If it wasnt a thermal and the battery issue thats what i would do in a hard case.
Between stands, leaving it in the box/back of a vehicle isn't a bad idea.
For pretty much all my optics the mircofiber towels that come on a roll like paper-towels about all I use anymore. The 1st time they leave a smudge, or, heaven forbid get dropped and land on the ground or the pickup floor, they're relegated to jobs that don't include optics or glasses with lens coatings. I also never use them for optics again after they've been washed as it seems like the soap never completely comes out and is always leaving smears/streaks. If you want a smaller piece in your cold-weather calling outfit, just cut them in half or quarters.
Microfiber towel roll
The above is just an example, there's tons of choices. Those towels are WAY cheaper than scratched/swirled lens coatings on scopes, binocs, spotters, Thermal/NV gear, LRF's, everyday eyeglasses, or sunglasses.
I've got those suckers EVERYWHERE! The white ones are actually my favorite as you can see if they get dirty or somehow get dropped and pick up dust or grit and need to be used for NOT OPTICS ANYMORE.
Rainy/snowy days (or wavy days when fishing) I'll put them in a small ziplock to ensure they stay dry.