Get up close with nature and wildlife!
The basics about binoculars
One of the reasons we hike is to view and enjoy nature. But since nobody wants to get too close to a mother bear and her cub or disturb wildlife in general, binoculars provide a great way of getting up close to nature while still keeping your distance.
When considering purchasing binoculars, the first thing you’ll probably notice is that they all bear a magnification rating such as 7×35 or 10×42. The first number is the level of magnification. So a distant moose viewed through 7×35 binoculars will appear 7 times larger, but viewed through 10×42 binoculars, it would appear 10 times larger. However, a higher number doesn’t necessarily mean “better.” As the magnification gets larger, the field of view becomes smaller, sort of like cropping a photo. Because of the increased magnification, the image can also be shakier if the binoculars aren’t held steady.
The second number is the size of the objective lens (the lens furthest from your eyes). Basically, the larger the number, the more light it lets in, and the brighter and clearer the image will be.
For hiking, you’ll also want to consider weight. If you plan on using them mostly on day hikes, then a larger pair might be just the thing. However, if you’re backpacking or trying to keep your pack weight down, you’d probably be better off with a compact pair of binoculars.
You may also want to consider whether the binoculars are waterproof and/or fogproof. Waterproof binoculars will not allow water to enter the binoculars, while fogproofing prevents the lenses from fogging up in humid weather.
Using your binoculars
When using binoculars, note the hinge between the two barrels. This hinge allows you to adjust the distance between the eyepieces so that they match the distance between your eyes. You should see one clear image without any dark spots or without seeing two of the same object.
Most binoculars also include an adjustable eyepiece on one barrel. This feature allows a person to adjust for differences in vision for each eye. To adjust the eyepiece, first, using the focus wheel usually found on top and between the barrels, focus on an object and view it only through the barrel without the adjustable eyepiece. Clear? OK, now view it through both eyepieces. Is the image fuzzy? Turn the eyepiece adjustment ring until the object is clear and crisp. Note the number it is on and set it to this number each time you’re using these binoculars. This is especially handy when sharing the binoculars with another person.
Carry everything you need for your hike.
Unless you’ve got some big pockets, every hiker needs a backpack to carry the 10 Essentials with them on the trail. Like your boots, backpacks come in all shapes, sizes, and variety enough to suit every hiker. Backpacks can come in either internal frame or external frame form.
Daypack – These packs are the smallest of the backpack family. You probably already own one in the form of a book bag for school or whatever you carry on the way to work. Lightweight and usually lacking a hip belt, most daypacks aren’t fit for a several-day excursion. However, they are perfect for stuffing with the 10 Essentials, a camera, and binoculars.
External frame – Some hikers like these packs since they generally have several organized compartments and additional gear can be strapped to the outside frame, making the pack more customizable. Since the pack is not nestled snugly against your back, external frames are considered more breathable. External frame packs are also quick to adjust. The trade-off is that they tend to be less comfortable and lashing items to the outside is inconvenient and prone to weight distribution issues.
Internal frame – Today’s typical backpacks, these backpacks are made of one large compartment and a few small pouches for easy access to things such as maps, water, and snacks. The support system is heavily padded, and the internal frame nestles right against your back for maximum comfort. Finding specific items inside your pack in a quick pinch isn’t always easy, however, since almost everything is inside the one main compartment.
How to wear your backpack
When putting on your pack, loosen all the straps. First tighten the hip belt (which should be on your hips, not above them), and then the shoulder straps. The padded portion of your shoulder straps should contour your shoulders without gaps. Remember: the shoulder straps don’t support the weight of a backpack, but serve to keep the pack near your body.
Next, adjust the load lifters – those straps that are at your shoulder and connect near the upper part of the pack. These straps should be at about a 45-degree angle. Finally, adjust the load stabilizer straps on the hip belt (at the back of the belt). Your sternum strap should not be tight, but simply help keep the shoulder straps in position. If purchasing a new pack, be sure to walk around the store with the pack on and with weight inside of it.