KUIU PRO Chest Pack – Is it worth it?

Having recently spent a lot of time using and testing the GPO Harness PRO, it reminded me that how, in the right situations, a well-designed harness really can enhance my outdoor experience with binoculars and thus it re-ignited my interest in them and so I started looking around for other potential top-rated bino harness to try out, review and use for myself personally.

One that has caught my eye is the KUIU PRO Chest Pack. I like the overall look and design of it, and its features look to me like it could be a winner. So I’m seriously considering splashing out and getting one for myself to test, review, and then use afterwards (I’ll have to buy it with my own hard-earned cash!).

So, to help me decide if it is worth it or not, as always, I have researched it and I decided to gather up and collate all the user feedback and reviews I could find:

Pricing and Availability

The KUIU PRO Chest Pack is priced at approximately $175 USD, making it about double the cost of the GPO Harness PRO that I currently use. Check current prices:

• USA: Available directly from KUIU’s website.
• UK and Europe: Purchasing from KUIU’s website is possible, but be aware of additional shipping costs and potential customs fees. Some users have reported that delivery charges can be significant, so it’s advisable to consider group purchases or look for local distributors to mitigate costs

What Owners of the KUIU Pro Bino Harness are saying:

Across various platforms, the Kuiu PRO Chest Pack receives a lot of praise, particularly for its comfort and quality:

Positives:

Comfort and Fit: Many users have commended the harness’s comfort, and generally, there is a lot of positive talk on the adjustable harness straps and breathable mesh back panel.

Matt S. on Kuiu’s product reviews noted, “I really like it. My buddy got one, so I tried it on and like it. So I bought one and I love it. It’s so comfortable and I like the side pockets.” Similarly, Samuel B. highlighted how it “Sits great on your chest! Comfortable. Many useful pockets.” Ryan Olson on Amazon.com praised its “Excellent fit,” and a user on The Stalking Directory found it to be “the most comfortable,” especially beneficial for long treks.

Quality and Design: Reviewers frequently point to the harness’s robust construction. Eric M. from Kuiu reviews appreciated its “Great fit and quality material,” while Ed L. simply stated, “Nailed it! Great design, plenty of storage, very comfortable, quality materials.” Jeffrey A. echoed this, calling it “Another great product from KUIU!!” Users value the quiet operation, with some noting the absence of noisy zippers or Velcro, relying on silent magnetic closures.

Functionality and Protection: The pack’s ability to protect optics and keep gear accessible is a recurring theme. The quiet magnetic lid and waterproof fabric are consistently highlighted. Users on the Long Range Only forum discussed its capacity, with one user stating it “fits my Pulsar Mergers really nicely and it has been comfortable to use.” Jayson W. on the Kuiu PRO G3 product page noted its forward-folding lid, which keeps optics clear of moisture, dust, and debris while remaining easily accessible.

Customization: The comments on the modular design, including removable foam shims and the Rail-Lock Accessory Connection System, seem mostly positive.

Negatives:

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points were occasionally raised, such as a user on Amazon.com wishing for more stretchy side pockets or Jayson W. noting that the large size of the PRO G3 Bino Harness was “just a little too big for my 10x42 vortex binoculars,” causing them to “rattle around a little side to side.”

Strap Adjustability: A few users found the torso straps challenging to adjust, affecting the overall fit.

Pocket Size: The additional storage pockets may be limited in capacity, potentially restricting the amount of gear carried.

Performance in Prone Position: Some users observed that the pack could bounce or sag when in a prone position, which might be a consideration for certain activities.

Detailed Published Reviews of the KUIU PRO Chest Pack

Looking on the web, I really struggled to find any detailed, genuine hands-on Kuiu PRO Chest Pack reviews, which makes me feel I need to get it and make one!

1. Huntin’ Fool:
   • Title: KUIU PRO Chest Pack
   • Source: Huntin’ Fool (Online Article)
   • URL: https://www.huntinfool.com/articles/topic/gear/kuiu-pro-chest-pack
   • Review Rating: This looks like a “fake review” as it only provides an overview of the PRO Chest Pack’s features and no personal accounts or photos.
2. Rack Camp:
   • Title: Hunting Gear Review: The KUIU PRO Bino Harness
   • Source: Rack Camp (Online Article)
   • URL: https://rackcamp.com/2022/02/01/review-kuiu-pro-bino-harness/
   • Review Rating: Very brief hands-on assessment of the Kuiu PRO Bino Harness with only one personal photo
3. Field & Stream:
   • Title: Best Binocular Harnesses, Tested and Reviewed (Look for the KUIU Pro Binocular Harness section)
   • Source: Field & Stream (Online Comparative Review)
   • URL: https://www.fieldandstream.com/gear/best-binocular-harnesses/
   • Review Rating: Good for the variety of Harnesses, but way to brief to be of much use

Forum Discussions

Long Range Only Forum – “Kuiu newest pro chest pack?” “I use it coyote hunting at night… carries thermal, external battery, gloves, phone, etc.”
https://www.longrangeonly.com/forum/threads/kuiu-newest-pro-chest-pack.16275

Archery Talk Forum – “What’s your thoughts on the Kuiu Pro Bino Harness” “Absolutely love mine. It’s snug to the body and very compact.”
https://www.archerytalk.com/threads/whats-your-thoughts-on-the-kuiu-pro-bino-harness.6022824

TNDeer Forum – “Bino Harness Review (most brands out there)” “Overall the build and material are great (like all Kuiu stuff), but I returned it. The harness was tight and loud opening and closing.”
https://www.tndeer.com/threads/bino-harness-review-most-brands-out-there.451065

Rokslide Forum – “Marsupial vs Kuiu bino harness?” “The Kuiu isn’t a bad harness – it’s comfortable and does the job, but there are a few shortcomings that make it less than the best choice IMO.”
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/marsupial-vs-kuiu-bino-harness.272929

Rokslide Forum – “Any suggestions on which Bino Harness to buy?” (Page 2) “Kuiu Pro has been the best one I have found, and I like the durability, accessories, and the pouch I can mount underneath.”
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/any-suggestions-on-which-bino-harness-to-buy.391117/page-2

Video Reviews

1. “1 Year Review Kuiu Bino Harness” – YouTube A hunter shares real-world thoughts after extended use.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TggBNbyN-w4
2. “Kuiu Pro Chest Pack” – YouTube Shows the layout and functionality of the chest pack.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaTg_hu4-sE
3. “KUIU PRO Chest Pack: Overview” – YouTube Walkthrough of key features and who it’s best for.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1cA-4gPj8k
4. “KUIU PRO G3 Bino Harness & PRO Chest Pack Comparison” – YouTube Helps viewers choose between KUIU’s main options.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVZcR7qnuA
5. “KUIU Pro Bino Harness & Rangefinder Set Review” – YouTube Combines harness and accessory feedback.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQpgkY0XOrE

Comparison with GPO Harness PRO

Having recently tested the GPO Harness PRO, and as it is the one that I am now currently using, it was obviously interesting for me to compare them:

The GPO Harness PRO is made from ultra-tough 500D Nylon and uses the universal MOLLE system on three sides. The Kuiu PRO Chest Pack has a unique Rail-Lock system for attaching additional accessories it has no MOLLE, so you are stuck with their system… and prices.

The GPO is only offered in one size and color, and it struggles to accommodate larger 56mm objective binoculars, and certainly nothing above. The KUIU is also only available in one size, but you can select from a number of color options. I am not yet sure of the largest capacity.

The GPO Harness Pro includes a tethered rain cover and an internal lens cloth, I don’t think this is the case on the KUIU Pro Chest Pack.

Like the GPO, the Kuiu uses a magnetic closure that offers a quieter operation compared to some zippered or Velcro designs on other harnesses. The GPOs included a rangefinder pouch that only attaches to the left side could be a minor limitation for some users.

Price: Priced at €79.00, the GPO Pro Bino Harness is pretty much half the price compared to the KUIU PRO Chest Pack.

Other Popular Harnesses to Consider: The market offers a range of excellent alternatives, each with its own strengths:

• Sitka Mountain Optics Harness: Known for its quiet operation and modular side pockets, ideal for a rangefinder and wind indicator.
• Vortex GlassPak Pro: Often praised for its value, it’s rugged, provides excellent protection, and often includes a rangefinder case and neck strap, offering a “one-stop shop” solution.
• Alaska Guide Creations (AGC) Alaska Classic: A top choice for those needing maximum chest storage, going beyond just carrying binoculars with ample additional space.
• Marsupial Enclosed Binocular Pack: Appreciated for its forward-opening, magnetic lid for quick one-handed access, and internal organization.
• Eberlestock Recon Modular Bino Pack: Designed with modularity and durability in mind, allowing for scaling up or down with various accessories.
• FHF Gear FOB Bino Harness: A classic, known for its simple bungee-style closure, durable American-made Cordura construction, and compact design with mesh drop-in pockets.

Final Thoughts.. for Now!

So is it worth it? Well, the KUIU PRO Chest Pack certainly looks to be a well-made and designed harness with all the features you could want, and the price certainly reflects that.

Whilst it looks like their Rail-Lock track connection system works well, it worries me a little in that once you have invested in their harness, you are tied into getting only their accessories. A more universal MOLLE system would give you more options and not be tied to their prices.

Anyway, overall, I like it, and as I could not find many hands-on, real full reviews of it, I will probably take the plunge and get one, but as for being worth it, at the moment, and until I get a chance to test it, I am still unsure. So do look out for my full review, which I will make, but only after thorough testing and use!