Binoculars are often an underrated prepping item, but they can be useful in a pinch when SHTF. You never know when this device can come in handy during a survival situation. Here are a few good reasons why your bug out bag should contain a pair of binoculars. (h/t to ApartmentPrepper.com.)
Before you rush to grab just any pair of binoculars you can find, you should make sure it's the right one for the job. Roof prism or straight-through binoculars won't do you much good if you plan to use those for survival purposes. Instead, you'll want to look for an offset type of binoculars. These binoculars can provide better perception. If SHTF, you'll also want a durable pair of binoculars that can last as long as possible. For this reason, you will want to look for binoculars with rubberized or armored finishes that can withstand shock better than other types of binoculars. It is important to note that rifle scopes are poor alternatives to binoculars and should only be used as temporary solutions, at best. Binoculars are more convenient, lightweight, compact, and they can provide a larger field of view. They will also allow you to be perceived as less of a threat than if you were to use a rifle scope.
Use binoculars for scouting
If you are travelling, you can use your binoculars to scout out your path ahead. You will be able to see any potential dangers before you even reach them, such as blocked roadways. You will also be able to spot incoming threats, such as wild animals or hostile parties, before they come to you. A pair of binoculars can help you make sure that you don't let your guard down in the face of the uncertainty ahead, even if you're constantly on the move.
Use binoculars to keep a lookout
If you are already at your bug out location, you can use the binoculars to monitor your surroundings. Some desperate people might either stumble onto your property or try to take it by force. At least with your binoculars, you won't be caught off-guard if an intruder trespasses on your territory. You can also use it to gather reconnaissance about animals, nearby supplies, or general information about the surrounding territory.
Use binoculars for hunting and fishing
You can use your binoculars to find the areas where game animals can be found. In preparation for your next hunting trip, you can use this information to learn the best place to position yourself. This way, you can have the common paths that game animals often frequent easily within your sight. For fishing, your binoculars can be used to help you locate schools of fish.
Use binoculars to start a fire
Survival situations may sometimes require you to build a fire to for cooking, keeping warm, or any other number of reasons. In case you don't happen to have a lighter or some matches during such a situation, you can still use your binoculars to start a fire. Your binoculars contain a lens inside of it. With the right know-how and enough sunlight, you can start a fire with nearly any kind of lens. However, you should keep in mind that using your binoculars for this purpose may require disassembling it. (Related: PREPPING 101: Top 11 ways to start a fire.)
Use binoculars to signal for help
If you can and are willing to disassemble your binoculars, you can also use the mirrors inside it to signal for help.
Use binoculars as a barter item
In the worst case scenario, you can trade away your binoculars in exchange for more essential supplies, such as food or medicine.
If you want to learn more about survival items you might need when bugging out, you can read more articles by going to BugOut.news.
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