March 2019 - Optics Den

Best Gifts for Hunters in 2019

Finding the perfect gift for someone you love can be tough. For the hunter in your life, we have some ideas for great gifts for any occasion – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or just because.

Our gift guide includes products specifically for hunting, as well as other ideas that your hunter is sure to love.

Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars makes all the difference for hunters, but few take the time and money to get a good pair. That’s why binoculars make a great gift for hunters. We did the research for you! Our binoculars guide will tell you everything you need to know and which models are best for each purpose. You’ll find a pair for any hunter and any budget. Our #1 recommendation is a pair from Upland Optics, the Perception HD 10x42mm Binocular.

Knives

If you’re out in the wild, chances are that you are going to need a knife. The worst thing that could happen is to have that knife fail you in a time of dire need. That is where survival knives come in. Designed specifically to handle any situation you throw at them, whether it be splitting firewood, cleaning an animal, or even as a weapon, a solid survival knife is literally built to save your life. The Banner Knives Ti-G10 is the knife that we’ve found to be the ideal choice for virtually any survival situation. It is made of the highest quality materials available with great craftsmanship, and it has never let me down. It’s fixed blade design makes it virtually indestructible, and capable of performing many tasks a smaller knife never would be up to.

Beer Kit

Hunters do more than just hunt! In off-season, your hunter can help provide for the family in a different way – by brewing their own beer. A beer making kit is a great way to help your budding brewer get started.

Rangefinder

A Rangefinder is another great gift idea for hunters. Like binoculars, rangefinders are something that many hunters want and could really use, but they don’t want to spend the money on them. Also like binoculars, we did research on rangefinders and offer up numerous options for different needs and budgets.

GPS

GPS units are smart addition to your hunter’s equipment lineup. If your hunter is in need of one, there are many options available. There are great options at every price point, so you’ll definitely be able to find one that fits your specific needs and budget.

Campstove

This BioLite CampStove is a really neat bundle that does the work of several items in one – campstove, pot, and grill, plus a light and charger. It would make a fantastic gift for any hunter or backpacker.

Cozy Pajamas

After a week of hunting, coming home means getting comfortable. Why not get your hunter some cozy pajamas to lounge around in? Our vote is this camouflage onesie. Or, for the claustrophobic, maybe some nice pajama bottoms.

Boot Dryer

A boot dryer might sound like a luxury, but it’s actually a useful tool for anyone. This PEET boot dryer is super affordable and works great. You’ll prolong the life of hunting or hiking boots, as well as athletic shoes, too. Bonus: it helps reduce odors.

Trail Camera

Trail cameras are becoming more and more popular, and can actually be used for other surveillance in addition to scouting. Our trail camera guide talks about some of the uses of trail cameras and provides reviews of the best on the market. Trail cameras are available at all sorts of price points, and they make excellent gifts for any hunter.

Spotting Scope

As with all the optics we’ve discussed, spotting scopes make great gifts because many hunters don’t have them. Again, we’ve done all the hard work for you and created this guide to spotting scopes. For the hunter that seems to have it all, this might be one useful piece of equipment they don’t have. Our #1 recommendation is a spotting scope from Upland Optics.

Gift Guides

Best Gifts for Grandpa in 2019

For some of us, our grandfathers showed us the little tips, tricks, and shortcuts through life. Grandpas seem to provide a never-ending list of tall tales and adventures of which we are all jealous of. This holiday season, you can return the favor to your grandpa(s) by providing them with any of the nifty tools, devices, and gadgets listed below as a token of your appreciation.

Bluetooth Neckband

The Mpow Jaws V4.1 is a very popular set of wireless headphones that are noise-canceling. They are far cheaper than most over or in-ear Bluetooth headphones and fit comfortably around the neck. The earbuds are also finely shaped to fit into your ear rather than around it.

Multi-Tool

If your grandpas are still as invested in tradecraft and working with tools, they’ll really appreciate this laser-engraved multi-tool. What better way to show appreciation for all the hard work than a multi-tool that says “best grandpa ever”?

Amazon Echo

If mobility and distance are issues between you and your grandpa, consider the Amazon Echo, your new personal assistant. With a multitude of abilities, the Echo can make calls, purchases, and play music from a variety of apps among other things.

The Echo is as personable as you want to make it and is constantly updated with new firmware to increase its capabilities.

Binoculars

If your grandpa is still an avid outdoorsman, consider getting him a pair of Upland Optics 10x42mm sporting binoculars. These binoculars are high-quality optics perfect for any outdoor excursion from hunting to birding.

Apron

We all have the one grandpa who thinks that his burgers are the best in the west. If you think he’s as good as he says he says, then get him this stylish, Attitude Apron’s adjustable apron for his next grilling party. What dad or grandpa can’t help but brag about their grilling skills?

Watch

The old-fashioned way of telling time certainly hasn’t gone out of style with the arrival of smartphones and smartwatches. Gift your grandpa a vintage wooden watch from Sentai that will remind him that he’s special to you.

Telescope

As we mentioned before, our grandpas took on some of our first outdoor adventures. You can acknowledge his efforts by gifting him an affordable yet powerful telescope from Celestron, a trusted telescope maker. These telescopes are also family and user-friendly.

Picture Frame

It’s important to keep memories alive, so why not provide your grandpa with the proper picture frame? There are many grandpas out there, but this one, in particular, is yours!

Binoculars

Binoculars Review: Monarch 5 10x42mm

Nikon’s Monarch line of binoculars are some of the most popular in the world. As you’d expect thanks to their popularity and the Nikon name, they are great binoculars.

If you are looking to upgrade that old pair of binoculars in your truck that only really work through one eye, you will be absolutely amazed by the quality of these binoculars. In optics, you get what you pay for, and that’s especially true in binoculars.

The Monarch line is well made and well respected. Even if you are experienced with binoculars but are looking for a new pair, there is very little to be disappointed in with this line. And, you have several configuration options, so you can get exactly what you need.

Monarchs actually come in three configurations – 8×42, 10×42, and 12×42. We tested the 10×42 Monarch 5, which includes the following specs:

FOV @ 1000m/yds: 96/288
Exit pupil: 4.2 mm
Brightness: 17.6
Eye relief: 18.4 mm
Weight: 21.2 oz

And it has the following features:

Extra-low dispersion glass
Multi-layer coating
Turn and slide rubber eyecups
Waterproof and fog free

The Monarch 5 10×42 is a great mid-range binocular. True, they’re on the higher end of that price range, but they are worth the money if you can make your budget accommodate.

Design

One of the first things you’ll notice right out of the package is that the Monarchs feel well made and sturdy. They are also relatively lightweight for this price point, so you won’t feel like you’re lugging bricks around your neck all day.

The rubber armoring makes it easy to hold. The twist-up eyecups are comfortable, as is the 18mm eye relief. Adjustments are easy to make, and the focus wheel works incredibly well no matter what your hands are covered in.

These are very well made, and designed with the elements in mind. Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars are filled with nitrogen, which makes them completely fogproof. For anyone who has experienced the frustration of lenses that fog up, you will be super impressed by how well this fogproofing works. Additionally, the Monarch 5s are waterproof (for up to 10 minutes at a depth of up to one meter).

Key Users

The Nikon Monarch 5 is very popular with bird watchers, hikers, and hunters. The design features support the needs of those populations. And, the multi-coated lenses mean that the true color comes through. The overall visual quality is outstanding. You’ll see crisp, clear views with great detail.

In-House Comparison

We tested these alongside comparably priced binoculars with similar specs, and the Monarch 5s were the clear winner. The lightweight design gives it a competitive edge, but it really comes down to eye comfort and the stunning quality.

Our Verdict

The Monarch 5 is a great pair of binoculars that will work well for a number of uses. Whether you want to take them hiking to check out wildlife, keep them in your vehicle for your birdwatching excursions, or keep them close on your hunt, they will work wonderfully. We can’t wait to get these back outside for hunting season, or even just to birdwatch. Overall, the Monarch 5 is well worth the money and will last you a long, long time.

Click here to check the current price of the Monarch 5