Last updated on December 29th, 2023 at 08:17 am

Best Monocular for Backpacking: 10 Great Options for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2022

A monocular is a great tool to have while hiking and backpacking, but it’s not always easy to decide which one to buy.

Not only do you have to worry about picking the right monocular, but you also need to worry about how much it’s going to weigh on your pack. And then there’s the question of durability – will it be able to withstand a few bumps and scrapes?

There are many different types of monoculars on the market, but not all of them are well-suited for backpacking. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best monocular for backpacking and hiking, so you can choose the right one for your needs.

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Quick Recommendations: The Best Monocular for Backpacking

Orion 8×25 ED Waterproof – Overall Best Monocular for Backpacking

Wingspan Explorer – Best Monocular for Backpacking with Single-Hand Focus

Hawke Endurance – Best Monocular for Backpacking with 2-Turn Focus Knob

Jizmo Monocular Telescope – Best Pocket Monocular for Backpacking

FEEMIC Monocular – Best Monocular for Backpacking with Green Film Prism

Pankoo Telescope – Best Smartphone-Friendly Monocular for Backpacking

Roxant Falcon – Best Monocular for Backpacking with Mini Tripod

hd360pro Telescope – Best Monocular for Backpacking with Phone Adapter

Scotar Monocular – Best Heavy-Duty Monocular for Backpacking

Carson Close-Focus – Best Affordable Monocular for Backpacking

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10 Best Monoculars for Backpacking

Here are our picks for the 10 best monoculars for backpacking. We’ve included options for different budgets, so you can find one that fits your needs and your pocket.

Orion 8×25 ED Waterproof (Overall Best Monocular for Backpacking)

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best monocular for backpacking. But if we had to pick one, we would go with the Orion 8×25 ED Waterproof Monocular.

This monocular is lightweight and compact, making it perfect for backpacking. It also has excellent optics, providing a clear and bright image. And it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet in the rain.

It features extra-low dispersion lenses and dielectric coatings for the clearest possible image, which makes it great for long-distance viewing, while the multi-coated optics provide excellent light throughput. You won’t be disappointed with the Orion ED’s performance in the field.

Moreover, with its wide 6.8-deg field of view, 8x power magnification, and near focus of just 6.5 ft, you’ll be able to take in all the sights of the great outdoors with ease. Plus, the ED (extra-low dispersion) glass lens ensures that you’ll have crisp, clear images to enjoy.

Similarly, it has a 16.4mm long eye relief, making it super comfortable to use for those who wear eyeglasses. The twist-up eyeguard is also a nice feature to have, which helps you correctly position your eye.

Additionally, the Orion ED features a removable lanyard strap, which allows you to easily attach the monocular around your wrist without worrying about it bouncing around. The caps for both ends are also handy, as they protect the lenses from getting scratched. It also comes with a soft carry case, so you can easily store the monocular in your backpack.

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Wingspan Explorer (Best Monocular for Backpacking with Single-Hand Focus)

This monocular is designed with a lightweight and compact body, making it easy to carry with you on your travels. The single-hand focus feature allows you to keep one hand free while you’re using the monocular, which is ideal for backpacking and other activities where you need to be able to move quickly and easily.

This monocular has durable external armor that can withstand any bumps or drops, and it is also waterproof and fog proof, so you can use it in any condition. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and use and the high-quality optics provide a clear and bright view of your surroundings.

With its 12×50 magnification, 14mm eye relief, and 246 ft/1000 yards field of view, it is perfect for bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The close focus feature is also great for getting up close with your subject matter.

The monocular also comes with a mesh carrying case, which is really handy, and the eyepiece and lens protection covers are great for keeping things clean and scratch-free. The microfiber lens cleaning cloth is really soft and does a great job of keeping the lenses clean.

Whether you’re hiking through the woods or exploring a new city, the Wingspan Explorer is the perfect companion for your journey.

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Hawke Endurance (Best Monocular for Backpacking with 2-Turn Focus Knob)

When it comes to choosing a monocular for backpacking, you want something that is lightweight, compact, and easy to use. The Hawke Endurance is the perfect choice for all of those things. It has a 2-turn focus knob, which makes it easy to concentrate on your target. Plus, the Hawke Endurance is waterproof, so it can withstand all sorts of weather conditions.

It features multi-coated optics and high resolution roof prisms, giving you an incredibly clear and bright view of your surroundings. Additionally, its extra-low dispersion glass ensures that you won’t miss a thing, no matter how far away it is.

With a 10×42 magnification, this monocular provides a clear sight, while the 1000m/304ft field of view ensures that you won’t miss any detail. The 2m/6.6ft close focus is also very helpful in ensuring that you can get a close look at objects of interest.

Likewise, with a 13mm/0.5″ eye relief and twist-up eye cup, this monocular is perfect for long days in the field or in the mountains. The tripod thread also makes it easy to attach to a tripod for even more stability.

The Hawke Endurance Monocular also features stay-on lens covers to ensure the highest lens protection. It comes with a carry case, lanyard and lens cloth.

This tough and reliable monocular is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, and its high-quality optics make it ideal for viewing the world around you in stunning detail.

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Jizmo Monocular Telescope (Best Pocket Monocular for Backpacking)

If you’re looking for a pocket monocular that is perfect for backpacking, the Jizmo Monocular Telescope is the best option on the market. This telescope is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you on your hikes. It also has a powerful zoom lens that allows you to see objects in great detail, even from a distance.

The monocular has a fully multi-coated lens that provides a clear view of your surroundings. The retractable eyecup is also a great feature, as it allows you to focus on your subject without having to worry about the sun in your eyes. Additionally, the close focus and wide field of view make this product perfect for birdwatching, nature photography, and so much more.

Moreover, with 8x magnification and a 25mm objective lens, it offers a clear view of distant objects. The wide field of view (342ft/1000 yards) and 16mm eye relief makes it easy to find and follow your target.

The Jizmo Monocular is an amazing product that can be used with or without glasses. It also has a tripod connector and the hand strap makes it easy to keep your hands free while using the product.

This monocular is particularly designed with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. It’s palm-sized for easy portability, and it has a crystal-clear image. Whether you’re looking at the stars at night or trying to spot a deer in the woods, the Jizmo Monocular will help you see everything in beautiful detail.

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FEEMIC Monocular (Best Monocular for Backpacking with Green Film Prism)

The FEEMIC Monocular is an excellent product for anyone in need of a reliable and powerful monocular for a backpacking trip. This monocular has a green film prism that provides superior light transmission, making it perfect for low-light conditions. It also has a durable construction that can withstand all sorts of weather situations.

It features a night vision built-in design, making it easy to see in even the darkest of conditions. The optics are all glass and the monocular is nitrogen-filled waterproof, making it ideal for use in any weather.

The product is easy to use and is a great way to get closer to nature as it offers super brightness and single-hand easy focus. The multi-coated lens is perfect for those who want to get the most out of their viewing experience.

The FEEMIC Monocular has 8x magnification and a 360ft/1000 yards field of view, making it ideal for long-distance viewing. Additionally, the 16.5mm eye relief ensures that you’ll be able to use this monocular without experiencing any eye strain.

Moreover, it has a dust cover that keeps the lens clean and the adjustable eyecups makes it comfortable to use. The hand strap and carry case make it easy to take with you on the go.

So if you’re in the market for a new monocular, be sure to check out the FEEMIC Monocular. It’s the perfect choice for backpacking and outdoor adventures.

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Pankoo Telescope (Best Smartphone-Friendly Monocular for Backpacking)

If you’re looking for a smartphone-friendly monocular that’s great for backpacking, the Pankoo Telescope is the best option on the market. This monocular is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you on your adventures.

It also has a wide field of view and offers great image quality, even in low light. Plus, the Pankoo Telescope is compatible with most smartphones, so you can easily take pictures and videos of your surroundings.

Likewise, it has a sturdy body that can withstand rough treatment, and it is water and fog-proof, so you don’t have to worry about the elements. The fully multi-coated lens provides a clear view, even in low light conditions. The BAK4 prism and 22mm ocular lens create a 12×50 magnification that is perfect for seeing things in the distance.

Moreover, it offers a single-hand focus with a distance rotating ring that allows you to easily concentrate on your subject, while the hand strap makes it easy to keep the monocular in your hand.

The Pankoo Monocular is a great product for anyone looking for a smartphone-compatible monocular with a tripod interface.

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Roxant Falcon (Best Monocular for Backpacking with Mini Tripod)

Whether you’re backpacking through the woods or just taking a hike around your local park, the Roxant Falcon is the perfect monocular for any outdoor adventure. It’s compact in size, making it perfect for packing in a small backpack. Plus, it comes with a mini tripod, so you can set it up on any surface for a stable view.

This monocular features a solid design and more importantly it’s rainproof. The fully multi-coated optics provide a clear and bright image and work great in a variety of different lighting conditions, while the one-hand focus makes it easy to use. The 10×42 magnification is more than enough for most users, and makes this monocular a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality product.

In addition, it comes with a retractable eyecup, smartphone clamp, and mini tripod, making it a versatile and convenient option for users. The monocular is simple to operate, and the clarity of the image is superb.

The monocular also features a hand strap which makes it trouble-free to carry. The carrying case and cleaning cloth are definitely appreciated, and the lens caps help keep the lenses clean. Overall, the Roxant Falcon Monocular is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable monocular.

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hd360pro Telescope (Best Monocular for Backpacking with Phone Adapter)

The hd360pro Monocular is another great option that is suitable for a backpacking trip. This monocular is designed for easy portability, so you can take it with you on all your adventures. The hd360pro also comes with a phone adapter, so you can capture amazing images and videos of the great outdoors.

It features a sleek design with a textured surface that is scratch-free. It also has an impressive field of view that is perfect for outdoor activities. Likewise, it features a BAK4 prism and FMC lens that provide excellent clarity and the low night vision makes it ideal for hunting and stargazing.

The hd360pro Monocular has 12×56 magnification, which makes it a great tool for getting a close look at things that are far away. It also offers one-hand focus, making it easy to use. The monocular comes with a metal tripod for stability, so you can get a clear view.

The monocular is also waterproof, making it the perfect choice for those who enjoy hikes and camping trips. The HD360pro Monocular also comes with a cleaning cloth to keep the lens clean and clear.

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Scotar Monocular (Best Heavy-Duty Monocular for Backpacking)

If you’re looking for a high-quality, heavy-duty monocular for backpacking, the Scotar Monocular is the best option on the market. It’s made with durable materials and comes with a number of features that make it perfect for backpacking trips.

This monocular is designed with a rubberized armor coating that protects it from bumps and drops. It’s also waterproof and fog-proof, so you don’t have to worry about it in inclement weather. With its high- temperature resistance and ability to withstand a fall from 1.5 meters, it’s perfect for any outdoor activity. The 85% light transmission is also a huge plus, making it possible to see clearly in low-light conditions.

This product has a 12×50 magnification which allows you to see things in great detail. The 14mm eye relief is also a big feature, as it allows you to use the product without having to worry about your eyes getting tired. The 283ft/1000yds field of view is also wonderful, as it allows you to see a full deal of the area around you.

Moreover, it comes with an adapter that will fit most phones, as well as a mini tripod and a pouch. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure it’s a quality product.

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Carson Close-Focus (Best Affordable Monocular for Backpacking)

If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s still great for backpacking, then the Carson Close-Focus is the way to go. This monocular is compact and lightweight, so it won’t add too much weight to your pack. And it has a close-focus feature that allows you to focus on objects as close as 10 inches away, which is great for reading maps or getting a closer look at wildlife.

With a 6x18mm magnification, this product is perfect for bird-watching, hunting, or even just observing your surroundings. The field of view is fantastic, and the quality of the image is clear and sharp.

So if you’re searching for a new monocular, be sure to check out the Carson Close-Focus. It’s the perfect option for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality.

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Comparison Table

The Best Monocular for Backpacking	SIZE	MAGNIFICATION	WEIGHT	KEY FEATURES
Orion 8×25 ED Waterproof	4.4 x 1.3 inches	8 x 25	170 grams	6.8-deg field of view; 6.5 ft near focus; 16.4mm long eye relief
Wingspan Explorer	9.4 x 7.9 x 4.1 inches	12 x 50	311 grams	14mm eye relief; 246 ft/1000 yards field of view; 2.5m close focus
Hawke Endurance	7.7 x 4.6 x 2.8 inches	10 x 42	544 grams	1000m/304ft field of view; 2m/6.6ft close focus; 13mm/0.5″eye relief
Jizmo Monocular Telescope	4 x 2 x 1.75 inches	8 x 25	160 grams	1ft close focus range: 342ft/1000 yards field of view; 16mm eye relief
FEEMIC Monocular	5.7 x 1.9 x 1.5 inches	8 x 42	285 grams	360ft/1000 yards field of view; 16.5mm eye relief; Single hand easy focus
Pankoo Telescope	6.81 x 2.95 x 3.74 inches	12 x 50	396 grams	22mm ocular lens; single hand focus; smartphone holder
Roxant Falcon	6.2 x 2 x 2 inches	10 x 42	458 grams	Bak4 optical glass; focus knob; mini tripod
hd360pro Telescope	2.83 x 2.24 x 5.9 inches	12 x 50	366 grams	FMC lens; low night vision; one- hand focus
Scotar Monocular	6.69 x 2.55 x 3.54 inches	12 x 50	879 grams	14mm eye relief; 283ft/1000yds field of view; 85% light transmission
Carson Close-Focus	3 x 1.1 x 1.3 inches	6 x 18	46 grams	427ft/1,000 yards field of view; extremely close focus; highly compact

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Also Read: Best Backpacking Flashlights

Conclusion

After extensive research, we have concluded that Orion 8×25 ED is the best monocular for backpacking. Its compact design and ED glass make it perfect for any kind of outdoor activity, and its 8x magnification is plenty for most backpacking trips. It’s also relatively affordable.

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Frequently Asked Questions