The Vortex Viper HD binoculars are the rare Goldilocks binoculars. They’re neither too small, as some highly portable compacts can be, nor too big as some of the mega-chassis 15-power binoculars are.

Hunting tripods have become an essential tool for serious outdoorsmen because they allow you to steadily aim a rifle or point binoculars or a spotting scope for a long time. Because a tripod supports ...