Thermal Vision Goggles For Outdoor Activities

Most people wouldn't think about owning their own thermal vision goggles, but plenty of people have seen them in films to know what they are. They are usually the subject of spies infiltrating enemy camps and the like, but they do have their real-life uses. In reality, these types of devices are used by police officers or soldiers who use them for security and surveillance, but outdoor adventurers are also using them for hiking, camping and hunting.

There are two different types of night vision technology to chose from: image enhancement and thermal imaging. Ones that use image enhancement collect small amounts of light, including the lower portion of the infrared light spectrum, which is not usually visible to the human eye, and magnifies it so that surroundings can easily be seen.

Image enhancing models get light from the lower part of the light spectrum, while thermal vision goggles get light from the upper part of the spectrum. The light is emitted through the heat of an object and the goggles capture portions of the heat that is given off. The viewer sees the heat of whatever is being focused on, but does not get a clear image. The hotter the object, the more light is emitted and the easier the object will be seen. A human or animal will emit more infrared light than something that is inanimate.

These types of goggles can come in head-equipped and handheld types. The goggles may have a single lens or two eye pieces, depending on the model. A spotting scope for focusing in on a target is also an option to consider. Goggles that strap to the head are the best choice when the activity requires an abundance of moving around, they rest securely on the head and keep your hands free.

Another benefit to thermal imaging models is that the reflected light is not required to see a living object in complete darkness. With the right kind of thermal vision goggles, objects can be seen in the dark or in extreme weather conditions over 200 yards away.

There are many styles and models to chose from, and and most models often only need batteries to function. You can find thermal vision goggles at just about any sporting or camping store, and they are relatively inexpensive. These types of goggles are a great gift for anyone who enjoys things like hunting, camping, or hiking and they also can liven up to an outing.