Another great watch… 👍 thanks

The best review of the Tragopan Monal V2 hide on youtube. My mind is made up thanks to your video. Tragopan should make you an ambassador to review all their products. Cheers mate. Mark 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mark, kind words. They have provided me with a discount to pass on to customers. If you use the code 'tragosimon5' you'll get an extra 5% off anything you purchase through Tragopan. Good luck with the new hide, you wont be disappointed.

@SuperFucdat

3 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley Cheers Simon, will definitely be taking you up on that. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

Awesome review Simon! The fact you tested it to all the claims is just another level. After watching your review, I am so sold! Many thanks again for your time to share all this and it was just one of the best insight reviews I have seen! Double thumps up to you mate!

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful John and thanks for taking the time to watch👍🏼

Great stuff Simon 👍. Definitely a thorough review that's put the hide to the top of my shopping list 🙂. Nice one

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rick, good to get out with you in it the other day.👍🏼👊📷

A very thoughtful and detailed test thanks

Thoroughly enjoyed this Video, very informative and some interesting points, well presented. Really enjoy your enthusiasm in your work, a proper Mucker. Thanks again Simon Adrian

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Adrian, glad you are enjoying the channel content. All the best Si👍🏼

Now, that’s what I call a review! I’ve seen a lot of the top togs (you included 😉) using Tragopan hides and have not seen a bad review. Quality, well designed with lots of useful features. I could happily spend a night or five in this one. Not cheap, but then good kit rarely is. Thanks for all the effort you put into your vids, Simon 👍🏻

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that Steve, they definately are worth the money. Dont get me wrong my little cheap chair hide is still in my arsenal but sometimes you just need something with a bit extra. Tragopan seem to offer something for every scenario. youre right though, you do get what you pay for. That's what i keep telling my very understanding wife!!!👍🏼👀😆

Super review Simon... can't fault your ability to put something to the test... glad you like it... can't wait to see what you do next... super channel... subbed and belled...

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that , thanks for the sub👍👊

Brilliant film mate, not just a review but a proper going over.

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that, appreciate it 👍🏼

Great video mate

Thanks for an excellent and thorough review Simon

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

No worries Paul, glad you enjoyed it👍🏼

Great review Simon, I've got a couple of hides but can not get along with them I may look at getting rid and get one of these, great touch with the taken out of the ground sheet.

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Patrick, its a great hide even without the groundsheet but it just gives you a few more options having it available. Top bit of kit!!👍

My Tragapon Monal V 2 arrived today. I ordered it after watching this video last week. I live in the Charente France with amazing wildlife; even around my garden which is very rural. I have been taking photos of small garden birds recently; but also buzzards, Woodpeckers, etc. This hide will improve my chances of more wildlife photos going forward. Great video Simon.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Milan, you will love the hide, they really are a well thought out piece of equipment. Best of luck 👍🏼📷

Great review, love your blogs

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like them Andy 👍🏼

Great review Simon you have cover this hide well , Tragopan are a very good to deal with no issues what ever, I ordered a Monal V2 last month great Kit .

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Nice one Nigel, you had much luck with it?📷

@nigelpilsbury7328

4 жыл бұрын

Hopefully get out with the camera and hide to photograph Roe they are beautiful couloir at the moment

Brilliant review a real tour de force

This hide tent is amazing! Amazing!!!

@simoneardley

5 ай бұрын

Aye its a good un!!👍🏼

Brilliant review top man for testing equipment.

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that Denzil👊

Great Video and what a Great Review have seen these before was thinking of getting the smaller Affût Grouse V+ but not decide yet thank you :)

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Haha, one of each would be nice!!👍🏼📷😆

Thats how to do a Review, I was looking at the V6 and kinda made up my mind on that. With some accessories. Only some items were out of stock until next month. But briefly looked at this V2 also, now I think I will have to consider this one a bit more before I buy. You have shown more in this video than I have seen in any other. Like you said , I also found them very good with communication, they seem like a good company. Thanks

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike, i think the extra room sometimes can be a real bonus. Especially that ability to be able to stretch out and take someone along with you can be a bonus too sometimes. Best of luck in making your decision!!👍🏼📷🎥

Well done -very informative

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Rick👍🏼

Nice one Simon! Good solid review. 👍 No Brew & Fig Rolls though. A photo hide isn't complete without a Brew & Fig Rolls. 😀

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

I probably did have them but they just didnt get filmed or shown. Like you say you need a brew and a fig!!

Enjoyed this video as all your videos are filled with common sense tips. I just ordered this hide but it won’t ship till May. My wife says I will need to quit watching you since I keep purchasing everything you show. Great job.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣It will be worth the wait, I love spending other peoples money 🤣🤣

Just bought one on your recommendation. I have been using a one man kids camping tent...very much not ideal. I can't wait to try it out. Thanks for your videos. I am new to the channel but enjoy going with you on your own adventures.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Brandon, welcome to the channel. You'll not be disappointed with the hide, theyre a great asset to have 👍📸

@brandonwells8300

3 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley It arrived yesterday ( 2 days later) and I put it up immediately in the garden. No problems. It has been outside all night in strong wind and heavy rain but no leaks at all - just as you found out. I now look forward to undertaking a field trial on favoured very local wildlife spots as part of my own lockdown coping strategy (for the next 2 weeks in Wales). Overnight sleeping will have to wait to next year but it is very roomy accomodation for one yet very doable for two, as you say. The window alternatives offer a wide range of shooting and viewing options and all in all I am every bit as impressed with it as you are. I have been waiting a long time for a reliably DURABLE mobile alternative to constructing leaky, scrappy hides on site with camo scrim and your excellent and comprehensive review gave me the courage to make the investment in my own comfort. And that really matters at my age and in the types of places where I shoot regularly, often for hours on end in filthy conditions. Many thanks for all your efforts on the review. Many happy days ahead for us both, I hope, despite all the 'Cowpat 19' gloom. Stay safe.

This review is perfect - the best on Monal V2.

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eigil, its a great hide 👍🏼👌🏼

the best video of the hde a real professional job Brian a great sell.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian👍

Great video Si what would we amateurs do without guys like you a big thanks for all your videos through the lockdown enjoyed them all look forward to many more thanks again mate. Stay safe 👍. Ps Only problem with the video is my Mrs watched it and guess what ?

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Haha, i think someone may be tagging along eh!!!😆😆😆 Thanks for the kind comments on the films, glad youre enjoying them Graeme👍🏼📷👀🎥

@naturalworldalex

3 жыл бұрын

Wow...perfekt. ( TV) - Мир Природы /The Natural /

@naturalworldalex

3 жыл бұрын

Wow...perfekt. ( TV) - Мир Природы /The Natural /

I have hide I don't wear to put hide up I live not fair from the new forest wear I go to mean people around great video

Great review Simon! Very thorough. I'm new to wildlife photography and was looking for a hide to increase my opportunities. The Monal V2 seems to fit the bill. For the Canadian winters, I'll research some white camo covers.

@simoneardley

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, yeh the hide comes as standard in a darker colour now which is much better but you can easily throw a winter under storey blanket over the top. Tragopan stock these and theyre a great addition for the colder months.

Fantastic had this one since last September.

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Nice one Andy, are you pleased with it?📷

@andyturner4095

4 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley Love it mate stay over night in it absolutely bang on.

thanks for review. Probably I will go for this hide

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Its a great hide Thomas, well worth it. Dont forget discount code 'tragosimon5" !!👍🏼

@thomasbednarowski1651

3 жыл бұрын

I used this code for my first purchase of 3d camo, but I ordered also the Monal other one. I cant wait to receive it and try it In the field. At the moment I can only say about the 3d camo. The suit it is nice and it fits, pretty well. Maybe the material on the hood part should be little longer to cover better the space between hood and the jacket. Also You have to be carreful when You remove the backpack, so You dont grab the straps and the leafs from the camo. The material is very light and it looks strong. It is also nice ventilated.

Hi Simon. How well would the Monal V2 keep out mosquitoes when not being used as a hide? I like the idea of having a tent that doubles as a hide. Keep up the great work, the family really enjoys your videos.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Paul, not too sure because the photo windows arent fully sealed as theyve done away with the velcro due to noise. There would possibly be gaps where any bugs could get through.Hope this helps

Hi Simon. I have a friend who is interested in purchasing this hide. Only his main concern is due to the air vents being so large in the roof section what stops the rain from driving in. I appreciate this is what the fly sheet is for, have you had a problem when you have used it in driving rain in the field.I know you always give your honest reviews so this is why I have arrived at your channel to ask the question….Hope you don’t mind.

Brilliant review my friend! I'm also a bit of a stickler for good quality. Well.. when you pay good money for something you want it to be right don't you?

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Youre dead right Ash, you get what you pay for. Always worth paying a bit extra if its going to be the best.👍🏼

it is a great hide but..... it is not 100% waterproof. I live on the west coast of Ireland where the rain can fall horizontally. If there was heavy rain you will wake up in a pool of water. the issue is the large airvents on the top. there should be an option or extra cover to zip them closed if sleeping in. The rain got blown under the fly sheet and into the hide through the vent. if it could be zipped closed it would be a huge help. also the long lens large window option that is made of the waterproof material is a bit heavier. it can pinch and drag the 6 clips causing gaps and wind will drive rain inside. I might add some velcro strips to help there. Having the larger lens window options with zip closing options would be a help. A great hide but using and sleeping overnight in heavy rain with windy conditions will be a challenge.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

I must admit I've stopped in it a few times now in bad weather and I haven't had any water ingress but its not been sideways rain like you get over there. I suppose its a trade off with the great ventilation of the hide. Like you say a couple of small modifications could make all the difference!! 😀

Great review, thanks Simon. Just as a matter of interest what camp bed were you using?

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alan, nothing special its an old Gelert model. It packs away pretty neatly but its steel. Probably lighter ones available now.👍

@alanwood5590

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Simon. It just looked nice and low whilst being a decent length for a tall person.

Been looking at these buddy, best review bar none that! oh well more dosh lol 😂 I have the tragopan camera bag its awesome, did a review over on my channel 👍🏼 .... nice one 👌.... JP

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers JP, yeh its a great bit of equipment👍🏼

@JPLamoureuxsTravels

4 жыл бұрын

SIMON EARDLEY I was worried about the height of it but now I’m sold lol 😂

Two questions: #1: Is there a specific philosophy behind the multicolored and busy camouflage? One would imagine that a more rough pattern with larger green, brown and black areas would fit better into an average European forest. Or can we actually chose between different colors and layouts? 2#: Is the hide prepared for extras storm supports - strong straps - if a windy night can be expected?

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Good questions Eigil, at the moment as far as I know the Monal is only available in the light camo pattern. I know Tragopans most recent hides have been made in a darker more Autumnal pattern(see my latest Jay film). I much prefer the new camo although I have had great success in the Monal. If I want to darker it, I throw a dark camo net over it. As far as the guy ropes,yes it has extra tie down points. I have had the hide up over extended periods in rough windy weather and it has held up very well suffering no weather ingress or damage. Hope this helps.👍📷

@Eigil_Skovgaard

3 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley Thank you, Simon.

do the pegs that affix the hide to the ground actually perforate the ground tarp or has that tarp been sized to be an exact match for the Monal V2 such that it is fitted with grommets that match the placement of the peg loops on the Monal? BTW, Greetings from the other side of The Pond!

@simoneardley

7 ай бұрын

Hi Arnie, I made that ground sheet to protect the sheet that comes with the Monal. It was made to measure.

Hi Simon. May I ask where you purchased your footprint that you use under the Monal v2 in this video as it looks lightweight and substantial. Cheers.

@simoneardley

Жыл бұрын

Hi John, I made it myself. Nothing special but it just affords some protection from stones and thorns etc.

Always baffled me that birders would choose hunting blinds because they had random camo patterns on. Clearly the previous best alternative were widely available and cheap fishing bivvies that are much more suitable. OK no camo but nothing a cheap bit of scrim wouldn't put right. Saying that finally this is a step forwards even on that. Great review.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave, its definately worth stumping up the cash and getting a bespoke hide, theyre a great bit of kit.

Thanks for this review! I got mine yesterday and this video deleted a couple of concerns about it. 1, the rain fly does let a bit of light thru it which made me question its rain proof-ness (yours was the same - good.) 2, I noticed on mine that they´ve double taped over the flap that hooks the rain fly at the sides/legs (it tares and is bit ugly but i dont think its a problem since its double taped) I think i saw this on yours as well at 33:03 and if this was an actual problem, you would´ve pointed it out :) Cheers

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Had it out in the rain the other day and it never let a drop in so its probably just an aesthetic issue👍🏼👀

What seat do you use is it the tragopan one?

Well done ‘ u have answered every question ‘ how much did it cost in euros ‘ if u don’t mind me asking ‘ I might treat myself to one

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin, think they come in at 330 Euro👍🏼

Bonjour, Merci pour vos reportages que je suis assidument, bravo a vous, une petite question, pouvez vous me dire ou acheter le tapis de sol que vous mettez sous votre tente . Bien cordialement Gérard

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Salut Gérard, le tapis de sol a ete fabrique par moi-meme. Si vous avez des fournitures de valet de tente pres de chez vous, je suis sur quails seront en measure de vous fournir la piece de last bonne taille. Cordialement Simon.

@gerardtillier4597

3 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley Merci a vous Simon pour votre réponse aussi rapide et bien expliqué , merci aussi pour vos beaux reportage, dommage pour moi qui ne parle que le Français, peut être un jour un sous titrage bien cordialement à vous 🙏🙏🙏🙏👍

Not for big folks! I'm 6'1" with a big upper body and when I tried to use a low chair in the Monal V2 like Simon is at around 19:32 my head was pressed against the ceiling and the camera/view ports were so low I could only see the ground at close to mid distances, no way to see what's above in the trees or high brush. Also, note how high his knees are relative to his rump: unless you are a slim as he is, bending further forward to look out the screened opening is going to be difficult. I don't understand why photo blinds aren't made to accommodate larger bodies or have a taller profile, especially: 6" higher inside would make the world of difference for me. I've had years of experience with other cheap blinds made for hunting and with the LLRue blinds, sadly discontinued long ago, and they all had lots of view ports in addition to camera ports, this one doesn't. Another problem is that they aren't made to use on a slope easily. Do you only photograph on the flats? An adjustable leg extension kit would help to keep it reasonably level. I could figure out how to raise the blind and accommodate the gentle slope I want to use it on, but for $430, it's a bad deal.

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

I get what youre saying Frank, theyre always a bit cosy to say the least but i suppose the smaller profile, the better for concealment. Manufacturers always seem to cater towards standard sizes. Regarding slopes i usually carry a small folding shovel and try to make my own flat area when thats practical.

What I don’t get us this. There are two mesh ventilation panels at the top of the hide. The rain fly goes over the top of the hide. With the rain fly in place, one can still see to the sides through the roof mesh panels, right? So on a cold winter day, what can be done to prevent the cold wind from entering the hide under the rain cover and through the mesh panels? Seems as if it could get quite cold inside the hide if the wind were from the wrong direction

@simoneardley

7 ай бұрын

Hi Arnie, youre right. The wind can get in but lets face it theyre never going to be the warmest structure on a cold windy day. The extra ventilation is super handy on hot days. I usually pop an extra layer on if its going to be baltic!! All said the Monal is a superb hide. Thanks for the visit🙂

@arniecoons8248

7 ай бұрын

@@simoneardley thanks for the response!

Wow...perfekt. ( TV) - Мир Природы /The Natural /

Hi Si I've tried to find their web site on Google to no avail i wonder if it would be possible to send me a link I'm also interested in buying the the low level hide , many thanks Mark

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

tragopan-shop.com/gb/ Try this Web address Mark, don't forget to use 'tragosimon5' as your discount code for an extra 5% off 👍

@markfrost9005

3 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley Thanks Si much appreciated 👍

Website doesn’t seem to exist?

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

Give this link a try 👍tragopan-shop.com/gb/

I’ve been watching a lot of videos on these tragopan hide not one person mentioned the import fees £110 making this a very expensive hide if u need to claim on warranty and has to be replaced there will be another £110 for the replacement

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

Good point, not had anything since Brexit so not experienced the import charges Nige

I must say that all this great engineering and design but the unnatural camo patterns they continue to choose are bizarre, perplexing and downright frustrating. On that front, they could take a lesson from blinds costing less than half as much.

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

I agree Adam, theyve changed the standard hide colour now to a darker, more natural shade. The bright green wasn't a good colour on the eye but it still worked👍👀

The only thing I have issue with is the pattern is very bright saw one in a location stood out like a sore thumb

@ubend59

4 жыл бұрын

yup its totally the wrong camo type........ I hate it........

@simoneardley

4 жыл бұрын

I know what youre saying Peter, that was my first impression but like i said in the film, the proof of the pudding is in the field and it certainly worked for me. Im not sure whether animals see in a different colour spectrum but it didnt seem to put any of my subjects off. 🤔

I take it you bought this hide after the UK left the EU? If so did you have any problems buying the receiving the hide please.

@simoneardley

2 жыл бұрын

I bought this before all the changes took place.

@tonyfluertynaturephotograp5272

2 жыл бұрын

@@simoneardley I had to settle for a wildlife watching hide.

Hi Simon - well done on your review - I have invested in these but here is my question - the pull up system you describe at about 19 mins - it is good but it leaves it messy above and string hanging down etc which is annoying and distracting - have you worked out a way to stow it tidily? I can message you my WhatsApp if easier to send me a tiny video. Thanks

@simoneardley

3 жыл бұрын

Yeh, i know what you mean about the straggling cord. I ended up tucking it into the top of the flap that I had just drawn up. I'll demo it when i do the review on the V6 soon. 👍🏼

No longer exist

Ordered it in Switzerland with your code!!! Merci bien 🤩 Just need to measure 📏 for the dimension of the mat / tapis de sol. Awesome video. I also convinced a friend. I will also try it on a rooftop where I cannot attached it on the ground, hope it will be fine. Je mesure 1,83 et ça passe nickel