Vortex recently introduced the Veil 400 thermal monocular, marking the company’s first step into the thermal market. Some shooters might be surprised to find they chose a handheld monocular over a traditional weapon-mounted optic. However, the move makes sense. Vortex has built its reputation by carefully approaching new product categories, and the Veil reflects that cautious strategy.
When speaking with the company, the Veil is mainly aimed at hunters. In Ohio, for instance, it’s especially helpful for deer and predator hunters. Losing a deer can be heartbreaking, especially when you thought you had a clean shot.
A thermal device like the Veil can assist in tracking blood trails or finding a downed animal that might otherwise be hidden from the naked eye. For predator hunters, who mostly hunt coyotes at night, It’s a valuable tool for spotting. Of course, almost any hunter can find a good use for it.
But what if you’re not a hunter? Maybe you see yourself more as a prepared citizen. What could the Veil do for you?
Observation and Surveillance
The world is a complex place. There’s nonstop media talk of impending doom and darkness covering humanity. As I write this, the United States is in open conflict with Iran. Whether or not these conflicts will escalate remains to be seen. Still, that concern lingers in my mind.
Part of being a responsible citizen is being prepared. And I’m not talking about being a doomsday prepper. I’m talking about being smart and ready to protect my family. That’s what truly matters to me.
That includes layers of preparedness. Think of food and water, communication, medical, offensive measures (guns and ammo), and observation and surveillance. It’s that latter that I want to focus on.
When people think of surveillance, it’s usually centered around cameras. Everyone seems to have a Ring doorbell or something similar, and that’s good. Others will add hard-wired cameras and security systems that are on a closed network. Also great. But I like to have multiple layers, which is where I think the Vortex Veil comes into play.
Use Cases
While I don’t expect an invasion by a foreign entity any time soon, acts of terror are always a possibility. Blackouts from storms or cyber-attacks are also realistic. During these times of unrest, looting and rioting always seem to follow. And then there’s just regular old crime—carjackings, theft, vandalism, home invasions, etc.
When they hear a strange noise outside, most people rush to turn on their porch light and peer through the window to see what is happening. The problem? You just alerted the aggressor. This is where a thermal monocular would be useful.
Two features of the Veil that are particularly useful in this scenario are its ability to mount on a tripod and to record. Not only will you have a stable platform to observe and surveil a potential threat, but you’ll also have the ability to capture the crime in action. The latter is especially useful in any follow-up with law enforcement.
Instead of turning on a light and alerting everyone, quietly open a window (maybe one upstairs for a better bird’s-eye view) and scan the surrounding area. Think of it this way: the goal is awareness. Knowing someone is on your property or the street before they reach your house gives you time to decide what to do next.
Does it Make Sense for You?
A few years ago, I took a night vision course. It was my first experience using night vision goggles. The class was introductory teaching the basics. Being able to walk around with the devices, operate IR lights and lasers, and then run through a shoot house (dry-run, no live fire) was eye-opening. We also discussed thermals and their pros and cons compared to night vision.
Here’s what I’ve learned: both methods are important and have their uses. Night vision is better for close-range target identification, but requires some light, such as moonlight or IR illumination to function. Thermal, on the other hand, is best for detection in any conditions and can operate in total darkness, smoke, or fog. While thermal detects well, positive identification still depends on context, distance, or sometimes extra lighting. It’s a tool, like any other. Tools like the Veil don’t replace other security measures, but add an extra layer of awareness when visibility disappears.
Parting Shots
I’m not a serious hunter. I’ll head into the woods now and then, but it isn’t my focus. What I am, however, is someone who thinks about preparedness and protecting the people under my roof. For me, that means keeping extra food, water, communication devices, and medical supplies on hand. But preparedness isn’t just about stockpiling gear—it’s also about awareness.
Observation and surveillance are often overlooked parts of that equation. Being able to detect what’s happening around your home before it becomes a serious problem can make a big difference. That’s where a tool like the Veil 400 starts to make sense beyond its intended hunting use.
While Vortex clearly designed the Veil with hunters in mind, its ability to detect heat signatures in total darkness, fog, or smoke gives it value beyond the field. Whether you’re scanning a property line, checking on a strange noise in the night, or simply adding another layer to your home security setup, a thermal monocular provides information you wouldn’t otherwise have. In preparedness, information is often the biggest advantage you can get.