Comfort, fit, and function are some of the critical aspects that hunters and outdoorsmen alike look for when looking for a new piece of gear to help them out in the field. Innovative designs and material changes over the years have contributed to many product manufacturers claiming to have the “next best product” or “the last upgrade you’ll ever need.” I have found it here with the Marsupial Gear Chest Pack.
Growing up, he hunted on small holdings with densely wooded areas. I keep my binoculars in the bottom of my backpack because I usually don’t need them. I quickly found that the cheap thin shoulder straps and harnesses that normally came with a new pair compromised my use of them. Constantly readjusting the straps as they moved around on my shoulders became a frustrating burden on top of the noise they made as I walked through the woods.
A recently renewed passion for bowhunting started me looking to replace and upgrade most of my current gear. When I first started practicing at our local 3D archery range, I found myself eyeing the various binocular chest packs fellow shooters were carrying. It didn’t take me long to start asking questions. Carrying binoculars, extra field points for arrows, extra shoots, and a rangefinder seemed to be the standard among the different setups I saw.
Armed with a few recommendations from other nature lovers, I began my search. I came across Marsupial Gear and was impressed with the story of it. This small company started in 2015 with the goal of designing high-quality outdoor gear, solving problems, and creating long-lasting products. Since then, Marsupial Gear has become a staple in the archery industry and community. Marsupial offers standard base colors, but will occasionally offer small batches with unique colors and camo patterns. I made the decision to use the limited edition Kryptek Altitude pattern because it was a better fit for my camo. The marketing for the limited edition led me to believe that the bundles and accessory bags were being sold as a complete package. Frustration turned to relief when Marsupial Gear explained the bug in a quick response to my email, acknowledged the mistake, and sent out the extra accessory bag.
Out of the box this package was exactly what I expected. I was very pleased to see that the pattern matched well with my hunting wardrobe, particularly my spring turkey kit. The build quality of this pack immediately impressed me, especially with its lightweight design at just 14.5 oz. When I started exploring the different side pockets and accessory pouches, I realized this was built to last. The equipment can take a beating during the different conditions in any season. Marsupial offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee that sweetens the deal by replacing any of their products regardless of defect.
Mounting the included rangefinder bag and accessory bag was a breeze. When positioned correctly, they did not move or make any noise when the material rubbed against my clothing and other equipment. This is especially important in forests. A standout feature on both the binoculars pack and rangefinder bag were the forward-opening, magnetic-closing covers that provide quick, quiet access to your favorite tools. The ability to keep my binoculars and rangefinder close at hand and not buried under extra gear or stuffed into a noisy zippered pocket came in handy on my first few hunts this spring. Of the few versions of the package available, I’m happy I chose the fully enclosed package. It offers added protection against the elements such as spring rain. The additional zippered accessory bag has proven to be perfect for additional mouth calls and chalk to freshen up a snare call when chasing birds. The medium-sized main body fits most 12×50 binoculars on the market. Two adjustable cables connect the harness chest straps and binoculars while holding them securely in place. These straps made me feel much more secure compared to my previous setup. I no longer worried about my binoculars falling to the ground or making a noise when I put them down in a hurry to get the perfect shot. This pack offers multiple adjustable straps that go over the shoulders and around the midsection, connecting at the base of the pack to create a secure fit.
At first, I was a bit worried that the pack would get in the way when drawing my bow, especially in the various positions I use in the woods and on a 3D field. The slim, compact design kept the pack close to my chest and at a perfect angle so as not to interfere with my drawing. While I’m still looking forward to taking this pack out west one day, it has proven to be a perfect tool in both turkey woods and 3D archery here in New York. Some of the smaller targets are often difficult to locate – they are hidden in the undergrowth and brambles. Having a pair of binoculars and a rangefinder on hand allows the shooter to locate the target’s scoring rings and accurately gauge distance without having to put down the bow and dig around in a bulky backpack. The included rangefinder pack has a small loop for attaching a strap to your rangefinder of choice with plenty of room to clip an arrow remover for new 3D rigid targets. A small zippered pocket on the back provides a dry, secure place for 3D scorecards or a cell phone. The snug side pockets were the perfect size for an extra pen and Allen key set. After losing a field tip inside a 3D target, I started keeping an extra set of tips and a spare trigger in the accessory bag. I quickly filled this pack with everything I needed in the woods and at the shooting range.
After testing the Marsupial pack for several months, I can honestly say that it will be a part of my hunting gear for years to come. Ultimately, I would like to start competing in larger 3D archery events with more challenging terrain. I always pay special attention to small businesses and was happy to support a 100% American made product from a small business growing in the 3D archery range and outdoor industry. While limited runs may be priced differently with different configurations, the Medium Fully Enclosed Chest Harness is $130 MSRP with accessory bags sold separately for $36 MSRP. Keep an eye on your networks social and website for frequent special offers at an even better price.
Kryptek Totally Enclosed Binocular Harness
MSRP: $130
