for a long period of time.
When using this type of harness you can work faster in placing and reaching your binoculars quickly.
And with the low profile, you don’t have to worry about replacing your lens cap anytime you make of them on the field.
Dual Harness
If you are the type that often carries multiple accessories to the field, then a dual harness is just the suitable option for you.
A dual harness provides you with space to carry your cameras, rangefinder scope, and other gear; let’s not forget to include your binoculars.
The dual purpose strength is its ability to allow you to carry multiple things at ease. And they are usually very light, small, and very easy to pack.
But they don’t usually come with extra protections for your gear and no pockets.
Full-Size Harness
The full-size harness comes with a lot of features. It always comes in handy whenever you need optimum protection.
This type of harness provides your binoculars with the best protection you can give your binoculars.
They have buckles and pockets to enable you to carry extra gear.
It can also be used in place of your carrying case; in keeping your binoculars dust and dirt free when you are not using them.
But, they often come with a few challenges.
They are mostly very heavy to carry and are usually very expensive. When you feel you have an extra budget, then you can go for the full-size harness.
5. Attachment Styles for Binocular and Rangefinder Harness
For beginners, you might find some difficulties when trying to attach your binoculars or rangefinder to a harness.
So depending on your type of harness the following method should be properly followed when attaching your binoculars to a harness.
Or you can use a DIY method for a binocular harness.
Snap-On
When using the Snap-on method, there is a metal ring that is on the harness.
You should attach a metal ring to the neck strap anchors of your binoculars. This is mostly because they are usually not wide enough for the Snap-on attachments.
Some people, usually don’t like these attachments because they might sometimes rub against your binoculars.
Quick Release Method
Just as the name implies, quick releases are quicker to use. The buckle present on the quick release is attached to your binocular straps anchors.
This is because you have to slide a strap through them before attaching the quick-release buckle.
The quick-release buckle is positioned up the strap and then attach to the rest of the harness.
How Can You Attach a Binocular/Rangefinder Harness?
You can attach your harness using any of the following methods.
The easiest and most recommended method is to read the manual which usually comes with the binoculars harness you purchased.
This is highly recommended because different companies have different ways of attaching or using binocular harnesses.
So, be safe and always use the manual. But if you have used it before, you can follow the process you usually do.
Harness Materials
Because of the protection, you want to give, choosing a material that is strong and provides comfort is necessary.
The two major materials used in making harnesses are Nylon and polyester.
Nylon
Nylon has been used as a standard harness material for quite some time now. And its usage is quite popular.
Advantages
Nylon is generally soft and stretchy. And most nylons have break strength, this is due to the fact that they are very thick.
Disadvantages
The fact that nylon is a soft material makes it very difficult to withstand stretch in cases where extra weight is added to it.
And nylon absorbs water easily, thereby not suitable for the rainy season.
Moistures make nylon weaker and hence reduce its durability.
Polyester
This material is mostly used by manufacturers in producing harnesses. And this is because they have a lot of benefits attributed to them.
Advantages
Harnesses made from polyester material are usually of higher resistance.
Compare to nylon they do not stretch. And they do not absorb water easily, which makes them durable and of higher quality.
Price
When it comes to prices and from the basic information we have gathered so far. You already know what to expect.
Depending on the type of harness you are going for will determine the cost. Full-size harnesses are pricier compared to the basic harness.
When your budget is a little low, it is highly advisable you go for the basic harness.
They serve the same purpose only that they might be lacking some additional features. Ranging from $1 5- $30.
But when you have enough money to spend on giving your binoculars that extra protection.
A full-size harness is all you want, and you need to be ready to throw anywhere between $50 – $100.
The binocular or rangefinder harness is such an amazing piece every hunter or bird watcher should have in their possession.
They come with a lot of benefits to provide you with all the necessary comfort and ease you need on the field. No more stress and complaints of neck pains with this piece.
If you are a hunter still making use of a neck strap then hurry up and get your suitable harness now. The right match is waiting for you.
So, don’t just go hunting or animal watching, go with binoculars, make sure you check the details of the binocular harness you want to purchase so as to get the perfect one that suits your needs.
Happy shopping.
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