Tripods

[Hurakan]

What are you Guys using for tripods when backpacking? Im sick of lugging around 2+ pounds of tripod. Going to try a new micro pod I picked up this week and use it at Ostler next weekend. Just weighs 4 ounces and is 7 inches long. Trying to find a good solution without paying a small fortune.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ANCPNM/?tag=backcountrypo-20

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Mine weighs more than 2lbs, so you are probably not interested, but if you are, here's what I carry: http://anasaziphoto.com/blog/2012/12/building-my-perfect-backcountry-tripod

I try and make up for carrying heavy camera gear by getting the rest of my gear as light as I can. I don't always carry a tripod when backpacking, though. I only take it when I know I'll need it for a specific shot.

 

[andyjaggy]

Mine is over 2 pounds as well but I love it. It's the Manfrotto 055 series.

http://www.manfrotto.us/new-055-tripod-series?cat_title=055_new_series

I got the carbon fiber which makes it a bit lighter, but it's still on the heavy side. When I am being lazy and feel like going a bit lighter I carry a smaller 5 section manfrotto travel tripod. this one I think.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004MKNJ84/?tag=backcountrypo-20

Actually, that's still over 2 pounds so never mind.

 

[andyjaggy]

Mine weighs more than 2lbs, so you are probably not interested, but if you are, here's what I carry: http://anasaziphoto.com/blog/2012/12/building-my-perfect-backcountry-tripod

I try and make up for carrying heavy camera gear by getting the rest of my gear as light as I can. I don't always carry a tripod when backpacking, though. I only take it when I know I'll need it for a specific shot.

It's interesting that you found the flip locks frustrating and prefer the twist locks. I had the opposite experience with my previous tripod that had twist locks, and specifically looked for one with flip locks instead.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

It's interesting that you found the flip locks frustrating and prefer the twist locks. I had the opposite experience with my previous tripod that had twist locks, and specifically looked for one with flip locks instead.

Cheap tripod twist-locks can be very frustrating, too...but higher quality twist locks seem to work better for me.

 

[Hurakan]

Those are very nice tripods. My goal is to hit below 25 pounds and that includes my camera and fishing gear, which isnt going to be easy. I ditched the Nikon for a Nex 5N and that saved quite a bit and the quality is about the same. If I want to take nice pics I just use some vintage pentax F1.2 to F2.8 Lenses but the glass adds weight, or I just use the kit lens and bump things up in PS.

Its always a trade off. What weight are you guys packing in? Im at 35 pounds currently but I should be 30 next trip.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

I'm usually around 28-35lbs depending on how many nights

 

[Hurakan]

Thats pretty good, im sure you have like 8-10 pounds of camera gear. But your pics are very nice!

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Thats pretty good, im sure you have like 8-10 pounds of camera gear. But your pics are very nice!

Yep, that weight for my camera gear is about right. Thanks!

 

[Yvonne]

I use a Feisol travel tripod. It weights more than 2 lbs, but I really like it a lot.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058LND7I/?tag=backcountrypo-20


As I do not have a lot of heavy backpacking gear I can justify to carry this tripod. I needed something sturdy and this one works absolutely fine for me.

 

[Mike K]

I use one of those micro pods as well. Might be that exact model. I imagine it's intended for "pocket cameras" (which is what have/use) but it works well for me. You can strap it to trekking poles and sometimes trees branches. You'll have to let us know what you think after your Ostler trip.

 

[HomerJ]

I have a Berno that comes in at just under 2 lbs. I would have bought the Slick Spirit Mini II but it was out of stock everywhere for months so I bought the Berno... Been happy with it, but it's short. The Slick weighs in at 1.75 lbs.

 

[SirDonB]

I dont take a tripod with me when I go out hiking, geocaching, etc, but I do have one like this http://www.walmart.com/ip/Vivitar-VIV-MPT-150W-41-Tripod-White/27448855 It works ok for me and dont weigh a lot. I have never had the need to get an exact weight on it. When I need a tripod, it works well enough to help steady the camera and get the shot.

 

[Dori Coplien]

My tripod is a http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003Z90T54/?tag=backcountrypo-20. Gave up taking a tripod with me years ago. When needed, I use a strap and/or whatever is handy.

 

[Jeremy C]

I use a Feisol CT-3442 http://www.feisol.com/0823tripodsdetails-5.html (though I really don't know why they call them Tournament models). A little over 2 lbs, but small and easy to balance on my bag. It can get fairly low to the ground, and being 6'5" fully extended, I don't have to lean over that much to get to the view finder.

 

[Jeremy C]

Mine weighs more than 2lbs, so you are probably not interested, but if you are, here's what I carry: http://anasaziphoto.com/blog/2012/12/building-my-perfect-backcountry-tripod

I try and make up for carrying heavy camera gear by getting the rest of my gear as light as I can. I don't always carry a tripod when backpacking, though. I only take it when I know I'll need it for a specific shot.

I can't believe I glazed over this post before adding mine. My kit is very similar but I use the Acratech Ultimate Ballhead. One thing I noticed this last trip of mine in Montana was that the leg joint bolts got really loose (like finger loosening loose) from use. I tightened them down but it kinda surprised me.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

One thing I noticed this last trip of mine in Montana was that the leg joint bolts got really loose (like finger loosening loose) from use. I tightened them down but it kinda surprised me.

Haven't had that issue with mine so far