Top tips on how to carry a spotting scope and tripod

The way that you carry your optics is crucial for a number of reasons. If you are using a spotting scope, it’s likely that you will be mounting it on a tripod.

(Read our article here about why the use of a tripod is recommended with a spotting scope.)

How to use a spotting scope for birding

Even though many tripods and spotting scopes are specifically designed to be lightweight, they can still be heavy. And whatever their weight they are an awkward shape to transport on foot. So you have at least these two pieces of gear to contend with. Plus of course any additional lenses or cleaning kit. Not to mention supplies like snacks and a water bottle.

It’s best to keep your spotting scope clean and dry. A spotting scope also needs to be protected from knocks and scrapes so as not to damage the housing or the delicate components within. The spotting scope will work better and last for longer.

Being able to transport your spotting scope in a comfortable way that does not cause unnecessary fatigue will keep the enjoyment levels high when you are bird watching. A safe and simple method of carrying it will also help you to stay fresh and keen for longer. Then you can spend more enjoyable time out in the field.

Getting your equipment set up quickly and easily can make the difference between seeing a bird and missing it, or only having a distant naked-eye view as it flies off. So it’s good to have an efficient system of carrying your birding kit that enables you to stop, set it up, and view birds speedily.

Let’s look at the best options for carrying your spotting scope and tripod comfortably and safely when you are out bird watching.

Option one to carry your spotting scope and tripod: disassembled

By disassembled, we mean that your spotting scope is not yet attached to the tripod. This means that they can be carried separately, with the spotting scope safely stowed in a bag or backpack.

Many people then carry the tripod by hand. Or to keep both hands free, there are tripod cases that may be slung over the shoulder. Birders who use their spotting scope in combination with a pair of binoculars may prefer to leave their hands free. This allos them to get their binoculars into a viewing position as quickly as possible.

You may start out a day of birdwatching in this way – by transporting your kit, still packed safely individually in its cases, to the viewing spot. If you have the intention of only beginning your birding once you are at a specific location, then this option could work for you.

This is the most protective method

It is the method that protects your equipment most effectively. The advantage of leaving the spotting scope unattached to the tripod is that it doesn’t put any strain on the mounting plate. It saves putting extra tension on the screws that connect the two devices. Therefore it avoids any additional wear and tear, which can be created from movement.

The disadvantage of leaving everything encased comes if a good viewing opportunity presents itself earlier than you anticipated. It depends how well practised you are at getting out and setting up the kit. A quick-release connection helps. But the set-up still cannot be as rapid as if the spotting scope were already attached.

However, keeping your kit well organized helps speed up set-up. We recommend finding a sturdy waterproof backpack or messenger-style bag, with padded compartments for each piece of gear.

This means that you will know where stuff is and how to find it quickly. Using an organized system like this makes it easier to get into the habit of getting things out in a particular order and creating a simple and quick routine.

Option two to carry your spotting scope and tripod: disassembled and on wheels!

Another option to carry to equipment is a wheeled cart or trolley. While they might not be specifically intended for birdwatching, they can be a great solution.

Carrying heavy gear can exacerbate any existing conditions. This kind of carry system makes birding more accessible for people who have reduced mobility or any physical differences that make it difficult to carry backpacks or bags.

Something like a wheeled bag designed for shopping, or even a lightweight piece of luggage, does the job. Since they have small wheels, these contraptions work best on surfaces that are relatively flat and level.

Not being able to carry your kit on your body or for long distances needn’t be a barrier to bird watching.

Option three to carry your spotting scope and tripod: over the shoulder, mounted on tripod

Many people choose to leave the spotting scope attached to the tripod and carry the kit still assembled. This is quicker to move on and set up because all you need to do is fold together the legs of the tripod and lift it up.

The popular and practical way to carry the optics in this case is resting against a shoulder. This means that the whole lot is stabilized with one or both hands on the tripod. Meanwhile, the shoulder supports the highest part of the tripod.

The spotting scope is out of your line of vision, pointing over whichever shoulder feels most natural to you. Or switch sides for relief on a long walk.

This means that the birdwatching gear is practically ready for use. All you need to do is set it down and position the legs of the tripod. So it is a quick and easy method.

Drawbacks of the over-the-shoulder method

It does have several disadvantages, though. One is that carrying the tripod and scope like this using at least one of your hands. With the weight tilted towards one side of your body, it also puts you a bit off balance.

This may not be an issue on level ground or walking over flat and easily navigable surfaces. So the method that you choose may vary according to where you are bird watching.

If terrain is rough then it could be more beneficial to have the weight distributed as evenly as possible across both sides of your body. Also it can guard against injury to you or to your kit if you have both hands free to stabilize yourself if the ground is uneven, or in case you fall.

How to avoid shoulder discomfort

The shoulder is generally a bony area of the body. So even through thick clothing and with regular switching of sides, the weight of the tripod and scope balanced against the shoulder can start to become uncomfortable, even painful. There is a solution to this, provided by a product called leg wraps. We explain what these are and how they help in the next section of this article, in option four.

Bear in mind, too, that your kit is more exposed to potential damage. If you intend to carry your spotting scope in this way, even if only for a short time, consider a case that can remain on your scope while it is attached to the tripod. This will protect it from incidents. It’s not always possible to anticipate events such as sudden, unexpected precipitation or accidental contact with low-hanging tree branches.

Another disadvantage to not having your hands free is when using binoculars to supplement scope viewing. In this case, it’s necessary to put down the spotting scope and tripod in order to be able to view through binoculars.

While this is not convenient for some people, for others it is a workable solution and saves buying any additional carrying kit.

Option four to carry your spotting scope and tripod: use a specially-designed device

For people who prefer to make sure their spotting scope is fully secured while they are on the move, there are a few solutions. These have the benefit of allowing you to walk more freely. They also leave both hands free either to hold your binoculars or stabilize yourself.

Some ordinary backpacks can be modified for this purpose. The most suitable ones would be able to organize your gear, with sufficient padding to protect it, and have straps on the outside to attach your tripod. (Some backpacks have loops for hiking poles, which can be adapted for this purpose.)

The three specific products available to help you carry the birding spotting scope while it is attached to the tripod are:

• Tri-pack
• Tripod straps
• Leg wraps

Tri-pack

The name indicates the shape of the backpack. It is because the bag is adapted to accommodate the tripod.

The pack attaches to the tripod below the head and to two of the folded legs. The legs can even be left extended at full-length if you prefer, depending on the terrain.

You might also be traveling by kayak, canoe, motorbike or cycling, in which case the legs clearly need to be telescoped away.

This ingenious design makes setting up super-speedy. All you need to do is remove the straps from your shoulders and extend the leg(s) of the tripod. The backpack, while not massive, usually has room for other pieces of kit such as a field guide, phone, water bottle or extra layers.

Tripod straps

These appear simpler to use and are more lightweight. Tripod straps are an upgrade from the method of just resting the tripod against your body. Instead they allow you to support the weight with a strap over your shoulder.

With the tripod straps you will probably feel more mobile. They can still be tricky to use, especially with the spotting scope still mounted on the tripod.

The scope needs to be held steady and it can be difficult to keep balanced while on the move.

Leg wraps

These are designed to alleviate the pressure when carrying the tripod/spotting scope resting against your shoulder. Leg wraps are basically padding that fastens onto the tripod legs.

As we mentioned earlier, because the shoulder is a bony part of the body, prolonged pressure here can become painful. With some cushioning in the place where the tripod legs press against the shoulder, you can reduce the discomfort.

The added benefit is that the leg wraps also protect the legs of the tripod. There are specially made leg wraps on the market, either built in on tripods or available to purchase separately.

Or it is possible to create your own leg wraps. Some people recommend using the tubular foam that is commonly used to insulate pipes.

There are some kinds available that have an adhesive strip along the inside. This makes it easy to attach the insulation to the legs of your tripod. Make sure that you are totally sure about the positioning of the foam before sticking it on though!

Other top tips for carrying your spotting scope

Protect the lenses with lens covers

It sounds obvious but it can be easy to overlook when in a hurry. Also, some models come with included lens covers that do not stay in place reliably, especially when being jolted about or in damp conditions.

In this case, it could be worth upgrading to a set of lens covers that you can trust to stay attached when it counts.

Use a cover

With a large and potentially vulnerable surface area, spotting scopes benefit from an extra protective case. These can be invaluable if your scope takes an unexpected tumble. This incident most commonly happens when setting up or disassembling the scope and tripod.

A case on your spotting scope needn’t slow down your viewing either. There are cases that can be left on your scope.

These are great because they do not need to be removed to look through the eyepiece. They can usually also stay in place when the scope is attached to the tripod. With access to the focus ring or knob, your scope is fully functional yet still protected.

Extend the sun shade/lens guard immediately

As soon as you set down the spotting scope to set it up, it is worth extending the sun shade over the objective lens. With this in place, if the scope accidentally takes a tumble, at least the lens has more chance of staying intact and avoiding scratches.

Of course it’s never good to break any part of your equipment. But you may be relieved that it is the sunshade that bears the brunt of a fall rather than the edge of the spotting scope itself.

Carrying your spotting scope and tripod together – sorted!

The method that you choose to carry your spotting scope and tripod may vary. Sometimes it changes according to where you are bird watching. Depending on how far you need to walk, and over what kind of trail (or lack of it!), you may prefer to keep both hands free and your weight centered.

There are several products that can help to carry your gear easily and safely while providing additional shelter against the elements.

Only carrying around the stuff that you really need and use each time minimizes the total load. Clearing out your bag regularly prevents any excess bits and pieces accumulating inside.

How to maintain, clean and store your birding spotting scope

Keep your gear safe

It may also prompt you to check for any cleaning or maintenance that needs doing. This could be of the bag itself or of the kit inside.

For example, check the backpack for fraying in the straps or handles, material or threads. Any of these could get caught in the zip, holes in the bottom or sides. Seams and corners are especially prone to strain and holes.

Some bags benefit from regular reapplication of waterproofing products. This tops up their resistance to rain, snow or being dropped in a puddle.

Whichever method you choose to transport your spotting scope and tripod, we wish you happy bird watching. If you are traveling further afield and taking a plane trip, we have advice on how to transport your spotting scope here.

Can I carry a spotting scope on a plane?