[geordiebeginner]

Has anyone come across the ideal rucksack/backpack for birding?

Equipment is usual: bins, scope, tripod etc plus rations/flask etc.

I had thought about a specialist photo backpack like the Tamrac Expedition 9 which would take my scope in the center, other gear around it and I would be able to attach my tripod to the outside. I have a back problem so ergonomics could be a deciding factor.

Any advice guys?

[O.Reville1989]

Originally Posted by geordiebeginner

Has anyone come across the ideal rucksack/backpack for birding?

Equipment is usual: bins, scope, tripod etc plus rations/flask etc.

I had thought about a specialist photo backpack like the Tamrac Expedition 9 which would take my scope in the center, other gear around it and I would be able to attach my tripod to the outside. I have a back problem so ergonomics could be a deciding factor.

Any advice guys?

Made one myself.

Will upload pictures later.

Berghaus 25 litre rucksack with velcro attachments for tripod.

[4John]

geordiebeginner,

Is this for carrying your kit to and from birding, or for while you are birding, or both ?

Most birders carry their binoculars around their necks and their scope on a tripod in various states of readiness for use while they are birding. Some have the legs and columns extended and rest the scope on a shoulder, others carry the tripod with the legs retracted on a shoulder strap, and all the variations in between.

However, if you are looking for something back-friendly with space for your rations/flask while you are birding then it sounds like the Mulepack tripod carrier from Cley Spy in Norfolk may actually fit your needs better than a photographic gear type rucksack.

http://www.cleyspy.co.uk/the-mulepack-c41.html

Regards

Mark

[CthIngo]

I use a (greener & branded variant of?) the mulepack Mark mentioned (http://www.orniwelt.de/products/Stat...agesystem.html).

This is a highly recommended piece of equipment, and I'd buy another in an instant if my actual one got lost. It let's you have the tripod close to your back and high up and tight to the shoulders, which is very comfortable on a trip (compared to having the scope itself inside a backpack with the tripod pulling your shoulders back and down, as with other models). I use it with legs extended; with that I can squat a little to make it stand on the ground, slip out of the belts and just start using it.

I'd never again wear a tripod folded on my shoulder again - the thought alone hurts...

[4John]

Geordiebeginner,

I forgot to mention the Scopac :

http://www.scopac.co.uk/

Regards

Mark

[geordiebeginner]

Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated.

I need something that I can carry both to my birding site (sometimes by train etc) and also use while I am there.

I have been looking at the Lowepro Scope Porter 200, does anybody have any experience of using this item?

[Jaff]

Originally Posted by geordiebeginner

Has anyone come across the ideal rucksack/backpack for birding?

Equipment is usual: bins, scope, tripod etc plus rations/flask etc.

I had thought about a specialist photo backpack like the Tamrac Expedition 9 which would take my scope in the center, other gear around it and I would be able to attach my tripod to the outside. I have a back problem so ergonomics could be a deciding factor.

Any advice guys?

The Exp 9 would be overkill but I'd still be looking at photography bags.