Best V6 review I have seen yet and I have watched a few we both know who by, even Morten the eskimo has one, he left it out for about 6 months and it still looked good, luv and respect that guy, looks a lovely bit of kit. Will still have to use my old titan mk 2 fishing bivvy for now bomb proof even if not so versatile... all the best Mike...

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Superb, thanks Mike that is really kind of you! Love it Morten the Eskimo, lol... very True what a legend he is! They are so good and a product that will last the test of time! Fair one but if you ever change, I would not look much further than these guys:-) All the best and thanks again R 👍

@littlemike50

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Just watched Trond's latest video another legend like you shows a total passion for nature , red squirrel in the rain, check out how he uses his, Made me laugh I bet Tragopan never though of this,...

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

@@littlemike50 I've just received the notification and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action once more! Intrigued how he uses his, no doubt an awesome idea! might need a beer in hand! Cheers Mike :-)

Best review I'v ever seen for hides thanks for showing the V6 from Tragopan which is now on my 2021 shopping list.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a great comment Tel, thanks so much for the nice feedback its always very much appreciated. Got a thumbs down straight away so I thought oh no here we go, lol... But the rest has been positive so happy with that. You won't regret it at all, top bit of kit from an awesome company. Regards R 👍

I've got this hide...It's phenomenal as are all Tragopan products I own....Thanks for the vid

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Chris, they really are and the build quality is superb. Cheers R 👍

Hi Richard fantastic review on the Tragopan V6 hide, I’m going to write a letter to Santa lol, it’s great to see a update review on Tragopan V6 hide and the improvements to the hide for wildlife photography looking forward to seeing you use it. Thank you for taking the time and sharing the review.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Martyn, thanks very much for watching! Fingers crossed Santa delivers this awesome present to you on Christmas morning😀🙏! My pleasure, I can't wait to use it in the field, hopefully coming soon. All the best R👍

Brilliant review Richard and what an amazing workout at the same time. Looks like an amazing bit of kit and certainly if I’m ever looking for hide in the future it would be worth considering. Thanks for sharing cheers Keith

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Keith, really enjoyed doing it though! And at last a great piece of needed kit for the Wildlife Photographer! Certainly worth a look on their website if you are in the market. All the best R :-) 👍

For someone who is not a photographer,I found your vlog really interesting.It must be so good to have equipment like this when out in the elements.Look forward to seeing more vlogs when you are out in the wet and wind,and nice and cosy in your new hide.Alison.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alison, it really is essential to have this equipment especially with sensitive subjects and for places where days of staking out locations is necessary. Don't worry I am sure I'll be in a situation soon which will test this superb hide further, all the very best R 👍😀

A terrific and exhaustive review Richard - I'm just about to purchase one of these and found this to be invaluable! Thanks so much for doing this for us. Best, Ian

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure Ian and thanks very much for watching. I hope you are pleased with your purchase, all the best R 😀👍

Greetings from Chicago again. Ended up buying this hide tonight from Tragopan thanks to your review. It looks like a great hide.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, nice one Billy you won’t be disappointed in it I love mine! Did you use the discount code? Regards R👍

Great stuff, Richard. As you say, Tragopan seem to have thought of everything and continually improve their products. Good quality always costs a little more, but the accessories are reasonably priced. Looking forward to seeing it being used in anger!

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Steve, they really have! finally a top notch hide! They actually listen to the needs of the Photographer and their after sales service is second to none. I can't wait to use it for real! Very soon I hope... all the best and thanks for tuning in 👍

Very good review and as an owner I fully agree. It is a great hide. Mine is now standing in the woods for days on end in heavy winds and rain but no problems whatsoever.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much, great to have you backup my thoughts on it. I can't wait to actually use it in the field and comforting to know its such a capable piece of kit. All the best and thanks again. Regards R 😀

Superb video Richard. Very comprehensive and illustrative. I have always been one of those who made their own hides with the sewing machine as I wanted tailored to my liking and needs, but watching the V6 I think they have taken into account all the needs that a wildlife photographer may have, making everything a little more convenient.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Marcos, nice to hear from you and thanks for watching and commenting. I must admit with my survival background I like to make use of natural materials and produce something which is around the area I am shooting in! But with this hide it really is a nice to have and is so easy to deploy when you are on the go, plus you leave nothing behind which is always a bonus. I still use makeshift hides but not as often due to limitations using some organisations owned land. I think Tragopan really have listened and its great to see. All the best R 👍

Great review Richard, Look a great hide and like the new colour from Tragopan. I bought the Monal V2 last year not the best colour to bright but great hide.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Nigel, Thanks for watching and commenting, the new colour is much better but still the old one isn't too bad and the Monal is a beauty.. Lots of room, can almost have a party in there, lol.. All the best R :-)

I feel a Christmas present to myself coming on, nice review mate.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Jon, it’s a beauty and you won’t regret it👍! Thanks for watching 👍. All the best R :-) 😀

Well presented review Richard! You brought all possibilities very well.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Jeroen, thanks for watching :-) 👍🙏

I use the Monal V2. It's been out 2 years constantly 24/24 in a privat forest. It does not leak, fly away, no decolouring or sun UV decay of materials. Top quality 👌

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that’s incredible David, built to last and not too fade after that amount of time is testimony to their products! I’m liking the look of the Monal V2, might get a chance to test that soon 👍. Cheers for the feedback 👍

Great review Matt, so much detail. If I was in the market for a hide I'd buy a Tragopan.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Bud, she really is a beauty! If we go together soon might need the two man, but I can always squeeze you in mate. all the best 👍😀

Very comprehensive review, definitely my next hide. Many thanks.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Richard, you really won't regret it! Its a beauty.. all the best R :-)🙏😀

Nice new colour for 2020 looking to replace my Simon King hide soon so thanks Richard great review!👍🤔😀

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there my friend, its a vast improvement on the old one in my opinion and will last a long time, can't wait to use it properly in the field. Thanks again, all the very best R 👍

Brilliant thanks for sharing really helpful

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for watching Dave, really appreciate and glad it helped. Regards R 👍

Cracking review Richard, very thorough. I'm going to have to buy one of these now to go with the collection. I'll have more hides than lenses!!😆 The new colour scheme is miles better than the lighter one. Should be great for an overnighter, all the best. Si. 👍🏼📷

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Lol, you've a hide fetish for sure!! But what a fetish to have, I love hide photography and Tragopan are awesome as you well know! They just seem to cover all bases when it comes to what the Wildlife photographer requires, and the new colour is so much better. I think you can get an additional Ghillie cover to throw over the hide for additional concealment which might help on your Monal V2 if needed. Thanks for watching mate, Regards R 👍

Hello . Very good video . Keep it up my friend .👍👏

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there, thanks very much for watching and leaving me a comment I really appreciate it. All the best R 👍

Excellent and comprehensive review! As a very novice wildlife photographer this was great information. My suggestion for addressing the ground cloth issue is to see if it’s possible to get some spare clips from the manufacturer and have them sewn in or perhaps just use some heavy duty Velcro.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Dan, thanks very much indeed. I’ve already modified the hide with the additions you’ve suggested, great minds think alike 👍. All the best R 👍

great video

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Rudy, long I know but so much to cover:-) 👍

Outstanding review! I don't think I can live without this hide! I hope my wife reads these comments. 😂

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Cheers Chris, I'm loving the comment, lol.. You are so right, love hides and you can never have enough of them! All the best R :-) 👍

Cheers Richard, great video like always! V6 on on its way cant wait!

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much Dave, great hides:-) did you use my discount code? Cheers R

@basha3738

2 жыл бұрын

Bit in the ass on the custom charge!

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

@@basha3738 oh! How much Dave?

@basha3738

2 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Extra 53 quid..

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

Blimey! Did it say clear enough on their website?

Brilliant review

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for watching:-) all the best R👍

@NikCan66

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett thanks

Thanks Richard just ordered direct from Tragopan V6 no longer available from Amazon looks a good bit of kit

@RichardBirchett

Жыл бұрын

No probs, great but if kit! Hope you enjoy using it:-) cheers R 👍

A very thorough review Richard. Apparently Tragopan are producing a different more subdued camo which should be available from April 21.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Roger, great hides! I will ask about that as I wasn't aware another colour was due to hit the streets so soon.All the best Richard 👍

@rogermullins7877

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Suggest you speak to Espen Helland. He said "they are currently 'out of stock' and the new batch will be available in April with a subdued camo". Which for the UK I suspect will generally be more appropriate.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Roger, already have an apart from the new variant released a while back they are only bringing out the Monal V2 in the new colour. I’m an ambassador for Tragopan and get regular updates, new colours a lot better. All the best R

Mine arrived this morning. My first impressions are as follows:- Positive 1. The hide is well laid out and the design of the structure is excellent making for easy and setup and take down. 2. The fabric pattern is good and more substantial in weight than and other hide I've owned and will probably be more durable as a result. 3. Double stitched seams everywhere. 4. Excellent ventilatiion using the roof vents. 5. Material pattern very good and non reflective. 6. Build quality very good apart from one clip that attaches the mesh window is stitched on the wrong way around so it has to be twisted through 180 Deg to allow the window mesh clip to be inserted. 7. Good visibility although I will be buying the mesh window for the door when they are in stock to improve visibility even further. 8. Spares are sold for the frame Negative 1. One clip stitched in the wrong way around as mentioned above. 2. The hide is small and a bit of a squeeze when using 600mm primes and extenders although I managed it with my back touching the rear wall of the hide. 3. The flaps at ground level could do with the addition of some clips at the top either side of the zip as they let light in when wind catches the hide blowing them around. 4. The additional room needs a couple of extra securing point as Richard mentions. 5. Due to the height of the hide and viewing port positions you need a low seat. Both my Walkstools are way to high and In my case I need a seat no more than 13'' high. Sorted on Amazon for £16. All in all the best one man hide on the market imho but if you're 6' tall go for the Monal V2 for the extra room. One final thing to add is UK Customs have got their act together and unlike another purchaser I know I didn't have to pay any import duty so the € price you pay has no hidden extras apart from a bank charge to convert the currency. I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying a V6.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Great breakdown and thanks for the feedback. R 👍

@stevemurnan1702

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett I think it only fair to add Tragopan's response to the one manufacturing fault. They immediately offered to either 1, send me spares and pay for a repair I could arrange 2, Send it back at their cost to have the repair done at the factory or 3, Use the hide and exchange it in late June for a new replacement as they have no stock until that date. I can't praise their speedy response customer care enough. The mark of a good company is how they respond to problems. Tragopan have been excellent in this respect. Charles Simon is a gent and goes the extra mile.

I have been using the monal V2 for quitesome time.. You can stay in it overnight so you are up in the morning at first light. Perfect gear, superb quality.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there David, I hope you are well? Great to hear from you and your experience using the Monal V2, it looks a beauty and is a two man so great to have the room and maybe a fellow photographer joining you. Did you use it to capture your awesome Red Squirrel shots? Regards R 👍

@davidvdbroeck_nature8305

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett yes indeed, it's setup in a private wildlife refuge I have acces to. I use it together with a Secacam 4g, you should give that a try aswell. That way you get an idea of when animals tend to pass.

Looks rather shiny on the outside...not contrasty or dark enough. The lens ports look good and the reflective lining is a good idea. Not a bad hide but Simon Kings pop up hide looks better.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Great to get your feedback, glad your happy with it. 👍

Hi uncle Matt I am enjoying your video misyou

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks little man, glad you like them! Miss you all too xx

Less than 300 for a quality hide like that with additional room. Incredible really

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Andrew, personally I think it’s good value for a hide of that quality, and the added accessories are a must I think. Thanks for watching regards R:-)

@andrewyeates7717

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett oh that's what I mean. Its a great price and packed with features. Enjoy it

I was already looking at these Richard as my aging chair hide has faded from summer foliage to autumn colours due to age😂 Can I just ask what you use for seating in the hide? Do Tragopan do a chair to compliment it? Good review by the way👍

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Scott, you won’t go far wrong with one of these, so impressed with it👍. I use a small stool but Tragopan do a fold away chair that’s pretty awesome. I’m hoping to purchase one soon. Check out ether website mate. Thanks for watching, all the best R :-) 👍

Great comprehensive review that included in the end a clear image of your camera/tripod setup - something I have found missing from other reviews. However, importantly, you did not show us your position with a chair/stool and by the looks of you squatting behind the camera, it seems like a seat/stool would cause your eye level to be too high for camera position and viewing port, given you are eye level without the seat?

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Adam, thanks for watching and commenting on it. When I was showing the tripod and 600 I was sitting on a chair, non adjustable versions & I found it to be sufficient for my needs, the tripod can be lowered thus allowing the lens position to be lower. Sorry if you couldn’t see the seat, hard angle with the camera, I thought it might be obvious as I was in a seated position as my legs were shown as such. If I do a review again I’ll be sure to make that clearer. Thanks again. Richard.

prefer that one , as the brown one deffinately goes out of fashion in spring and summer , still not quite enough green once set up, ( without having to chop bushes down )

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Certainly agree there Tom, the others are a bit bright for me👍

This looks like the best thought out and highest quality hide on the market. However after Brexit it's worth noting that any order from the EU is subject to import tax of 20%. The way the value of your goods is calculated includes the goods themselves and adds the courier charge on top then charges you 20% of the combined total. In addition most couriers are adding an additional charge for the increase in admin time.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, great point and thanks for sharing that here, it's certainly affected lots of people and the wallet. Thanks very much for commenting. All the best R 👍

Dont forget theres a custom charge to go top of the hide price!

@RichardBirchett

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave👍

DOH!!!... just bought a Menimal

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Lol, not to worry mate still a great hide, let me know how you get on with it:-) all the best R 👍

Richard I just watched you video taping and shooting the dippers by the waterfall awesome work that last still photo was stunning. I am in the market for a blind. I am unable to find this blind anywhere. I live in the states but it doesn’t even come up in Amazon any thoughts?

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Rob, thanks very much I just love the dipper, you’ve got a lovely specie in the US, very similar in appearance and the usual dipper behaviour. You won’t go far wrong with one of the Tragopan hides, they do lots of different types for different shooting situations. If you check out my video description there is a link to the Website for US & Canada, think there is a special offer on at the moment which is cool. Any problems let me know I’ll send you the link. All the best to you and thanks for watching. R 🙏👍

@robgerityphoto

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Thanks Richard I didn’t give up and I’m on their homepage right now. I loved that quote at the beginning of one of your videos that was about hunting terrific be well

Just a thought Richard but 4 small pieces of self adhesive velcro could be used to help the groundsheet clip into the hide. I decided to purchase the additional room as well and found your discount code only works once. The moral of the story is put your order in all in one go if you want the 5% discount. The V6 hide and hide cover are out of stock according to the Tragopan website.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, nice one that could really work well! I've have already modified mine to allow a better security of attachment, quite proficient with a specialist sewing machine, handy from the Military days! I did not realise that it was a one off, I need to check on that! Stocks have been going down due to the surge in orders ready for spring I think, I hope you get them through soon. Cheers R 👍

@stevemurnan1702

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Hi Richard. What clips did you use for the additional groundsheet to hide fixing points? The discount code is definitely a one off as my order was rejected and an error message came up telling me I'd already used your code and couldn't use it again. My first order has shipped and is somewhere in the French postal system atm. Charles Simon has advised the Tragopan website isn't funtioning correctly so the tracking code isn't being displayed.

Hi Richard, I am looking into getting a more bag hide type of hide, do you have any experience or tips on this? Cheers, Ian

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Ian, yes for sure I use a Lenscoat Lens Hide which is brilliant, featured in many of my vlogs! Link to product in the video description, any issues let me know:-) thanks for watching. All the best R👍

@ianh8396

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett cheers Richard

Do the mesh screens and lens ports come with the hide?

@RichardBirchett

Жыл бұрын

Yes, everything comes complete for the V6, the additional room etc is an optional extra at cost. Cheers Rich 👍

Hi Richard. I'm considering replacing my pop up hide that tbh is rubbish despite being sold by a famous wildlife photographer and cameraman. I looked at the Tragopan range but thought the new colour scheme they are using called 'Understory' looked a bit bright tbh and preferred their 'Autumn' colour scheme that they appear to have discontinued. Is the model you've got the 'Understory' pattern?

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve, I know which one you mean, not heard great things about them to be honest! I've got the Autumn colour and the old one was too bright hence why they have now changed all new hides being manufactured, which I think work really well. I've also got the Hokki Hide which is great, doing a review on it very soon. You won't go far wrong with Tragopan. If you do buy one use richardtrago5 as a 5% discount code. Let me know how you get on, all the best R 👍

@stevemurnan1702

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett They've stopped the 'Autumn' pattern now and have replaced it with the 'Understory' It looks way to bright green to my eyes. It might work in France but I'm dubious about the UK. I'd buy the 'Autumn' pattern now without a second thought. I will bear in mind the discount code. As for the gentleman from Wells he's local to me and I bump into him occasionally. His company only take money and don't respond to emails or their contact link. He will be getting some feedback next time our paths cross.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

@@stevemurnan1702 Hi Steve, I've spoken to Espen who is the main contact in the UK and by my understanding the pattern that my V6 review was on is the standard pattern that will be present on all future variants of hides. I you do get to see him, thats really bad! Cheers Richard

@stevemurnan1702

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Thanks for the information. Much appreciated.

My Simon King hide bit the dust after I tried repairing the bust zip. I got that fixed then on assembly one of the poles just shattered. Another common complaint. I've ordered the Tragopan v6 today along with the canopy using your 5% discount code. I'm looking forward to delivery and using it.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

You won't regret going from the SK to a Tragopan, please let me know what you think as I don't think you will be disappointed they really are awesome. Nice one using the code, every little helps. Cheers Richard

@stevemurnan1702

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett My only disapointment was the door mesh window is out of stock and I can see that being a problem with some of the locations I use as a wide field of view is necessary so I'll have to improvise until they come back into stock which is forecast for late April /early May. I'll post my impression when I've received it and had the chance to use it a few times.

@stevemurnan1702

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett Dispatched from France today!!!!

Tragopan is a love/hate for me 😄 I had one but sold it. I like the overall design, but i hate the pop up mechanism. It just adds unnecessary weight and bulk imo. I'd rather spend 1min extra on setup (im gonna be there for hours anyways so...) with regular poles, and be able to fit the hide in a backpack (as well as save weight. Also not a fan of the new silver interior as this will reflect light coming in. Don't understand why they didn't use black. The thermal effect of the silver must be minimal (?).

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Hi there Joakim, really sorry to hear about your experience with the Tragopan system, I on the other hand really like them and can live with the weight and like the rapid deployment system. When I've tried putting a light on inside at night no silhouette or movement of me inside is visible and I quite like have some light inside. But we all have our likes and dislikes, which system have you got now? Cheers R

@joakimolsson1024

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichardBirchett to be honest i haven't tried the silver interior, but in my mind it seems like a... not so good idea. But maybe it's not all that bad :) If the the weight & bulk is a problem depends on how long you usually walk of course, and i guess how much other gear you are carrying. Right now im using 4 different solutions depending on situation. 3D camo suit, Buteo Falco hide, customised cheap pop-up hide (also heavy and bulky), Cheap modified camping tent. I would love to try Tragopan again if they create a less bulky one (and preferably lighter), as that is basically a deal breaker for me. I usually need it to be able to pack it in my backpack. My cheap pop-up doesn't and this does not get used much, and the Falco hide doesn't but is on the other hand very lightweight so i can attach it to the backpack with no issue.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

@@joakimolsson1024 Thanks again, and great to hear what products you use, I've heard of the Buteo hides and they are really nice and light. Food for thought for sure, all the best and thanks again for sharing your experience. Regards R

Muy bonito y fácil todo a plena luz del dia . ¿ Por que no haces el review antes de amanecer, ?. los fotografos de naturaleza madrugamos y tenemos que estar en el sitio antes de amanecer, no veo yo que sea muy facil montar todo eso a oscuras. Creo que Tragopan deberia invertir en fabricar una buena chair hide, mucho mas comoda y practica para los fotografos madrugadores. Saludos.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

muchas gracias, anotó, saludos Richard

Blind - V6 Packed Weight: 7.3 lbs Vestibule Packed Weight: 2.2 lbs 9.5 lbs To heavy The Vestibule that connects to it that uses a stake and guidelines could have been a snap-together fiberglass pole so no steaks or guidelines would be needed there. So from what I see they really need to remove weight from these and not make them so heavy. The inside is silver which if it was black it would conceal you better if you wore black then. Now if we consider all the extras you can buy with this. Blind - V6 Packed Weight: 7.3 lbs $249.95 Vestibule Packed Weight: 2.2 lbs $79.95 Rain fly: Packed Weight: 1.5 lbs $59.95 Awning:0.9 lbs Screen Door Lens Sleeve :No weight given on site. Tunnel:0.9 connect 2 not needed. So top 3 you would need, blind, vestibule, rain fly which would give you 11lbs at $389.95. The weight is far too heavy and the price is too much. Just my opinion is all.

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

Great feedback, thanks very much for taking the time to explain. Makes sense and will feed that back to Tragopan. Regards R :-) 👍

@juancarlosdelvillar3115

3 жыл бұрын

Excelente video. Estoy dudando si comprar el V6 o el V+. Tendrè que valorar el peso y algunas cuestiones màs. Muchas gracias

@RichardBirchett

3 жыл бұрын

thanks very much Juan, both really good hides so you won't be disappointed with either, weight is always a concern. If you have any further questions please ask. Regards Richard