Looking for a particular hide

FUDGEY · #1 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 05:35 PM

Probably being too fussy here, but on the off chance I thought I would ask just in case. I'm looking for a hide with these requirements. Preferably just big enough for me to sit in comfortably, approx 3ft by 3ft and 4ft high. Ideally I'd like openings at each side so I can view all around me and must be light and easily erected. I'd be very surprised if there's one out there I'm looking for, but if there isn't I would build one myself to suit. Has anyone built their own and if so does anyone have a supplier where I could buy the material used to make tents? I'd be extremely grateful for any help on this one. I am currently using a bag hide, but I'm not happy with the viewing side and the comfort side. Especially now that the warmer weather isn't too far away. I nearly cooked in it in the autumn & could only manage 10 mins at a time. Thanks in advance.

AndyElliott · #2 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 06:15 PM

I have one of these: CAMO POP UP CHAIR HIDE, POP UP HIDES (Powered By Storesprite.com)

£60 is a bargain and it is waterproof

Andy

FUDGEY · #3 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 06:32 PM

Andy you are a total god send, that looks like exactly what I'm after mate. A couple of questions bud. Roughly how heavy is it and is it sturdy in the wind? Oh and also what shape is it dismatled and once you are inside is their ample room for a tripod? You have just made my night thank you so much :-)

FUDGEY · #4 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 06:36 PM

PS is the seat built in?

AndyElliott · #5 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 08:28 PM

Seat is built in, complete with cup-holder!

It collapses down and has its own nylon bag that you could probably slip a tripod in - I tend not to as I have the hide over my back (the bag is about 40cmx120cm ish) and carry the camera/lens attached to the tripod over my shoulder. I would be concerned about the tripod ripping the nylon bag. The hide in the bag is pretty light and the material is back-proofed with a sort of light-proof rubbery coating (so no light shines through - this is good!). It is very wind proof and I've spent up to 6 hours in it! There are peg holes and pegs if you need to anchor it down, but I tend not to bother. I have sewn a piece of scrim camo netting into the front to give myself more cover so things can't see in when I have the front aperture wide open (it can be opened in two stages, either the full width or just a small aperture to poke the lens through).

I shot this from the hide: Picasa Web Albums - OlympusAndy - Kingfisher Mi...

Andy

BillyPilgrim · #6 (**permalink**) 26-01-2010, 11:04 PM

Its funny that you ask at this moment because I'm just in the process of building my own hide.

I looked at what was available to buy and almost went for the Ameristep Outhouse Pop-Up hide, which retails at a very reasonable £70ish. But its just too big for what I want.

I considered the chair hide many times but for me its a bit small and I don't like the idea of the chair being built-in. I also want something that you can turn around in.

I looked around for a happy medium but couldn't find one, so I decided to do the job myself.

It will measure 4'x4'X5'6" (just my preference it would be easy to adjust the size) and should fold up to fit into a bag which measures about 20"x5".

I've already got the poles and have just ordered the camo material. Total cost about £33 so far. It should cost about £40 when finished.

nigel_b · #7 (**permalink**) 27-01-2010, 06:34 AM

Admittedly not for very long stays but I use a small camping chair with a massive ex-military poncho over the top. The tripod fits inside no problems. I already had the camping chair so £10 for the poncho from an army surplus shop. (Dont get one of the lightweight ponchos, the rustling will drive you mad!)

I was using it on the river bank yesterday and with weak sun it was surprisingly warm inside, warm enough not to have to wear gloves.

FUDGEY · #8 (**permalink**) 27-01-2010, 10:35 AM

Great pics Andy, Kingfishers are the ones I love photographing mostly.

I got on the link last night, but when i went to order it today it seems to be broken. Is it just me?

FUDGEY · #9 (**permalink**) 27-01-2010, 10:42 AM

AndyElliott · #10 (**permalink**) 27-01-2010, 12:17 PM

Those shots I pointed you at weren't that technically good - quite dark and with the 2x TC on the 300/2.8 (1200mm efl) and then cropped! Despite the hide, I couldn't get as close as I wanted without getting wet! Still, better than none at all! Looks like you have some crackers of the KFs. Jeff Harrison (well known on this forum) lives about 1/4 mile from me so I have seen plenty of his shots!

Andy