Best Binoculars For Backpacking and Hiking - With Up to 6x Magnification

The main considerations when selecting binoculars are the level of magnification, the lens diameter, and the level of waterproofing. Binoculars with a big lens diameter enable the user to see in lower light conditions, but they are also bigger, heavier, and normally more expensive than other types of binoculars. Therefore, the best binoculars for you have to balance your portability, price, and optical capabilities’ needs.

The main considerations when selecting binoculars are the level of magnification, the lens diameter, and the level of waterproofing. Binoculars with a big lens diameter enable the user to see in lower light conditions, but they are also bigger, heavier, and normally more expensive than other types of binoculars. Therefore, the best binoculars for you have to balance your portability, price, and optical capabilities’ needs.

Binoculars for backpacking and hiking require magnification of 10x for professionals and 8x for beginners. 10x is harder to stabilize by hand. To keep the size small, you should choose an objective lens diameter of 42mm or less. For example, 8x42 binoculars weigh about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg), and 10x25 binoculars weigh about 0.75 pounds (350 grams).

Binoculars for backpacking and hiking require magnification of 10x for professionals and 8x for beginners. 10x is harder to stabilize by hand. To keep the size small, you should choose an objective lens diameter of 42mm or less. For example, 8x42 binoculars weigh about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg), and 10x25 binoculars weigh about 0.75 pounds (350 grams). Read More

Low power binoculars with 6x magnification (or less) enable the greatest portability and a wider field of view. These are most suitable for sports events, shows, the opera, and the theater. They are small and light, and due to the wider field of view, you can observe close objects much better (easier to navigate).

Low power binoculars with 6x magnification (or less) enable the greatest portability and a wider field of view. These are most suitable for sports events, shows, the opera, and the theater. They are small and light, and due to the wider field of view, you can observe close objects much better (easier to navigate). Read Less