Compact and customizable, the FHF Gear Pro-M Bino Harness has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
FHF Gear (Fish-Hunt-Fight) is a small company based in Montana that has become wildly popular in the hunting community thanks to the Pro-M Bino Harness. It became so ubiquitous that MeatEater acquired FHF Gear in the summer of 2020.
I can’t say for sure, but I have an inkling that the brand’s success rests almost solely on the straps of this one product. Today, it’s become something of an icon in the hunting world. Just scroll around modern Western hunting videos, and this harness makes cameos left and right. But why?
Making use of the MOLLE attachment system typically found on military and tactical gear, the Pro-M Bino Harness from FHF Gear can be a minimalist binocular chest pack. Users can also gear it out with numerous additions and attachments. Thus, it’s a remarkably versatile piece of gear.
FHF Gear Pro-M Bino Harness Review
Specs
Before we dive too deep into our thoughts on this harness, here are some straightforward specs:
- $125
- 500-denier CORDURA exterior
- Microfiber lining
- Closed-cell foam padding
- Airmesh rear panel
- Pockets on the front and rear of the pouch as well as smallmouth call pockets on the lid
- MOLLE on the underside of the pouch for accessory attachment
- Bottom webbing tabs allow attachment of a Razco holster and/or FHF Handwarmer
- Made in the USA
This is one of those products that is exactly what it says it is. It’s streamlined and doesn’t overburden the wearer with additional bulk, yet it offers the option of adding multiple accessories to fit your specific use. The shock cord closure to the lid is quiet and intuitive to open with one hand. It’s also adjustable to accommodate a longer set of binoculars.
It includes bino hanger straps with detachable clips, so you don’t have to worry about dropping your glass when things get heated.
The internal zipper pouch is perfect for keeping tags secure and locked away until you need them. The back pouch will do the same, with a bit more room.
Pro tip: That back pouch is also a great place to keep wet wipes.
It has side mesh pockets that work perfectly for a wind check bottle or lip balm.
The MOLLE system on the bottom allows for easy attachment of additional accessories and a bottom webbing if you want to attach a pistol holster or the FHF Gear Handwarmer.
Accessories
The list of accessories is pretty extensive and offers anything you might need to add to your chest pack. One of the more popular additions is a dedicated Rangefinder Pouch, which has been recently updated to allow for either a strap mount or a direct mount on the side of the Pro-M pack itself.
Another popular addition is the Expandable Bear Spray Holster, which connects to the MOLLE on the underside of the pack. This allows for quick and safe access to your bear spray.
The Harness Shoulder Pads are a personal favorite of mine. They increase the comfort level and are worth the minor addition of bulk. If you wear your harness as often as I wear mine, it’s a worthy inclusion.
Some people have noted that they don’t like wearing the additional pads in conjunction with a heavy pack, but I appreciate the extra cushion.
What Works
The low profile of the harness is what makes it immediately different from a lot of other binocular packs. It doesn’t stick way out in front of your chest, thus not impeding your arm motion the way bulkier harnesses might.
I carry my compound bow attached to a Bow Spider on my hip belt. I can wear my bow in the sling position over the FHF Pro-M without discomfort. That minimalist bino pouch is its biggest perk. It can be as sleek and simple as just being the pouch or have every accessory attached.
Fit is deeply personal, as one size never fits all. Because of the options to mount accessories in different locations and the slim profile, this bino harness fits me better than any other I’ve tried. As a woman, it can be tough to find gear that fits properly. That fit becomes more difficult when trying to find accessories for the chest. The Pro-M just works and fits comfortably.
The color choices range from blaze-orange to several options of FHF Gear’s affiliated camo patterns. There are also several options in solid neutral colors, allowing the wearer to match the harness look to their current system.
What Doesn’t
The benefit of the low profile is also a bit of a drawback. Though it’s offered in three sizes to accommodate your specific binoculars, it’s a small chest pack.
If you’re used to some of the larger binocular harnesses with multiple pockets, zipper pouches, and just extra space, this might be a tough pack to get used to. Yes, you can always add a pocket, but that might seem like a drawback depending on your preferences. This thing is just not designed to carry snacks.
For those who carry really big glass, you might have to go in another direction. Even FHF’s large-size pouch has a tough time accommodating binos that get above the X50 range. But the brand does recommend its Chest Rig as an option for larger binoculars.
The shock cord closure is just a simple loop with an adjustable knot. This is a slight irritation, but it’s worth noting. After repeated tugs, the knot can slip loose. I actually lost my pull tab and shock cord at one point but miraculously stumbled upon it on my way back down the mountain. Worst-case scenario, if you lose yours, the brand offers a replacement for just a few bucks.
Final Thoughts
This is a piece of gear I wear a lot. I’d go so far as to say I wear it more than almost anyone else.
I wear it daily while guiding in Yellowstone National Park in the summer, scouting before archery season, throughout big-game archery and rifle season, chasing mountain lions in the winter, shed hunting in the spring, and turkey hunting. In 2021, I probably had this thing strapped to my chest for 40% of the year.
Without a doubt, I’d say this is a solid choice if you’re serious about keeping your glass in reach and protected while still being able to function unimpeded.
