Although binoculars might not be the first item that comes to mind when discussing preparedness, they are one of the most practical tools. To find shelter, locate resources, or identify potential threats, being able to see clearly at a distance can be crucial to surviving a disaster.
When preparing for any survival situation, binoculars might not be often found on your equipment list. However, you need to seriously consider keeping one around as they are exceptionally useful for any kind of survival scenario. They will be sufficient for scouting missions and animal hunting.
What Are Some Pointers for Choosing the Best Binoculars?
1. The Lens Size
Larger objective lenses can capture more light and function more effectively in dim light. Larger lenses are more expensive and weigh more.
2. Magnification
The use of higher magnifications is not always preferable. The slightest shake of your hand can distort your image, whereas lower magnification can make it difficult to see clearly in the distance. As a result, consider your needs and purchase accordingly.
3. The Type of Glass
The two major types of glass used in binoculars are BK-7 and BAK-4. BAK-4 is of higher quality and more expensive. BAK-4 can be the best option if you want the highest caliber binoculars imaginable. The BK-7, however, can work well if you’re purchasing a set for your children or need a spare set of binoculars.
4. Prism
Traditional binoculars, also known as Porro prism binoculars, are those that have two triangular glass prisms that are slightly offset from one another and that bend light into a zigzag pattern to give a clear image. Porro prism binoculars are less expensive but perform better in comparison. Porro prisms are a fantastic option for the first pair of binoculars. They are typically heavier and bigger. Porro prisms are more expensive even though roof prisms are more compact. They are also well-liked because they are long-lasting in binoculars.
5. Coating
Coatings are important to significantly increase image quality. It might assist make up for other shortcomings in your binoculars’ qualities. When using multi-coated binoculars, you will see coatings on every air-to-glass surface, which gives them the best quality possible.
6. Focus
Center focusing and independent eye focusing are options in choosing your binoculars. It will be necessary to focus on objects quickly as you are getting these for SHTF. Test both to compare their focusing methods, then purchase what you require.
7. Eye Cups and Armor
Comfort can be the least recognized quality while using a binocular, yet it is vital. You will not want to use binoculars after a few minutes if they hurt your eyes or are too heavy to hold up comfortably. So, to use them, you should have armor and eyecups.
8. Waterproof
To give them a longer lifespan in case these binoculars get wet without your permission, spend a little more and purchase waterproof binoculars.
9. Price
Spending enough money will help ensure that the binoculars you buy are durable, of high quality, and, most importantly, have glass and coatings of reasonable caliber. It’s also important to bear in mind that the binoculars you purchase should always remain in your bug-out bag and not be utilized until an emergency evacuation is required immediately after the SHTF.
By doing this, you can be certain that your binoculars and all the other equipment you purchase will be available when you need them and won’t be unintentionally left at home because you forgot to bring them back after using them.
10. Extras
While purchasing select binoculars, you might also receive lit compasses and range scales as extras.
How Strong Should Binoculars Be?
Binoculars are available in a variety of magnification levels. You may believe that higher magnification is always better, but this is not always true. When you need portable binoculars, a lesser magnification level will be much better for most applications as the high magnification makes the images jump about too much and it is disturbing to watch.
Too low of magnification can make it difficult while you are trying to see something at a distance as it is not that different from how you usually see things. Choosing a magnification of seven or eight times can provide a stable magnification and clear image.
Binoculars’ Survival Applications
1. Scouting
When traveling from one location to another, having binoculars on hand can help you be prepared for whatever lies ahead on the path. It can notify ahead of time of barriers such as washed-out bridges or fallen trees and provide a method to detect suitable shelter from a distance, as well as assess useful paths and whether wildlife or plant life in the region may be harmful.
2. Provide Security
Binoculars are important to scan for potential human threats in protecting a shelter whether one is alone or traveling with a family. They can help determine an area’s safety and provide a broader view of the surroundings, whether from the ground in a clear area or from the top of a tree in a wooded area. With the ability to see clearly for a great distance, guarding an area becomes considerably easier.
3. Fire-Starting
It may seem strange that binoculars can be used to start a fire, but they can. Because having a fire can mean the difference between surviving and flourishing. The lens of the binoculars and the sun can be combined to focus the sun’s beams into a Firestarter. It is important to note, however, that doing so may necessitate disassembling the binoculars to make the lenses usable for this purpose. A pair of straight-through binoculars may be able to be utilized without taking them apart.
4. Hunting
Binoculars can help you find food more easily. They can help you see paths and animals and can also help you see schools of fish in rivers and lakes. This can make it easier to catch food.
5. Use Binoculars for Signaling
When you want help, you can use the mirrors in a pair of binoculars to signal to someone else. However, if you don’t want to take the time to disassemble the binoculars, you can still use the glass lenses to reflect the sun. It will be a little less bright than a mirrored reflection would be.
Binoculars can be quite beneficial when you are trying to survive a scenario. You might not always have them with you, but you should surely have them in mind.