sdl_1997 Aug. 12, 2024, 3:02 p.m.

What are the best binoculars for survival in a shtf scenario?

Hey preppers, Overhauling my bug-out bag and noticed my old Gosky binos are toast. They were fine for casual use, but now I need recs for solid survival binoculars. Looking for something compact but powerful, waterproof, tough as nails, and decent when the sun goes down.

Any of you actually field-tested good ones? What's held up for you in the wild - surviving drops, rain, extreme temperatures? Interested in experiences using them for wildlife spotting and terrain scouting.

Appreciate specific models and personal insights. What's proven reliable for you out there? Thanks for the help, folks!

fdbgdfg Aug. 17, 2024, 6:51 p.m.

Best Answer

PM Has anyone tried the Bushnell H2O for survival use? Not top-tier, but they're tough as nails and actually waterproof, not just "water-resistant". Solid choice for survival binoculars on a budget.

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deman123 Aug. 12, 2024, 10:37 p.m.

Yo, check out the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10x42. Had mine for a couple years now, been through hell and back. Waterproof, fogproof, and the image quality is insane for the price.

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Seabreathe Aug. 13, 2024, 12:08 a.m.

Vortex is good, but maybe overkill for a survival kit? sdl_1997 might want to check out the nikon trailblazer 8x25. Lightweight, compact - perfect for the best survival binoculars setup.

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leon71 Aug. 15, 2024, 3:12 p.m.

Those Nikons are decent, but how do they hold up long-term? Anyone have experience with them in really rough conditions?

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dghdghd Aug. 13, 2024, 2:21 p.m.

Binoculars are overrated for survival. Learn to use the mark 1 eyeball, save the weight for something useful.

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k-s1991 Aug. 14, 2024, 7:55 p.m.

Not everyone's got hawk eyes, man. Good survival binoculars have saved my bacon more than once when scouting unfamiliar terrain.

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XRayZerX Aug. 14, 2024, 12:34 p.m.

Pro tip for the four-eyes gang: check the eye relief specs. Got a pair that looked great on paper, but couldn't see crap with my glasses on. Major fail on a scouting trip.

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See the way Aug. 15, 2024, 8:18 p.m.

Unpopular opinion: monoculars are better for BOBs. Lighter, can use them one-handed. Just my 2 cents.

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ThatBit Aug. 16, 2024, 10 a.m.

True, but you lose depth perception. Trade-offs everywhere in this game.

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Mc GolD Aug. 16, 2024, 1:30 p.m.

Yo, don't cheap out on the case. Buddy of mine got some fancy binos, tossed 'em in his pack raw. Two days in the bush, lenses looked like they'd been sandblasted. Expensive paperweights now.

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fdbgdfg Aug. 17, 2024, 6:51 p.m.

PM Has anyone tried the Bushnell H2O for survival use? Not top-tier, but they're tough as nails and actually waterproof, not just "water-resistant". Solid choice for survival binoculars on a budget.

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Seitelle Aug. 19, 2024, 8:37 p.m.

Check REI's binocular guide if you're lost in all the specs. Helped me figure out what actually matters vs marketing bs.

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zx112200998877 Feb. 5, 2025, 1:33 p.m.

yall really strapping $500 binos to your BOB when you cant even run a mile smh

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dween Feb. 27, 2025, 8:06 p.m.

Anyone else got that prepper friend who buys gucci gear but dont know basic fieldcraft?

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5103 March 7, 2025, 2:41 p.m.

ong saw a dude with nvgs but cant even start a fire 💀

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Decline March 27, 2025, 11:56 p.m.

friendly reminder that your $2k binos useless when they fogged up in the field no cap

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7riq April 6, 2025, 12:27 p.m.

mfs be like "best glass for shtf" my brother in christ learn to read terrain first

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ZOG April 20, 2025, 10:26 p.m.

Spent more time watching bino reviews than actually practicing survival skills ngl

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zket09 May 6, 2025, 4:47 p.m.

Just got them Steiner Predator AFs and these go dummy hard in low light. worth the instant ramen life ong

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tomato s May 11, 2025, 12:09 a.m.

Remember when we just used our eyes? pepperidge farm remembers

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dawn_load July 3, 2025, 5:24 p.m.

Volunteer SAR team, binoculars literally save lives. Invested in quality optics after cheap pair failed during critical search. Found missing hiker because equipment didn't fail me. Gear matters when stakes are real, not just hobby flexing

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Ilii Sept. 6, 2025, 1 a.m.

Life list currently 847 species. Binoculars are extensions of my eyes at this point. Expensive obsession but cheaper than therapy probably. Husband jokes I care more about identifying warblers than remembering anniversaries. He's not entirely wrong

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colspan_v Nov. 19, 2025, 8:17 p.m.

Neighbor's fence encroaches on my property. Binoculars document evidence for lawyer without trespassing. Suburbia turns people into amateur surveillance operatives apparently. HOA meetings about to get interesting

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