Spotting scope pockets

finner

WKR
Joined
Feb 14, 2019
Messages
316
Howdy. I just picked up my first spotting scope (many thanks to aron) and I'm looking for a good way to carry it around in/on my pack. Has anybody used both the Kifaru and SG scope pockets? If so, which would you recommend? The Kifaru looks more solid and easier to pack around. I have a SG 6200, which does not have any exterior pockets
 
I've been considering one myself so I'm no help to you but hopefully it's ok if I add a question to your inquiry.
For the people that utilize an outside scope pocket are there any concerns of damage to the scope?
 
I've been considering one myself so I'm no help to you but hopefully it's ok if I add a question to your inquiry.
For the people that utilize an outside scope pocket are there any concerns of damage to the scope?

THis is what I always worry about, what happens when I forget its back there and set my pack down too hard??? I usually keep mine in the main bag sort of wrapped up.
 
I had the SG 6200 as well as the SG spotting scope pocket. In my opinion the pocket worked OK. It’s just another piece to flop around, though it protects the spotting scope quite well. I just hated attaching and detaching it. The easiest way to run a spotter IMO is to either run it in the pack, or for quick access in a side water bottle pocket. You should be able to squeeze your spotter in the one side pocket of the sky archer.
Actually one of the reasons I switched to Seek Outside, was for their giant side water bottle pockets. Fits my 664 Kowa easily and I have instant access.


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If you are concerned about damage to the scope in the pocket I would recommend getting a Creedmor case for it. It is custom sized to the scope, adds padding around the entirety of the scope, and stays on when in use. I've had one on mine for a decade and it has done an excellent job protecting my investment.
 
I use the kifaru pocket, or have atleast. It works well.

I take a piece of closed cell foam, just a piece of a thermarewt z lite pad and wrap the scope in it prior to throwing it in, gives the scope some protection, and gives me something to sit on.
 
I’ve use the kifaru in the past, not sure what you mean by more solid as it is just a cordua pocket so no stiffness or anything.

Personally I don’t think they are worth it, just put the spotter in your bag.
 
I just had Pods8 make me a pack A5ABADF8-F5A1-42D7-AC79-A5C61BAF656E.jpeg5D306951-7E32-4E52-BB0D-CD08CF07EFD6.jpeg
I intended to use the front vertical pocket for a spotter but upon getting my hands on the pack and thinking about it a little more it’ll most likely end up in a pocket on the pals webbing on the top of the bag. As others have said I fear I’d flop my pack down/lean up again rock/tree too hard and break it.
 
Howdy. I just picked up my first spotting scope (many thanks to aron) and I'm looking for a good way to carry it around in/on my pack. Has anybody used both the Kifaru and SG scope pockets? If so, which would you recommend? The Kifaru looks more solid and easier to pack around. I have a SG 6200, which does not have any exterior pockets
I can't answer your question entirely because I've only used the SG pocket, and it works pretty good IMO. I carry my spotter in a soft stay-on case and always have my tripod attached for quick, easy deployment, and this was no problem using the SG pocket (the zippers zipped around the scope and the tripod just hangs outside of the pocket). However, the last couple seasons, I've stopped carrying the scope pocket and have instead, just pack the scope under the pack lid (sandwiching the scope in between the lid and main body of the pack), with the tripod hanging down the back of the pack. If I feel a need to, I can also put a strap around the tripod, and cinch it down to help secure it to the pack. This system works very well for me, as I like the minimalist approach, and I'd rather eliminate things on my pack rather than add to it.
 
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