Carrying lots of Wildlife Equipment

[twhite87]

Hi guys,

I'm after a bit of advice. I've recently bought some camouflage netting and support poles. My question is how do you guys that have this type of stuff get around carrying it all?

I currently use a Lowepro Photo Sport 30L bag to carry my camera & lens, tripod head, food, drink, etc. But as soon as I start to carry the netting, poles, and tripod, it gets a bit too much to handle. Not even mentioning something to sit on if I'm doing very long sessions. Thought about trying to rig it all up onto a back pack somehow but not sure.

Was just a bit curious as to how do you guys load it all up?

 

[gramps]

I don't use the netting or poles but for some 'extras' I use velcro straps to go through loops or whatever on the backpack ... don't know if that would work for you

 

[GyRob]

I have a large holdall with a shoulder strap ,takes my netting, fold up stool,converters, flask etc bins , I carry my lens/ camera on a mono pod or tripod over my shoulder 600f4islmkII 1dx -it is all very heavy though and 1/2 a mile is about as far as I want to go .

In some ways it stops me from going places so iv just ordered a 400 do mkII to use on my 5dsr I really want to lighten the load as much as I can.

Rob.

 

[john.margetts]

You need an intern!

 

[fazer]

I use one of the portable fold up chair + bag as seen at outdoor events, camping shops etc. Larger size bag has room for smaller chair, tripod/monopod and odds n sods. Can be hand carried or slung over shoulder.
In your case maybe wrap netting around chair and poles slide down the side.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-FOL...HING-GARDEN-INDOOR-OUTDOOR-SEAT-/321813460999

 

[the black fox]

I wonder why you actually need it all Tim ,I also shoot wildlife and as we have now met .you will know I,m quiet a bit bigger than you ,I manage to get extremely close pics of birds and animals ,a good set of camo clothing helps at times ,but I have found over the years that even that's not necessary ,birds are not spooked by noise ,some even find shutter clatter attractive ,but they are spooked by sudden movement ,so slow moves are needed ,animals again don't seem to worry about noise but movement and smell can spook them .
If you really still think you need to take the stuff with you ,try a extra large fishing backpack ,I used to have one that was gigantic and had exterior pockets all over if I recall it was around 50ltrs capacity . Don't think there's anything in the photography market to compare with what the fishing boys need to lug around

 

[twhite87]

Thanks Guys.

Think I'm going to have a think about what I really need to take out with me, and then maybe have a play around with different ideas on packing/carrying it all.

@the black fox - Was good to meet you at the show. Had a few people come up to me and say hello so I must just have that kind of face!

 

[magicaxeman]

I've never been a fan of hides and certainly never taking poles, preferring if need be to use dead branches or cutting hazel sticks on site for that sort of use, but in general I preferred to travel light.

For a seat I always used a cheap carp mat that rolled up, it had a waterproof base with nylon covering a foam top that insulated me from the ground and kept me dry, I liked being at ground level whether fishing, shooting or photographing so it was ideal. If you prefer laying down then a camping mat is ideal.

As long as you break up your outline and employ a few field craft skills you can get away with next to nothing, in fact the field craft such as staying below the targets horizon & staying down wind, not wearing aftershave, not washing with scented soap before going out etc etc was more important than camouflage.
Most animals rely on scent much more than sight to detect threats/predators.

If you want camo gear then a couple of metres of ultra light real tree scrim is much easier to pack & carry than a lot of the heavier camo nets you see around and real tree clothing in several patterns is easily available now, even full ghillie suits can be picked up relatively cheaply.
Tripods can be camo'd up cheaply using low tack real tree tape thats usually used on gun barrels/stocks, to carry your tripod use a velcro strap to hold the lets together then either tie some parracord to one of the legs in two places to hold a shoulder strap or use zip ties to do the same.

If you prefer more comfort then a light weight aluminium framed carp chair is ideal and for long hauls of lots of gear you could try one of the carp barrows, you could even go the whole hog and get a pop up hide.

Its also worth looking around for any field craft/stalking courses being run locally as it can pay dividends learning these skills if you don't have them.

I've seen my father in ordinary jeans & jacket sneak up on a deer and touch it, scaring the living daylights out of it and can't count the number of times that kingfishers have sat inches away from me on my fishing rod, its much more about whether you know how to blend in and act in the countryside than it is the gear you have.