Last updated on May 9th, 2023 at 12:05 am
Finding the right backpack to carry your spotting scope while birding is key to keeping your scope clean, safe, and undamaged. But how do you choose the best one?
Here are the 7 best backpacks to carry spotting scopes:
1. Lowepro Fastpack PRO Backpack
The Lowepro Fastpack PRO Backpack (available on Amazon.com) has several compartments and plenty of room.
You’ll be able to fit all your equipment in one bag, not just your spotting scope.
It has a main compartment that’s 2.2Wx6.3Dx7.1H, made for holding the spotting scope.
This backpack weighs less than 5 lbs and comes in a grey and black color.
Its construction is solid and rugged, and it balances high capacity with lightweight design through incredible space efficiency.
Every compartment is multipurpose, making it easy for you to organize all of your supplies regardless of what kind of equipment you have.
This is one of the best backpacks out there for carrying spotting scopes, simply because it has room for everything.
Remember that you need to carry the essentials for yourself and your equipment when you head out in the field.
2. Stone Glacier Approach 1800
The Stone Glacier Approach 1800 is among the more lightweight Stone Glacier backpacks, as it weighs about 4 lbs and can carry 29 L.
It also comes with belt attachments and military-grade buckles, and webbing.
The Stone Glacier Approach 1800 belt comes in three different sizes, so you can be sure that you’re getting a bag compatible with your size.
Having a belt that fits is important for evenly distributing your weight across your body.
That way, you’ll reduce the degree of exhaustion you feel carrying the pack.
3. Stone Glacier Serac 1700
The Stone Glacier Serac 1700 is a heavy-duty bag that weighs 2 lbs and carries 27 L.
It has an internal spotting scope pocket and a tripod attachment system, plus it’s compatible with the hydration packs you need to take with you on long hikes.
This is the smallest pack that Stone Glacier carries, but its efficiency makes it more than big enough to handle your average spotting scope.
It has five organizational pockets and is both versatile and modular.
The Stone Glacier Serac 1700 is unlikely to break even through heavy use due to the military-grade construction of its buckles and webbing.
It’s small, but it’s also very sturdy.
4. Vanguard Alta Rise 45 Backpack
The Vanguard Alta Rise 45 Backpack (available on Amazon.com) can accommodate two to four spotting scopes, as well as other necessary gear.
Its compartments are padded for extra stability and to keep your equipment safe from bumps and scratches.
This backpack is comfortable due to its air system back and a harness that divides weight equally between the hips, back, shoulders, and chest.
This prevents any part of your body from becoming too fatigued.
The Vanguard Alta Rise is also waterproof, so you can rest easy knowing that your gear is protected from the elements.
5. Tarion Camera Backpack
Some scope-carrying backpacks even have a compartment for your tripod.
For example, the Tarion Camera Backpack (available on Amazon.com) comes with a strap on the bottom that you can lock your tripod into for safe travels.
Others have a tripod-carrying compartment inside, along with the scope compartment.
This backpack is spacious yet compact, with compartments for every piece of equipment you need in the field.
It comes with a weatherproof rain cover and is both rugged and sturdy.
The Tarion Camera Backpack feels lightweight despite its capacity, especially due to its air mesh back panel.
This keeps your back cool and dry even when you’re carrying a heavy load.
It makes for a great choice when you want to take your spotting scope on long adventures and hikes.
For birding safely, consider a map and a sighting compass while hiking.
6. Kowa Spotting Scope Case
The Kowa Spotting Scope Case (available on Amazon.com) is soft and lightweight, with just enough room for your scope.
It protects your equipment without being bulky, and it comes with both a shoulder strap and a carrying handle.
It can be worn like a backpack or held in your hand.
This case is made from water-resistant nylon with zippered closures.
It’s built to last through many tough trips outdoors and withstand all kinds of weather while keeping your equipment safe.
This scope case accommodates spotting scopes with a magnification of 25-60x.
It can also handle most tripods, although you’ll need to make sure your tripod folds to less than 11.4”.
7. Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack (available on Amazon.com) is a rugged photography bag big enough to carry most spotting scopes.
It comes with customizable dividers so that you can tuck your equipment in safely no matter what you’re carrying.
It also has zippered pockets and access points so that you can easily get to your stored equipment.
This bag holds 35 L at a minimum and can expand to hold up to 42 L.
It combines spaciousness with compactness in a great way, making it easy to bring everything you need with you on your adventures.
It also has a removable waist strap so that you can divide the weight of the bag between your hips and shoulders if you like.
Best Backpacks for Carrying a Spotting Scope
Many hikers prefer binoculars to a spotting scope because they’re easy to carry around and lightweight.
But what if there was a way to efficiently carry a spotting scope comfortably?
Introducing spotting scope backpacks.
These are some of the best spotting scope backpacks on the market, and they exemplify the best of these kinds of carrying cases.
They’re portable, lightweight, and protective of your equipment.
You can take your spotting scope around without having to worry that it’ll get broken.
Lowepro and Stone Glacier are both top-rated brands in the binocular world.
They make excellent options for those looking to carry a spotting scope in a backpack.