Tri-Pak - carrying heavy tripods & lenses in the field?

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Has anyone ever tried to use a Tri-Pak for carrying heavy tripods & lenses in the field?

See http://www.bigpockets.com/catalog/gear/tripak.html

I met recently a photographer in the field carrying some med-large Nikon lens/camera on a tripod w/ ballhead with it. She recommended it and gave me the name of the supplier. Would be curious to hear if anyone on this forum has ever used it particularly with a 500 mm lens and tripod w/ gimbal head. Can it support/distribute the weight well? Is it durable?

Thanks in advance. JR

[John T. Watson]

I have a Tri-pak. I use it on the tripod I use for my birding scope. I don't have a Big lens (yet). Biggest one is 100-400. It works pretty good on the birding scope. I couldn't say how well it would distribute the wieght of a camera lens with flash and all.

John

[Jamie Strickland]

very interesting, this wouldcome in very handy to say the least

I started looking around and also found this one http://www.cleyspy.co.uk/the-mulepack-c41.html which I would like even more as it has a small storage area and then could throw battery, small lunch etc in there

anyone ever use one of them? I cant seem to find a US supplier

[DeanNewman]

After using and being disappointed with the "Tri-pak" tripod carrier, I ordered the Cley Spy "Mule" mentioned above. It's much superior in it's workmanship. The Tri-pack is flimsy, obviously made for light use with small tripods. I use a Gitzo 5561 with big fat legs which the Tripack's Velcro straps couldn't reach around. Besides, the Velcro wasn't stitched sturdy enough for me to trust it with my 600 f/4.

The Cley Spy Mule, on the other hand, is made for rugged use with plenty of Velcro to wrap around the legs and it's securely stitched to much heavier fabric. The arm straps are much better padded and, as noted, there are plent of pockets with a water bottle holder. I ordered my Mule from the website above. Price with shipping from UK was $114.63.

[Jamie Strickland]

how long have you had it Dean? so you had your 600 on with the tripod and it was steady enough to walk around? oh boy I just found my next order :D

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Wow, totally forgotten about this. Thanks Jaimie for pointing out the "mulepack" and thanks Dean for sharing your impressions.

Question: if you have the legs fully extended such that the viewfinder is at eye level is there enough clearance between the bottom of the tripod legs and the ground when carrying it on your back? Or do you have to shorten the legs to avoid bouncing them on the ground?

Thanks, JR