Whether you’re a bird-watching newbie or an old pro, having the right gear on hand is going to make appreciating the rich and diverse avian world of the West an easy-to-indulge, ongoing delight. And that means the more compact and portable, the better, as you’re more inclined to, say, carry a compact set of optics in your backpack or purse than a full-size pair of binoculars. Here are the essential tools (all of them compact, all of them essential) to improve your days out in nature watching the trees and skies for winged wildlife.
Nocs Field Tube
Yes, you should have a pair of high-quality binoculars, but this compact, weatherproof monocular is small enough to keep in your glove box, everyday bag, or even in hand as you walk in your neighborhood, turning your evening stroll into an opportunity for bird-spotting.
Freaks of Nature Sunscreen
If you’re going to be out for hours, you’re going to need to protect your skin. Surf legend Kelly Slater’s sunscreen brand is mineral-based, reef-safe, and packaged in plastic that was otherwise ocean-bound.
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