Updated March 24, 2023
Binoculars are a valuable piece of gear for any hiking adventure. If you’re a wildlife observer, or bird watcher, or want to find the most efficient course through the wilderness topography, the best hiking binoculars make all the difference. You want them lightweight and compact so that they pose no great burden to carry, and are durable and reliable enough to stand up to the weather and rugged conditions, all the while providing the optical capability to capture the images you seek.
The compact, rugged binoculars best suited for hiking are available by the hundreds in the marketplace. To help you select the model that suits your adventures, some of the best in the range are presented below as an introduction. There’s a comparison table to start, followed by specs and features, pros and cons, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Hiking Watches Mess Kits Hiking Shoes Hiking Boots Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
Best Binoculars for Hiking
- Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
- Nikon Trailblazer ATB Binoculars
- Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars
- Celetron Nature DX Binoculars
- Leica Ultravid BR Compact Binoculars
- Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Binocular
- Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 Binoculars
- Vanguard Endeavor ED Binoculars
- Bushnell Powerview Compact Binoculars
- Steiner Safari UltraSharp Binoculars
Best Binoculars for Hiking Comparison Table
| Picture | Binoculars | Weight Magnification | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars | 15.9 oz 8 x 32 | 4.5 | $$$ |
  | Nikon Trailblazer ATB Binoculars | 9.9 oz 8 x 25 | 4.3 | $$ |
  | Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars | 10.9 oz 8 x 25 | 4.7 | $$$$ |
  | Celetron Nature DX Binoculars | 1 lb 2 oz 8 x 32 | 4.5 | $$ |
  | Leica Ultravid BR Compact Binoculars | 9.4 oz 10 x 25 | 4.8 | $$$$$ |
  | Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Binocular | 1 lb 9 oz 8 x 42 | 4.4 | $$ |
  | Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 Binoculars | 1 lb 5.6 oz 10 x 42 | 4.5 | $$$ |
  | Vanguard Endeavor ED Binoculars | 1 lb 9.8 oz 10 x 42 | 4.5 | $$$ |
  | Bushnell Powerview Compact Binoculars | 7 oz 8 x 21 | 4.1 | $ |
  | Steiner Safari UltraSharp Binoculars | 8 oz 8 x 22 | 4.4 | $$ |
| Picture | Binoculars | Weight Magnification | Rating | Price |
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
- Magnification: 8 x 32
- Field of View: 426 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 16 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4 mm
- Weight: 15.9 ounces
- Warranty: lifetime
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$
Features
- HD glass for high optical quality
- Diopter adjusts for differences in the user’s eyes
- Multi-coated lenses for anti-reflection and scratch-resistance
- Adjustable eyecups for comfortable viewing with or without glasses
- Rubber armor for protection and a good grip
- Waterproof and fog proof with O-ring seals and Argon purging
- Accessories include a carrying case, comfort neck strap, tethered objective lens covers, rainguard, eyepiece cover, lens cloth
Pros: HD optics, lightweight, compact, adjustable diopter, waterproof and fog-proof, shock-resistant, usable with glasses
Cons: only fair performance in low light settings at dawn and dusk
Nikon Trailblazer ATB Binoculars
- Magnification: 8 x 25
- Field of View: 429 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 10 mm
- Exit Pupil: 3.125 mm
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Warranty: 1-year limited
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $$
Features
- BaK4 high index prisms for high-resolution images
- Quick, easy-to-use central focus knob
- Multi-coated lenses for anti-reflection and crisp images
- Adjustable eyecups for comfortable viewing with or without glasses
- Black rubber armor protection
- Waterproof and fog-proof with O-ring seals and Nitrogen-filled
- Accessories include a carrying case, strap covers, lens covers
Pros: reasonably priced, easy to focus, lightweight and compact, crisp and clear images, water and fog-proof, shock-resistant
Cons: tendency for shaky images, easy to lose lens cap, short eye relief not the best for use with eyeglasses, not the best in low light settings
- Magnification: 8 x 25
- Field of View: 357 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 16 mm
- Exit Pupil: 3.125 mm
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$$
Features
- Schmidt-Pechan roof prism
- Folding design
- Easy to focus with your index finger
- Hydrophobic multi-coated lenses for excellent, clear images
- Rubber coated for protection
- Waterproof to 330’/100m and Nitrogen filled
- Temperature operation range from -4°F to 145°F
- Accessories include a rain guard, tethered objective lens covers, neck strap, case
Pros: lightweight, comfortable long eye relief, compact folding design, durable, superb high-contrast images, highly waterproof, weatherproof
Cons: fairly expensive, not the best in dim light
- Magnification: 8 x 32
- Field of View: 388 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 17.5 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4 mm
- Weight: 1 lb 2 ounces
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Features
- Phase-coated Bak-4 prism glass for high contrast and resolution
- Multi-coated lenses for brighter images
- Twist-up eyecups with multiple stops for effective eye positioning
- Waterproof, fog-proof, and nitrogen filled
- Rubber-coated polycarbonate housing for protection
- Accessories include a padded nylon canvas case, neck strap, objective lens caps, rainguard, lens cloth
Pros: reasonably priced, waterproof, weatherproof, clear images, durable, compact
Cons: not as lightweight as some models with similar features
Leica Ultravid BR Compact Binoculars
- Magnification: 10 x 25
- Field of View: 273 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 15 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.5 mm
- Weight: 9.4 ounces
- Warranty: check with the seller for details of the multi-year warranty
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$$$
Features
- Folding top hinge design
- Internal focusing with an easy-to-use central focusing knob
- Convenient button-controlled diopter adjustment
- Multi-coated outer lenses protect against scratches, dirt, and abrasion
- Waterproof to 16.5 feet/5 meters
- Rubber-armored aluminum body
- Accessories include a padded and lined ballistic nylon carrying case with a belt loop
Pros: lightweight aluminum housing, compact folding design, durable rubber coating. waterproof, multi-coated outer lenses, high quality bright, sharp resolution, easy diopter adjustment, eyeglass friendly
Cons: expensive, narrow field of view
Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Binocular
- Magnification: 10 x 42
- Field of View: 409 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 17 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Weight: 1 lb 9 ounces
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
Features
- BaK-4 roof prism glass
- Twist-up eyecups
- Large center knob for focus adjustments
- Multi-coated optics for bright images
- Waterproof and fog proof with O-ring seals, nitrogen purged
- Durable, non-slip rubber armor with a soft textured grip
- Accessories include a soft case
Pros: reasonably priced, eyeglass friendly, ergonomic design, waterproof and fog proof, easy-grip rubber armor, good quality optics,
Cons: a bit heavy
Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 Binoculars
- Magnification: 10 x 42
- Field of View: 288 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 18.4 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Weight: 1 lb 5.6 ounces
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$
Features
- Roof prism ED glass
- Turn and slide rubber eyecups
- Smooth central focus knob for easy adjustments
- Multi-coated eco-glass lenses for clear, bright images
- Waterproof and fog proof with O-ring seals, Nitrogen purged
- Durable, rubber-armored polycarbonate body with a non-slip grip
- Accessories include a carrying case, strap, front and back lens covers
Pros: eyeglass friendly long eye relief, waterproof and fog proof, easy-grip rubber armor, ED glass, and good quality optics
Cons: a bit heavy, lens caps easily come off
Vanguard Endeavor ED Binoculars
- Magnification: 10 x 42
- Field of View: 340 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 16.5 mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2 mm
- Weight: 1 lb 9.8 ounces
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$
Features
- Bak4 phase-coated prisms and ED glass
- 3-stage twist-out eyecups with long eye relief and locking diopter ring
- Open bridge body design with a large precise focus wheel
- Multi-coated lenses for clear, bright images
- Waterproof and fog proof with O-ring seals, Nitrogen purged
- Ergonomic, easy-grip design
- Accessories include a carrying bag, wrist and neck strap, lens and eyepiece covers, lens cloth
Pros: eyeglass friendly long eye relief, waterproof and fog proof, ergonomic open-bridge design, ED glass, and good quality optics
Cons: a bit heavy
Bushnell Powerview Compact Binoculars
- Magnification: 8 x 21
- Field of View: 378 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 10 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.625 mm
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Warranty: limited lifetime
- Rating: 4.1
- Price: $
Features
- Roof prism with BK7 glass
- Fold-down eyecups
- Convenient central focus knob
- Multi-coated optics for superior brightness
- Synthetic body with shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Accessories include a carrying case with belt loop, neck strap
Pros: super-low price, eyeglass-friendly fold-down eyecups, lightweight, ultra-compact folding design, good magnification, clear images
Cons: not waterproof, not as effective in low light situations
Steiner Safari UltraSharp Binoculars
- Magnification: 8 x 21
- Field of View: 377 feet at 1000 yards
- Eye Relief: 12.5 mm
- Exit Pupil: 2.625 mm
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Warranty: 10-year
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $$
Features
- Roof prism with high-contrast German-made lenses
- Advanced UV-coated lenses for high-contrast images
- Fold-down eyecups
- Compact double-hinged folding design
- Convenient quick-adjusting central focus wheel
- Lightweight and durable polycarbonate body with protective rubber armor that provides a good grip
- Waterproof and fog proof with Nitrogen purging
- Accessories include a soft nylon zip case, thin neck strap, lens cloth
Pros: reasonably priced, eyeglass-friendly fold-down eyecups, clear, bright optics, German-made lenses, lightweight, compact folding design, waterproof and fog proof
Cons: don’t perform as well in low-light environments, no objective lens covers provided, eyecups are not especially comfortable
Best Hiking Binoculars Buying Guide
Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter
In the description of binoculars and many times within the name, you’ll see a set of numbers such as 10 x 25 or 8 x 32. The first of these numbers indicates the magnification or number of times larger the objects appear to be compared to what can be seen with the naked eye. The second number describes the width or diameter in millimeters of the objective (or front) lens. An objective lens with a larger diameter lets in more light thus creating a brighter, clearer image.
Compact, easy-to-store, and carry binoculars are desirable for hiking expeditions. With that in mind, the objective lens will be far smaller in diameter than in larger models. As such, relatively less light will be let in making the images accordingly dimmer.
Binoculars with a magnification greater than 10x require a very steady hand or a tripod for stability. Otherwise, the shake will decrease the clarity of the image significantly.
Most hikers prefer compact smaller models with a relatively narrow lens diameter and smaller magnification to avoid shaky images.
Field of View
Field of view is a term that describes how wide the scene is that you can see through your binoculars. As magnification increases the field of view decreases.
For bird and wildlife observation or scanning the landscape, a wide field of view is desirable.
This information is usually given as the number of feet in width that can be seen at a distance of 1,000 yards (for U.S. users) or as an angle.
Eye Relief
The distance that your eyes should be from the ocular lenses (those you look through) is eye relief. At the proper eye relief distance, the image is clear. If the eyes are too close or too far the image is distorted.
Eye relief is a special concern for glasses wearers since glasses use creates a distance from the ocular lenses. When the eye relief is less than around 15 mm the image is compromised. Look for adjustable eyecups that allow for the correct eye relief distance without removing glasses. Note that many glasses wearers can get a good result just by removing their glasses without any adjustment to the eyecups.
Exit Pupil Diameter
Exit Pupil Diameter is an indicator of the amount of light that passes through the binoculars. The more light that can enter, the brighter the image will appear. It is calculated by dividing the objective lens (the front lens) diameter by magnification. So if you have 8 x 21 binoculars, the exit pupil diameter is 2.625. This is relatively low indicating that these binoculars will not be best in a low-light environment.
With compactness a major feature of hiking binoculars, many models will have relatively low exit pupil diameters. If you are planning on using them in low-light situations, your best bet is to look for a model with a larger exit pupil diameter.
Weight and Size
For hiking it is important to keep the weight burden low and for the binoculars to be small and compact enough to be stowed easily and conveniently. The models reviewed here fall into the mid-size and compact range.
Lens Coating
As light enters the lenses of binoculars it can be reflected with some of the light lost resulting in a loss of image clarity. Applying a chemical anti-reflective coating to lenses reduces reflection resulting in a clearer image.
Several levels of lens coating are available including:
- Coated: one or more lens surfaces are coated
- Fully Coated: all-glass lens surfaces separated by air have an anti-reflective coating
- Multi-Coated: one or more air-to-glass lens surfaces have more than one layer of anti-reflective coating
- Fully Multi-Coated: all air-to-glass lens surfaces have more than one anti-reflective coating
Water and Fog Proofing
When hiking there are opportunities for binoculars to get wet if there is precipitation or contact with a stream or body of water. Look for models that have O-ring seals to prevent the entry of moisture.
To avoid steaming up in humid conditions which can eliminate any visibility, models that are nitrogen purged are effective. This means that the air inside has been replaced with nitrogen which is inert and cannot “fog up”. Argon is another inert gas that can be effective in the same way but is more expensive.
Care and Maintenance
Binoculars Care and Maintenance – How to Clean Binoculars
For more information on hiking and camping gear, please check out these reviews:
Hiking Watches Mess Kits Hiking Shoes Hiking Boots Portable Showers for Camping Backpacking Water Filters Headlamps Night Vision Binoculars Marine Binoculars Backpacking Stoves Backpacking Tarp Shelters Camping Knives Backpacking Tents Backpacking Backpacks Backpacking Sleeping Pads Camping Beds Portable Toilets Bivy Sacks Camping Hammocks Backpacking Sleeping Bags Ultralight Tents SUV Tents 4 Season Tents Truck Tents 4 Person Tents Beach Tents
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