Appreciated this review - nice to see current offerings from most of the key players, and I particularly appreciate your efforts to be systematic and comprehensive. I've subscribed to your channel as a result. Overall, I tend to agree with a number of your observations. A few comments below, however, which in some cases, do argue against some of your observations to an extent. I personally run the Sitka Mountain Harness model, and am reasonably happy with it, though I would be the first to agree there is certainly a lot of room for design improvements. First off, as I hunt in Canada, typically our temperatures are running lower (often below freezing) during November in deer season, so the heat build-up you noted that results from the Sitka harness itelf really isn't a major issue. And even if heat becomes an issue, the harness itself is unlikely to be the biggest culprit if it comes to that - it's instead going to to be one's outer layer clothing underneath that harness (one reason why I often prefer wearing a thick merino wool hunting sweater as my outer layer as late into the season as I can comfortably manage it, and if I have the wind in my favour, because it simultaneously breathes very well but also insulates very well unless it's very windy). Secondly, the Sitka bino harness straps lie beautifully flat underneath my Mystery Ranch pack straps with no comfort conflicts, and I just haven't found the strap twisting issue you noted to be a significant problem. Yes, it certainly does help to be hunting with someone else to ensure this, though, so I do take your point to an extent. I've found it just takes a little longer when gearing up to put it on correctly and to avoid the twists. And once it's on correctly and adjusted, it's quite comfortable and stays put all day. Thirdly, regarding cost (this is where I felt your cost comparisons weren't completely fair): I always carry both a GPS and a rangefinder in the 2 side pouches, along with a large backup (folder) field dressing knife, wind check, etc. plus my tags and license in the rear zip pocket, and my cell phone in the rear big pocket, so the system works well to carry all that additional gear at a lower OVERALL cost than the competitors' overall cost once you add the cost of their additional modules in, which your review didn't actively do. My biggest gripe with the Sitka harness, just as you noted, is the presumption in its design that one won't need to add anything else on to it for modularity, and this to me is a critical oversight on Sitka's part. If they'd mounted molle straps on the undersides of each of the 3 pouches, it would have solved the problem. However, I've found the Sitka harness to be comfortable to wear and to not particularly interfere with shoulder movement, including shouldering a rifle. I will be trying mine out in just a few weeks here for Spring turkey season, so I will see how it fares regarding heat build-up during a bit warmer weather than November. Thanks again for the review - very worthwhile.
Thank you for the in depth comment. I do agree with you when you add the other pouches to the bino harness the price category would change a bit. It was a hard category to price out, because some people will just get the harness with nothing else and others will end up paying the extra amount. I could have done a better job explaining that though. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts after turkey 🦃
You did a great job on this video. You are well spoken, and organized. I appreciate the chapter breaks, and visual information added during the video. this made it efficient to look through what a person is really curious about if they don't have time to follow the full in depth review. thank you
Nice honest review. Out of curiosity why no Kuiu Pro harness? I know there are a lot of options out there for bino options. After your review I felt like my pro harness is still pretty good function although the Stone glacier looks like a good replacement. Subed to your channel
Well I actually used the KUIU for quite a few years and then recently just switched to the stone. I felt the stone and KUIU were the same category and I personally liked the stone better. I like a lot of my KUIU gear, but if I am going for light and comfortable the stone wins out for me. Thank you for the comment and the sub!
Good comprehensive comparison of a lot of popular options. You talked me out of the Sitka harness as a possible option. They are about to release a new design, so I figure they will put the current one on closeout sale eventually. Btw there is an Amazon copycat of the AGC that is way cheaper. I've used several different ones and am currently running an old Tenzing OSS15. I will probably buy their new harness when it comes out soon. Browning and Bushnell also have some nice affordable options.
Looking at harnesses now. One thing I don’t see anyone talking about is the accessibility to the binoculars. Seems to me that having more of the binoculars exposed with the lid down, like with the Stone Glacier, would make them easier to remove.
Yeah there are a lot of good ones out there, but these are the ones I have the most experience with. Plus the mulie freak fits in the category of the marsupial gear and I prefer the accessory options on the marsupial. But just like clothing every person has a specific fit and want in their gear and the mulie may just be the best for you!
I use the Marsupial Enclosed pack with the FHF Gear Air Harness. It’s been a fantastic combination for me. I did not love the Marsupial harness. With no structure I found the straps almost always got tangled up when getting into the harness.
Appreciated this review - nice to see current offerings from most of the key players, and I particularly appreciate your efforts to be systematic and comprehensive. I've subscribed to your channel as a result. Overall, I tend to agree with a number of your observations. A few comments below, however, which in some cases, do argue against some of your observations to an extent. I personally run the Sitka Mountain Harness model, and am reasonably happy with it, though I would be the first to agree there is certainly a lot of room for design improvements. First off, as I hunt in Canada, typically our temperatures are running lower (often below freezing) during November in deer season, so the heat build-up you noted that results from the Sitka harness itelf really isn't a major issue. And even if heat becomes an issue, the harness itself is unlikely to be the biggest culprit if it comes to that - it's instead going to to be one's outer layer clothing underneath that harness (one reason why I often prefer wearing a thick merino wool hunting sweater as my outer layer as late into the season as I can comfortably manage it, and if I have the wind in my favour, because it simultaneously breathes very well but also insulates very well unless it's very windy). Secondly, the Sitka bino harness straps lie beautifully flat underneath my Mystery Ranch pack straps with no comfort conflicts, and I just haven't found the strap twisting issue you noted to be a significant problem. Yes, it certainly does help to be hunting with someone else to ensure this, though, so I do take your point to an extent. I've found it just takes a little longer when gearing up to put it on correctly and to avoid the twists. And once it's on correctly and adjusted, it's quite comfortable and stays put all day. Thirdly, regarding cost (this is where I felt your cost comparisons weren't completely fair): I always carry both a GPS and a rangefinder in the 2 side pouches, along with a large backup (folder) field dressing knife, wind check, etc. plus my tags and license in the rear zip pocket, and my cell phone in the rear big pocket, so the system works well to carry all that additional gear at a lower OVERALL cost than the competitors' overall cost once you add the cost of their additional modules in, which your review didn't actively do. My biggest gripe with the Sitka harness, just as you noted, is the presumption in its design that one won't need to add anything else on to it for modularity, and this to me is a critical oversight on Sitka's part. If they'd mounted molle straps on the undersides of each of the 3 pouches, it would have solved the problem. However, I've found the Sitka harness to be comfortable to wear and to not particularly interfere with shoulder movement, including shouldering a rifle. I will be trying mine out in just a few weeks here for Spring turkey season, so I will see how it fares regarding heat build-up during a bit warmer weather than November. Thanks again for the review - very worthwhile.
Thank you for the in depth comment. I do agree with you when you add the other pouches to the bino harness the price category would change a bit. It was a hard category to price out, because some people will just get the harness with nothing else and others will end up paying the extra amount. I could have done a better job explaining that though. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts after turkey 🦃
You did a great job on this video. You are well spoken, and organized. I appreciate the chapter breaks, and visual information added during the video. this made it efficient to look through what a person is really curious about if they don't have time to follow the full in depth review. thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Threw fhf newer harness with wings on my agc classic max. Works perfect
I will have to take a look at that one
Nice honest review. Out of curiosity why no Kuiu Pro harness? I know there are a lot of options out there for bino options. After your review I felt like my pro harness is still pretty good function although the Stone glacier looks like a good replacement. Subed to your channel
Well I actually used the KUIU for quite a few years and then recently just switched to the stone. I felt the stone and KUIU were the same category and I personally liked the stone better. I like a lot of my KUIU gear, but if I am going for light and comfortable the stone wins out for me.
Thank you for the comment and the sub!
Good comprehensive comparison of a lot of popular options. You talked me out of the Sitka harness as a possible option. They are about to release a new design, so I figure they will put the current one on closeout sale eventually. Btw there is an Amazon copycat of the AGC that is way cheaper. I've used several different ones and am currently running an old Tenzing OSS15. I will probably buy their new harness when it comes out soon. Browning and Bushnell also have some nice affordable options.
Thank you for the reply and added info!
Looking at harnesses now. One thing I don’t see anyone talking about is the accessibility to the binoculars. Seems to me that having more of the binoculars exposed with the lid down, like with the Stone Glacier, would make them easier to remove.
You left the best one out lol! Really like my mulie freak harness.
Yeah there are a lot of good ones out there, but these are the ones I have the most experience with. Plus the mulie freak fits in the category of the marsupial gear and I prefer the accessory options on the marsupial. But just like clothing every person has a specific fit and want in their gear and the mulie may just be the best for you!
Lmao for $210 you better like it 😂
@truggwalger just say you're poor and move on lol.. Good gear isn't cheap and cheap gear isn't good
I use the Marsupial Enclosed pack with the FHF Gear Air Harness. It’s been a fantastic combination for me. I did not love the Marsupial harness. With no structure I found the straps almost always got tangled up when getting into the harness.
Thanks for sharing!