How to Choose the Right Optic for Backcountry Hunting

Backcountry hunting is a different world compared to stand hunting or short hikes into the woods. You’re often miles from the nearest road, navigating steep ridges, dense timber, and unpredictable weather. In such conditions, your optic can be the difference between a clean ethical shot and a missed opportunity.

The challenge? Backcountry hunting demands versatility, durability, and precision — all in a package light enough to carry for days. Whether you’re mounting it on a lightweight mountain rifle or an AR-15 optics setup, choosing the right glass is a critical decision.

Understanding the Types of Hunting Optics

LPVO Scope (Low Power Variable Optic)

An lpvo scope offers variable magnification — typically starting at 1x for close-range work and going up to 6x, 8x, or more for mid-range precision. This makes it a strong choice for hunters who may need to engage targets quickly at short distances while retaining the ability to stretch shots across valleys.

FFP Rifle Scopes

An ffp rifle scope (first focal plane) keeps the reticle scale proportional as you zoom in and out. This means holdovers and ranging marks remain accurate at any magnification — a huge plus in backcountry hunting, where you may not have time to calculate adjustments under pressure.

Key Considerations for Backcountry Hunting Optics

1. Magnification Range

The ideal magnification depends on your terrain and target species.

• In dense forests or timber, 1-4x may be plenty.
• In open alpine terrain, a 3-9x or an lpvo optic with 1-8x capability can cover everything from CQB-style quick shots to 400-yard cross-canyon opportunities.

(Side note: CQB meaning — Close Quarters Battle — is a tactical term, but the concept applies in hunting when game suddenly appears at extremely close range and you need to act fast.)

2. Weight and Size

Every ounce matters when climbing 2,000 feet in a day. Choose the lightest optic that still meets your performance needs.

3. Reticle Design

• A BDC (bullet drop compensator) or MIL/MOA hash-marked reticle can be invaluable for longer shots.
• In an FFP rifle optic, these markings are accurate across all magnifications.

4. Durability and Weatherproofing

Your optic should be shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof. Backcountry conditions can include sudden snow, freezing rain, and dust.

Hunting License & Ethical Considerations

Owning the best gear is useless without proper legal and ethical preparation. Always ensure you have a valid hunting license for your area and season. This ensures you’re hunting legally and supports wildlife conservation efforts. Ethical hunting also means practicing enough to guarantee clean, humane shots — something your optic should help you achieve.

Matching Optics to Rifle Platforms

AR-15 Optics in the Backcountry

While bolt-action rifles dominate backcountry hunting, some hunters choose lightweight AR-15 optics setups for predator control or hog hunting in rugged terrain. The versatility of an lpvo scope on an AR platform can make it a viable option for multi-purpose trips.

Traditional Bolt-Action Rifles

These remain the standard for most backcountry big-game hunters. An FFP rifle scope with a simple but precise reticle works well for long, calculated shots.

Real-World Backcountry Scenarios

Scenario 1: Timber Elk at 50 Yards

You’ve been glassing a meadow when a bull elk steps out just 50 yards away. With your LPVO dialed to 1x, you shoulder the rifle and make a fast, accurate shot — the kind of close-quarters engagement where CQB meaning crosses over into the hunting world.

Scenario 2: Mule Deer Across a Canyon

Later in the week, you spot a mule deer 350 yards away across a steep canyon. With an FFP rifle scope set to higher magnification, you use the reticle’s hash marks for holdover and windage, making a precise shot without guessing.

Choosing Between LPVO and Traditional Hunting Scopes

• LPVO Scope: Best if you anticipate both close and medium-range shots in varied terrain.
• Traditional 3-9x or 4-12x Scope: Best if your hunting is almost exclusively at longer ranges in open country.
• Hybrid Approaches: Some hunters pair an LPVO with a lightweight spotting scope for maximum versatility.

Testing Before You Go

Never take an untested optic into the backcountry. Zero it at the range, confirm holdovers, and practice in lighting and weather conditions similar to your hunt. This is especially important if you’re switching platforms — for example, moving from a bolt gun to an AR-15 optics setup.

Field Maintenance Tips

• Keep lens caps on when hiking to protect from dust and scratches.
• Carry a microfiber cloth in a sealed bag to clean moisture or dirt.
• Check mount screws periodically; the constant movement in the field can loosen them.

Writer Call: Share Your Backcountry Optics Story

At Gunnr, we believe the best hunting advice comes from real hunters, not just product spec sheets. That’s why we’re looking for hunters, shooters, and outdoor professionals to share their backcountry experiences.

If you’ve packed an lpvo optic into the mountains, stalked elk in the timber, or glassed mule deer from a ridge, we want to hear from you. You don’t need to be a professional writer — just someone who can speak clearly and honestly about gear, tactics, and the challenges of hunting far from the trailhead.

Write for Gunnr: Join our community of shooters, hunters, veterans, and outdoorsmen who rely on gear that performs when it matters.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right optic for backcountry hunting is a balance between performance, weight, and versatility. For some, an LPVO scope will provide the perfect all-in-one solution. For others, a high-powered FFP rifle scope will be the better match for long-range precision.

Whichever route you choose, make sure it’s tested, rugged, and suited to your terrain — because in the backcountry, your optic isn’t just glass; it’s your connection to the shot you’ve worked all season for.