Marsupial Gear Enclosed Bino Pack Review: Small, Medium, and Large Fit Tested

By Chris Bunce, Ignited by Nature

Choosing a binocular harness online can be frustrating. Dimensions only tell you so much, especially when you have an adapter or Swarovski FRP forehead rest attached. I bought the small, medium, and large Marsupial Gear fully enclosed bino packs and tried them with the binoculars I actually use. Here is what fits, where the sizing gets tight, and what I have learned after carrying these packs in the field.

The quick answer

The medium has been my workhorse for everyday use. The large is now my choice for my Swarovski EL Range and NL Pure 14x52 because it closes comfortably without forcing the lid or stretching the sides. The small makes sense for compact binoculars and some shorter 10x42 models, but don't assume that every binocular with the same magnification and objective size will fit the same way.

PackBinoculars I triedMy fit notesSmallSwarovski NL Pure 8x32; Leupold Rainier HD 10x42; Sirui 10x42These fit and close in my test. The NL Pure 8x32 does not fit properly with the FRP forehead rest attached.MediumSIG Zulu6 HDX 16x42; Swarovski NL Pure 12x42 with FRPThe SIG fits and is covered. The NL Pure with FRP pushes out the side and leaves a gap under the lid, particularly before the pack breaks in.LargeSwarovski EL Range 8x42; NL Pure 14x52; Maven B.5 18x56The EL Range and 14x52 fit cleanly, including my attached mounting hardware on the EL Range. The Maven 18x56 is very snug at first and takes some force and break-in.

Those are observations from my own binoculars and packs, not a guarantee for every model or attached accessory. Shape and adapter placement matter as much as the numbers stamped on the binoculars. For the best dust protection, check that the lid closes all the way around your exact setup.

What it is like to wear

What keeps me using Marsupial Gear is the way the harness rides. It sits high and tight against my chest, stays fairly stable while I hike, and does not get in the way of my backpack shoulder straps. The main pouch feels sturdy, and my heavily used medium pack looks worn but still works well without major tears.

The magnetic lid is particularly convenient. I can open it with one hand and secure it against the bottom of the pack while glassing, then close it quickly. The front has a stretchy zip pocket, there are tight stretch pockets on the sides, and the mesh pocket at the back is where I keep my rain cover. There is also webbing underneath for compatible accessories. I generally find a side pocket more useful than loading the harness up with every available attachment.

Small: more capable than you might expect

My NL Pure 8x32 fits nicely in the small pack when I remove the FRP forehead rest. With the forehead rest attached, it no longer fits properly. I also tried a Leupold Rainier HD 10x42 and a Sirui 10x42; both closed inside my small pack. That is why I would judge fit by the actual binocular rather than assuming all 10x42s need the medium.

The small harness can carry extra gear, but the weight builds quickly. I showed a setup with a rangefinder pouch, large side pocket, rain cover, and bottom-mounted holster. Add binoculars and accessories and you can end up carrying several pounds on your chest. I have mostly moved away from that fully loaded arrangement. I no longer need a separate rangefinder pouch as often because I use rangefinding binoculars.

Medium: my everyday workhorse

The medium is the one I have used most. My SIG Zulu6 HDX 16x42 fits well, even with the binocular adapter I showed in the video. The lid covers it. That combination illustrates why overall dimensions and shape matter more than magnification alone.

There is a limit, though. My NL Pure 12x42 with its FRP forehead rest pushes against the side of the medium and keeps the lid from sealing completely. I have stretched my medium by using NL Pures with forehead rests, and it can loosen over time, but a visible gap means dust can enter. If you choose to run that setup, keep the eyepiece covers on. I would choose the large if a clean closure with the FRP attached is a priority.

Large: the best fit for my bigger glass

The large is my current go-to for the EL Range 8x42 and NL Pure 14x52. Both sit inside without the side gaps I see when I squeeze a larger setup into the medium. My EL Range also fits with the mounting adapters I had attached during the test. The extra room means I can carry the NL Pure line with the FRP forehead rest without fighting the lid.

I also put my Maven B.5 18x56 in the large. It went in, but I had to push it into a tight, relatively new pack. The material relaxes with use, so expect a break-in period if you are close to its capacity. Personally, I usually carry 18x56 binoculars in my backpack rather than on my chest, but the large gives you that option.

What I like, and what I would change

The core harness has held up, the fit against my chest is comfortable, and the one-handed lid is easy to use while hiking and glassing. I also appreciate the choice of pockets and accessories. In my experience, Marsupial Gear's customer service has been good, and I have not felt a need to replace the harness for ordinary field use.

The side-mounted accessories are less convincing than the main pouch. My rangefinder pouch hangs loosely and can move around, although it becomes steadier when the harness is snug against my chest. The larger side pocket feels more secure. I would like a firmer way to attach the rangefinder pouch to the side of the pack.

Retention is my biggest concern. The magnetic lid stays shut during normal hiking, but it is not a positive lock for a fall or rough travel. During a dirt-bike fall in Nevada, my EL Range binoculars came out. I also had a pair of NL Pures come out when I was getting set up on a steep ridge. The pack includes binocular tethers, which I was not using; those are worth considering if you ride or move over steep ground. I would still like a more secure closure for transit. My binoculars escaped damage in the Nevada incident, but I would not count on luck with expensive glass.

The magnetic closure also deserves attention if you use a compass or have an implanted medical device. Marsupial offers a nonmagnetic option. If you have a pacemaker, check the device manufacturer's guidance and ask your clinician before using magnets near it.

Finally, the accessories make the total cost climb. At the time I recorded the review, I quoted about $140 for the pack and $296 for my fully accessorized small setup, or about $266 with the military/first responder discount. Treat those as prices from the video, since current prices and eligibility can change.

Which size should you buy?

Get the small if you carry compact binoculars such as my NL Pure 8x32 without a forehead rest, or a shorter 10x42 like the models I tested. Choose the medium for a versatile everyday setup when your binoculars close fully inside it. Pick the large for the EL Range, NL Pure 14x52, an NL Pure with the FRP attached, or another bulky configuration where dust protection matters.

If your binoculars only fit by forcing the lid and leaving a gap, size up. A slightly larger harness that closes securely makes more sense to me than stretching a smaller one around expensive optics. Check the fit again with every adapter and accessory you plan to leave mounted.

Marsupial Gear remains a harness I enjoy using. Its chest fit, simple lid, and durable main pouch have served me well. My strongest advice is to choose the size around your complete binocular setup and use the tethers when a fall is a real possibility.

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