How Do You Carry Binoculars On A Hike?

Binoculars can come in handy in plenty of different situations, but they are most often used outdoors in order to observe animals, nature, or similar.

This means that a lot of people will take their binoculars with them when they go on a hike or similar adventure, as they will want to get to a pretty spot and then use them to see things in the distance. 

How Do You Carry Binoculars On A Hike?

However, binoculars are known for being pretty fragile, and you are often told to be as careful as possible when handling them. So how are you supposed to carry them on a hike without accidentally dropping them or damaging them?

Will they even be comfortable to carry? What if they get in the way of your hiking? Let us start by saying that it is completely possible to carry binoculars on a hike, and it can be a great idea as you will have plenty of spots and places along the way to use them and make the most out of the experience. 

It’s all about carrying them in a suitable way so that you can hike comfortably, and so that the binoculars are safe and manageable. There are a few things to consider when carrying binoculars, such as the type of binoculars you are taking with you, and the method of transportation. Let’s get right into it! 

The type of binoculars you should take on a hike:

Not all binoculars are designed the same, and as such, not all binoculars are well-suited to being taken with you out on a hike. Some binoculars might be too big or heavy, or perhaps extra fragile and vulnerable to be on the move as you explore the wilderness. 

There are a few factors to take into consideration when choosing the right binoculars for hiking, here are the main few: 

Weight:

When it comes to hiking, weight is a vital factor to consider. If your binoculars are too heavy or bulky, they are going to become a problem very fast. Too much weight will slow you down and tire you out, and it might not be manageable over longer hiking outings. 

Instead, look for binoculars that are as lightweight and as compact as possible. For example, smaller and more portable binocular designs are a lot more desirable for hikers wanting to take them with them wherever they go. 

Durability and sturdiness:

When you take your binoculars out with you on a hike, you are essentially exposing them to the risk of falling or bumping into things, and overall moving around a lot as you yourself are moving and hiking through the great outdoors. This means that your binoculars have to be tough, and able to take the action. 

Fragile binoculars are a big no. Instead, look for binoculars with extra high durability and sturdiness, so that they have a tougher body and are better protected against impacts. 

Weatherproofing: 

The biggest problem with taking your binoculars outdoors is the different weather conditions that your binoculars might be subjected to, which could cause damage of different types.

The weather is always a risk when you go out hiking, so it is of extreme importance that you ensure you have appropriate binoculars that are suitably protected against the weather, at least minimally so. 

The main weatherproofing to look out for is waterproof binoculars. On top of this, you should also look for binoculars resistant to fog and moisture, so that the lenses are protected. 

Lens coating:

It is important to have binoculars with the right protection over the lenses if you are going to be on hikes with them. Multi-coated lenses are a must, and you should also consider looking for lenses with anti-reflective coatings so that they can be used in broad daylight without any issues. 

How to carry your binoculars on a hike: 

The next thing to consider, after you have chosen the right binoculars, is how exactly you are going to carry them. Some people believe that the best way to take your binoculars on a hike is by having them in a well-protected carry case, as they will then be completely safe. 

However, this is a bad idea because the binoculars will then be tucked away and inaccessible. So if you want to quickly take a look at something with your binoculars, you might not feel like going through the hassle of taking them out, and you will then be missing out on using them as much as you could. 

The best way to carry your binoculars on a hike is by having them around your neck or on your chest.

You can do this by having them hanging from a strap around your neck, or by having them attached to a special binocular harness, so that they are secured in front of you, and conveniently positioned to be used whenever they are needed. 

Should you carry binoculars with you on a hike? 

We’ve been talking about how to carry binoculars when you go on a hike, but you might be wondering whether you should even be carrying binoculars while hiking. Is it really the best idea? Are binoculars really that worth it during a hike? 

Well…we definitely think they are. Here are a few of our main reasons for taking binoculars with us on a hike:

  • To better observe and look at the landscapes and views around you. 
  • To observe and spot wildlife, such as different birds or animals that you might encounter along the way. 
  • To watch people or find people from afar. Maybe you could check on the other half of the group that went on ahead or stayed behind! 
  • For navigation. Binoculars can come in really handy when it comes to finding your way around out in the wild, as you can use them to find faraway landmarks and points that will help you orientate yourself. Plus you can look at the distance ahead to see where you are heading towards!