If youve been a regular reader of mine, you can probably guess my favorite pieces of backcountry gear. Ive written about having a good time while bird watching, geocaching, camping, hiking and many other awesome outdoor activities, and I believe more fun can be had if you have the right equipment. Many things are more important than my choices. For instance, if mosquitoes are thick, insect repellent would be a good thing to have. If its cold, anything that provides heat would also be nice to have. Rain gear, a first aid kit, sunglasses, food and water are obviously very important, but lets talk about cool stuff now. Im talking hi-tech. So what are my favorite backcountry toys?

My favorite piece of backcountry gear are my binoculars. I carry the Nikon Monarch ATB 8 x 42 mm. These are the best binoculars you can own for under $300. I use them birding, hunting, hiking, sight seeing I use them every time Im outdoors. As you step into the backcountry, the landscape becomes larger and in many cases more distant. Always have good optics with you.

I wont be caught off the pavement without my trusty GPS Unit. The Garmin eTrex Vista is in my pack. Having a high quality GPS unit allows me to travel freely on trails or when trailblazing. I know how to navigate with map and compass, and you should too, but thats my backup plan. My GPS is my first choice in navigation. I use it hiking, hunting, geocaching, trail riding, exploring and sometimes just for the fun of it.

When Im in the wilderness, I am almost always with some else. Therefore, two-way radios are in order. I happen to use Motorolas Talkabout T6400. It keeps me in contact with my friends and gives me a lifeline to others with FRS or GMRS radios, should I need it.

Finally, I love my Bushnell Outdoor Camera. Its a digital camera that is rugged-ized, weather resistant and has built-in digital zoom. Just this past week I took pictures of wildflowers growing out of a boulder, a sunrise, a sunset, my friends, a Coyote, a Praying Mantis and a Harris Hawk.

These are my favorite pieces of backcountry gear. I always have my binoculars, GPS, radio and camera with me when I enter the backcountry. Without them, Id still have a good time, but with them, I get the most out of my outdoor life. Get Outdoors!!