how do you keep your optics dry when its pouring

[fishnfur]

Looks like those of us that are hunting this weekend are going to be fighting massive amounts of rain.  Anybody have any great tricks for keeping optics dry in extreme downpours?

[Wolfdog2314]

I use a fully enclosed bino harness, the Kuiu one. FHF makes a similar one. My Kuiu one comes with a rain cover too, I'll use that when its down pouring. I also have one of those little soft cloths that are stuffed into a little baggy. I'll use that for when my scope (with the cheapo butler creek covers) or my binos get some drops on them.

This system works for me for the most part. Still seems like in the worst of weather days you can't ever keep up with the drying of water from your optics tho.

[westside103147]

I've been using a neoprene scope cover the last couple years. It does a awesome job keeping my scope dry.

[fish vacuum]

I let my scope get wet. Doesn't hurt it.

[JakeLand]

Rain X your lenses they won't fog and you can see good through

[fishnfur]

I thought I heard somewhere that Rain-X messes up lens coatings (?).  Urban legend?

[Bob33]

I thought I heard somewhere that Rain-X messes up lens coatings (?).  Urban legend?

Rain-x contains a solvent that is harmful to coatings.

[JakeLand]

Been using for years and never a issue other then they don't fog on me

[JimmyHoffa]

Been using for years and never a issue other then they don't fog on me

Is it an older scope?  Maybe before the different layers of coatings.  If the coatings are gone it would probably look the same on a bright day, but cloudy or gray out the color contrasts and edge quality might not be as enhanced.

[splitshot]

  I stay in the house with a fire in the fireplace.  warm AND DRY,  LOL.  I USE AN UMBRELLA IN RED.  also a cowboy like hat helps my glasses stay clear.  rain-x helps some.  several zip-lock bags of Kleenex and dry clothes.    mike w

[Bullkllr]

I was just thinking this applies at some point, and this weekend may be one of those times:

"Optics?...We don't need no stinkin' optics!"

[deerhunter_98520]

I have the cheapo covers thanks came with the binos and I zip tied them to the harness ...quick and easy to put on and take off and it keeps the rain off the lenses

[Magnum_Willys]

The 40mm lenses are tough but 50mm just let em get wet. a wipe of the finger and they are fine to shoot .  You start covering them and they start fogging.  You only have 3 seconds to shoot sometimes so no time to fool with covers.

[Bango skank]

  I stay in the house with a fire in the fireplace. 

Good call! 

[BGLEMIN]

In the past I've soaked a lens cloth with silicone lubricant, went a step further now that I like the RainX idea. Good weekend ahead to try whatever?