>>2336388>Hike on any landEh not really, chances are you don't want to be on other people's land if you can avoid it since you can still be discovered. If this is your first night hike, especially with NVGs, it's usually more useful to start with something like a state park, municipal park, conservation area etc with defined trails. Doing anything with NVGs adds a layer of difficulty so walk before you run.
>Open carryI would avoid doing so unless you can already open carry where you happen to be. If you're not supposed to be there the presence of a firearm turns a forgivable trespass into legal trouble.
In general be advised that IR systems are fucking everywhere these days. The number one thing that will get you caught is going to and from the place you aren't supposed to be such as parking your car in a lot closed after sundown.
Comments about FOV and focus are somewhat relevant but it does come down to practice. You don't need to see things in perfect focus to navigate. You will end up moving your head more with the 40deg FOV. Think of it like a mental tax. The more familiar you are with your equipment and task the easier it will be, even it's just knowing which pocket to reach into.
>>2336794This is a severe misrepresentation. The Gen3 photo is definitely washed out by either excessive gain or more likely car headlights. Digital NV can look good but not without adding an IR source. Remember that a digital NV, unlike true NVGs, doesn't intensify the light. It can only interpolate what it sees. Additionally you are looking at a digital recreation, not a phosphor screen. As such digital systems are hampered by image noise and refresh rates that make them less than ideal for land nav. They are an inexpensive way to start learning NV stuff or taking recordings but a Gen 3 PVS14 is a mile ahead of the best camera given equal conditions.
