Reliving Childhood Adventures with Modern Night Vision
As a kid, I spent countless evenings outdoors, whether in my **neighborhood** or exploring the **woods** behind my house. My friends and I would do anything to extend our adventures past sunset, playing flashlight tag or simply hiking and hanging out.
Back then, **night vision technology** felt like a dream. Seeing it in magazines was mesmerizing—I imagined how unstoppable my team would be in flashlight tag! But in the 90s, night vision devices were expensive, often costing **$400-$500** or more. As a kid, that price tag put them far out of reach.
A New Generation of Exploration
Fast forward to today. Now at **39 years old**, I see my **9-year-old son** following in my footsteps. He shares my love for the outdoors, always eager for adventure.
Fortunately, **night vision technology has become more accessible**. This past Christmas, my parents gifted him a **night vision monocular**. I helped them research options, and we found a great device that didn’t break the bank. His excitement on Christmas Eve was priceless—but to be honest, I might have been even more excited than he was!
That night, we tested it immediately. Standing in my parents’ backyard under a **cloudy night sky**, we were amazed. The monocular revealed **details from two backyards away**—objects like shovels and wheelbarrows appeared crystal clear in total darkness.
Putting Night Vision to the Ultimate Test
To truly test the monocular, I asked my son to hide in the **darkest corner** of the garage. Without any visible light, we turned on the night vision—and **there he was**, completely visible through the infrared lens. The technology exceeded our expectations.
That experience inspired us to take our **first night vision adventure** into the **woods**.
Exploring the Ohio Wilderness
We planned two night trips after Christmas, heading to **Dillon Dam State Park** in **Muskingum County, Ohio**—a **2,285-acre** public land area known for its wildlife.
First Trip: Spotting Wildlife from the Car
The first night, the woods were eerily quiet, but we still had fun. We played around, testing how far we could see each other through the **monocular’s infrared**.
On the drive home, we decided to take the **back roads** to search for wildlife. Holding the night vision monocular out the window, we stopped periodically and scanned the fields. Sure enough, we saw **deer grazing in the distance** and even captured **video footage** of them.
Second Trip: Mysterious Noises in the Dark
The second outing was even more thrilling. My son successfully captured **a field mouse** on video as it scurried along a branch, briefly disappearing before its glowing eyes reappeared on the screen.
But things got **a little spooky**. While scanning a **wide-open field**, I thought I saw something **large and upright**. My heart pounded as we double-checked the footage—only to find **nothing** was there.
Later that night, while deep in the woods, we heard a **sudden loud crash**. My sister—an **avid Bigfoot believer**—refused to look. She handed me the night vision and said, “You check.” I nervously scanned the area, **infrared at full power**, but saw nothing. I couldn’t resist teasing her: “If I had seen Bigfoot, you’d never forgive yourself for not looking!”
Why Night Vision is a Game-Changer
After using my son’s **night vision monocular**, I’m convinced it’s one of the best investments for **outdoor lovers**. The device features:
- **Video & photo recording** – Saves files on a **32GB Micro SD card**.
- **Infrared technology** – Works in **100% darkness**.
- **Playback mode** – View captured footage directly on its **LCD screen**.
- **USB compatibility** – Transfer photos & videos to a computer for easy sharing.
For anyone looking to **experience nature after dark**, this is a must-have device.
Ready to Explore the Night?
Whether you’re a **wildlife enthusiast, night-time adventurer, or just want to relive your childhood dreams**, a night vision monocular is the perfect companion.
Check out our Night Vision/Thermal Collection and Buying Guide to find the best options available today!