Sitka Mountain Optics Harness | A Modular Harness

One lesson I have learned from hunting is the importance of having binoculars. I realized I needed binos to glass my surroundings during my first hunting trip. Besides having a good set of binoculars, having a functional harness helps keep binos accessible and secure. While searching for a harness, Sitka’s Mountain Optics Harness was one such rig that caught my eye.

“This harness is the ultimate utility piece for big game hunters.” ~ sitkagear.com

Chassis

The Mountain Optics consists of a placard, a built-in glass pouch, and two removable pouches. Sitka made the harness and pouches with a brushed polyester fabric that helps reduce noise when moving in the brush. The placard measures under 14 ½” wide and 8 ½” high. A zippered interior pocket is at the back of the placard behind the bino pouch. Also, behind the carrier is a stow pouch for flat items such as a map.

At the Mountain Optics’ center is the binocular carrier. As I mentioned, Sitka built the carrier into the placard, providing an extra layer of stability to reduce noise while moving. On both sides of the case are small pockets that can hold small pieces of gear. The front flap is magnetic and designed to fold in half when retrieving the binoculars and glassing. Sitka made a helpful design call by adding an integrated lens cloth for the binos.

Side Pouches and Harness Back

Besides the glass carrier, Sitka includes two pouches with the Mountain Optics. These pouches are big enough to hold a cell phone, tourniquet, or other hunting tools. Sitka also allows users to remove these pouches and attach different pouches with a MOLLE attachment. I appreciate this design feature because it allows me to tailor the chassis for specific situations. One thing to note with the pouches is that they open from the back to the front.

“The Mountain Optics Harness is rounded out with a brushed polyester face fabric for close in silent stalks.” ~ sitkagear.com

The Mountain Optic harness’ back is an X-harness system with a waist strap. The straps are ¾” wide and are flat enough to wear under a backpack without causing discomfort. I have been rucking while wearing the harness to prepare for my hunting trip, and I have not experienced any discomfort from any of the straps during these rucks. Additionally, the front of the X-harness also has quick detach points for the binoculars.

“Get fast, easy access to your binos and essential gear with this streamlined chest pack that keeps your stuff at the ready while preventing it from bouncing around.” ~ sitkagear.com

Sitka Mountain Optics Harness Features & Specifications courtesy of sitkagear.com

• Magnetic front binocular flap opening.
• Quiet brushed polyester face textile.
• Modular side pockets along with zippered and stash pockets on the back.
• Molle compatible chassis.
• Internal lens cloth.
• Quick detach binocular attachment.
• GORE™ OPTIFADE™ Concealment Subalpine is designed for stalking and ambushing ungulates in tree-covered and vegetated terrain.
• MSRP: $159.00

Mountain Optics Setup and Final Thoughts

To prepare my Mountain Optics Harness, I wanted to set it up like a simple survival/Recce rig. In the lefthand pouch, I have a pressure bandage and SOFT Tourniquet. In the glass carrier, I have my Vortex Crossfire. The zippered pocket holds my tags and hunting license, and the stow pouch holds a map of where I will be hunting. I have designated the righthand pouch to carry my phone and GPS. The stash pouch in the back holds my tags and hunting license.

I look forward to using this harness for my deer hunting trip this year. The brushed polyester face and the ability to access the binoculars with one hand make the Mountain Optics quiet and easy to use. At the time of writing this article, the rig costs $159. For hunters wanting a rig that they can tailor to their needs, this harness is one that they should consider.