ChrisAU
WKR
The Outdoor Vision Ridgetop.
I've tried most everything. I've had Marsupial original and enclosed, Kuiu Pro, AGC, Sitka, FHF, and a few I'm probably forgetting.
I thought the Marsupial enclosed was the ticket, then I tried this one.
To preface, forward opening is all-important to me for a stand hunting bino harness. A rear opening flap is extra movement and also can be an obstacle when trying to put the binos back in one-handed quickly. I much prefer just setting my binos & RF down into their holder vs having to move a flap/cover.
Here's a few reasons I like the OV compared to the Marsupial:
Fully enclosed when harness is closed, but open sides part way up the bino when the harness is open - minimizes movement getting binos out. I found I was pulling 8x42's out of the Marsupial by going around and hooking a finger through the bridge. With the OV I can go straight in from the side and grab one side of the bino. Fully enclosed is important to me because dust on the side by side can be awful.
Now, to contradict the fully enclosed part being important, I LOVE the rangefinder holder compared to all the others I've tried. I found I had to pull my RF out using the tether with most carriers, with this one the top is left exposed when it is open making it easy to grab the RF and pull it out for a quick range.
Here's a big one, that most won't admit. The forward opening lid makes an excellent container for anything while its open - especially a cell phone. I'm sorry, it gets boring at times stand hunting. The phone is out a lot. It makes a super convenient spot to put your phone quickly and with minimal movement. I also like just setting it there because I can take photos/videos with my phone when deer are right on top of me with minimal movement.
Built in rain fly - this is nice. If I'm concerned about moisture and/or dust, just unzip the bottom and pull it out.
I also find the front storage compartment to be more "stuffable" than the Marsupial, and it allowed me to eliminate the zippered pouch I was using on the Marsupial setup.
I don't see the OV getting much love here, and for western hunting I still prefer my AGC for all of its extra compartments, and for its lack of magnets to interfere with navigation.
I've tried most everything. I've had Marsupial original and enclosed, Kuiu Pro, AGC, Sitka, FHF, and a few I'm probably forgetting.
I thought the Marsupial enclosed was the ticket, then I tried this one.
To preface, forward opening is all-important to me for a stand hunting bino harness. A rear opening flap is extra movement and also can be an obstacle when trying to put the binos back in one-handed quickly. I much prefer just setting my binos & RF down into their holder vs having to move a flap/cover.
Here's a few reasons I like the OV compared to the Marsupial:
Fully enclosed when harness is closed, but open sides part way up the bino when the harness is open - minimizes movement getting binos out. I found I was pulling 8x42's out of the Marsupial by going around and hooking a finger through the bridge. With the OV I can go straight in from the side and grab one side of the bino. Fully enclosed is important to me because dust on the side by side can be awful.
Now, to contradict the fully enclosed part being important, I LOVE the rangefinder holder compared to all the others I've tried. I found I had to pull my RF out using the tether with most carriers, with this one the top is left exposed when it is open making it easy to grab the RF and pull it out for a quick range.
Here's a big one, that most won't admit. The forward opening lid makes an excellent container for anything while its open - especially a cell phone. I'm sorry, it gets boring at times stand hunting. The phone is out a lot. It makes a super convenient spot to put your phone quickly and with minimal movement. I also like just setting it there because I can take photos/videos with my phone when deer are right on top of me with minimal movement.
Built in rain fly - this is nice. If I'm concerned about moisture and/or dust, just unzip the bottom and pull it out.
I also find the front storage compartment to be more "stuffable" than the Marsupial, and it allowed me to eliminate the zippered pouch I was using on the Marsupial setup.
I don't see the OV getting much love here, and for western hunting I still prefer my AGC for all of its extra compartments, and for its lack of magnets to interfere with navigation.