Deluxe Bino Harness and Mesa Harness | Kifaru’s Combination Bino Harness

Carrying binoculars while hunting or scouting presents its challenges, from weight distribution to how to open the bucket quietly. Different companies look to solve those challenges with their own twists. Kifaru created their Deluxe Bino Harness to solve those problems. They were also kind enough to send us their Deluxe Bino Harness with their Mesa Harness to show what they have done.

“The Bino harness is an integral piece of kit for the modern hunter.” ~ kifaru.net

Deluxe Bino and Mesa Harnesses Overview

To start with, the Deluxe Bino Harness is a standard bucket that comes with Kifaru’s rangefinder pouch and an accessory pouch. The bucket is available in three sizes. For my Vortex Crossfire 10×42, the medium bucket is the best fit. There is enough room in the bucket for me to grab my binos quickly. The bucket has six pockets: one on each side, one in the front, two on the lid, and one in the back. The hood is adjustable and uses tension to keep the bucket closed.

The Deluxe Bino Harness’s side pockets are useful for holding a Kestrel or a small knife, such as a TYTO knife. I also use the front pocket to hold my phone while traveling in the truck. For the back pocket, I keep my hunting license and tags for ready access. Kifaru also has PALS rows on the front and bottom of the bucket for additional pouches or holsters. The rangefinder pouch is big enough to hold a compact rangefinder. The accessory pocket is a good place to store batteries or keys while in the backcountry.

“The Mesa Harness is designed for all-day comfort with a contoured shape and spacer mesh lining to reduce pressure points and wick moisture.” ~ kifaru.net

The Mesa Harness is a mix of a Rhodesian harness and a padded harness. The width of the laminate base helps to distribute the weight of the bucket and the pouches. The harness is slim enough to wear under a pack without discomfort or hot spots. I also appreciate that the harness adds little bulk when worn under a jacket.

Performance of the Deluxe Bino Harness

During my hunting this past fall, I used the Deluxe Bino Harness for stalks, blind sits, and truck rides. I liked how the harness was snug but not constricting. I also appreciated that the Mesa’s laminate base helped keep the straps from getting tangled. The cellphone pocket inside the bucket is handy, keeping my phone ready for navigation instead of having to dig through pockets.

The Deluxe Bino Harness is easy to open one-handed. However, I found that closing the bucket with a gloved hand takes some getting used to, but after a couple of times, I got the hang of it. The Mesa Harness is comfortable to wear under a daypack, even when climbing over and around obstacles.

Deluxe Bino Harness Features & Specifications courtesy of kifaru.net.

• Bucket Sizing:

  • Small: 9.9 oz – 7”H x 6”W x 2.5”D

  • Medium: 10.5 oz – 8”H x 6”W x 2.75”D

  • Large: 11.8 oz – 8.5”H x 6.5”W x 3”D

• Harness Options:

  • Mesa Harness: 6.7 oz – Fits chests up to 55” – One Size Fits Most (SM–3X) shirt sizes

  • Regular Harness: 2.6 oz – 48” straps – Fits Small to XL shirt sizes

  • Large Harness: 3.1 oz – 60” straps – Fits XXL and up

• MSRP: $239

Mesa Harness Features & Specifications courtesy of kifaru.net

• Weight: 6.7 oz – Light enough to forget about, solid enough to trust.

• Compatibility: Works with any bino harness using standard 1” webbing. Fully compatible with the Mesa Harness and our Steelhead Pack System for seamless integration.

• Materials: Built from battle-tested Squadron laminate for structure and durability. Lined with DNB138 spacer mesh to wick moisture and reduce pressure points during long glassing sessions. Finished with mil-spec webbing throughout for load-rated reliability in the field.

• Hardware: Duraflex quick-detach buckles for fast, silent access and long-term durability in punishing conditions.

• MSRP: $59

Final Thoughts

After using the Deluxe Bino Harness for several months, I have been pleased with its performance. Its design is minimalist yet well-thought-out. One minor improvement I would like to make to the harness is either adding tie-down points for my binos or adding tethers to secure them to the harness. Nevertheless, I like the bucket’s nonmagnetic lid and internal cellphone pocket. If you are looking for a minimalist bino harness, look at Kifaru’s Deluxe Bino Harness.