I received many, many responses to my question about scope packs, and
several Tweeters expressed interest in hearing more about the
subject. Here is a summary:

There seem to be two types of scope packs. The first, the TriPak or
equivalent (the ABA sells it for $45), is a harness worn like a backpack
that holds the scope and tripod suspended down the back fully assembled in
usable position with legs extended (or not, depending on the terrain). To
use the scope, one simply pulls the harness off the shoulders and
voila! The harness can be left on the scope all the time without
interfering with use of the scope. Users love the conveniencenience, but
some found the loaded harness hard to get off the shoulders without
help. Most found it comfortable to carry but some thought it could use
more padding. There is a pocket for other gear in the harness, but it
apparently does not hold much. It isn't possible to wear another backpack
with the TriPak, though a fanny pack might work.

The second type is the ScopePack or equivalent ( the ABA sells it for
$110). This is a waterproof, padded backpack that holds the scope and
tripod assembled but folded up. Users found it especially handy for air
travel; it fits in the overhead compartment and the scope is
well-protected. The pack is somewhat bulky but comfortable and easy to
carry. It has lots of room and extra pockets for guides, binos, lunch and
other gear. In the field, it doesn't allow instant access to the scope,
but users felt that the 20 seconds or so that it takes to extract and set
up the scope is not a problem. The scope can be protected from the weather
with a removable top and the pack itself can be used as a comfortable, dry
seat.

So, it sounds like both packs are useful and popular, so much so that the
ABA is often out of stock. What works for you will depend on how much you
travel, how far and for how long you want to carry your scope, etc. I have
a feeling I ultimately will end up with both! Thanks to all who responded.

Rachel Lawson
RachelLawson at softhome.net
Seattle