Mulepack or Scopac? (2 Viewers)

[joannec]

Which is better Mulepack or Scopac and why? I've got a birthday coming up and I thought one of these would make my life easier. I want something with pockets/pouches to carry lunch, notebook and digiscoping stuff etc. The mulepack is a little more expensive but not much.

 

[postcardcv]

There really isn't that much difference between the two, if you just want the carrier then the Scopac lite might be the better option. But if you want to carry other gear then the Mulepac has a better bag which attaches more securely. I know people who use both and haven't heard complaints from either so I doubt you can go wrong... though obviously as an ex Cley Spy employee I'd recommend the Mulepac!

 

[Irene Boston]

If you're going to carry anything heavy, then the Scopac has a fundamental flaw in the design. The plastic toggle thingy (very technical!) that attaches the whole bag bit of the Scopac to the top of the carrying section isn't up to the job.

If you carry anything heavy, like water bottles in the side pockets, then gradually the weight will break the plastic toggle attachment - which is only a thin strip of plastic. The velcro behind the bag which attaches it to the pack takes some of the weight but essentially, most of the weight hangs off that plastic toggle strip.

Mine broke ages ago and I've used strong gardening wire to tie it up! So when the thing finally gives up the ghost, I'll be buying a Mulepack as the clips are proper rucksack type attachments which look much stronger.

 

[joannec]

Thanks Peter and Irene. Irenes' point about the design flaw in the strap attachment of the Scopac is important as I will be carrying lunch, including water and sometimes a Collins. The last thing you want is for the strap to break.:C

 

[PYRTLE]

The mulepack is a little more expensive but not much.

The Scopac alone is the same price as a Mulepack - if you add the extra pouch then the price for the Scopac "extra" is around the £80 mark. As Postcard CV says they are both very good and do the job.

 

[NoSpringChicken]

I, too, recently received a Mulepack as a birthday present to carry my Nikon ED50 and am very pleased with it. It makes it very comfortable to carry the scope and the pack provides a useful amount of storage space, although I haven't used it to the full yet. There is a bespoke water bottle compartment with an elastic securing strap, a separate pocket which will take a compact camera, wallet/purse or phone etc. The main compartment should take a bit of food, gloves or other bits and pieces and there is a zipped compartment in the main body of the Mulepack which will easily accommodate a couple of field guides, maps etc. Bear in mind, though, that the space in both designs is limited by the the tripod centre column which reduces the amount that the bag can expand backwards.

I didn't really consider the Scopac, as I live reasonably close to Cley Spy and went there to try one before making my decision. The Mulepack also matches the Cley Spy stay-on case on my scope perfectly. I am sure both designs are equally good and you wouldn't be disappointed with either.

Ron

 

[Irene Boston]

I will be carrying lunch, including water and sometimes a Collins.

I carry water, compact camera and other bits and bobs inside the pack so the weight can be considerable. If it weren't for the water, it'd probably be manageable but I always carry water somehow, so if they've made it with side pockets for water, then they should really strengthen the top plastic carrying thingy wotsit in order to cope.

Best thing is to probably go and look at both and see for yourself the plastic toggle arrangement and see if you think it's strong enough.

Best wishes,
Irene

 

[joannec]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments. I was leaning towards the Mulepack and as a result of this thread, a BFer came forward with one for sale. So I've now got one. Thanks P......BF at it's best!!:t:

Joanne