View Full Version : Magnifying glass attached to shoulder strap
ChinMusic
10-01-2012, 15:16
The older hikers on here will appreciate this. I carry reading glasses and the older I get the more I need em. Looking at my watch isn't an issue.......yet. But, trying to read the guide book pages, map, GPS, text messages on the phone, etc., have me constantly pulling out my readers. I saw a gentleman with a small (2-3") magnifier attached to his pack. I wanted to ask him about it but didn't get around to it. It seems like this would be a quick way to read something on the fly without having to constantly fish for the readers. I would still pull out the readers for longer periods of need. This is just for a quick look.
Something like the following caught my eye. The mini light might come in handy too: http://www.seeitbigger.com/Carson_Lighted_MagniLook_Magnifier_p/c-lk-30.htm
17630
Before pulling the trigger, I wanted to know if anyone else has a better suggestion.
Feral Bill
10-01-2012, 15:20
Also good for pulling splinters and ticks, and for examining the small wonders of nature. I'd go for unlit, though.
Not that I'm old :) that's a great idea.....I'd find one of those convenient.
daddytwosticks
10-01-2012, 15:31
Back-up firestarter too (according to the survival dudes on TV). :)
Pathfinder1
10-01-2012, 16:02
Hi...
The glass sounds like a sane idea. As a fire starter, though, I'd much rather rely on other means.:-?
HikerMom58
10-01-2012, 16:59
I think it's a great idea. I could use that myself.....*sigh*
johnnybgood
10-01-2012, 17:07
Good find there ChinMusic. I know I've seen cheap magnifiers in the camping aisle at Walmart,but then the specs aren't as good as these.
My eyes are just fine . The darn print on everything is much smaller these days....:(
Tipi Walter
10-01-2012, 17:31
I use one to help me pee---was using tweezers ha ha ha.
Rocket Jones
10-01-2012, 17:45
There are also 'frenzel' lenses (spelling?), which you can get in bookstores. Flat and about the size of a cedit card, they magnify and because they're plastic they flax. Might be less prone to breakage.
Drybones
10-01-2012, 18:25
Back-up firestarter too (according to the survival dudes on TV). :)
I started looking for a small one for that purpose a few days ago, have a hunch it will hard to find. Everyone had them as kids, been burned a few times by "friends".
Whack-a-mole
10-01-2012, 20:13
Hey Tipi Walker, be careful with that if you are facing the sun!!
Hikerhead
10-01-2012, 20:26
I made something similar. Took some old eyeglass frames and took the lenses out. I pop rivited the magnifier to the nose piece. So, it feels like I don't have glasses on but when I need to read something I just pull the magnifier down over my dominate eye. Works like a charm, looks good too.
Wise Old Owl
10-01-2012, 21:35
17633Go ahead pull the trigger - use this as a backup - no "owl" pun intended.
kayak karl
10-01-2012, 22:18
been carring this for a few years now.
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/49699/2629678350104593866S425x425Q85.jpg
Tipi Walter
10-01-2012, 23:13
Hey Tipi Walker, be careful with that if you are facing the sun!!
Tell me about it!
bear bag hanger
10-02-2012, 09:43
I use to have an old lens from a broken pair of reading glasses. It's got a bit scratched up and is no longer useful for much of anything. If I were to do something like that again, I think I'd need some sort of small nylon bag to put over it when not in use.
Velvet Gooch
10-02-2012, 09:57
This one's lighter (5.5 grams): http://www.bestglide.com/fresnel_lens_firestarter.html
And yes, it'll start a fire
been carring this for a few years now.
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/49699/2629678350104593866S425x425Q85.jpg
I like this....did you make it? I've never seen one of these. I was thinking a retractable cord would be handy.
I carry one of these in my pocket when hiking:
http://www.i4ulenses.com/
very light, pretty hard to hurt, small enough that I have a pair in my wallet when not on trail too
My mom has one she uses for reading labels at the store and such. It has a lens that slides in and out (prevents scratches) and a small light.
Similar to this: http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/walgreens-pocket-magnifier-with-led-light/ID=prod4266907-product
They come in a variety of sizes.
kayak karl
10-02-2012, 17:51
I like this....did you make it? I've never seen one of these. I was thinking a retractable cord would be handy.
just an old glass and i wove amsteel around it. i got bored ;)
Wise Old Owl
10-02-2012, 19:21
This one's lighter (5.5 grams): http://www.bestglide.com/fresnel_lens_firestarter.html
And yes, it'll start a fire
OK I will bite.... Buy it and try it! Tell me how well it works this month.... Challenge this .. show us in a Utube you starting a fire.
its a toss up.... good luck.
Velvet Gooch
10-03-2012, 06:57
OK I will bite.... Buy it and try it! Tell me how well it works this month.... Challenge this .. show us in a Utube you starting a fire.
its a toss up.... good luck.
"Boots in the field..."
Yes, we need more skills/preparedness challenges here on WhiteBlaze.
While I do own the item linked to, admittedly, I've never started a fire with it. However, as a dumbass preteen, I did melt/burn just about everything I could using a set of plastic Fresnel lens magnifiers (a free gift, courtesy of World Book Encyclopedia), so I know it's possible.
I'm endorsing the product as a light-weight magnifier, not as a fire starter. Best Glide ASE (http://www.bestglide.com) is a reputable company. I've purchased a few of their wilderness/aviation survival kits over the years.
WOO, I doubt I'll be making a video, but if you're up to it, I'll send one of the magnifiers your way. PM me if you're interested
garlic08
10-03-2012, 09:20
Yeah, that's a good idea, Chin. I have a cheap plastic one in my map bag all the time. I have reading glasses in my shirt pocket, but the magnifying glass is a back-up. And when you go on to hike the CDT and use the Ley maps, you'll need both together.
There are also 'frenzel' lenses (spelling?), which you can get in bookstores. Flat and about the size of a cedit card, they magnify and because they're plastic they flax. Might be less prone to breakage.
1+ on the pocket fresnel lens idea. You can find them at Wally World in the Optics Dept. I think they come in a 3 pack for cheap. I usually tear out a page or two of my data book and carry it in a ziplock for easy reference during the day. The pocket fresnel fits nicely inside too.