Backpacking With the Big Spotters

[Muledeerfanatic]

I'm in the market for a new spotting scope and considering a big boy. Maybe a Vortex 85mm. Just curious how many of you carry big scopes in the backcountry on multi day trips. I like the 60-66mm scopes but have been really cutting my weight in other areas over the last few years so adding a couple pounds wouldn't kill me. They are just so damn bulky not to mention the increase in tripod needed to support them.

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

The weight is totally worth it to me. I almost always have my 80 with me. I don't even feel bad about it anymore as I've left it behind and wished I had it way too many times.

 

[Matt Cashell]

I love taking the big un' too. I usually split up the weight with a partner. One takes the scope, the other the tripod.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

If I'm with someone we always split it up also. Main issue obviously is dawn and dusk spotting and anything that helps is a plus.
Might just have to bite the bullet and giver her a shot.

 

[Josh Wright]

I have a Razor HD 50mm and a Vanguard Endeavor HD 82mm. Loving the 82mm. It will be with me at all times during scouting trips. I will probably take the 50mm when I am hunting, but not sure yet.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

I have my viper 80mm with me all the time from day trips to multi. I guess I love my 3lb spotter more than anything

 

[Stid2677]

I pack the Swaro ATX 95mm,, she is a fat girl,, but she was saved me from wasted miles trying to get a closer look at sheep that were not legal and the large objective sucks in light. I have lots of light weight gear and cut the weight in other areas, also is simply awesome for filming through digiscoping. I also have an ATM 65mm, and it has not left the house since I got the big girl.

 

[brettpsu]

Every time I leave the big eye at home I regret it. Never again

 

[Elkmasterwyo]

Sold my swaro 65 and picked up an 80 to try this season, definitely adds to your morning/evening glassing sessions.

 

[Shrek]

I take mine if for no other reason than the pleasure of glassing a mountain and seeing the fine details like a deer bedded under a bush that you would never have seen otherwise. 80mm ATS will be with me.

 

[WRO]

What side said, the fat girl will save you enough hiking to justify the weight.

 

[justin davis]

I prefer 65 for packing. Big girls for closer to the truck

 

[Matt Cashell]

I always prefer to have the 85 for serious glassing, but I do love having the 50 option for certain uses.

Particularly:

1. Solo trips where I am checking out lots of spots, where the compact spotter and corresponding smaller tripod really save you some weight.

2. Hunts in areas I don't expect to glass much and when I otherwise wouldn't take a spotter. It sure is nice to have that 50 when you would otherwise be wishing you had a spotter at all.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

I think I'm gonna have to pull the trigger on this one. Missing out on the first and last half hour of light each day is not good.
Think I can get the Vortex razor hd 85mm for half price!

 

[WRO]

I pack an atx 85mm and wouldn't carry less..

I've packed the fat girl too (95mm) and there in nothing that compares to it.

 

[boom]

The bulk gets me more than the weight. Pack real estate is precious.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Loving my Razor 85. Not being an elite wilderness ounce counting athlete....I'll carry the extra 1-2# in spotter to have the max distance possible. Ask me again after a few lengthy high mountain trips (and the ignorance wears off) and I might have a different opinion. Lol

 

[bcimport]

I have had a 50, 65 and 85 (swaro and vortex), sold the 85 to go down to the 50 to save weight and size. That lasted less than two weeks before another 85 was in the mail. If I need a spotter then I want to count points or rings and it's worth the weight and size to see clearly. Like some other guys have mentioned, I cut weight a lot of places but not here.