Best Tech and Gadgets
Binoculars
If you are visiting Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, or the Grand Canyon (watch the condors!), a good pair of binoculars can be a real game-changer. The Vortex Diamondback are wonderful. Although higher quality models are available for purchase, these are the best value for your dollar. We also like the Carson RD Series 10x42mm
Cell Phone Case
Wallet Case Magsafe with Card Holder
I’m over carrying a purse.
This case holds my license, credit card, and a little cash — cute, protective, and perfect for packing light. I ❤️ it!
Scope
If you are looking for wildlife, you’ll need a scope if you want the most zoom power possible. Scopes are often available to rent but if you wan tto buy one, here is one that we think is a good value if you are just starting out. I admit I’m not an expert on scopes, so I only have my experience and research. Here are the two I would suggest:
- Vortex Viper HD 20-60×85. I recommend this because it ranks high on reviews as a good value. And it’s the same brand as the binoculars I used (above), so I trust they would make an amazing scope.
Tripod
We have shot over 400 YouTube videos, and… we use a really inexpensive tripod. This is the tripod we use.
But, if you zoom way in and track wildlife as it moves (meaning, moving the camcorder from side to side or panning), you’ll want to attach a head to it that glides more smoothly.
You’d be surprised how much you can spend on fluid heads for tripods. The cheaper one that we use is no longer available but if it’s really important to you to have a silky smooth shot, the GEEKOTO gets good reviews.
Whatever you decide to shoot with, make sure to share your videos or photos with us after your trip!!
Air Pods
These are wonderfully comfortable, have great sound and decent battery life, and are great for road trips as well as day-to-day life. I’ve tried cheaper brands but none of them work as well as these. I love that I can run miles with these in and they never fall out. New generations of AirPods always come out, but I’m currently using the 3rd generation.