Carrying a pistol while also using a binocular harness (aka “bino harness) can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of both. However, combining these two elements requires consideration of balance, weight distribution, and ease of access to ensure both pieces of equipment can be used effectively.
Overview of Binocular Harnesses
Bino harnesses have become an essential accessory for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, hikers, bird watchers, and anyone who needs quick and easy access to their binoculars.
They’re designed to keep your binoculars secure, prevent them from swinging around or getting lost, and allow you to use them at a moment’s notice.
Here are a few bino harness top features:
- One-handed use: Many models, such as the Marsupial Gear Binocular Chest Harness and the KUIU Bino Harness, feature one-handed operation mechanisms. This means you can grab your binoculars, use them, and put them back using just one hand – a significant advantage when you’re on the move and need to keep your other hand free.
- Magnetic closures: These ensure that your binoculars are securely stored but can be quickly and silently accessed when needed allowing you not to give away your position. The FOB Bino Harness from FHF Gear is a good example of a harness using a quiet magnetic closure.
Benefits of Carrying a Pistol with a Bino Harness
Combining the convenience of a binocular harness with the necessity of a pistol offers numerous benefits for outdoor enthusiasts.
This approach to gear management can improve your accessibility, enhance comfort and security, and provide a more efficient way to carry your essential equipment.
- Better weight distribution: The design of bino harnesses helps distribute weight evenly across your upper body to reduce strain and improve comfort during long periods of use. When a holster is integrated into this system, the weight of your firearm is also distributed more evenly, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
- Convenience: Having both optics and a pistol within easy reach is incredibly convenient. Everything is secure and accessible right on your chest. This streamlined approach to gear management allows you to focus more on your surroundings.
- Improved accessibility: Chest access allows for a quick draw in dangerous encounters. By attaching the holster to the bino harness (which is rarely removed), hunters have access to their sidearm at all times, unlike with a pistol mounted to the hip strap of a backpack.
- Security: Bino harnesses are designed to keep your equipment safe and secure. This protection extends to your firearm when using an integrated holster.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bino Harness for Pistol Carry
When choosing a bino harness that can accommodate your pistol, there are several key factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that the harness meets your specific needs and provides the best possible experience during your outdoor adventures.
Compatibility of holster attachments
When you’re planning to carry a pistol with your bino harness, it’s essential to ensure that the harness is compatible with holster attachments. It’s worth noting that not all bino harnesses are created equal in this respect.
Some brands, like Marsupial Gear, offer MOLLE webbing on their bino harnesses. This can allow for easy attachment of various accessories, including holsters.
However, it’s important to know that most systems only work with the specific brand’s harness and holster.
This can limit your options – especially if the brand only supports 3-4 pistol offerings.
While these systems can provide integration and functionality, their lack of compatibility with other brands or a wider range of pistols is a limiting factor depending on your specific needs and the equipment you use.
For instance, FHF Gear and Kifaru have bino harness holsters designed to only work with their particular bino harnesses.
Space for additional accessory pouches
Depending on your specific needs, you might require additional accessory pouches for items like rangefinders, GPS devices, or extra magazines.
Ensure the harness you choose can comfortably accommodate these additional items if needed.
Size and weight of binoculars and pistol
The size and weight of your binoculars and pistol are important considerations when selecting a bino harness. Not all harnesses are designed to accommodate all sizes of binoculars or pistols.
Make sure to check the specifications of the harness to ensure it can comfortably and securely fit both your binoculars and firearm.
Durability and protection against the elements
Your bino harness should be able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Look for a harness with a robust build and materials that can resist wear and tear, such as the Alaska Guide Bino Harnesses, known for its rugged construction.
Additionally, consider features like weatherproof compartments and fleece linings that not only protect your binoculars but also your pistol.
Bino Harness Holster Solution from GunfightersINC
When it comes to carrying a pistol alongside binoculars, finding a solution that provides safety, retention, and accommodates your particular gun can be challenging.
GunfightersINC has addressed this problem with our innovative Bino-Link Binocular Harness Holster.
Built for versatility
The Bino-Link Holster is designed to accommodate a wide selection of firearms, including revolvers.
The system lets you keep using your favorite binocular harness while carrying a firearm by offering unmatched adaptability, versatility, and ease of use so you don’t have to stop using gear that you like.
Crafted from Kydex
The Bino-Link Holster offers notable advantages over its nylon counterparts.
Kydex, a thermoplastic material, is renowned for its superior robustness and rigidity, making it an excellent choice for holsters.
The hard-shell Kydex design of the Bino-Link provides enhanced protection for your pistol and ensures secure retention of your firearm – a crucial factor when navigating rugged outdoor environments.
Engineered with Tegris
One of the standout features of the Bino-Link Holster is its mounting plate made from ultra-durable Tegris.
Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, Tegris ensures the holster maintains its structural integrity under heavy use without adding unnecessary weight to your gear.
Plus, the Tegris mounting plate can be attached to the bino harness without needing PALS or MOLLE since it is laser cut to custom fit your particular bino harness model.
Structured for comfort
Most bino harness holster systems use a body strap to stabilize the holster, which becomes irritating during long hikes or periods of extended use.
The Bino-Link’s design solves this problem by eliminating the need for a body strap without compromising stability.
Optimized for quick access
With the ability to raise or lower the pistol and adjust your cant angle, the Bino-Link Holster gives you clearance for optics and adjustability for a comfortable draw.
This is particularly beneficial when carrying modern firearms like the Glock 40 MOS or big-bore revolvers like the Ruger Super Redhawk.
Proudly American, guaranteed forever
The Bino-Link Holster is built entirely from US-sourced materials and hardware and will endure extreme conditions.
Like everything made by GunfightersINC, the Bino-Link holster is handmade in North Idaho and backed up by a no-BS lifetime warranty.
Optimize Your Outdoor Experience with the Right Gear
Integrating a pistol with a bino harness represents a significant advancement in outdoor gear, combining the practicality and accessibility of binoculars with the security of carrying a firearm.
And GunfightersINC’s Bino-Link Binocular Harness Holster offers this and more.
Our Bino-Link Holsters undergo the same meticulous hand-building as our other holsters to uphold our high-quality standards. This includes a retention check with a real firearm before the Bino-Link is shipped.
Remember that the best setup fits your unique requirements, integrates seamlessly with your current gear, and allows you to move confidently and efficiently in any environment.
February 22, 2024