If you spend any time camping then you will know just how dark it can get as soon as the sun goes down.
The further you are from populated areas, the darker it becomes and this can present numerous dangers if you need to move around or navigate at night time, and to be fair, you really cannot see anything when in forests or other remote areas.
You can of course use a flashlight but if you need any level of stealth, for example for hunting or wildlife watching or tracking, then any form of light will disturb your prey and reduce your chances of success.
if you are planning a camping trip out into the wilderness then you should take with you a pair of night vision goggles which will help you to see and navigate your way safely when it is dark. You may be wondering what night vision goggles to get and to help with this we have listed the top pairs of night vision goggles for camping trips.
Types of night vision goggles
There are two types of night vision goggles that are available and suitable for use when camping:
- Infrared Night Vision Goggles. By relying on the light that is outside the visible spectrum, infrared night vision goggles illuminate images when it is dark. These goggles are okay but will not work in total darkness . If there is no light at all then the goggles cannot create the images that you want to see and, if they are exposed to bright lights ( which can happen by accident ) then they can be permanently damaged making them unusable.
- Thermal Night Vision Goggles. These types of goggles rely on heat detection and thermal radiation to create visible images when it is dark. The images produced are not as clear as the infrared goggles, but thermal night vision goggles can be used in complete darkness. if you are looking for night vision goggles that will work when there is no light at all, then these are the best type to choose.
Generation Levels
Generation Levels
Night vision goggles, like most technology, vary in terms of performance and features. As enhancements and improvements have been introduced different ‘generations‘ of goggles have become available.
Currently there are four generations and, the higher the generation number, the better the goggles.
Generation 1 Goggles
- Basic entry level goggles
- Lowest resolution levels
- Short battery life
- Cheapest to buy
Generation 2
- Good for hunting, shooting and general outdoor activities
- Varies but normally a 200 yard range
- Reasonable battery life
- Distortion levels can be controlled
Generation 3
- Excellent quality
- Military grade
- Approx 300 yard range
- Long battery life
- More expensive
Generation 4
- Most expensive
- Front line military grade
- Sharp image production
- Stable and not damaged by daylight
Night Vision Goggles for Camping Overview
Invalid table id.1. Apache A9 Aviator Generation 3
2. PVS-7 Tactical Generation 3
- Waterproof Goggles
- Mil-spec Compliant Housing
- Weather resistant
- Can be used hand-held or mounted
3. AGM PVS-14 Generation 3 Military Spec
4. ATN NVM-14 Generation 2
- Compact, rugged design
- Is waterproof
- Weapon Mountable
5. Night Owl Generation 1
- Generation 1 technology; central focusing; integrated infrared all-glass optics
- Field of View: 70 feet at a distance of 200 feet
- Minimum Focus Range: 6.6 feet
- Interocular Distance: 2.27 to 2.95 inches
Conclusion
Night vision goggles can be a useful piece of equipment for you to have when you venture out into the wilderness to camp.
In addition to the safety benefits they can be useful for watching wildlife and for moving around the campsite after dark.
Whether you decide upon a basic, introduction level set of goggles or need a military grade specification for more nocturnal activities, there are options available to suit all needs and budgets.
