I am with wyoming trapper, as a rule I dont go much of anywhere without a spotting scope. In my pack I carry a leupold 12x40 gold ring for its size and ease of packablity. My tripod is actually my bogpod shooting stix. Not the most stable of outfit but makes since to double up what equipment can do. In my truck I carry a swarovski 65 with a 25 to 50 wide angle eye piece. If I had to have one it would be the leupold. I dont like taking 1-3 mile hikes to look at a critter that you could have kicked back and watched to see if he is what you are looking for. I spent the better part of my youth doing that stuff and a little weight to me makes more sense than lots of extra miles. Just my .02 cents