SafariSack™ I can be used in three modes:
1) Flat, to support a camera on the ground or on top of a Land Rover or other vehicle.
2) Saddlebag style, by using the two cinch straps for the "folded-in-half" position. (In this mode we recommend only filling the bag about 2/3 full). A camera can be snugly cradled on top, when the bag is placed over a car window or used on the ground for additional elevation.
3) Ballast, adding one of two sacks to your tripod increases stability when using long lenses or in windy conditions. Filled with sand or water, it can be used as a weight to stabilize light stands or booms.
Filled SafariSack I™ functions in either of two modes:
saddlebag or flat mode.
  
Left: Top view of empty SafariSack I
Center: Bottom view showing Toughtek fabric
Right: Zipper opening with a generous flap to cover the zipper pull.
[R420] SafariSack I™ Empty, $29.00
Shooters traveling abroad take the empty version and fill it locally with rice, beans or bird seed. Then, upon completion of the shoot, dump the contents, returning home with a empty, compact bag. Quick-release buckles enable you to attach the SafariSack to the roof rack of your Rangerover while shooting in Africa.
No liner is needed with this bag (unless filled with sand as a ballast). Simply dump filler directly inside--hold the bag vertically and fill (fill to about an inch below the zipper). Depending on the filler, the inside may get dirty. The bag can be inverted and hand washed if desired.
Filled with approximately 6 lbs. (2.7 kg) polyethylene beads. The premium bean bag for all focal lengths up through 600mm. Becaue of the density, this filler material provides the best support (compared to the buckwheat version), but is heavier to tote around than the buckwheat.
SafariSack™ filled with buckwheat hulls. This is a new lightweight alternative to poly beads. Buckwheat hulls are a new material recommended by some (as promoted by Martha Stewart) for use inside pillows. It weighs only 1.5 lbs. (.68 kg) filled. Although it doesn't quite have the density or dead weight as polyethylene, rice or beans, it is very suitable for shorter focal lengths up to 200-300mm. This is especially useful for those that are hiking or walking, where weight is a primary consideration.
Approximately 6 lbs. (2.7 kg) polyethylene beads only, filler only no SafariSack or bladder included.
This is approx. 4.5 liters of volume (4.75 qts).
Approximately 1.5 lbs. (.68 kg) recycled buckwheat hulls. This is approx. 4.5 liters of volume (4.75 qts).
[Y208] Extender QR (quick-release) Strap, $3.00
Extends the length of SafariSack I or II strap, converting to a shoulder strap.
More Info
Sand and Water Bladders are available for the SafariSack I.
Visit this link for more info.
Bob Atkin's (photo.net) review about
the SafariSack I™ in use with a 600mm F4 lens.
Shown below is a legend used throughout this Website.
Sizes given are inside dimensions.
The diameter is the distance straight across the circle on cylindrical products.
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Drape a SafariSack I™ over the edge of a partially raised car window, and you have a steady camera support.
On the safari, it is often used in the flat mode, on top of the RangeRover. With the sewn-in quick-release strap, it can be securely fastened to the rack on the top of the vehicle.
Shown above are the available filler materials. On the left are poly beads (3-4mm dia) and on the right are buckwheat hulls. The current batch of poly beads will float when placed in water.
If you want to purchase your own poly beads, they can be obtained at a hobby or craft store (i.e. Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby or Michaels). They are often used as doll filler or in making stuffed animals. Retail cost (2003) at Wal-Mart is $9 for 6 lbs.
Rice, beans, millet and cat litter are alternative fillers. Buckwheat hulls are also sold as "organic mulch" from garden suppliers.
SafariSack I hung vertically on a tripod with rocks as a ballast. In the field the webbing strap has been reconfigured through the buckles differently to achieve this. Adding the Y208 strap is sometimes useful in this mode.
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