Hi all,
 Since getting the new tripod I have been considering what different  
alternatives I have for lugging this contraption around in the field. My old  tripod 
had padded sleeves along the top sections of legs, which worked well  enough 
but doesn't work with the new tripod. The new tripod has legs which  extend 
sort of the reverse of normal tripods. The larger sections pull down  first and 
become the bottom section, while the smaller inner legs become  the  top 
section, so padded leg wraps would end up near the ground with the  legs extended. 
So this is a potential problem with this new tripod design (at  least for 
birders).
 
There are a couple of other options available; ABA carries the TRIPACK,  
which is what I am looking into now. Does anyone out there use one of these  
devises, which is a backpack sort-of-thing with straps that attach to the  tripod, 
allowing you to carry it on your back with the legs either extended or  
collapsed? Their price is $45 which is cheap enough if it works with this  tripod. 
 
The other carrier is a sort of golf-bag looking thing, and I don't even  know 
if its still available. It looks rather heavy and awkward too, but if  anyone 
out there uses one please let me know how it works for you.
 
Any other ideas would also be welcomed. Thanks in advance...
 
Rick Sussman
Ashton,MD