Though ignored by many more mobile birders, telescope-bearing backpacks like the Scopac have proved a boon for pedestrian birders, or those who use public transport or bicycles.
94 : Scopac tripod backpack
2005
Though ignored by many more mobile birders, telescope-bearing backpacks like the Scopac have proved a boon for pedestrian birders, or those who use public transport or bicycles.
A largely unsung hero of birding is that humble foot soldier of the gravel path and muddy track, the pedestrian birder. He or she doggedly heads for inaccessible reserve or non-infrastructured estuary using only public transport and boot leather, often carrying telescope, tripod, camera and bins through rain, snow or sunshine. For that sturdy individual, the backpack tripod carrier has been a godsend.
Succeeding where previous carry-strap attempts failed, the Scopac, and its close cousins the Mulepack and the discontinued Viking Tripod S’port, enable a birder on foot to carry a telescope still attached to its tripod on his or her back, leaving both hands free for using binoculars or taking photographs. This is made possible simply by attaching two of the tripod legs to what is essentially a small flat triangular backpack. The tripod can still be opened, and can even remain partially extended, while the built-in straps and adjusters spread the weight of the load in such a way that the scope and tripod feel much lighter than if carried over the shoulder. Cleverly, the design means that the equipment and carrier do not need to be separated from each other whenever the wearer stops for a scan.
Features vary according to model but typically include one or more pockets for a field guide, notebook or small camera, while the ‘Lite’ version of the Scopac offers a separate detachable Digipac storage pouch with water bottle pocket. A further advantage of this particular model is the use of breathable mesh material; as well as cutting down on heat retention and sweating, it helped negate the ‘sail effect’ of designs using solid canvas, which could be caught by strong winds and blown over if left unattended while attached to a standing tripod.
As a side benefit of this novel and popular invention, the birding backpack also means that more are encouraged not to use their cars to help transport their gear; it is also entirely suitable for birding excursions by bike, sealing its green credentials.