Binoculars For Prepping, Preparedness, and their Many Uses

Binoculars. They have so many uses and applications. Maybe you have a pair. I’ve owned a number of them over the years. Some have been pretty cheap. Others better. And a number of years ago I spent the big bucks and bought a pair of Nikon Monarch binoculars. Oh my, that’s a nice one!

I have always been a fan of quality (where applicable, or when it’s worth spending for it based on one’s own situation). When it comes to binoculars, I’ve learned that the cheap ones are frustrating. Poor optics. A big ‘let down’ when you actually use them.

A current pair of binoculars that I’ve owned for years is the Nikon Monarch (8×42). It has a very good combination of quality attributes from a well known and highly regarded ‘optics’ company.

Nikon Monarch
(amzn)

They are not particularly ‘compact’, but they’re not too big either. I enjoy the relatively light-weight small design. It’s hard to beat Nikon for clarity (the main reason for having binoculars)! Great low-light performance, waterproof, and rubber armored body for grip and durability. I was stunned when comparing with a cheap pair that I had…

Well, as you know there are seemingly a bazillion makes and models across a wide range of features and prices. The pair above is one of the many ‘mid sized’? binoculars. What about a nice compact pair?

Okay, lets come up with a list of uses for binoculars.

Uses For Binoculars

Wildlife. Nature. Looking out the window. My binoculars are usually hanging out with my spotting scope next to a window overlooking one of our fields. There’s all sorts of wildlife out there. “What’s that moving around way out there?” Pick up the binoculars – “Oh, that’s a Turkey”. Or, “Looks like a bear cub — where’s momma bear??” Other sightings might include the coyote, fox, bobcat, woodchuck, white tail deer (the most common siting), porcupine, racoon, skunk, fisher cat (rare), moose(rare), rabbit, and look over there…”Squirrel !”. I saw a mountain lion too, but Fish&Game says there aren’t’ any here (ya right).

Bird watching. (A very common hobby use!) We have lots of interesting birds around here during the Spring, Summer, and early Fall (I think they all go to Florida for the winter though). My binoculars come with me if we’re going on a hike, bike ride, etc.. You never know what you might see.

Boating. I’ve had a few boats over the years, and I consider a pair of binoculars an essential must-have while out on the water.

Hunting. They can be a hunting asset. Particularly a compact pair.

Sporting events. Compact binoculars are a somewhat typical sight in the hands of some fans at sporting events.

Stargazing. It’s amazing the additional things you can see at night stargazing with a pair of binoculars.

Military / Tactical. Also from the standpoint of prepping & preparedness, you might include the use of binoculars for general security.

Any other ideas of uses for binoculars?

[ Read: Ways To Signal For Help If You’re Lost Outdoors In The Wilderness ]