NEW in November 2021!! We are introducing a new lightweight filler, called Git-Lite. See Filler Notes below.
This rugged bean bag is for supporting a DSLR, mirrorless or video camera on a vehicle, car window, chair, table, tree limb, fence post or on the ground. It is quicker to use than a tripod. The bag has a zippered compartment for a filler, such as polyethylene beads, buckwheat hulls, rice, beans etc.
- The bottom has a rubberized-style fabric that keeps the sack in place when placed on a vehicle or other slick surface.
- Drape the 4.2 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 Land Rover. With the sewn-in quick-release strap, it can be securely fastened to the rack on the top of the vehicle.
- 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.
- Constructed of a combination of 400-denier and 420-denier Diamond Ripstop nylon fabrics. These tough fabrics are supplemented by SlipNot, a rubberize-type fabric.
- Sewn-in hand grab strap. Also use the Y208 (sold as an “add-on”) will clip to the hand strap of this bag extending it for use when you want to use it as longer tie down to the top of a vehicle or as a narrow (20mm) shoulder strap.
The SafariSack™ 4.2 can be used in three modes:
- Flat, to support a camera on the ground or on top of a Land Rover or other vehicle.
- 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.
- 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.
Feature Update
The original SafariSack™ has been in production for over 15 years. It has been duplicated by others, but as they say, “copying is the best form of flattery.” In 2014 we made the following changes to this timeless design:
- A side gusset, providing a thicker volume of beads when folded over saddlebag style
- A slightly smaller overall profile, yet thicker where it counts in the center
Instead of stitching the rubberized-type fabric end to end with the nylon fabric, we have overlaid it on top of the nylon fabrics for much stronger seams and less chance of blow outs. - Now available in khaki or the classic black (the bottoms are black on both models).
- Slightly rounded ends for easier handling.
- D-rings on the ends for easier carrying over the shoulder with an optional shoulder strap.
- A new smaller sack for shorter glass...the 1.4 model.
Filler Notes
- The poly beads are the most dense and provide the best support, but they are also heavier than other fills.
- In November of 2021, we introduced a new filler called Git-Lite® Premium Bag Fill. It is an incredible product, providing better support than buckwheat hulls yet half the weight of poly. It was originally designed for field use of tactical (rifle) shooting bags; we are first photo bag company to integrate this product. Note: we are not authorized to sell Git-Lite filler without a bag—visit their site for such a purchase. For the SafariSack 4.2, you will want to purchase their “large” bag, giving you about a half of liter (two cups) of extra unneeded fill. Their “small” bag yields approx. 2.8 liters. Check out their video.
- If you want to purchase your own poly beads, they can be obtained at a hobby or craft store (i.e. Walmart, Hobby Lobby or Michaels). Poly beads are often used as doll filler or in making stuffed animals. Retail cost at Walmart is about $15 to $18 for 6 pounds. Rice, beans, bird seed, millet and cat litter are alternative fillers.
- Buckwheat hulls are also sold as “organic mulch” from garden suppliers. The buckwheat hulls are very dusty, which seeps through the seams and zipper. Consequently, when you order a buckwheat-filled sack, we have been using a plastic liner. If you purchased the hulls separately, then we advise you to use the inner bag of the provided packaging as a liner, rolling over or taping the end.
- The filler will make the inside of the bag dirty. It can be inverted and hand washed if desired. Drip dry.
Specifications
U.S./ImperialFlat dimensions: 9.4 x 15.7"
Empty weight: 5.0 oz.
Poly filled weight (including the sack): 5 lbs. 8 oz. approx.
Buckwheat filled weight (including the sack): 1 lb. 7 oz. approx.
Git-Lite filled weight (including the sack): 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Recommended fill volume: 260 cu in or 4.4 qts
Metric
Flat dimensions: 24 x 40 cm
Empty weight: 144 g
Poly filled weight (including the sack): 2.5 kg approx.
Buckwheat filled weight (including the sack): 660 g approx.
Git-Lite filled weight (including the sack): 1.19 kg
Recommended fill volume: 4.2 liters
SKU Numbers
Empty SafariSack 4.2:
Black # R427-K
Khaki # R427-H
Git-Lite Filled:
Black # R426-K
Khaki # R426-H
*The prices shown above include the following additional shipping fees for filled sacks; will-call orders or Amazon prime orders will not have this extra expense.
Buckwheat Filled:
Black # R428-K (+$1.50*)
Khaki # R428-H (+$1.50*)
Polyethylene Filled:
Black # R429-K (+$3.50*)
Khaki # R429-H (+$3.50*)
Designed and Crafted in USA