Cleyspy Mulepack - Internal storage issue/ design (1 Viewer)

[Stuart Goodwin]

Evening all.

I’m looking at moving from the Viking scope backpack to the Cleyspy Mulepack but I would like to know what Mulepack users think of the internal storage and design.

The main reason for looking to switch is that the Viking does not have any internal pockets, just the main pockets. I want to be able to store small items in an additional pocket for safey, keys, hand lens, small camera etc. Looking at the Cleyspy website, it seems to show that half the pockets aren’t usable as the contents will be upside down with no means of closure when zipped up.

Is this correct?

Thank you in advance.

Regards

 

[Ruff-Leg]

Hi Stuart. You have it correctly.

I bought one several years ago to replace my old Scopac - the Mulepack is available in the US from some vendors. The lower inner pocket of the internal storage, when unzipped, will have dumped its contents. And outer bottle holder will do likewise, unless its contents are cinched down. It is what it is, and I work with it. The pack is more comfortable than the Scopac, but I do find the whole concept comes up short for carrying the scope and a day's worth of kit on a hike.

For my purposes, if I'm, for example, carrying my scope up a trail into the local mountains to scope for nesting raptors, I pad the scope and tripod separately and carry them in a 40L backpack.

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

Hi Stuart. You have it correctly.

I bought one several years ago to replace my old Scopac - the Mulepack is available in the US from some vendors. The lower inner pocket of the internal storage, when unzipped, will have dumped its contents. And outer bottle holder will do likewise, unless its contents are cinched down. It is what it is, and I work with it. The pack is more comfortable than the Scopac, but I do find the whole concept comes up short for carrying the scope and a day's worth of kit on a hike.

For my purposes, if I'm, for example, carrying my scope up a trail into the local mountains to scope for nesting raptors, I pad the scope and tripod separately and carry them in a 40L backpack.

Evening.

Thank you very much for the helpful reply.

Regards

 

[etudiant]

Hi Stuart. You have it correctly.

I bought one several years ago to replace my old Scopac - the Mulepack is available in the US from some vendors. The lower inner pocket of the internal storage, when unzipped, will have dumped its contents. And outer bottle holder will do likewise, unless its contents are cinched down. It is what it is, and I work with it. The pack is more comfortable than the Scopac, but I do find the whole concept comes up short for carrying the scope and a day's worth of kit on a hike.

Is there a plausible reason for such an apparent design flaw?
Repositioning the closures so they don't let the contents fall out seems pretty straightforward.
Could any Mulepack owner help illuminate this situation?

 

[Chotacabras]

Hi Stuart. You have it correctly.

I bought one several years ago to replace my old Scopac - the Mulepack is available in the US from some vendors. The lower inner pocket of the internal storage, when unzipped, will have dumped its contents. And outer bottle holder will do likewise, unless its contents are cinched down. It is what it is, and I work with it. The pack is more comfortable than the Scopac, but I do find the whole concept comes up short for carrying the scope and a day's worth of kit on a hike.

For my purposes, if I'm, for example, carrying my scope up a trail into the local mountains to scope for nesting raptors, I pad the scope and tripod separately and carry them in a 40L backpack.

+1 for carrying scope+tripod in backpack e.g. Osprey Stratos 36 litre, or Deuter Zugspitze 24 litre, both of which are tall-narrow design and have rigid internal frame. Only takes 5 or 10 seconds to affix scope to tripod. Needs a 4-section tripod that folds down to about 50cm, and even then it may stick out a bit.

 

[amythebirder]

I also use a rucksack instead (Gregory Facet) but find the tripod fits in the side pocket using compression straps to secure it. Did try a Scopac for a while but find rucksacks distribute the weight much better, as well as having more space for gear / extra layers

 

[Chotacabras]

I also use a rucksack instead (Gregory Facet) but find the tripod fits in the side pocket using compression straps to secure it. Did try a Scopac for a while but find rucksacks distribute the weight much better, as well as having more space for gear / extra layers

Googled it, that looks like a nice pack Amy! [And adding: nothing to stop us carrying tripod+scope over shoulder when rapid access required, I mean while still carrying the backpack.]

 

[wllmspd]

I have a light scope on a very light tripod and just sling it fully extended over one shoulder, very quick to deploy. I find I want to carry more stuff than these tripod backpacks can fit in their pockets, so pop the scope in the backpack and hand carry the tripod if I want to use my larger optics. Takes a little longer to deploy, but I get to carry more food and snax! However I know a number of fellow birders who swear by them.

Peter

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

+1 for carrying scope+tripod in backpack e.g. Osprey Stratos 36 litre, or Deuter Zugspitze 24 litre, both of which are tall-narrow design and have rigid internal frame. Only takes 5 or 10 seconds to affix scope to tripod. Needs a 4-section tripod that folds down to about 50cm, and even then it may stick out a bit.

Thank you for your reply

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

I also use a rucksack instead (Gregory Facet) but find the tripod fits in the side pocket using compression straps to secure it. Did try a Scopac for a while but find rucksacks distribute the weight much better, as well as having more space for gear / extra layers

Morning.

Thank you for the reply.

Regards

 

[Adamonthetools]

I love my Mulepack but you’re right, the main zipped pocket is hugely flawed.

I carry an Opticron HR 60SR with a SDL V2 wrapped in a Skua case on a Velbon Sherpa Pro CF and it works a dream, very comfortable and quick to get on a bird. A hide clamp lives permanently on the bottom of the centre column.

BUT, the main zipped pocket is pretty useless, I tend to pop a sandwich in there if I’m out all day, opening just the side of the zip to get to it. The bottle holder keeps a 12oz Yeti Hotshot very secure with the elastic cinched over the lid.. it has never slipped out once.
The small zipped pouch next to it has never had a purpose.
The zipped back pocket is handy, good to stash a pair of fingerless gloves, a beanie and Skie lens covers. So long as it’s soft, I don’t feel it at all.

A strong net pouch, large enough for a mid layer fleece would in my mind be a great replacement for the main pouch.

I’ve used rucksacks including the Lowepro Scope Travel 200aw..I'm aftraid it don’t work for me.

Now you’ve got me thinking about having a pouch made by a local seamstress who’s very good at realising folks ideas.

Good luck with whatever you decide Stuart.

Adam

 

[Allen]

Slightly confused by this thread as I've used a Mulepack for years and don't quite understand where the issues are with misplaced zips and dumped contents? The zips on the main compartment are on top and zip out both ways so as long as you don't zip both all the way down the sides then where's the problem?

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

I love my Mulepack but you’re right, the main zipped pocket is hugely flawed.

I carry an Opticron HR 60SR with a SDL V2 wrapped in a Skua case on a Velbon Sherpa Pro CF and it works a dream, very comfortable and quick to get on a bird. A hide clamp lives permanently on the bottom of the centre column.

BUT, the main zipped pocket is pretty useless, I tend to pop a sandwich in there if I’m out all day, opening just the side of the zip to get to it. The bottle holder keeps a 12oz Yeti Hotshot very secure with the elastic cinched over the lid.. it has never slipped out once.
The small zipped pouch next to it has never had a purpose.
The zipped back pocket is handy, good to stash a pair of fingerless gloves, a beanie and Skie lens covers. So long as it’s soft, I don’t feel it at all.

A strong net pouch, large enough for a mid layer fleece would in my mind be a great replacement for the main pouch.

I’ve used rucksacks including the Lowepro Scope Travel 200aw..I'm aftraid it don’t work for me.

Now you’ve got me thinking about having a pouch made by a local seamstress who’s very good at realising folks ideas.

Good luck with whatever you decide Stuart.

Adam

Evening.

Thank you for the reply and your thoughts on the Mulepack and what you store in it.

Regards
Stuart

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

Slightly confused by this thread as I've used a Mulepack for years and don't quite understand where the issues are with misplaced zips and dumped contents? The zips on the main compartment are on top and zip out both ways so as long as you don't zip both all the way down the sides then where's the problem?

Evening.

Thank you for the reply.

My comments based on the limited product photos on the website. Your comments were the sort of feedback I was hoping for, to provide more detail on the use of the zips and pocket.

Regards
Stuart

 

[Allen]

I'll take some better pics of mine tomorrow. I agree if you unzipped the main bag all the way down then it would fully open but I just don't do that!

 

[Ruff-Leg]

I'll take some better pics of mine tomorrow. I agree if you unzipped the main bag all the way down then it would fully open but I just don't do that!

Exactly. That's what the original question was about.

 

[Adamonthetools]

I'll take some better pics of mine tomorrow. I agree if you unzipped the main bag all the way down then it would fully open but I just don't do that!

The way the main zipped compartment is organised is similar to a wash bag that you’d hang on a hook, it’s designed to be opened fully and hang down to access…hence half of it is filled and accessed upside down.. imo, that doesn’t work in use, which makes the internal design pretty pointless.

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

I'll take some better pics of mine tomorrow. I agree if you unzipped the main bag all the way down then it would fully open but I just don't do that!

Thank you Allen. Much appreciated.

Regards
Stuart

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

Exactly. That's what the original question was about.

The way the main zipped compartment is organised is similar to a wash bag that you’d hang on a hook, it’s designed to be opened fully and hang down to access…hence half of it is filled and accessed upside down.. imo, that doesn’t work in use, which makes the internal design pretty pointless.

Morning.

I’m sure the design has been throughly tested before it went into production, but currently I can’t quite imagine how it works in practice. Perhaps I’m missing something.

Regards
Stuart

 

[Stuart Goodwin]

Exactly. That's what the original question was about.

Morning.

Thank you for re-highlighting these original question,

Regards
Stuart