How do you carry your binoculars? (2 Viewers)

[KevinL]

I have a fanny pack loaded couple with power bars, trail maps, room for a rain jacket or vest, (depending) and water bottle hanging on a hook ready to go. Binos in their case. Grab and go those gets me to the trail head. Binos bandolier style and fanny pack are the way I hike. I am looking hard at the front pack though. Hiking by SF Bay means potentially, fog/mist, strong winds, no shade. The idea of keeping the elements off my lens is appealing, adding complexity, less so.

Right, keeping the elements off the binoculars is one of the key reasons why I use a front pack. When I just used a harness, i would get dust, dirt, moisture, plant duff etc on the binoculars. Plus I would have to clean off the lenses more often because of the dust, which risks scratches no matter how careful you are. Plus I get the added protecion of having the binoculars secured to my chest and not swinging around banging things. It happens on rough terrain even when being super careful. I figure, I spent hundreds to thousands of dollars on binoculars so its well worth it to protect them. I had a pair of bins I sold that still looked brand new after three years of hard use because of the protection of a chest pack.

 

[KevinL]

'Tried'... no. Fondled in stores? Some, yes. Most pouches are a full 6-sided heavy(er) fabric, and most have neoprene or padded shoulder straps, pockets, etc. I searched for something that would just:
1)take the weight off my neck
2) keep rain off bino eyepcs
3) require minimum 'handling' or movement to deploy binos
4) keep binos from flopping around even if I am crawling (literally)
5) involve minimum bulk so that I am unencumbered
I hunt in Eastern forests with a traditional bow and traditional methods (ground stalking). So for me, something even requiring a little latch, or which is made of noisy fabric, etc. is a non-starter. I wear a shoulder bag or fanny pack or daypack for storage etc., as needed.

I also - when not looking to fill our freezer for the year - enjoy viewing and observing wildlife, and birds in particular. Not suprisingly, I do that much like hunting, and the pouch is a great way to carry binos when out hiking or trekking about.

The harness is just flat webbing with some buckles (no bulk, less hot, fits under pack).
The fabric is a mesh like material towards chest - not as waterproof I guess, but the soft faced ripstop (waterproof) fabric towards exterior, forms a 'lid' which provides substantial cover. I have been in deluge, and it's of course not as good as a full-on pouch. The lid can be folded back so that I can pull the binos out one-handed.

The lack of bulk also means that if want to stow the whole thing, it's flattens into a pretty low-bulk package.

Anyway, not for everyone, but works for me!

Note that pics show binos with eyepc covers. I don't usually use them so that I can pull out one-handed ready-to-use (grabbed wife's 8x32 Trinnies for pic, which usually sits on kitchen counter). Also the top flap has an elastic cord so you can tighten it and then it'll snug up over top of binos. I don't, because i like the 'opening' to be wide so they come out and go back in w/out hanging up (again a result of stealth being important to me most of the time).

Looks like one of my straps going into pouch was twisted :-/

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Nice addition thanks. There are a lot of nice options in bino packs. I like the simplicity, light weight and design of this model. Thanks for sharing

 

[forent]

"How do your carry your binoculars?"
Strange question. With pride, of course.

 

[Boogieshrew]

This has been my experience as well. I have a number of different styles of harness. The only type that has never worked well for me is the standard width all elastic shoulder harness. If adjusted secure enough for me there is too much tension to comfortably view. When adjusted loosely enough for comfortable viewing the bins swing around enough that the benefit of a harness is lost. But the versions with wider straps like Crooked Horn Magnum and the Nyack work very well. I also have a version with non elastic shoulder straps and elastic torso straps which works well. Non elastic harnesses also work well on smaller lighter bins like 28/30 mm models.

IME, even different length bins of same or similar weight may require a different harness to get the full benefit. Finally it really helps to experiment with the adjustment of the harness to fit your body, clothing and preferred carry position on the chest.

Mike

I had forgotten that harnesses could be elastic.
The first one I owned was elastic. It nearly put me off entirely. The bins (around 900g I think) would bounce around with every step. Really annoying. Awful.
Luckily I could see the potential and swapped to non-elastic webbing and have never looked back.

 

[qwerty5]

Safari Style? Bandolier/Cross chest, maybe?

Like in post #23.

 

[Rotherbirder]

I use a DIY version of the RY harness; virtually identical in form & function at a fraction of the cost. Allows me to carry 'neck strap-wise', as a harness or bandolier, depending on need/mood.

RB

 

[GrampaTom]

Like in post #23.

Yep, thats bandolier. Wonder if folks dont know that label and are not voting accordingly? It boggles the mind so many report carry around the neck, so far.

 

[Hermann]

Yep, thats bandolier. Wonder if folks dont know that label and are not voting accordingly? It boggles the mind so many report carry around the neck, so far.

Round the neck is fast, a lot faster than bandolier. Provided you adjusted the length of the strap so it fits you.

Hermann

 

[GrampaTom]

Round the neck is fast, a lot faster than bandolier. Provided you adjusted the length of the strap so it fits you.

Hermann

Not really, sorry. Ahh, see below.

 

[etudiant]

Round the neck is fast, a lot faster than bandolier. Provided you adjusted the length of the strap so it fits you.

Hermann

Bandolier is a lot more comfortable though, especially if it has a bit of elastic flex to it.
The speed difference is real, but I'm too old for microsecond reactions anyways, so I opt for comfort.
Another virtue of bandoliers is that one can use two, one for the scope or the camera, one for the binocs, with both immediately accessible.
I used to carry my little Nikon ED50 on one, my Canon 10x42s on the other, it worked a treat.
Harnesses have the problem that they need to be snugged, which really chafes in my experience.
Presumably if determined silk underwear could solve that , but I'm not that interested.

 

[GrampaTom]

Round the neck is fast, a lot faster than bandolier. Provided you adjusted the length of the strap so it fits you.

Hermann

Herman, maybe I spoke too soon. You talking getting into initially (my first thought), or moving binos to eyes once carry choice is made? I dont find effort or time between putting on neck or bandolier worth talking about. I do spend fractions of a second more to get binos to eyes from Bandolier, partly because I prefer to leave ocular covers on, then push it towards throat with left hand as I raise binos to eyes with right. I do also set strap so that binos ride on low chest, not waist, kinda halfway between dangling from neck or something like Chest harness positioning. Perhaps our experience is different do to technique?

 

[Trinovid]

Round the neck is fast, a lot faster than bandolier. Provided you adjusted the length of the strap so it fits you.

It's not a race, for one thing, and for another, I don't believe it's true unless someone is using a strap that brings friction with it. I use a very slippery strap on all my binoculars and if there was a difference in time it would probably take a stopwatch to even notice.

But....once you take into account whole-activity for people who do more than amble, I think that under-arm carry is faster throughout the course of the day due to less hindrance of movement, allowing you to actually run up onto lookout points and climb without the binoculars in your way.

 

[Hermann]

Bandolier is a lot more comfortable though, especially if it has a bit of elastic flex to it.

Especially if you carry heavy binoculars, and your preferred binocular is on the heavy side. I find neck carry pretty comfortable - IF the binoculars don't weigh too much. My personal limit if 800 gr. Anything above 800 gr is too much for me, especially when I'm birding all day.

The speed difference is real, but I'm too old for microsecond reactions anyways, so I opt for comfort.

Makes sense. I do quite a lot of birding at migration hotspots, and that's where every fraction of a second counts.

Another virtue of bandoliers is that one can use two, one for the scope or the camera, one for the binocs, with both immediately accessible.
I used to carry my little Nikon ED50 on one, my Canon 10x42s on the other, it worked a treat.
Harnesses have the problem that they need to be snugged, which really chafes in my experience.

My setup is binoculars around the neck, tripod+scope on the left shoulder (or in my left hand), and camera bandolier style on my right side. Works nicely.

Hermann

 

[Hermann]

It's not a race, for one thing, and for another, I don't believe it's true unless someone is using a strap that brings friction with it. I use a very slippery strap on all my binoculars and if there was a difference in time it would probably take a stopwatch to even notice.

Well, if you do some birding at migration hotspots it IS "a race". When there are passerines flitting around in bushes you need to be really quick to get a view. And having tried different methods of carrying my binoculars, I feel I'm faster when I carry them on my chest. High up on my chest, actually.

But....once you take into account whole-activity for people who do more than amble, I think that under-arm carry is faster throughout the course of the day due to less hindrance of movement, allowing you to actually run up onto lookout points and climb without the binoculars in your way.

This doesn't work if you also carry a scope and/or a camera.

Herrmann

 

[Hermann]

Herman, maybe I spoke too soon. You talking getting into initially (my first thought), or moving binos to eyes once carry choice is made?

Moving binos to my eyes.

I dont find effort or time between putting on neck or bandolier worth talking about. I do spend fractions of a second more to get binos to eyes from Bandolier, partly because I prefer to leave ocular covers on, then push it towards throat with left hand as I raise binos to eyes with right.

You're right, we're talking about fractions of a second. But those fractions of a second can be really important at migration hotspots.

I do also set strap so that binos ride on low chest, not waist, kinda halfway between dangling from neck or something like Chest harness positioning. Perhaps our experience is different do to technique?

I make sure my strap is set so the binoculars nestle fairly high up on my chest. Saves a few more fractions of a second ...

Hermann

 

[Euan Buchan]

I just put mine around my neck so they are ready when I’m ready for them.

 

[qwerty5]

Yep, thats bandolier. Wonder if folks dont know that label and are not voting accordingly? It boggles the mind so many report carry around the neck, so far.

Ah, I assumed that's what the OP meant by safari style. I've changed my vote now.

 

[GrampaTom]

Moving binos to my eyes.

You're right, we're talking about fractions of a second. But those fractions of a second can be really important at migration hotspots.

I make sure my strap is set so the binoculars nestle fairly high up on my chest. Saves a few more fractions of a second ...

Hermann

Yes indeed. Me to. I need a picture of my setup to explain. Binos are not at waist as that pic above, but ride on my rib cage. the strap is shortened and the padded part biased/off center, rides on shoulder/neck. As such the binos are high on left front rib cage. When bringing to the eyes, its a bit of slide rather than direct up move. The padded offset stays on the neck/shoulder.

 

[GrampaTom]

I did not expect to see the original neck strap wind up in the majority. I remember wondering why manufacturers bother even including a stap because so many I know use a harness. Come to think of it, no one I know uses the original strap as all use harnesses. I thought it was a near universal default. After switching to a harness I would never go back to the single strap. And after using a bino harness pack, I will probably only go back to a regular harness under special circumstances. One thing that makes sense to me now is the seeming majority preference for 32mm and other compact binoculars by folks here on bird forum. I can completely understand why that is now. If I were using the provided neck strap, I would also prefer a smaller lighter binocular. My first 8x42 binocular used to give me a neck ache after only a half day of use. That went away and I could go all day with my bins when I swiched to a harness and even more so with he chest pack.

I think youre onto something, that the voting/poll has sort of highlighted. There's a lot of justifying the choice of 32s on the basis of weight. Most agree 42s are arguably, usually, better optically, so why would one spend a couple thousand dollars in order to save a half pound? What if... and Im just wondering, what if most folks who bird, dangle binoculars around their neck, as the poll suggests, and it is that weight, bearing down on the neck uncomfortably, that folks are trying to get away from - not the load on legs walking, or hands when bino is to eyes?? Just wondering.

You are probably aware, discussions of hunting are verboten on BF. Some folks are particularly sensitive to any hint of the conversation going in that direction. Your poll though seems to suggest the possibility that birders maybe don't know about harnesses or especially packs and the benefits that accrue, that would enable different possibilities for bino selection.... of the dozens of birders I see each migration, Ive never seen a pack, and only a couple harnesses in use.

 

[Trinovid]

...having tried different methods of carrying my binoculars, I feel I'm faster when I carry them on my chest.

This doesn't work if you also carry a scope and/or a camera.

On my chest they'd definitely be annoying for me and the focus of the thread being binoculars is perfect for me, since I'm not carrying those other distractions. Your answer doesn't cover everyone else just because it's perfect for you and that's all that some of the rest of us would like to point out. My perfect isn't your perfect, and vice versa. Too.