Chair hide

[snake]

This year I am hoping to get some pics of the wildfowl and waders that come into the splashes that form on the fields during the winter months. After trawling the internet I have just received delivery of a two man chair hide.
I put it up in the garden and so far I am quite impressed with it, reasonably comfortable and roomy. The only concern I have is, will it put up with a bit of windy weather, I think I will have to make some heavier pegs to hold it down and maybe make some guy ropes.
Does anyone have any experience of this type of hide?

[willing to learn]

Just brought something similar, not used it yet. I think it can be pegged down, but its unlikely to go far with me anchoring it down
Might be a bit tricky to leave it out,for the wildlife to grow a customed. But in this day and age its more likely to be nicked
Regards
Colin

[AlphaZeroOne]

I have recently purchased one of these hides - much to the mirth of my wife who thinks that it looks a bit like a child's buggy when erected with a big kid (me) inside!

That said (and fading laughter), I have managed to use the hide to good effect twice in the local woods. I am very pleased with it so far although I will reserve full judgment until 12 months or so down the line.

One slight concern that I have is the rear window. This, although covered in netting, seems to be somewhat exposed to the elements so I am not that certain that it will hold off the rain (with the wind in the wrong direction). My other concern with this window is the possibility of my outline being silhouetted - although this should be minimal.

I have made one customisation with the front window in as much as I hang a green netting down with the lens sticking out and beyond but with me being behind - minimising any detection of movement.

Despite my wife's laughter (she was literally crying tears of joy), I am really looking forward to giving the hide a run for the money. I hope that you too have great fun and success.

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by AlphaZeroOne

I have recently purchased one of these hides - much to the mirth of my wife who thinks that it looks a bit like a child's buggy when erected with a big kid (me) inside!

Despite my wife's laughter (she was literally crying tears of joy), I am really looking forward to giving the hide a run for the money. I hope that you too have great fun and success.

That was exactly my wife's reaction when I bought a bag hide!

Women eh - they just don't understand

She reckons I'd have more success in one of these....

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XWF_GhGmPg...%2Bcostume.jpg

[welshcameraman]

I would be interested in how you all get on with these hides.I am thinking of getting one for the spring, at the moment I am ebbing towards a mini dome type, but I am open minded, so I will be following this thread with great interest.

Martin

[snake]

Well, I made some stronger pegs and also had a few more loops stitched to the bottom of the hide to stop excess flapping and give additional points to help anchor it down.
I tried it out over the weekend and I am very pleased with it. I sat in it for three hours and found it very comfortable, more than enough room to move and most importantly, the birds took absolutely no notice of it.

AlphaZeroOne, I agree with you about the back window, I am not to concerned about the fact that rain could come in but I do think that you can be seen from outside the hide. What I have done is fixed a piece of hide netting over it which stops you from being seen and still allows you to look out.
It is so easy to carry around and can be put up or taken down in just a few minutes, perfect for the garden or anywhere you find something worth taking a picture of.


A pic from the weekend.

[Jonsfotos]

Martin,

I purchased a bag hide from Wildlife watching supplies.All i can say is that they are worth the investment.Mind you Billy is right, your other half will cry laughing when she sees you in it !!Mine is the proofed version in Advantage Timber and is resistant to showery rain as i have happily found out.At Martins Haven just recently i scared the hell out of a couple of walkers when i suddenly appeared out from under it.It is a good bit of kit.

Jon

[AlphaZeroOne]

Billy - your picture is a pearl! Why didn't I think of that.

Jon - obviously the cam worked. You should have taken a photo of the looks of shock that the couple had their faces!

Snake - I have tried something similar but, thinking about it, I am thinking that the chances of a silhouette will be minimal, especially if you position the hide against a dark background or foliage. Great photos by the way.

There is clearly much fun to be had with these hides - more than just trying to taking photographs. Maybe we should think about organising an hide meeting - along the lines of camping weekends. I would be interested in seeing any photographs of hides in situ and modifications that have been made.

The only 'street cred' argument that I have been able to come up with so far is that Simon King has used the 2 seater hide. In fact I am sure that I saw one on in the background on the last Autumn Watch program. Or was this just wishful thinking on my part?