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1.) ARCHERXP - 03/22/2015
The Story:
I was recently stationed at FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.I very quickly learned the value of premium optics, hunting the western backcountry.With great optics comes the great responsibility of keeping them at their finest.Thus the quest for the best binocular harness pack began.
During last year’s hunting season, I used the normal elastic harness that seems to be popular among many hunters.I guess I’m not part of the “many hunter” crowd.I did not care for the constant adjustments, the never ending bouncing, and the feeling that I had to fight to hold my binoculars to my face while I glassed.The other thing I did not care for was how the elements could pummel my expensive optics with impunity; my rubber caps were quickly lost to the hard hunting, leaving the lenses exposed to the constant grit and grime.No sir, I don’t like it.
I researched and tested several brands (Badlands, Eberlestock, FHF, etc) and stumbled upon what was touted to be—literally—the “Daddy of’em All.”
Now before I go on, let me lay out what I find most important in any gear I carry: 1) Customer Service; 2) Value; 3) Workmanship & Durability; 4) Versatility; and lastly, 5) Usability.I called the number for Alaska Guide Creations (AGC), and they knocked my first requirement out of the park.
I spoke with Jaret Owens, owner of AGC, and his story intrigued me.In his decades upon decades of guiding, he claims to have developed the prototype for the chest binocular harness packs that have flooded the market.We spoke at length while he field tested a new product on the side of a hill.I told him that I was interested in a harness for my binoculars but couldn’t find his products within reasonable driving distance and that I didn’t want to buy one without first trying it.With zero hesitation, he sent me several harnesses for my field testing pleasure.
Initial Impressions:
When I received the packs, I could tell off the bat that they were rugged and made with the hardcore hunter in mind.From the material to the stitches, I could tell that this harness would last.My other first impression was a bit of a misgiving, which based on other reviews, I shared with many people: the pack looked a bit blocky.The last thing I noticed from the get-go was the simplicity yet versatility of the pack.Zippers, clips, and straps were readily available to personal customization but weren’t over the top to the point of overload.
Moment of Truth:
The best way I know how to test a product is by using it for its precise purpose.In this case, I wanted to see how it would do on a long, arduous trek and also while shooting my bow.In both these cases, it passed with flying colors.Several miles under my feet, the pack rode comfortably.It held fast and steady at a run and/or jump, and when I felt the need to glass, I could do so with little obstruction; I could unclip and pull out my binoculars quite smoothly. The best part about it is that my lenses were clean!I wouldn’t exclaim this point so much if it weren’t for my less than ideal experience last season when I had to constantly wipe rain, snow, mud, and other debris from my binoculars.Additionally, I was able to place my “windicator” puffer, rangefinder, lens brush/cleaner, gps, and other miscellaneous “doohookies” in the available pockets for my immediate reach.
With regard to bowhunting and returning to my first misgiving of the pack’s “blockiness,” I took it to the range to test my marksmanship.Contrary to my initial impressions, it did not get in the way at all.It balanced well, especially with my hunting pack.For anybody who thinks it would get in the way, you might want to check if maybe you’re overdrawn, because there is very little chance of the string brushing against the pack in any conceivable hunting scenario.
Put those two scenarios together, and what you have is an awesome binocular chest pack for any scenario afield.
Final Verdict (0-5):
Overall: 5
Customer Service: 5 (Jaret Owens may not be the best salesman, but he doesn’t have to be.He lets his product do the talking, and Jaret is always willing to bend his ear to the customer.)
Value: 5 (The pack is made in the USA but priced at the same range as its competitors with the same offerings if not more.)
Workmanship & Durability: 5 (I can’t imagine how any hunt(s) could keep up with this pack.This is built to last, and if anything should happen, I know I can rely on my first criteria for review: Customer Service.)
Versatility: 5 (Anything that I need immediately, I’ll have at the flick of a finger.)
Usability: 5 (I was able to adjust this to my person, both in bulky and warm weather clothing.The straps were easy to secure and had zero slop when adjusted).
Bottom line: This is the pack I’ve been looking for.
He sells them on eBay and a quick search on the internet will point you in the right direction. There are several different patterns and sizes to choose from.
I was recently stationed at FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.I very quickly learned the value of premium optics, hunting the western backcountry.With great optics comes the great responsibility of keeping them at their finest.Thus the quest for the best binocular harness pack began.
During last year’s hunting season, I used the normal elastic harness that seems to be popular among many hunters.I guess I’m not part of the “many hunter” crowd.I did not care for the constant adjustments, the never ending bouncing, and the feeling that I had to fight to hold my binoculars to my face while I glassed.The other thing I did not care for was how the elements could pummel my expensive optics with impunity; my rubber caps were quickly lost to the hard hunting, leaving the lenses exposed to the constant grit and grime.No sir, I don’t like it.
I researched and tested several brands (Badlands, Eberlestock, FHF, etc) and stumbled upon what was touted to be—literally—the “Daddy of’em All.”
Now before I go on, let me lay out what I find most important in any gear I carry: 1) Customer Service; 2) Value; 3) Workmanship & Durability; 4) Versatility; and lastly, 5) Usability.I called the number for Alaska Guide Creations (AGC), and they knocked my first requirement out of the park.
I spoke with Jaret Owens, owner of AGC, and his story intrigued me.In his decades upon decades of guiding, he claims to have developed the prototype for the chest binocular harness packs that have flooded the market.We spoke at length while he field tested a new product on the side of a hill.I told him that I was interested in a harness for my binoculars but couldn’t find his products within reasonable driving distance and that I didn’t want to buy one without first trying it.With zero hesitation, he sent me several harnesses for my field testing pleasure.
Initial Impressions:
When I received the packs, I could tell off the bat that they were rugged and made with the hardcore hunter in mind.From the material to the stitches, I could tell that this harness would last.My other first impression was a bit of a misgiving, which based on other reviews, I shared with many people: the pack looked a bit blocky.The last thing I noticed from the get-go was the simplicity yet versatility of the pack.Zippers, clips, and straps were readily available to personal customization but weren’t over the top to the point of overload.
Moment of Truth:
The best way I know how to test a product is by using it for its precise purpose.In this case, I wanted to see how it would do on a long, arduous trek and also while shooting my bow.In both these cases, it passed with flying colors.Several miles under my feet, the pack rode comfortably.It held fast and steady at a run and/or jump, and when I felt the need to glass, I could do so with little obstruction; I could unclip and pull out my binoculars quite smoothly. The best part about it is that my lenses were clean!I wouldn’t exclaim this point so much if it weren’t for my less than ideal experience last season when I had to constantly wipe rain, snow, mud, and other debris from my binoculars.Additionally, I was able to place my “windicator” puffer, rangefinder, lens brush/cleaner, gps, and other miscellaneous “doohookies” in the available pockets for my immediate reach.
With regard to bowhunting and returning to my first misgiving of the pack’s “blockiness,” I took it to the range to test my marksmanship.Contrary to my initial impressions, it did not get in the way at all.It balanced well, especially with my hunting pack.For anybody who thinks it would get in the way, you might want to check if maybe you’re overdrawn, because there is very little chance of the string brushing against the pack in any conceivable hunting scenario.
Put those two scenarios together, and what you have is an awesome binocular chest pack for any scenario afield.
Final Verdict (0-5):
Overall: 5
Customer Service: 5 (Jaret Owens may not be the best salesman, but he doesn’t have to be.He lets his product do the talking, and Jaret is always willing to bend his ear to the customer.)
Value: 5 (The pack is made in the USA but priced at the same range as its competitors with the same offerings if not more.)
Workmanship & Durability: 5 (I can’t imagine how any hunt(s) could keep up with this pack.This is built to last, and if anything should happen, I know I can rely on my first criteria for review: Customer Service.)
Versatility: 5 (Anything that I need immediately, I’ll have at the flick of a finger.)
Usability: 5 (I was able to adjust this to my person, both in bulky and warm weather clothing.The straps were easy to secure and had zero slop when adjusted).
Bottom line: This is the pack I’ve been looking for.
He sells them on eBay and a quick search on the internet will point you in the right direction. There are several different patterns and sizes to choose from.
2.) ARCHERXP - 03/22/2015
[ATTACH]510[/ATTACH][ATTACH]511[/ATTACH][ATTACH]512[/ATTACH]
3.) ARCHERXP - 03/22/2015
for whatever reason, the files aren't uploading like i'd like...i'll figure it out at some point
4.) Swamp Fox - 03/22/2015
I'd like to see your pics when you figure it out.
I talked to Jaret maybe two or three springs ago, about a pouch for a smaller pair of binos, or maybe I was just looking for something different from my Badlands for bigger glass. But I think it was about a smaller pouch than what he had been selling. He was in the middle of a product redesign, though, and between details and inventory that needed to be worked out, the stars didn't align. Very nice guy, though, and I'm still interested.
Thanks for bringing this up. I'll see if I can find a good description and info on different sizes on ebay, because a quick surf on the www didn't turn up much of what I wanted.
I have the big original Badlands and a small FHF. Any hands-on experience or impressions comparing the AGC to those would be of interest to me.
I talked to Jaret maybe two or three springs ago, about a pouch for a smaller pair of binos, or maybe I was just looking for something different from my Badlands for bigger glass. But I think it was about a smaller pouch than what he had been selling. He was in the middle of a product redesign, though, and between details and inventory that needed to be worked out, the stars didn't align. Very nice guy, though, and I'm still interested.
Thanks for bringing this up. I'll see if I can find a good description and info on different sizes on ebay, because a quick surf on the www didn't turn up much of what I wanted.
I have the big original Badlands and a small FHF. Any hands-on experience or impressions comparing the AGC to those would be of interest to me.
5.) ARCHERXP - 03/23/2015
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;30734]I'd like to see your pics when you figure it out.
I talked to Jaret maybe two or three springs ago, about a pouch for a smaller pair of binos, or maybe I was just looking for something different from my Badlands for bigger glass. But I think it was about a smaller pouch than what he had been selling. He was in the middle of a product redesign, though, and between details and inventory that needed to be worked out, the stars didn't align. Very nice guy, though, and I'm still interested.
Thanks for bringing this up. I'll see if I can find a good description and info on different sizes on ebay, because a quick surf on the www didn't turn up much of what I wanted.
I have the big original Badlands and a small FHF. Any hands-on experience or impressions comparing the AGC to those would be of interest to me.[/QUOTE]
i still can't figure out the pictures, but if you still have my number i can reply to your text with them
as far as FHF, my biggest things are the fact that FHF isn't a full cover and also their "backstraps" aren't as nice. they seem to be just plain webbing.
badlands, as previously stated, while handy for "quick" use, i don't know if i'd feel as secure jumping or horseback riding with a magnet.
i think there's better storage on the AGC.
he also has different versions and is working on a drop bottom storage version. if you're looking for a smaller pack, he has those now too.
I talked to Jaret maybe two or three springs ago, about a pouch for a smaller pair of binos, or maybe I was just looking for something different from my Badlands for bigger glass. But I think it was about a smaller pouch than what he had been selling. He was in the middle of a product redesign, though, and between details and inventory that needed to be worked out, the stars didn't align. Very nice guy, though, and I'm still interested.
Thanks for bringing this up. I'll see if I can find a good description and info on different sizes on ebay, because a quick surf on the www didn't turn up much of what I wanted.
I have the big original Badlands and a small FHF. Any hands-on experience or impressions comparing the AGC to those would be of interest to me.[/QUOTE]
i still can't figure out the pictures, but if you still have my number i can reply to your text with them
as far as FHF, my biggest things are the fact that FHF isn't a full cover and also their "backstraps" aren't as nice. they seem to be just plain webbing.
badlands, as previously stated, while handy for "quick" use, i don't know if i'd feel as secure jumping or horseback riding with a magnet.
i think there's better storage on the AGC.
he also has different versions and is working on a drop bottom storage version. if you're looking for a smaller pack, he has those now too.
6.) Swamp Fox - 03/23/2015
Unfortunately I used the old BC as part of my contacts archive, LOL, and/or your number didn't make it over to this phone I'm using now. I'll send you a PM with my email, since the phone isn't a good way for me to see pics with any detail. :shh:
:wave:
:wave:
7.) Swamp Fox - 03/23/2015
Yes, I think it was the smaller version I was interested in, but it wasn't ready to go at the time. I prefer the bigger versions with more compartments, though, now that I see what he's come up with for the small (based on looking at ebay). The regular size would actually work for me, since I'm not talking about ultra-compacts.
The magnet on the Badlands is extremely solid. It ain't coming open on a hop and a skip. You can drag it open while crawling, though, but you'd have to work at it (chest full in the dirt). Not sure any chest harness is good for crawling, though.
Agree on the FHF straps, but they are comfortable on my 8x30's and don't seem to slip in the buckles. The pouch may slip down on your chest through a half-day hunt, though, but I've not found that a major problem. It is also a well-built system, and I appreciate how light it is.
The magnet on the Badlands is extremely solid. It ain't coming open on a hop and a skip. You can drag it open while crawling, though, but you'd have to work at it (chest full in the dirt). Not sure any chest harness is good for crawling, though.
Agree on the FHF straps, but they are comfortable on my 8x30's and don't seem to slip in the buckles. The pouch may slip down on your chest through a half-day hunt, though, but I've not found that a major problem. It is also a well-built system, and I appreciate how light it is.
8.) ARCHERXP - 03/24/2015
i'll try and send you the pictures of the smaller ones too
9.) Swamp Fox - 03/24/2015
Thanks! :tu:
10.) ARCHERXP - 03/25/2015
[URL=http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/bailenoscarboy/media/IMG_1598_zpsa90dlu3w.jpg.html]
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[URL=http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/bailenoscarboy/media/IMG_1600_zpsrexvxc84.jpg.html]
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[/URL][URL=http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/bailenoscarboy/media/IMG_1599_zpsfyt0pifn.jpg.html]
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[/URL]11.) ARCHERXP - 04/08/2015
[url]https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alaska-Guide-Creations/324150204418650[/url]
[url]http://www.ebay.com/usr/alaskaguidecreations?_trksid=p2047675.l2559[/url]
[url]http://www.ebay.com/usr/alaskaguidecreations?_trksid=p2047675.l2559[/url]