Thermal Tech | September 24, 2026
Cold nights are tough on batteries because low temperatures slow the chemical reactions that produce power. When you’re out hunting coyotes in single-digit weather, a dead scope can turn a promising night into a missed opportunity, so planning ahead is essential.
Start with the right power source. High-capacity lithium‑ion cells hold more energy and perform better in the cold than alkaline or older NiMH packs. Keep a spare battery in an insulated pouch close to your body before you head out; the extra warmth will keep it from freezing before you need it.
Pre‑warming the battery can add valuable minutes of run time. Slip the fresh pack into a pocket or a small hand‑warmers pouch for a few minutes before you install it. Once the scope is on, set it to the lowest brightness setting that still lets you see the target, and turn off the video mode unless you truly need it.
In the field, adopt habits that conserve power. Turn the device off when you’re moving between stands, avoid scrolling through menus unnecessarily, and keep the scope covered with its lens cap when you’re not actively scanning. Regularly check the battery indicator so you can swap in the warm spare before the charge drops too low.