Pop-up Hides - advice please?

[pressld2]

I know there are a few WAB members that own and use these and was hoping you might have some recommendations or advice for me as I'm considering getting one. I know they can be a nightmare to collapse until you get the hang of it so I'll be practicing in the garden a lot! I've also heard that the ones with the integral seat are best avoided as the slightest shift in position makes the whole hide move. I'm inclined to one without a seat anyway as I'd like to be able to lie down in it for waders or ground feeding birds.

There's one here that looks good in terms of size and weight (and also price) but I'm not really sure about the colour...

Opticswarehouse Hides, Screens and Nets

Dave P.

[camo]

Hi Dave

I have looked at some and will buy one for the spring, however I favour the one with an integral seat.

I have tested it at shows and was impressed, it is really easy to put up and take down, has good all around visibility and there is enough room for a tripod.
Whilst I was in Aviemore I was using the same lake as the Spring watch team and I notice they were using one.

I checked out the link you posted and I was not taken with the colours. however I have not seen it in the flesh. My current decision is a single or double hide.

In the mean time I use a home made one and nearly always just use the cover and drape it over my shoulders. I am sure the hide will be an improvement but it is very handy as I can attach the cover to my ruck sack.

I took a photo of the Spring watch team in their hide and I will post it later tonight.

Roy

Roy

[ron1863]

That's around the average weight for a one man pop-up hid, 7-9lb though one with an integral seat would, I imagine push the weight up a good deal.

[DavyG]

Dave,

I have an Ameristep Multi Season Doghouse Pack-In Blind, it's not unlike the one you're considering, it's easy to use although I wouldn't like to be lugging it around to far in addition to my camera kit.

It has a seat but not an integral one, I prefer to have the option.

I can't remember where I bought it but I think it may have been from bushwear.co.uk.

Dave

[PMG]

You probably know we have the Ameristep Doghouse David - and I cant praise it enough - it is fun to put back down - the worst thing is damaging it on hard ground while you're doing it as it does req a bit of strength and determination to over come the metal circles in the first fold but once over that its as easy as pie - just remember to step back smartly when you throw it on the floor to open it - otherwise it will have your glasses and your nose and could break either if you were unlucky!

I can manage to carry it - rucksack style - plus the small straight back folding chair which came with it - tho not for miles and miles but to a definite destination not too far away I would struggle and manage it! It out performs the dome hide types - its bigger, darker, does not show your shadow thro in bright sunlight. It does leak badly in heavy rain but that doesn't worry me and like I said - the limestone chippings where we have our van have done it a bit of damage while folding it down. I'm more interested in not being seen by what I'm after than being dry. It will be no use in the Western Isles - way too tall and obvious both for the quarry looking at it and attracting folks to it. You would be amazed how many daft folk will come over to it when your in and ask what you're doing, looking at or photographing. If I owned a gun I would be seriously tempted to shoot folk like this ............

A dome hide is better for low level work as you are already set at a low level but takes a few mins to put up and down so its horses for courses as usual.

A loose bag hide can have its uses too - tho you have to sit or lie still unless you are backed up in vegetation or a hedge.

Gamefayre in Scotland have the Ameristep in a 10% off sale at the min £126

Pauline

[pressld2]

First of all I must apologise for not posting sooner to thank you all for your excellent advice - most remiss of me!

The Ameristep ones seem to be reasonably popular so in the end I have gone for the "Outhouse" one shown in the link on my original post, although not in that pattern and not from that site.

I like the look of this one as it's a bit taller than the "Doghouse" at six and a half feet so I should be able to stand up in it. It's also a bit lighter at 8 pounds rather than 12 and as it's just me (poor old Billy-no-mates!) I don't need one that can fit two people in.

I also think that in some circumstances I may be able to use this one laying on its side for those low angle shots of waders.

I found it on an American site in "Tangle" pattern (rather than "Mossy Oak") which looks much better, and at half the price of the UK site. Even with trans-Atlantic shipping it was only $50.90 - about thirty-five quid. It may take a few weeks to get here but as I've lived without one for years I don't mind that.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Dave P.

[BillyPilgrim]

Originally Posted by pressld2

I found it on an American site in "Tangle" pattern (rather than "Mossy Oak") which looks much better, and at half the price of the UK site. Even with trans-Atlantic shipping it was only $50.90 - about thirty-five quid. It may take a few weeks to get here but as I've lived without one for years I don't mind that.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Dave P.

I wouldn't mind having a look at that. Can you provide a link please?

[camo]

Originally Posted by pressld2

First of all I must apologise for not posting sooner to thank you all for your excellent advice - most remiss of me!

The Ameristep ones seem to be reasonably popular so in the end I have gone for the "Outhouse" one shown in the link on my original post, although not in that pattern and not from that site.

I like the look of this one as it's a bit taller than the "Doghouse" at six and a half feet so I should be able to stand up in it. It's also a bit lighter at 8 pounds rather than 12 and as it's just me (poor old Billy-no-mates!) I don't need one that can fit two people in.

I also think that in some circumstances I may be able to use this one laying on its side for those low angle shots of waders.

I found it on an American site in "Tangle" pattern (rather than "Mossy Oak") which looks much better, and at half the price of the UK site. Even with trans-Atlantic shipping it was only $50.90 - about thirty-five quid. It may take a few weeks to get here but as I've lived without one for years I don't mind that.

Thanks again for all the advice.

Dave P.

Hi Dave

That sounds a fantastic price and I will also be interested in the contact link.

Roy

[pressld2]

You know that old saying "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is"?

Just had an email from them...

Thank you for your recent order. As stated in our shipping terms and policies we always recalculate International shipping and charge actual billed shipping charges. We also want to let you know that we will not be responsible for any taxes or duties levied by the shipment Courier or by your Government.

The total charges for your recent order are as follows -- $97.45 USD

Merchandise: $39.95 USD

Shipping Charges USPS Priority Mail International -- $57.50 USD

I've asked them if they offer any slower, cheaper shipping - USPS Priority is an airmail courier service I think - but if not to cancel the order.

I'll let you know the response but in the meantime if anyone still wants the link please PM me.

The annoying thing is that the UK site don't offer it in anything other than "Mossy Oak" which I really don't like the look of.

Dave P.

[Scubapauly]

I know its a bit late now but I use one of these and cant rate it high enough

One Man Wildlife Photography Camouflage Chair Hide | For Nature Watching

I got some great shots out in the snow over the last few weeks.