Budget Night Vision Helmet Setup

How often do you find yourself needing night vision gear? If it’s only once in a blue moon, dropping $15,000 on a top-tier setup doesn’t make much sense, now does it? You don’t need military-grade gear used by Delta Force or the Navy Seals to get out there for a night of hunting. In fact, the assumption that you have to break the bank to see in the dark might be what’s keeping you from hunting at night for coons, coyotes, or wild boar in the first place.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to enjoy night vision. The Firefield Hexcore night vision system costs just $179.97. Combine it with a few more affordable items, and you’ll have yourself a solid night vision kit that won’t leave your wallet feeling empty.

Keep It Simple

Let’s be clear upfront: this setup is geared for hunting, not for pretending you’re an elite commando. If your goal is to gear up like a "Delta Force operator at home," this isn't the build for you. Most night vision setups start with a helmet that can run you hundreds of dollars, but that’s overkill for hunting.

Remember, the critters you're hunting aren't armed and won’t be shooting back. You don’t need a bulletproof helmet. A simple $30 PASGT helmet from Amazon will do just fine. It's lighter and more comfortable than other budget options like the Soviet SH-68N helmet, which—while rugged—is far from practical for casual hunting. The Firefield Hexcore even comes with its own head mount, so there’s no need to worry about extra mounts or helmets with fancy night vision mounts. The included strap will secure the Hexcore snugly to any smooth helmet, and if you're feeling particularly quirky, you could even mount it on an old German-style motorcycle helmet for some retro flair.

Mounting Your Night Vision Gear

Another bonus: with the Firefield Hexcore, you don’t need to buy a rhino mount either. The Hexcore already comes with a DNV head mount and a two-prong adapter, making it easy to raise and lower your night vision just like you would with a pricier rhino mount setup.

Shooting at Night – Adjust Your Sights

Now, let’s talk about shooting at night while using night vision. You're not going to be using iron sights or traditional etched reticle scopes while wearing your night vision goggles. If you do, you won’t be able to focus on your target. You need either a red dot sight, a laser, or both. While IR lasers are typically the go-to for night vision setups, a simple visible laser works just as well for hunting. The laser’s bright dot will still be visible, showing you exactly where you’re aiming in the dark.

If you prefer a red dot sight, make sure it’s night vision compatible. Many affordable red dot sights come with NV settings that lower the dot’s brightness, making it visible through night vision optics without blinding you. This is crucial because without that feature, you’re just looking at a glowing blob instead of a crisp aiming point.

There you have it—an affordable, functional night vision setup that’s perfect for hunting at night. The Firefield Hexcore gives you all the night vision capabilities you need without the eye-watering price tag, and with the right accessories, you’ll be ready to bag that elusive coyote or boar. No need for tactical-grade gear—just smart, budget-friendly choices that get the job done

To shop the Hexcore, click here.