I been caught too many times out in the an open area with no rest and did not dare to take a long shot offhand. I practice off hand out to 150 yds, but I will very seldom risk that shot in the field. I carry a pair of stoney point sticks and they are rock solid. They weight all of about 6 oz and I' ll pack that any day for added sureity they give me of a solid rest to get out an touch em'