How to Carry Binoculars for Hunting & Other Activities- The Ultimate Guide
When you’re outdoors, the last thing you want to worry about is your binoculars.
You need to be able to focus on the task at hand, which is finding and taking down your prey or wolf-watching in Yellowstone, enjoying views while hiking or enjoying wildlife in motion at your next safari.
That’s why it’s important to choose the right method of carrying your binoculars so that you can stay focused on the object you want to view or track.
In this blog post, we will discuss different ways to carry binoculars when hunting or other activities and the pros and cons of each method.
We’ll also recommend some equipment to help keep your binoculars safe and convenient while you’re out in the field!
Let’s quickly move to the various ways to carry binoculars.
1. Wearing Binoculars Around Your Neck
This is probably the most popular way to carry binoculars. It keeps your hands free and makes it easy to access your binoculars while birdwatching, hunting, and star-gazing.
Wearing binoculars around the neck has a number of advantages in many outdoor activities, such as
First, it keeps the binoculars readily accessible so that they can be used at a moment’s notice.
Second, it helps to distribute the weight of the binoculars more evenly, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.
Also, wearing the binoculars around the neck helps to protect them from being dropped or damaged.
There are a few disadvantages to wearing binoculars around the neck as well.
First, it can be uncomfortable if the binoculars are too heavy or bulky or if you are wearing binoculars around your neck for a long period of time
Secondly, the binoculars can swing around and hit other objects if they are not secured properly.
Let’s move on to another popular method i.e harness method
2. Carrying Binoculars In a Binocular Harness:
A binocular harness is a great way to keep your binoculars close at hand while keeping your hands free.
They are designed specifically to carry binoculars. The harness attaches to your body in two places (usually over the shoulders) and has a strap that goes around your neck.
This type of harness evenly distributes the weight of the binoculars, making them more comfortable to carry for long periods of time.
There are a few different ways to wear a binocular harness, and the best method will depend on your specific needs.
For example, if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, you might want to opt for a model that attaches to your backpack.
On the other hand, if you just need something to keep your binoculars from bouncing around while you’re out on a nature walk, a chest-mounted harness would be a better option.
Below is One Popular Harness Strap
[amazonbox = B01IFIUMO2]Before moving on to how to wear a binocular harness, let me discuss about a chest harness rig.
Interesting Read: Binoculars Harness Vs Strap
Carrying Binoculars Using A Chest Harness Rig
The Binoculars Chest Harness Rig is a great way to keep your binoculars close at hand while keeping your hands free. The rig features two adjustable straps that go over your shoulders and around your chest, holding the binoculars securely in place.
The straps are padded for comfort, and the rig also includes a quick-release buckle for easy removal.
The best part about this rig is that it is easily portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
The harness is compatible with most binoculars, and it’s a great way to keep your binoculars within easy reach while you’re out exploring the world.
Whichever harness style you choose, make sure to read the instructions carefully before putting it on.
Once you have the hang of it, wearing a binocular harness is easy and will help you get the most out of your next outdoor adventure.
Now, Let me tell you how to wear a binocular harness properly
How To Wear a Binocular Harness
Here are some tips on how to wear a binocular harness:
1. Put the harness on over your head and adjust the straps so that the binoculars are in a comfortable position.
2. Once the harness is in place, put your binoculars into the pockets and tighten the drawstrings so that they are secure.
3. When you are ready to use your binoculars, simply loosen the drawstrings and raise the binoculars to your eyes.
4. To stow your binoculars away, loosen the drawstrings and lower the binoculars into the pockets. Then tighten the drawstrings again to secure them in place.
Tip: If you choose to go this route, look for a simple system with a chest pouch made from quiet materials, one that provides quick, flip-top access.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you get the most out of your binocular harness.
Let me give you a video to understand better:
I would love to mention a very versatile harness that is Rick Young Sling Harness
About The Rick Young Binoculars Harness
Rick Young’s Ultra-light Binocular Harness is the perfect way to carry your binoculars hands-free. This versatile and lightweight harness is made of stretchy fabric for a comfortable fit and features two adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit. The high-quality construction ensures lasting durability, while the simple design makes it easy to use.
Some Real Reviews Of Users:
“Thank you Mark. I bought a Rick Young bino harness and used it on my last Namibia plains game hunt. Simple, quiet, light and quick….”
“Agree with the rick young harness. You can wear it on chest, under arm, around neck. Light, and don’t need to worry about strap orientation.”
“I also used the Rick Young harness (with the neoprene binocular cover) on my last trip. I am planning to use it on my regular Alberta hunting.”
Let’s move on to other methods of carrying binoculars.
If you are interested in the best binoculars for different activities, see our research in below articles:
best binoculars for safari & Travel
3. In Your Pocket:
For quick and easy access, you can simply keep your binoculars in your pocket. This is a good option if you don’t want to wear a belt or if you will be sitting for long periods of time.
Just be sure that the pocket is deep enough to prevent the binoculars from falling out, and that they won’t get too banged up when you’re walking through the brush.
The main disadvantage of this method is that it can be challenging to get the binoculars out of your pocket quickly.
4. In Your Backpack:
If you’re going on a long hunt or hiking in remote areas, carrying your binoculars in your backpack is often the most convenient option.
That way, they’ll be out of the way until you need them, and you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged by brush or debris.
Just be sure to pack them securely so they don’t shift around too much and get scratched up.
5) Carrying Binoculars In a Case:
Carrying your binoculars in a case is a good way to keep your binoculars in immaculate condition. Cases help to protect the lenses from scratches and other damage.
Cases have the advantage of giving you a place to put other items such as extra batteries or lens cloths.
They also provide a bit of cushioning, which can be helpful if you drop the binoculars or they are jostled around.
In addition, cases help to keep dust and dirt off of the lenses, which can reduce the quality of your images. If you’re planning on taking your binoculars on a hike or another outdoor adventure, be sure to pack them in a case that is durable and easy to carry.
A good case will also have a strap or handle, making it easy to carry your binoculars with you on long hikes. When choosing a case for your binoculars, be sure to select one that is durable and well-padded.
The main disadvantage of using a case is that they can be bulky and inconvenient to carry
Tip: You should also make sure that the case is large enough to accommodate your specific model of binoculars. With a little bit of care, you can keep your binoculars in great condition for years to come.
6. Carrying Binoculars On a Belt:
This is one of the most convenient ways to carry binoculars. You can either use a regular belt or get a special belt that is made to hold binoculars.
The main advantage of this method is that it keeps your hands free and you don’t have to worry about losing your binoculars.
7. Carrying Binoculars In a Pouch:
One of the most important pieces of gear that any hunter can have is a binocular pouch.
For most outdoorsmen and hunters, they are an essential piece of gear. There are several reasons why a binocular pouch is so essential. I am outlining some of them:
1. Protection:
First, a pouch helps to keep your binoculars safe and protected. This is especially important if you are hunting in rough terrain or in inclement weather.
Binoculars are delicate instruments, and they can be easily damaged if they’re not properly protected.
A binocular pouch helps to cushion the binoculars and keep them safe from bumps and scratches.
2. Organization:
A binocular pouch helps to keep your gear organized and within easy reach. When you’re out in the field, you don’t want to waste time fumbling around for your binoculars. By keeping them in a pouch, you can quickly grab them when you need them.
3. Quick access:
A binocular pouch allows you to quickly access your binoculars when you need them. When you’re scanning the horizon for the game, you don’t want to waste time getting your binoculars out of your pack or pocket. With a pouch, they’re always within reach.
4. Versatility:
A binocular pouch can be used for more than just storing your binoculars. Many pouches have additional pockets or compartments that can be used for storing other gear, such as calls, lures, or maps. This makes them an essential piece of gear for any hunter who likes to be prepared for anything.
8. Floater Carrying Strap for binoculars.
A floater carrying strap for binoculars is used to keep the binoculars from sinking if they are dropped in water. The strap is buoyant and attaches to the binoculars so that they will float.
This is a great safety feature for boaters, fishermen, and anyone who enjoys outdoor activities near water. It can be a great option for carrying marine binoculars. It can also be used for swimming goggles and other small items that might be lost in the water.
The strap is adjustable so that it can be worn around the neck or over the shoulder. It is made of durable material that will not break or tear easily.
The floating feature is great for safety and peace of mind, knowing that your belongings will not be lost if they accidentally fall into the water.
9. Carrying Binoculars Diagonally Across the body.
Some of my friends have never been a fan of the chest harness, They want to carry them strapped diagonally across the body.
This can be done with the strap that comes with the binoculars, provided it is long enough, or an aftermarket strap.
This is a comfortable carry option, especially if one has a heavy binocular. This method also allows for the binoculars to be placed behind the hip if necessary while moving through thick brush, or easily removed when crawling on the ground or placed on the lower back when lying prone.
Conclusion:
The best way to carry binoculars depends on the type of activity you’re going on. For example, if you’re going on a long hike, you might want to consider using a binocular harness. This will allow you to distribute the weight of the binoculars evenly across your body, and it will also free up your hands for other tasks.
If you’re going on a shorter walk or if you’ll be sitting for long periods of time, then a neck strap might be a better option.
Another thing to consider is how easy it is to access your binoculars. If you need to be able to get to them quickly, then a belt pouch or chest holster might be the way to go. However, if you don’t need to access them frequently, then you can opt for a backpack or even just carry them in your hand.
These are just some of the ways that you can carry binoculars conveniently. Try out different methods and see which one works best for you.
We hope this blog post has given you some helpful tips on how to best carry binoculars for hunting and different outdoor activities.
Last update on 2024-10-12
