Best Backpacking Tripods (All Skill Levels)

ZOMEI 55” Portable Tripod

The Zomei portable tripod is a great budget option. It costs less than $40, which is as cheap as it gets for really good travel tripods. And you’re not sacrificing much when it comes to the durability and quality of the product; this tripod is made from aluminum alloy and ABS plastic.

You can extend it to 58” max, which is good but not great. Its maximum height doesn’t allow for the most comfortable eye-level shooting, but it is a good fit for shorter people. In addition to that, you can adjust the height of each leg separately, which allows for stable shooting on uneven terrain. And that’s a great feature for backpackers, especially since it’s a lightweight tripod.

Another convenient feature of this tripod is that it has a hook at the center column. This allows you to add some weight to it and make it more stable – great for shooting in windy weather or on uneven terrain. However, I would have preferred that this tripod was stable enough on its own and didn’t require the additional weight.

The Zomei features a lever that lets you pan and tilt the head. It pans left, right, up, and down rather smoothly, and allows for some surprisingly stable shots.

This lightweight tripod packs down to a total length of 19”. It comes with a softshell carry case, which you can easily store in your backpack. I normally like to store my tripod in the side pocket of the backpacking packs, so that it remains easily accessible throughout my adventures. The Zomei portable tripod fits perfectly in the pocket of my Osprey Rook.

The only thing I don’t like about this tripod for backpacking is that it can’t be converted into a monopod. It’s definitely not versatile enough to be my go-to travel tripod, but that’s expected, considering the low price point.

MACTREM M-PT55-Bk PT55 Travel Camera Tripod

This is another excellent option for amateurs and casual photographers. The Mactrem tripod is very affordable, with a price tag under $40. And that is pretty great for a tripod made from 80% aluminum alloy, which weighs only 2.6 lbs. It is very lightweight, so you can carry it for an entire day without dislocations your shoulder.

But only if you’re able to actually fit it in your backpack. A downside of this tripod is that its folded length is 20”. That’s pretty bulky, especially compared with some of the tripods I’ve shown you that have reversible legs and fold down to 12”. It is a little bulky and not the most portable tripod out of the bunch, but hey – you didn’t think it would be entirely perfect for less than $40, did you?

The Mactrem extends to 55” max, so it wouldn’t be my first choice for people that want to stand up straight when they’re shooting. But it’s great for pretty much everyone else.

It has a quick-release plate and a 360° rotating handle, so it is definitely suitable for panning shots. Your camera should be pretty stable, thanks to multiple lock knobs. But, in case you find the tripod a bit wobbly, you can always add some extra weight to the hook on the center column.

This has a maximum load of 11 lbs, so it’s not the best option if you prefer to use heavy cameras and lenses. But it’s great for beginners who have an entry-level DSLR with some basic lenses – the adjustable legs let you play with this on uneven terrain, while the rubber feet keep the tripod extremely stable no matter where you put it.

GEEKOTO 77'' Tripod

If you’re looking for a portable tripod that allows for some comfortable and natural eye-level shooting, the Geekoto is an excellent choice. Its maximum height is 77” (1.95 meters), which is going to be above eye level for most people.

All that extra height comes with extra weight, so this is definitely not the best lightweight tripod out of the bunch. But 3.37 lbs is still a really good weight for such a versatile product. Yes, there are tripods that are a pound lighter, but they don’t extend as much as this one.

The Geekoto tripod also easily converts into a monopod, which is great for those situations when you need extra freedom of movement. And when you’re using it as a monopod, you can actually extend it to a max height of 81.5”, which is absolutely amazing.

It packs down to a length of 19”, making it super convenient to store in your favorite backpacking pack. The column legs have four sections, and you adjust their height with quick-release buckles. This is extremely easy to do, and it only takes a few seconds to set up the tripod to the desired height.

The maximum load of this backpacking tripod is 17.6 lbs, which allows for comfortable shooting even with some really heavy cameras. And it features a ball head that rotates 360°, which lets you get some stunning panorama shots.

In terms of ease of use, this tripod is definitely beginner-friendly. The price might be off-putting for some beginners though since this isn’t exactly a cheap tripod. But, any experienced photographer will recognize this as a great deal, considering just how pricey tripods can be.

K&F Concept 62'' DSLR Tripod

The K&F Concept Tripod is a great mid-range option. It extends to 62” max, which is okay for eye-level shooting. You will have to bend over slightly, but not that much that you suffer from severe back pain. It folds down to some 18”, which makes it super convenient for carrying around in your huge backpack.

This lightweight tripod weighs only 2.43 lbs, so it is extremely light. It is actually one of the lightest travel tripods I’ve managed to find, which is a huge plus. You can carry it around for several hours, and you won’t be bothered by its weight at all.

One great feature of this tripod is the load capacity – it can handle 22 lbs with ease. This is excellent if you have a heavy camera and tend to use large and heavy lenses. Especially because it also features a 1.1” ball head. This is wider than standard ball heads and allows for more stability with heavier cameras.

And another thing I really like about the K&F Concept tripod is that you can invert the center column. This lets you shoot at really low angles so that you never again have to lie down in the dirt in order to get that perfect photo.

The bottom of the cloud platform has a 360-degree scale, which lets you take panoramic shots with ease. Also, adjusting the angle of the tripod tube is effortless – you only need to press the self-locking adjustment knob, and then release it when you want to pack up the tripod.

The only downside of the K&F tripod for backpacking is that it doesn’t convert into a monopod. It’s not the most versatile tripod out there, which is a shame because it’s not really that cheap.

Manfrotto Compact Light Aluminum 4-Section Tripod

Here’s our best lightweight tripod for backpacking. The Manfrotto Compact Light tripod weighs only 2 lbs, which is as good as it gets. It weighs so little because it is mostly made from aluminum, a material that is incredibly sturdy but remarkably lightweight.

This travel tripod extends to 51” max, so it’s definitely not a great option if you’re looking for something to help with eye-level shots. But if that’s not your main concern and you just want something that’s father-light, you should definitely consider getting this tripod.

It is only 15.67” long when folded, so it is super convenient for carrying around in your backpack. And you will also get a softshell bag with this tripod, which is a useful but not necessary inclusion.

This is a good option for beginners and casual photographers; it’s not as feature-packed as true professional tripods, but it will get the job done. And it’s not too expensive; the Manfrotto Compact Light costs a little less than $60, which is pretty good for such a high-quality brand.

One downside of this tripod is that the ball head is really small. DSLRs with large bodies won’t be too stable on this tripod, and you will definitely need an additional adapter if you’re using some really long lenses.

You also have the option to get this tripod with a special ball clamp that has a mount for your phone. If you take a lot of shots with your phone as well, this is not a bad feature to have. And the blue version of this clamp costs some 50 cents more than the plain version of the tripod, so it’s actually a really good deal!

Dolica TX570DS Ultra Compact Tripod

The Dolica tripod is one of my favorite options for beginners and semi-pros. It extends to 57” max, which is okay for eye-level shooting. Your back won’t be completely straight, but you won’t have to squat next to your tripod if you want a good shot. This tripod is mostly made from aluminum, which is a very durable material.

The thing that makes this tripod ultraportable is that its legs fold in reverse. This means that it is only 12.5” long when folded, and that’s absolutely amazing. It will not only fit into the pockets of giant backpacking packs, but you can also easily fit it into smaller hiking bags.

And this thing weighs only 2.5 lbs, so it’s definitely lightweight enough that you can carry it around for the better part of the day.

The Dolica tripod easily converts into a monopod and it has a maximum load of 15 lbs. It is perfectly suitable for heavy DSLRs, and actually pretty stable, due to a fairly large ball head. And it has rubber feet, which help it stay in place even on some slippery terrain.

This model of the tripod comes with Premium Design Ball Head, which features rubberized knobs for pan and tilt. There’s also a quick-release plate lock on this tripod, for quick and easy adjustments.

In addition to that, the Dolica tripod also features a hook at the center column that lets you add weight. This makes the tripod a bit more stable and is helpful when shooting with really heavy cameras.

TYCKA Rangers 56” Compact Travel Tripod

The Tycka Rangers tripod is made from 80% aluminum alloy. It is a very sturdy tripod, which weighs less than 3 lbs. The maximum extended height of it is 56” – okay for eye-level photography, but certainly not the best if that’s your primary use of tripods. On the other hand, if you generally sit down when you take photos, this could be an awesome tripod for you.

Additionally, there’s a hook at the center column, which lets you add some counterweight and makes the tripod a bit more stable with really heavy cameras.

However, if you’re looking for something that lets you shoot really low angles and microphotography, then this is a good option. The center column can be inverted, allowing you to really get up close with anything on the ground. And without having to get yourself dirty.

This tripod features a removable leg with a foam grip that lets you convert it into a monopod. You can also use that leg as a walking stick, making this tripod a really great fit for backpackers. The maximum height of the monopod is 57”.

The Tycka Rangers tripod features two separate control knobs that let the ball plate rotate 360°. This allows for great panorama shots and is a necessary feature for landscape photographers. In addition to that, the maximum load capacity of this tripod is 26.5 lbs, which means it can handle even the heaviest of cameras. And that’s one of the reasons why I would recommend this to pros.

It’s not the most affordable tripod out of the bunch, but it’s also not too expensive. The price point is great for the level of quality and versatility you’re getting, so don’t hesitate to give it a shot!

BONFOTO B690C Lightweight Carbon Fiber Portable Tripod

Here’s a great backpacking tripod for pros; the Bonfoto is made from a mixture of carbon fiber and aluminum alloy, which makes it a very sturdy and durable tripod. it is a little heavier than most other tripods I’ve shown you – this one weighs 3.22 lbs. But it packs down to a total length of 15.3”, so it’s still pretty convenient for carrying around.

And that’s still a really good weight for a carbon fiber tripod, which is considered a luxury in the world of photography. The price point of the Bonfoto reflects that; it is one of the most expensive tripods I’ve shown you in this review.

However, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with this tripod. It is really versatile – you can convert it into a monopod, you can invert the center column for macro shots and you can adjust the legs to different heights and angles. Plus, the quick-release plate lets you switch between cameras quickly, making it a great fit for the pros.

The maximum length of the Bonfoto is 59”. But, it comes with an aluminum tube, which lets you extend it an additional 3.5”, making its total extended height (with the tube) 62.5”. You can also add the tube if you’re using this as a monopod, for a max height of 65.9”.

The ball head can rotate 360°, which lets you get that perfect shot every time. And the hook at the center allows you to add some extra weight to the tripod and make it more stable with really heavy cameras. This is something you won’t have to do too often since this tripod was designed to easily hold 26.5 lbs.

Overall, if you’re looking for high quality, versatility, portability, and premium materials, the Bonfoto tripod is easily your best option.

MeFOTO BackPacker Classic 51.2" Travel Tripod

The MeFOTO tripod is one of the most portable options in this review. It is only 12.6” long when folded, which makes it exceptionally portable. And it weighs just 2.6 lbs, so it’s definitely not too heavy for backpacking. That’s thanks to the aluminum this tripod is made of, which is a really lightweight but durable material.

But, this is a very simple tripod. It doesn’t convert into a monopod and you can’t invert the center column for low-angle shots. And if you’re not looking for a versatile tripod, but just something that is extremely sturdy and lightweight, this could be the perfect one for you.

You can adjust the angle of the legs, and you can individually lock them into heights that suit you. This lets you find the perfect height for your tripod on uneven terrain and ensures you’re getting the best shots.

There’s a hook at the center column, which will help make this tripod more stable with heavier cameras at its max height. Which is 51.2”, by the way; great for most shots, but not ideal for eye-level photography.

The maximum load capacity of this tripod is 8.8 lbs. This is going to be enough for you if you have an entry-level DSLR and don’t own any ridiculously heavy lenses. But it’s not going to work for people who prefer to use a heavy camera with an even heavier lens.

It has a heavy-duty ball head that swivels 360°. And it separates pan and headlocks, which means you can take some awesome panorama photographs and panning shots. In addition to that, the ball head features an Arca-Swiss quick-release plate. That’s a favorite among professional photographers, and it’s super convenient to have a tripod that’s 100% compatible with the brand.

K&F Concept 78 inch Camera Tripod

This is a great option for pros. This K&F Concept tripod extends to a maximum height of 78”, making it perfect for comfortable eye-level shots. And it has several features that will help you get the perfect shot anywhere, like the removable foot nails that really dig into the ground and keep the tripod stable on uneven terrain.

This has a 360° ball head that allows for panning shots and panorama photographs, as well as a center column that you can invert for low-angle shots. In addition to that, you can easily convert this tripod into a monopod, which will have a max height of 80.7”. And you can even use the monopod as a walking stick!

The main material of the tripod is aluminum-magnesium alloy, which has excellent durability. It is non-rusting, meaning that you can use this tripod in all sorts of weather conditions and not worry about ruining it.

It comes with a very large ball head, which can easily support big and heavy cameras. In fact, the maximum load of this tripod is 17.6 lbs, which is suitable even for most professionals.

And the best part is that the K& F Concept tripod is still remarkably portable! It folds down to a length of 18”, and it weighs a mere 3.17 lbs. That is absolutely amazing for a tripod that extends to more than 2 meters! The weight does mean it’s not going to be perfectly stable with really heavy cameras, but you can always add some extra weight to the hook on the center column and fix that issue.

If you are looking for a lightweight tripod suitable for different weather conditions, terrain types, and shooting angles, this would be my first choice!