Bino Harness- Recommendations and any issues with magnets interfering with GPS?

I am currently in the market for a bino harness, preferably one that can hold a few other things- Spare mag, GPS and potentially a range finder.

So far i've looked at a lot of different designs and the best design in my current opinion is the Badlands mag bino case with harness at $200
link: https://www.craftys.co.nz/product/ma...e-by-badlands/

or there is another model with separate rangefinder compartment for $250
link: https://www.craftys.co.nz/product/ma...efinder-binos/

I like these models because they look like they would keep everything dry and easy to open.

Is anyone using these models or are there any other brands worth considering?

Also curious if there is an issue with using your GPS or compass next to the case due to the magnets or if holding the GPS at arms length is far enough away?

Cheers, Tasman.

I've got one of these
https://www.hunterselement.co.nz/col...r-desolve-veil
Which you can add pouches onto. Well constructed IMO.

Still can't decide whether I like using it or not. Also got a swazi bino thing which is much simpler and does the job of protecting binos and stopping them swinging about. Should probably try that out next time I'm on the hill and get rid of one of them.

I used the badlands zip model for almost two years but the zip has blown out recently which is a bummer, not sure how the magnet model is for durability. Cheers

good to know, was the zip quiet and easy enough to open? Also I read that badlands has a lifetime- no questions asked warranty

Magnets can't really screw with GPS. The RF signals from the satellites that a GPS listens for will still make it through, allowing it to calculate how far it is from each one and give you a position. The magnets will mess with a compass if you hold it right next to them, but their range isn't very far so arms length will be fine.

magnets wont affect gps.
gps is basically a synchronised clock. each satellite sends a signal at the same time. the gps receiver picks up 2 or more "blips" and satellites i.d code and works out the difference in time between the signals this then gives your position.
snow/heavy rain/volcanic ash etc are the enemies of any satellite signal.

Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak CUB MAX. Mine is awesome, I carry binos, PLB, Windmeter, used to carry range finder but that’s now in my binos so that pocket is used for extra ammo, also carry knife, steel, lens cloth and emergency blanket. The fit and bulk of it is not too overpowering and it’s a good system.

I would also look at the twin needle harness that has the molle attachment options. Latest kuiu harness looks mint too if you want a slimline option.

I have not been impressed with my mates hunters element harness. Poor design in my opinion. My mate had the badlands magnetic harness and got fed up with it so converted to the alaska guide like mine but has also also just got a kuiu one.

Ive got the hunters element one and added the range finder case and attached.my GPS with a bit of paracord. It can hold 4 rounds in it and a lens cloth.
It works ok, seems reasonably well made and comfortable to wear with a pack on

Badlands are great. But with a pair of 10x42s in there, there's not much room for more than a few spare rounds and a cleaning cloth. If ya gonna be carting lots of stuff around, best go for a belt with carry pouches, knife etc on it, as well as the bino bikini.

I've tried a few too and haven't really taken to them. I have just got a helikon numbat front pouch (bushlifenz.com) and have yet to try it but it gives me a bit more room than a standard bino-harness. Might be worth a look...

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Originally Posted by stagstalker

Alaska Guide Creations Kodiak CUB MAX. Mine is awesome, I carry binos, PLB, Windmeter, used to carry range finder but that’s now in my binos so that pocket is used for extra ammo, also carry knife, steel, lens cloth and emergency blanket. The fit and bulk of it is not too overpowering and it’s a good system.

I would also look at the twin needle harness that has the molle attachment options. Latest kuiu harness looks mint too if you want a slimline option.

I have not been impressed with my mates hunters element harness. Poor design in my opinion. My mate had the badlands magnetic harness and got fed up with it so converted to the alaska guide like mine but has also also just got a kuiu one.

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Yes. I have the basic Alaskan Guide model. Binos go in and out easily and the stretchy lid catch thingy works just fine. They are compact and sit well. You can add all sorts of attachments that they make like a range finder pouch (I need one - @craigc note for Fathers's day - its this Sunday you know).

The main thing to look for is easy access to your Binos and lack of bulk.

+1 on the Hunters Element
I just have the standard size not magnum as my binos are only 8x42 but as others have said there is enough room for magazine and a few spare rounds in one of the side pouches, a wind checker in the other side pouch and I keep a spare mercator knife in the front pouch. Good opening/closing with the magnets and silent. No problems wearing it over a raincoat or under daypack etc and not too bulky out in front.

I've got the Bushbuck bino holder. Seems ok to me, but I've got no expereince with anything else so can can't if it's better or not than others. Holds 8.5x50 and rangefinder ok. Keeps it all dry.
However the magnet is a pain in the ass. Even at arms length it upsets compass enought that can't trust compass. Also upsets digital compass in phone when using NZ Topo50. Sometime I'll be removing the magnet and putting a clip, bungie or something.

Personally recommend FHF gear, light, good protection, decent storage and no magnets.

Having said that, your rifle, bullets and knife will deflect a compass needle just as badly as a small magnet will.

I got the badlands zip model last July - i was looking for something not to bulky, but could hold a few small items ammo/bino lens cleaner /map/ drop chart etc used on couple trips now and loven it.,

+2 on hunters element has even got a built in rain cover

I have the large hunter element.
I have taken the magnets off as I was fed up of not being able to head in the right direction with my gps. It does not affect the gps signal but affect the gps compass, even at arms length.
The gps fit into the left side pocket and my secators into the right side. Good piece of kit although now I need to find another way of keeping the top pouch closed.

Running the AGC Kodiak Cub. Quite bulky. Works well. Probably would get a Twinneedle if i was to upgrade.
https://alaskaguidecreations.com/products/kodiak-c-u-b

Kuiu pro harness has been great

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Originally Posted by hotsoup

Kuiu pro harness has been great

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Cheers for the review what size did you go bro? Looking at getting one myself

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Originally Posted by Been Upto

Cheers for the review what size did you go bro? Looking at getting one myself

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XL mate. This size fits my Geovid 10x42 perfectly. It also has spacers to adjust the height. Real handy. @Been Upto

Been using this kit for guiding mountain hunts too, been bloody terrific. West coast n all that horrible tough countryAttachment 148495

cheers @hotsoup gonna grab one.

And the L kuiu pro fits 10x42 swaro el’s perfect


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Anyone had any problems with the magnet on the TwinNeedle v2 harness vs compass? Sitting on the fence between that one and the Kuiu Pro.

Really like the TwinNeedle and the option to attach a long GPS pouch for the Rhino but no good if it screws with the compass...

i have recently bought a Hunters Element bino bivi , and after reading comments about the issues with the magnets interfering with the compass on your gps i checked my gps (64) while wearing the bivi around my house and yard and gps seemed to be just fine, the north pointer was pointing in the right direction , but i didnt check the actual compass on the gps though. But when i tried a real compass it went all wonky when held next to my bivi , but was ok when held at arms length .

Does nobody just tuck their binos down the front of their swandri anymore?

Lol funny, whats a Swandri ?

No seriously, when I started hunting deer (worth a weeks wages dead & a months alive) were very hard to find & Thar were almost extinct, I didn't even have binos or a pack had a Sack with rocks in the corners & rope tied around them .

Crazy looking back, but no money, gear, or info around in those days !

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Originally Posted by Scout

Lol funny, whats a Swandri ?

No seriously, when I started hunting deer (worth a weeks wages dead & a months alive) were very hard to find & Thar were almost extinct, I didn't even have binos or a pack had a Sack with rocks in the corners & rope tied around them .

Crazy looking back, but no money, gear, or info around in those days !

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At least I started with a ‘proper’ pack (Kiwi made, Wintest or some name like that) I bought in 1972 for $10 2nd hand. (Still got it if you want to buy it lol)

Mine fog up when down the shirt.

I carry mine high under the left arm in a bag like a small military messenger bag

Kuiu pro harness here, Tried a few others but all to bulky,

had a few mates with a few other brands but none would get me over the kuiu design and size, i don't need a bum bag on my chest.

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Originally Posted by Ned

I've got one of these
https://www.hunterselement.co.nz/col...r-desolve-veil
Which you can add pouches onto. Well constructed IMO.

Still can't decide whether I like using it or not. Also got a swazi bino thing which is much simpler and does the job of protecting binos and stopping them swinging about. Should probably try that out next time I'm on the hill and get rid of one of them.

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Plus one on this - the Hunters Element Bino Defender are comfortable, fast and easy to use, and fitted my 8x42's and my rangefinder - but only just. I have just added one of the little rangefinder pouches -also with magnetic closure - but have not yet used that on the hills yet. I have no problem carrying a pack with the bino defender out front. And for any of you that have not yet got some sort of harness, it is an infinitely better solution than the skinny bino strap around the neck.