Hides or camoflague, your opinions please.

Trev4

Trev4

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Trev
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I'm coming to the opinion that some sort of camoflague could be a good idea for wild life togging, and some threads have indicated that a hide was used to get some excelent shots.

My equipment is heavy enough already and I'm not getting any younger :| so a camoflague net of some sort seems a possibility and would be easy to carry, hopefully folding up small enough to pack in my camera backpack. This could then be thrown over both myself and the camera/tripod.

I see some of varying patterns and sizes available and wonder if anyone has any thoughts or experience on using them.

There are many sizes available, 3 x 3 meters, 3 x 2 meters, 3 x 1.4 meters and so on. If you use one, what size do you find does the job for you.

Thanks in advance for your views :thumbs:
 
I used to have the 3D netting and it was great-very lite and packs up very small. Just throw it over yourself and your equipment. Only issue was in a wind it would rustle like leaves and it was annoying to me more than the animals.Now seem to have misplaced it but i also have a Stealth Wildlife 1 man chair hide but that only gets used the odd time.
 
Hi Trev, I have a Stealth Wildlife lightweight throwover hide. It rolls up quite small and has a velcro opening to fasten around the camera lens. It is see through from the inside and I can sit inside with the camera on a tripod sat on a folding 3 leg stool. Can highly recomend, available in various colours.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
I used to have the 3D netting and it was great-very lite and packs up very small. Just throw it over yourself and your equipment. Only issue was in a wind it would rustle like leaves and it was annoying to me more than the animals.Now seem to have misplaced it but i also have a Stealth Wildlife 1 man chair hide but that only gets used the odd time.
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FiestaRed said:
Trev, one of the companies have a camo cover you throw over yourself and the camera.

It looks light and easy to carry, could be Stealth Wildlife, not sure.

Thought so, not so sure about the colour though: http://www.stealthwildlife.co.uk/premier-throw-over-hide-2309-0.html
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DOTTYROSS said:
Hi Trev, I have a Stealth Wildlife lightweight throwover hide. It rolls up quite small and has a velcro opening to fasten around the camera lens. It is see through from the inside and I can sit inside with the camera on a tripod sat on a folding 3 leg stool. Can highly recomend, available in various colours.
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Thanks guys, thats helpful :thumbs:

Gordon, it this the one you have? it looks a little cramped in the picture but it could be deceiving. It looks just what I was thinking of though. Do you find you use it much?
 
It's a difficult one to call really Trev. I have a 2 man hide and it's pretty good - fairly easy to erect and take down, but it weighs 17lbs which is a serious consideration if any amount of walking is involved. The problem with hides generally is that they severely restrict your all round visibilty which can sometimes be a disadvantage as it's nice to be aware of what's going on around you - not just right in front of you.

Cammo netting is lighter and can often be strung across trees, gaps in hedgerows etc., or as FR said, you can drape it right over yourself and the camera. In my shooting days I used a cammo sheet similar to what Mark describes, green on one side and brown on the other, cut out in a rough sort of leaf design. I think it might have been called 'Leafscreen' but it's been a while so I'm not sure. A gunshop/shooting supplies shop usually stock various types of cammo sheeting if you wanted to compare types. You could pop into Wisemans in Cannock.
 
Thanks CT, I understand what you mean about visibility, I would definitely want all round vision to know whats going on around me. The 17lb you mentioned is a lot on top of everything else.

I know Wisemans but have never been there, didnt even think about them, thanks :thumbs:

The one Stealth are doing looks a possibility, and Gordon seems to like it, its one I'll look at too. In your opinion, is it worth going down this road, having seen many pics posted when they have stated they use a hide, its does seem logical and less disruptive to the suroundings. I have found a few times when a little concealment would have helped, but if this would have actually helped I can only guess.

EDIT: Am still nursing an injury CT, hoping I might be mobile tomorrow but its not looking good ATM. I have been off all week since I did it last Monday. It would be good to get out tomorrow but I might have to travel light if I do :shrug:
 
I don't use the hide very often Trev.I tend to use it to target a specific bird and then only when it's feasible to take the hide and erect it, then return to the car for the gear. I don't think for one moment I'd have got my recent Jay pics without it, so I'd say it's something to have in your kit even if it's a PITA. :D

I doubt we're going to be shooting tomorrow now Trev - we're still knackered from yesterdays early start, so rest that foot.
 
Hi again Trev, it is from Wildlife watching supplies (Link Attached) in Hardwood Green. I find it useful when taking shots of birds on water as I think it blends into the background and the birds come in closer. Being the Lightweight version It wraps up quite small and is not stifling in warm weather. Also as you can see through it you can see what is going on around you, but the birds cannot see you. Regards:

http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/
 
I'm not trying to dispect some quality products like those mentioned, but there are some not-too-Heath-Robinson solutions using camo netting and suitable clothing/headgear all of which can be tailored to suit you as well as not weigh so much. I have a one man hide in lightweight material (it collapses in a similar way to a reflector disk) though even the slightest breeze means it can pose a problem to air traffic, therefore 'serious' hides are those which are heavier (and more expensive, of course). As an alternative, have a browse in your local army surplus store and see what you can achieve, at least to the point where you feel you need to 'upgrade' to a proper porta-hide
 
Apart from camo or a hide it is movement that spooks most wildlife, sitting still and quiet is also a requirement, so make sure you are comfortable, and if you need to move do it very slowly and in stages. I just use a piece of leaf cut camo about 12' x 4' which I drape over me and the tripod. It's when dogs come by and start sniffing around is the problem :lol:
 
Difficult one to answer Trev, I think it depends on what and where you are shooting.I use both, the throwover camo is relatively cheap,light to use and give good all round vision.However, sometimes the pop up type hides are better, especially if it is persisting down with rain....:D.....could you stretch to both........:shrug:

The single seat pop up hides are light (ish), though are a tad short of room,still very usable, but just a wee bit cramped.The four wall pop up hides are more spacious and have better viewing angles,but, you need to carry a chair as well. Plus and minuses for all of them, only you know what you really need.
 
Just use a camo throwover myself - very light, compact and cost effective.
 
Thanks for all your input guys, its appreciated and has given me some good ideas :clap:

Ade, am not happy with the paint idea, just don’t think I have enough space in my makeup bag for anything else :lol: Cheers for the links though, they're useful.

Its not something that will be used all that often, but there have been times when I know that some concealment would have helped, so I think a visit to my local ex army store to take a look for a camo throw over is the way to start, if it doesn’t work, there's not much lost and it seems many of you go that way already and find it works, failing that I'll look at one of the purpose made hides.

Thanks again :thumbs:
 
Trev4 said:
Thanks for all your input guys, its appreciated and has given me some good ideas :clap:

Ade, am not happy with the paint idea, just don’t think I have enough space in my makeup bag for anything else :lol: Cheers for the links though, they're useful.

Its not something that will be used all that often, but there have been times when I know that some concealment would have helped, so I think a visit to my local ex army store to take a look for a camo throw over is the way to start, if it doesn’t work, there's not much lost and it seems many of you go that way already and find it works, failing that I'll look at one of the purpose made hides.

Thanks again :thumbs:
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That is what I would recommend to be honest Trev, hides are not for everyone and the throw will be cheap enough.


I bet you get a hide by the middle of winter though.............:lol:
 
Trev, sorry to jump in on your thread but it's about the same thing.

Ade mentions "good all round vision" in the throw over hides I was wondering what the materials were. Since you can see out of it, is it also reasonably cool when your in it?

Not as in "looking Cool Dude" but not causing you to overheat in the recent hot weather.
 
fracster said:
I bet you get a hide by the middle of winter though.............:lol:
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You bet, and with central heating :lol:

FiestaRed said:
Trev, sorry to jump in on your thread but it's about the same thing.

Ade mentions "good all round vision" in the throw over hides I was wondering what the materials were. Since you can see out of it, is it also reasonably cool when your in it?

Not as in "looking Cool Dude" but not causing you to overheat in the recent hot weather.
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No problems jumping in FR, your very welcome, the more views the better.

I haven’t seen these up close yet but from what I remember, the material is a fairly lose weave netting that can be seen through easily when its close to you so yes, the all round visibility is good, yet from a distance its more difficult to see through and its made with a DPM pattern of various sorts. I cant see there being an overheating problem as its pretty well open weave and the air will circulate easily. The waterproof ones will be different and could well be hot I would think, but my enquiry is for a simple throw over, not weather proof.



As a little aside and talking of being 'cool', my son in law is a bush craft instructor (Ray Mears and all that). We were talking about this and he kindly loaned me a Ghillie suit to try.
Now for the fun bit. Apart from feeling a right k**b wearing it, I have the strongest feeling that if I were seen walking round a forest in this, with or without a camera, I would be appearing on the 'police, camera, action' TV series very quickly :police:
I was going to mark it NSFCOPOAND...not safe for children or people of a nervous disposition, but it didnt fit in the title line.




4716732273_a27b453e5a_b.jpg


Would you believe me telling you I was sneaking around looking to take a picture of bird dressed like this :lol:

I have not put this picture up for technical C & C, but have a feeling there will be comments anyway :p go on, get it out of your system :D

Cheers guys :thumbs:
 
Jeez, don`t wear that near the stags, they be after humping you..........:D
 
fracster said:
Jeez, don`t wear that near the stags, they be after humping you..........:D
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Ade you just put a very large smile on my face with that comment it's been a crap week but thats put the grin back :lol::lol::lol:

Trev if you wear that the birds won't fly off they will be like me curled up on the floor in hysterics :lol:

Regards

Richard
 
lost said:
Ade you just put a very large smile on my face with that comment it's been a crap week but thats put the grin back :lol::lol::lol:

Trev if you wear that the birds won't fly off they will be like me curled up on the floor in hysterics :lol:

Regards

Richard
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:thumbs:

I`m just wondering where the wrens are nesting in that suit?



Trev, all in jest, if it works, use it, why not...........:thumbs:
 
CT said:
:lol: Suits you Sir!
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Thank you :razz:

fracster said:
Jeez, don`t wear that near the stags, they be after humping you..........:D
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Do you know that from experience Ade :D

lost said:
Ade you just put a very large smile on my face with that comment it's been a crap week but thats put the grin back :lol::lol::lol:

Trev if you wear that the birds won't fly off they will be like me curled up on the floor in hysterics :lol:

Regards

Richard
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:suspect: :lol::lol::lol:
 
:lol:
fracster said:
:thumbs:

I`m just wondering where the wrens are nesting in that suit?



Trev, all in jest, if it works, use it, why not...........:thumbs:
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They're in the hat, you can see the bulge :gag:

I only wore it once, that was for fun today for the pic. I aint wearing it in public, not no how ........ unless I'm paid, now thats another matter :tumbleweed: :whistling: :lol::lol::lol:
 
Make sure you wear it next time you meet Cedric. Cedric, please take a photo of the said article of clothing............:thumbs:
 
fracster said:
Make sure you wear it next time you meet Cedric. Cedric, please take a photo of the said article of clothing............:thumbs:
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:p Now there's a thought, while he's rolling on the floor laughing, I can run off with his 500mm :exit: Think he'd notice :thinking: :lol::lol:
 
Trev4 said:
Your welcome to borrow it mate, so long as I can take the pics :thumbs: :D:D
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:naughty:Hey if you talked Cedric and John into wearing them as well you

could be the 3 Camoteers

Im sure this would give me and Ade a laugh :lol::lol::lol:

Regards

Rich
 
Cheers Guys, you've sure added a few smiles to this Sunday evening :p :lol::lol::lol: :thumbs:

Any more comments.... lets get them over with :thinking: :D
 
Digging up an old thread i know.......

Came across this as i'm looking at the whole hide/camo debate. Currently I look like this.......

6ae95c00.jpg


I find it very good, as it allows me to move about, albeit slowly (as others have said movement spooks wildlife as much, if not more, than clothing)

I generally sit on a thermarest with the chair kit which has a net over it. Its then a case a 'tuning in' to whats going on around you, but I find the ghille suit allows me to move around in order to get the best angles for shots.

I think it all depends on what you are looking to shoot. If your after wildlife which is fairly predictable location wise then a hide is best - if its something you're going to have to move after to get the best shot then personally I think a ghille suit is probably the way to go!!

Having said that, I'm currently looking at a throw over/ 1 man hide as well!!

Neil
 
Actually I have friends who wear those realtree suits every weekend, for shooting though not photography.

realtree is an easy solution.

For the warmer weather T shirt (long sleeve) combined with combat pants, a head net and net gloves and small scrim net for the camera and lens.
For cooler weather a light weight jacket to go with the above
For cold weather winter jacket and trousers + boots.

Check out the various real tree patterns and pick up the one that best suits the environment you shoot in the most.

The name of the game is breaking up your outline, more than melding into the background.
Scent is just as important, no smoking, perfumed soaps or body sprays etc and try and stay down wind of any wildlife, also no curry the night before for obvious reasons lol.
 
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