Eberlestock Recon Bino Pack

Preface

Let me start out by saying that I love binocular packs. I have been rocking one kind or another for years and I find them to be very convenient. Today I wanted to bring you one of my latest acquisitions, and show you why I think it is worth both your time and money. That product is the Eberlestock Recon bino pack, which is more like a system than just a single pack.

The Eberlestock Recon is a shoulder mounted harness and pouch system that comfortably supports your primary reconnaissance tools. Having your binoculars immediately ready for spotting is a very valuable practice, but the Recon takes it to another level. With a well-known history of quality textiles, Eberlestock was well positioned to bring such a product to market.

Eberlestock Recon

Before we get into using this product, I’d like to go into some of its features. Then we’ll discuss how these features are used and can help you in your shooting and hunting practices in the field.

Large Internal Dimensions: 9H x 5.5W x 2.5D
Small Internal Dimensions: 8H x 5.5W x 2.5D
Weight: 13.6 oz.
One Size Fits Most
Magnetic closure to keep binos secure and accessible
EMOD compatible with six available accessories
Easy access large front zipper pocket
Dual side stretch pockets
Adjustable forward-pull shoulder harness
Low profile MOLLE compatible wings
Available in 3 solid colors, and 3 camo patterns

the Leupold Range HD BX-4 binoculars fit perfectly in the Recon pouch

Features

The Recon has a healthy pouch for fitting most popular binocular footprints, I used three different units and only one of the three didn’t fit perfectly. Inside the bino pouch you will find a soft interior to protect your valuable lenses. As well as two elastic tethers to attach to your bino’s to prevent them from being left behind.

Eberlestock Recon interior — the cozy and roomy interior of the Recon pouch, note elastic tethers

At 13.6 ounces, the Recon isn’t heavy. But it also has available accessory pouches that you can add to the kit which will add a little weight. But by the time you add optics, your phone, a handful of cartridges, granola bars and cheese sticks, and anything else you can fit in the Recon, it might gain some considerable weight. This might be a big deal if the harness wasn’t comfortable.

Speaking of storage, the Recon is full of it. There is a zipper pouch up front of the main pouch, inside are two additional pockets. These are perfect for storing things like folded permits and tags, or a turkey or elk reed case. On the side of the main pouch, you will find two elastic closed finger pockets. I call them finger pockets because they are just the right size to fit two or three fingers inside. These are great for handkerchiefs, extra cartridges, lighter or any other little thing you may want to keep close.

Accessories

The Recon pack uses the popular molle system to attach accessories and sub-structures to the Recon system. On either side of the main compartment, the Recon has two molle wings that allow attachment of additional zippered storage pouches. I added one on each side, these smaller pouches are big enough to fit small rangefinders, archery releases, calls and other similar items. All zippers on the Recon system have pull-lanyards attached for easy use wearing gloves. And even the accessory pouches have their own little elastic closed mini pouch.

desert tech WLVRN 6.5 creedmoor — the Recon stays put, and doesn’t get in the way of me shooting my Desert Tech WLVRN

With it’s molle attachment system, you can also add things like a matching hand-warmer that sits just under the bino pouch. Other things like a bear-spray pouches, and a separate rangefinder pouch can also be attached. There’s even a molle panel that can be used to mount other aftermarket accessories like holsters and such to the pack.

Across the back of the shoulder harness, there is even a molle mounting area there so you can add any additional accessories you’d like. Obviously for things you don’t need as often.

Apex Optics Rival Desert Tech SRS M2 — the molle across the harness backer allows additional storage space for something like a **Hydration bladder**

The Eberlestock Recon in the Field

After adjusting the straps to fit, I donned the Recon and headed into the mountain country where I spend most of my time. Like most bino packs, I prefer to wear them over at least my second layer. This is typically because I don’t like the harness rubbing against my neck, though that didn’t seem to be an issue with the Recon.

Eberlestock Recon, Sig Sauer Kilo 10K binoculars

Inside I carried my Sig Sauer Kilo 10K binocular set, my go to binocular option. The 10K fits perfectly, and the magnetic seal of the lid keeps dust away from the lenses. A very valuable attribute because I do a lot of miles on ATV’s.

My initial impressions of the Recon were very comfortable. I’ve had other bino packs and harness’ that were comfortable, but the lightweight and soft harness of the Recon were above average comfort. The easily adjustable straps made it quick to readjust when adding or removing layers of clothes. And the parts of the Recon that face your body are ventilated, for all you bowhunters out there it will help avoid getting a big sweaty spot on your chest.

I also tested the Recon with a pair of Leupold Range HD BX-4 binoculars. They also fit perfectly, and the snug fit of the lid seemed to be all I needed to keep my binos secure. Additionally, I tested a pair of Steiner Predator LRF 10×42 binoculars as well. While a little long for the Recon, they still fit well enough to use.

Eberlestock Recon, Steiner Binoculars — Testing the Recon with the **Steiner Predator 10×42 binoculars**

Everything in the Right Spot

One of the reasons I like bino packs so much is because you can keep your most important things close. And due to their proximity to your immediate work area, they are easier to keep track of. Being literally right under your nose also means they are likely to be protected from weather and other potential concerns.

Keeping the most important things close is easy with the Recon bino case. If I leave my pack for a stalk, I know I’ll still have at minimum some essential tools and survival gear. And having all that in a comfy pack that you barely even know is there most of the time, sure is nice.

Comparisons

Comparing the Eberlestock Recon against other bino carry cases was pretty easy. I have several others that I have quite enjoyed, but I think the Recon takes the win among the others. Most factory supplied bino cases are lacking, the only one I like even a little bit is the one that came with my Sig Kilo.

Aftermarket ones are typically much better. I like my Cole-TAC bino case quite a bit, but the modularity and comfort of the Recon make it more desirable. I also have had several of the Badlands bino packs, I always loved their comfort and look. But again the Recon has a leg up with so many options and configurations.

It’s possible that the Recon design was a lucky hit with guys like me, but this isn’t the first Eberlestock pack I’ve had. I also have one of their Cherry Bomb daypacks, and I have had an excellent experience using it as a rifle EDC bag. You can read more about that here. So I am confident Eberlestock’s popularity is not just luck.

another hunting expedition with the Recon and the **Mossberg Patriot**

Final Words on the Recon

Eberlestock must have gotten into my algorithm, as I’ve been bombarded with ads about the Recon. I wish there was a way to tell the internet I already have and love it. Among the many ads I see that the Recon was chosen as the overall winner of Outdoor Life’s bino case evaluation. This comes as no surprise to me, as I too would put it at the top of the list.

Do yourself a favor, and before spending your money on a bino pack, try one of the Eberlestock Recon configurations and see if it fits into your hunt as well as it does mine. My bet is you will be glad you did, and your binoculars will thank you.