"Never leave home without optics" is a rule I made for myself many years ago and it's one that has served me well. It never ceases to amaze me after all this time just how useful a
monocular or small
binocular can be, not just for activities requiring a small optic, but also for situations not normally associated with optics. Bottom line is you'll never know how handy a
monocular or small
binocular can be unless you carry one at all times.
Binocular or
monocular? For taking a quick peek, nothing beats a monocular. It's the best backup optic you can carry and a monocular is so small, there is never an excuse for not carrying one. On the other hand, if you find yourself in a serious optical situation that calls for a lot of observing, you'll be happier with a binocular. A binocular is not only more comfortable to use, it is also easier to line up on target and to steady. I always carry a monocular and sometimes add a binocular, but, then, not everyone is an optics nut like me. At the very least, though, everyone should carry a monocular.