Compact backpacking binoculars for hiking and trekking.
Binoculars are specifically designed to allow you to observe objects at different distances. If you are all about hiking, you will definitely need to have the best backpacking binoculars. Whether you are going to observe birds or beautiful landscapes, you should find the optics that will suit all your needs.
If you are on the lookout for a pair of binoculars for traveling and have even a shadow of doubt about your purchase, these brief reviews will come in especially handy.
While shopping for binoculars, you may be confused with so many specifications they feature. Starting from the weight, durability, magnification, and ending with more advanced parameters, you should pay attention to all these aspects before making a purchase. Read on and find out the most essential parameters you should take into account to make the right choice.
Magnification: 10x25 | Objective diameter: 25 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 98 metres | Closest focusing distance: 2.5 metres | Eye relief: 17 mm | Weight: 350 g
These Swarovski binoculars offer a dual-hinge bridge configuration and folding design for better mobility. This model provides 17mm eye relief which is rather long compared to other backpacking binoculars.
The most distinctive features of the device are a high-end multi-layered optical system with BAK 4 phase roof prisms and Swarobright lens coatings.
Despite being compact binoculars with roof prism, they offer 8.2 feet close focus. Moreover, this model is water, dust and fog-resistant.
Magnification: 16x40 | Objective diameter: 40 mm | Field of view at 1000m:59 metres | Closest focusing distance:10 metres | Eye relief: 10 mm | Weight: 790 g
The Trooper 7-15x35 Zoom DPS R deserves attention for anti-reflective coated lenses which produce vibrant views while boosting contrast and quality of the image. You can customize the eyesight thanks to the integrated dioptric correction. If you are all about observing nature, the 7-15x35 Zoom DPS will be the best backpacking binoculars for you.
The body of these binoculars is robust enough to use them in any weather conditions. With the rubber coating, you may not worry that the binoculars accidentally slip out of your hand.
You can observe the objects at far distances using the advanced zoom capabilities of the device. These binoculars deliver exceptional image quality in low light situations if you don’t use the zoom.
Magnification: 8x32 | Objective diameter: 32 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 115 metres | Closest focusing distance: 2 metres | Eye relief:18 mm | Weight:625 g
The Conquest is a pair of second-tier binoculars designed by a popular manufacturer Zeiss. The roof prisms offer 8x magnification power and 32mm objective lens. With advanced multi-coated optics, this model delivers accurate colors and lets more amount of light pass through the lens, which is especially useful when observing in poor light situations.
The ZEISS Conquest HD has a T-series lens coating that produces more vivid images. Aside from being waterproof, these hiking binoculars are filled with nitrogen to ensure protection from the fog. Moreover, they can focus as close as 4.9ft/1.5m.
The ZEISS Conquest HD uses a scratch and moisture-resistant coating to keep the exterior lenses secure. The manufacturer states that the operating temperature range is from -20°C to +63°C.
Magnification: 10x 42| Objective diameter: 42 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 122 metres | Closest focusing distance: 3 metres | Eye relief: 15 mm | Weight:565 g
The lens and prisms of Nikon Prostaff 3S are made from specifically designed lead and arsenic-free Eco-Glass. The optical system of these binoculars for hiking features multiple-layer coatings for better light transition.
Feel free to observe the objects for a long time since this model is ergonomic-friendly and convenient to hold. Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups allow you to easily adjust the eye-relief for a wider field of view. The Nikon Prostaff 3S is nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed to ensure the maximum fog and water protection.
Magnification: 8x 42| Objective diameter: 42 mm | Field of view at 1000m:113 metres | Closest focusing distance: 2 metres| Eye relief: 19 mm | Weight:455 g
Bushnell Legend L-Series is one of the best binoculars for hiking that come with a hydrophobic and oleophobic optical coating system that repels water, fog and oil. Also, this model offers an anti-slip rubber armor surface to protect the optics from accidental damages.
The binoculars have an ergonomic design that provides a secure grip and convenient use of the device. The Legend Series of the manufacturer was used by such popular personalities as Nick Mundt, Michael Waddell and Travis ‘T-Bone’ Turner, the hosts of the new Outdoor Channel series for hunters.
The Bushnell Legend L-Series offers a rich array of high-end features, including ED glass and eyepiece diopter locking mechanisms. No matter what you are going to use these binoculars for, you will be blown away by their exceptional performance.
Magnification:12 x50 | Objective diameter: 50 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 141 metres | Closest focusing distance: 1.5 metres| Eye relief:15 mm | Weight:693 g
With 12x magnification power and 50mm objective lens diameter, the Vortex Optics Diamondback is considered to be a decent pair of binoculars for hiking. The anti-reflective coating is applied to all air-to-glass surfaces of the lenses. Due to the dielectric coating, you can enjoy vivid and clear views with precise colors.
You can twist up and down the eyecups for comfortable viewing. Also, you can use the central focusing knob to focus both barrels simultaneously.
The rubber-coated armor provides a high level of protection and an anti-slip secure grip. Also, it is possible to mount the Vortex Optics Diamondback on a tripod or car window. These argon-filled and O-ring sealed binoculars have excellent water and fog protection in all weather conditions. The robust construction can handle kickback and impact.
Magnification: 8x32 | Objective diameter: 32 mm | Field of view at 1000m: 137 metres | Closest focusing distance: 2.5 metres | Eye relief: 15 mm | Weight: 1537 g
Thanks to a first-class optical system and convenient design, the Levenhuk Premium Vegas is a good option even for the pickiest users. Apart from 8x magnification capabilities and 32mm objective lenses, these binoculars for travel offer roof prisms with phase correction coating and four-element eyepieces.
Completely multi-layered lenses are made of ED glass to produce a crisp, vibrant and high-contrast image even in poor light situations. The Levenhuk Premium Vegas is filled with nitrogen to ensure a high level of water and fog protection even with sudden changes in temperature. This model can withstand being submerged in the water for 3 minutes or dropped from up to 1.5m.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Swarovski 46211
Our choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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8-16X40 Zoom DPS
For travel
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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ZEISS Conquest HD
Stylish
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CHECK PRICE → |
The first number in binoculars refers to the magnification and the second one to the objective lens diameter. If you opt for the 10x42 binoculars, they will have 10 magnification power, meaning you can see the subject 10 times closer.
For general purposes, it is recommended to pick a pair of binoculars with magnification capabilities ranging from 7x to 10x. If you are a theatre lover, choose a model with the magnification power from 3x to 5x, depending on the distance from your seat to the stage.
In case you are looking for a pair of binoculars to enjoy sporting events, consider a model with the 7x magnification. Those who are fond of big games should purchase a 10x model for long-distance observations. Such values are also relevant if you are searching for binoculars for wildlife viewing.
The second number in 10x42 binoculars is 42, it designates the diameter of the objective lens, measured in millimeters. The larger the aperture is, the more amount of light will be transmitted to the lens and the brighter and crisper the image will appear.
Mind that the binoculars with large objective lenses are bulky and heavy.
Image quality is an important factor to consider when shopping for the best hiking binoculars. You may probably want a model with bright bins, accurate colors, a high level of detail and the ability to view backlit objects.
The majority of optic stores are well lit, which is why it is better to find a dark place to check the capabilities in the poor-light conditions. The models that have the diameter of the objective lens less than 30mm produce a poor-quality image.
It is necessary to pay attention to the weight of the binoculars and whether you can attach binocular harness to them before making a purchase. This is especially important for those who prefer long-time observations. Check out whether the device you are going to buy doesn’t make your eyes tired and sore. Unlike high-end devices, the regular models will more likely cause eye strain during long-lasting observations.
It is recommended to consider compact binoculars for hiking with a magnesium alloy body. Many models have rubberized coating for better protection from rough use. Make sure to pay attention to water and fog proofing capabilities, non-slip armor, high-quality optical system and eye relief.
There are two main types of prisms in binoculars: roof prisms and Porro prisms. Roof prisms result in a more streamlined, compact design, making them suitable for backpacking. Porro prisms may offer a slightly better depth perception but are bulkier.
Since backpacking often involves exposure to various weather conditions, choose binoculars that are waterproof and fogproof. This ensures that your optics remain clear and functional even in wet or humid conditions.
If you wear glasses, consider binoculars with sufficient eye relief. This ensures that you can still see the entire field of view without having to remove your glasses.
If you are in search of the binoculars for general use, you’d better pick the model with 7x to 10x magnification capabilities. Those who are shopping for the optics for theaters should pay attention to the magnification range from 3x to 5x. If you are a sports events fan, consider choosing the optics with the 7x magnification. 10x or higher lens magnification is perfect for big-game fans and long-distance observations.
The Sunagor 30-160x70s is considered to be the most powerful pair of binoculars worldwide. They offer minimum magnification power of 30x and features found in high-tech models.
To buy a good pair of binoculars, you should spend about $100-$500. Such remarkable brands as Nikon, Swarovski and Zeiss produce more expensive models. The price for professional optics can reach up to $3000.
Backpacking binoculars are specifically designed to be lightweight, compact, and portable, making them suitable for outdoor activities and travel. They often have features like rubber armor coating for durability, waterproofing, and ergonomic designs for comfortable and secure handling during extended use in rugged environments.
The ideal size and weight for backpacking binoculars depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the backpacker.
However, generally speaking, compact and lightweight binoculars with objective lenses ranging from 25mm to 42mm and weighing around 1-2 pounds (0.45-0.9 kilograms) are commonly preferred for backpacking due to their portability and ease of carrying on long hikes.
Keep them in a protective case or pouch when not in use, clean the lenses with a soft brush or cloth to remove dirt and debris, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or moisture to prevent damage.
Additionally, periodically check and tighten screws if needed, and consider using lens covers to protect the lenses from scratches while on the move.
