Binoculars

From Trail-Finder -- Dedicated to getting you outside

Binoculars range from cheap toys to expensive, high-tech optical instruments. Those suited to most outdoor activities are relatively compact and lightweight. Folding binoculars tend to be smaller and lighter than non-folding ones.

Expensive binoculars provide superior performance, however they're also usually more sensitive to abuse. If you do choose to carry expensive optics, be sure to get padded cases and treat them very carefully, or they'll be nothing but worthless shards of very expensive glass.