A binocular harness system having a pair of shoulder straps, a pair of upper torso straps, and a carrying pouch. The carrying pouch has a main body and a removable hood. The front side of the main body has a loop fastener panel that extends laterally across the front side. The hood has a front panel, a secondary panel that is configured to form a back and two sides of the hood, and an elongated pocket that extends along a rear edge and at least a portion of each side edge of the secondary panel, the elongated pocket contains a rod, and an elastomeric cord passes through a central bore in the rod, side portions of the elongated pocket, loops situated on either side of the back side of the main body, and conduits made of nylon webbing situated on or proximate to the bottom panel of the main body.