Whether you are a travel photographer or a backpacking shutterbug, a tripod is an essential piece of gear in your backpack.
A decent tripod will help you get the best shots out in the elements and capture important moments.
However, choosing the right backpacking tripod can be daunting. The tripod market has never been more saturated.
This guide will help you cut through a sea of marketing buzzwords to find a lightweight, compact, and affordable tripod to shoot with on the go.
Best Backpacking Tripods
Best Budget
Zomei Z818
Best Overall
Vanguard Alta Pro
Best Lightweight
Joby Gorillapod 5K
Despite advances in camera technology, a tripod is still one of the best ways to get reliably sharp results when taking photos on the trail.
From entry-level to high-end, backpacking tripods span a range of features, specifications, and prices.
The best backpacking tripod for you will vary depending on your needs and budget. Here’s our roundup of the best backpacking tripods for the money.
1. Vanguard Alta Pro: Best Overall
Regarding the best backpacking tripods, Vanguard Alta Pro checks all the boxes. At 2.44 kg, the Vanguard Alta Pro may not be the most lightweight or compact.
However, it’s superior build quality, versatile functionality, and good value for the money make it stand out.
It has a multi-angle central column that can be moved from 0 to 180 degrees, allowing various shooting angles and perspectives. The hexagonal-shaped quick-release plate ensures stability and security.
The Vanguard Alta Pro tripod is a high-quality tripod that offers excellent performance and functionality.
Pros
Cons
2. Zomei Z818: Best Budget Backpacking Tripod
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, check out the Zomei Z818. Based on its functionality, versatility, and compactness, the Zomei Z818 is the best budget travel tripod.
It has all the key features, including a quick-release plate, twist locking mechanism, and 2-in-1 functionality.
It comes in a high-quality aluminum alloy construction and a ball head that supports up to 15 kg of load.
At under $100 on Amazon, the Zomei Z818 tripod is a lightweight, portable, and budget-friendly option for backpackers and casual photographers looking for a reliable camera stand.
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Cons
3. Joby Gorillapod 5K: Best Lightweight Backpacking Tripod
Adding a bulky tripod to an already heavy backpack can be a headache. If you are in the market for the best lightweight backpacking tripod, we recommend the Joby Gorillapod 5K.
This lightweight tripod comes in at only 0.74 kg and can fold down to an impressive 38 cm.
The Joby Gorillapod 5K has a unique design that allows you to wrap it around any object or place it on any surface. Despite being lightweight and portable, it can support up to 5 kg of load.
All in all, the Joby Gorillapod 5K tripod is an excellent option for those who value portability and functionality.
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Cons
4. SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod: Best for Casual Photography
If you’re a casual photographer needing a decent backpacking tripod for your next adventure, the SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is the perfect all-around option.
It weighs only 0.9 kg and folds to 31 cm, making it portable and easy to store.
It has a carbon fiber construction and a ball head that supports up to 10 kg of load. It also has a twist lock system, allowing quick and easy setup.
Overall, the SIRUI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod is a high-quality tripod that offers excellent performance and functionality for the average backpacker.
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Cons
5. GEEKOTO AT24 Pro: Best for Panorama Shots
If you’re looking for a backpacking tripod with an easy panorama shooting option, we recommend the GEEKOTO AT24 Pro.
It offers a 360-degree panoramic scale for precise alignment and rotation, making it the best choice for panorama shooting.
The GEEKOTO AT24 Pro weighs 1.26 kg and folds to 48 cm, making it lightweight and convenient.
It has an aluminum alloy construction and a ball head that supports up to 8 kg of load.
The GEEKOTO AT24 Pro is a mid-range tripod with great features and good overall build quality for backpackers and travel photographers.
Pros
Cons
6. K&F Concept 67-inch: Best for Landscape Photography
Similarly, if you’re looking for the best backpacking tripod for shooting landscape photos, the K&F Concept 67-inch is a great shot.
It has a reversible center column can be inverted or rotated for low-angle or macro shots, making it excellent at capturing natural details and perspectives.
The K&F Concept 67 inch is compact and portable, weighing only 1.36 kg. You can also fold it down to 42 cm to make it fit into your gear bag easily.
Generally, the K&F Concept 67-inch Tripod is a decent option if you take many landscape photos in your travels.
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Cons
7. Gitzo Traveler Series 1: Best Professional Backpacking Tripod
The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 tripod offers several features that make it the best professional travel tripod.
For starters, it weighs 1 kg and folds down to 36 cm, thus very lightweight and compact. This tripod also features a reverse folding mechanism that reduces the folded length by 25%.
With its sturdy carbon fiber construction, the Series 1 can support heavy DSLR and cameras with lenses and accessories professional photographers are more likely to use.
The Gitzo Traveler Series 1 is a premium backpacking tripod designed for travel photographers and hiking shutterbugs looking for lightweight, compact, and durable camera support.
Pros
Cons
Best Backpacking Tripods: Buyer’s Guide
Along with travel insurance to provide cover against risks associated with travel, a backpacking tripod is essential to travel photographers and shutterbug adventurers.
A backpacking tripod will take your travel photography to the next level.
So, pack one of these bad boys as you book your flight and make other travel preparations. But as you can see, not all tripods are suitable for travel.
Some can be too heavy, bulky, or fragile to carry around.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best travel tripod for your needs:
Portability
One of the most important considerations when buying a backpacking tripod is portability. You want a lightweight, compact tripod and easy to pack and carry.
Ideally, the tripod should weigh less than 2 kg and fold to less than 50 cm to fit in your backpack or suitcase.
Height
How tall can the tripod can extend? You want a tripod that can reach a comfortable eye level for your shooting position without compromising stability or portability.
Aim for a maximum height of at least 150 cm and a minimum height of less than 30 cm to shoot from various angles and perspectives.
Build Quality
Another essential factor is build quality. You want a tripod that can withstand harsh environments and heavy loads without breaking or bending.
Ideally, the tripod should be made of solid and rigid materials, such as carbon fiber or aluminum alloy, and have sturdy and secure locking mechanisms for the legs and head.
Cost
Last but certainly not least, cost is the next thing to consider when shopping for a backpacking tripod.
The best backpacking tripod offers good value for money without compromising quality or performance.
Unless you are a professional photographer who requires a premium tripod, anything in the $200 ballpark should suffice.
Final Thoughts
Capture the special moments in your adventures like a pro! Choosing the right backpacking tripod doesn’t have to be tough. For most users, it’s all about balancing affordability and functionality.
Feel free to use our list of the best backpacking tripods for the money to find the perfect camera stand for your needs.
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