Last updated on March 5th, 2023
If you’re looking for the best backpacking tripod that is Lightweight & Compact then You’ve come to the proper place.
We’ve searched online and tested a variety of the most recent models for giving your photography a rock-solid base without weighing you down with an ungainly, full-size tripod.
Of course, you can’t really be able to beat any full-sized tripod for truly solid support. the matter is that no one likes lugging around a hefty tripod, so you’re likely to travel away from it at a place where it’s no use whatsoever.
The good news is that manufacturers are increasingly designing lightweight tripods for DSLR Cameras that are relatively comfortable lightweight and fold down sufficiently small to easily strap to a camera bag or perhaps maybe fit inside one.
That’s why this guide helps you to get the best DSLR tripod for backpacking that makes your travel more fun & enthusiastic.
So let’s dive right in with my recommendations.
11 Best Lightweight Tripod for Backpacking in 2023
If you simply want to take photos for the sake of memories and value keeping your backpack as light as possible, then it might not be necessary to travel with a tripod.
However, if you’re looking to take your photographs to the next level and try out new shots with your camera then a tripod is a must-have accessory.
We have done extensive research and tested many of the most popular tripod models to help you find the best tripod for backpacking for your DSLR cameras.
In the list below, you’ll see the tripods that offer great value for money. There is worthy photography gear to consider in every price segment; that’s why the included variants range from $50 to $600.
1. Benro 2 Series
The Benro 2 Series FTA28CV1 is the best lightweight tripod for backpacking. It has a component of Benro’s most advanced variety of compact, travel vogue pic tripods.
This lightweight absolutely featured reverse folding rack kit combines 9X carbon fiber legs with metallic element castings and twist locks for inflexible performance.
This isn’t exactly an ultra-lightweight tripod but some of its features became very beneficial during my long hikes.
The extra heaviness was completely worth it as I was able to use one of the legs as a monopod. Nine-layer carbon material minimizes the tripod’s weight without undesired compromising on the sturdiness.
There’s also a possibility of adding some balance by hanging a heavy case on the special hook at the center column.
The rubber feet simplify the work on almost any surface, including ice, wood, tile, and lawn. You don’t have to buy a separate shoulder strap or carrying bag; they come with the set.
2. MeFoto Globetrotter Carbon Fiber Tripod
MeFoto is the best All-Around lightweight tripod for backpacking. It is a Carbon Fiber Lightweight Tripod that permits a stiff, solid, strong, and compact.
It can extend to 64.2″, supports up to 26.4 lb, and folds right down to just over 16″. The GlobeTrotter is really two cameras supported in one: a foam-cushioned, removable leg attaches to the middle column to convert to a full-size monopod.
The tripod’s legs are often spread independently with two-position leg angle stops. A spring-loaded hook is found in a very recess at the rock bottom of the middle column, allowing you to hold a weighted object from it for extra stability.
Its lightweight carbon fiber plotting and structure are surprisingly sturdy and allow it to steadily hold bulkier and bigger DSLR cameras with larger lenses. The kit makes allowance with the MeFOTO Q2 ball head that works well and locks tight.
MeFoto designed this portable tripod to simply convert to a monopod without tools. One of the legs has foam cushioning and it unscrews from the principal hinges. It then combines with the removable center column to create a full-size monopod.
The ball head delivers a separate head and also pan locks, a 360° pan index, and an integral bubble level.
An Arca-Swiss style quick release plate with a 1/4″-20 camera screw is included within the kit, beside a durable carry case with a band for storage and transport.
3. Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 Aluminum 4-Section Tripod
The Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 is a backpacking lightweight tripod for landscape photography. It could be a very versatile lightweight tripod for your DSLR and can do a wonderful job in the hands of macro and landscape photography.
It comes as a well-finished tripod kit with an XPRO 4-way head. Plus a mild and easy Link adapter attachment that offers an instant connection between the tripod and accessories like LED lights.
A workable innovative mechanism allows the vertical column to swing to the horizontal position increasing shooting flexibility.
To consider the favorite feature of the Manfrotto 190go is the QUICK POWER LOCK (QPL) System twist locks that provide for quick and easy tripod leg deployment and retraction.
It turns the 190 into a mobile studio extending shooting possibilities. The 190 tripods have 4 leg angles that allow you to adapt to any plot providing extraordinary stability.
What’s more, this tripod also features an innovative 90-degree central column that permits you to service at a minimum height of just 3.5 inches for macro shots.
If you’re trying to find a lightweight tripod that gives stability, the Manfrotto 190go Aluminum tripod is a wonderful choice.
However, its smaller maximum load capacity of 15.4 pounds might be a difficulty for photographers who use heavy telephoto lenses.
4. AmazonBasics 60-Inch Travel Tripod
AmazonBasics 60 is the best Lightweight Tripod for Under $50. It could be a beginner-friendly lightweight tripod for DSLR that comes at a budget price.
It only weighs about 2.72 pounds and supports a maximum load of 6.6 pounds.
This tripod will steadily prop and help most travel photography camera setups.
Its legs long from 20″ to 48″, and up to 60″ with the middle column fully expanded.
What we like about this tripod is the simple setting it up. The leg locks release smoothly and slides easily to your required height.
Featuring built-in levels at the bottom and a camera plate also as stabilizing, non-slip rubber feet, this tripod helps you achieve the right shot.
It is easy to collapse and transport, the 3-pound tripod includes its own zippered carrying case with an adjustable arm strap.
The AmazonBasics 60 also comes with two built-in bubble view levels and a multipurpose 3-way head that gives tilt and 360-degree swivel motion for both landscape and portrait photography.
With this kind of tripod head, you’ll get the most effective camera leveling experience, especially if you’re running a tripod for the primary time.
5. Joby GorillaPod 5K
Joby GorillaPod 5K is the best Lightweight Tripod for Vlogging. It also counts as a Flexible Mini-Tripod by Joby features.
The GorillaPod 5K is an anodized aluminum build quality for enhanced strength and smooth movement. It comes as an entire kit with the high-quality BallHead 5K.
The stable, strong, and sturdy design allows it to support a maximum load capacity of 11 pounds (5 kg). The features a unique design with wrappable legs made of several joints, allowing you to secure professional camera equipment to virtually any surface.
GorillaPod delivers A level and firm shot on any surface. It works in three modes, (grip, wrap, and stand) that permit you to configure it for videography, vlogging, and still photography.
You can take it anywhere and capture unique shots from ground level to high up into a rig, also with one easy-to-configure tripod that matches in almost any bag or backpack.
The Joby GorillaPod 5K Flexible Mini-Tripod with Ball Head 5K kit is favorable for roving vloggers who need a versatile but lightweight tripod.
6. Manfrotto Befree
Manfrotto Befree is another good tripod for enthusiast travel photographers. This lightweight tripod kit is the open ideal key for advanced hobbyist photographers who want maximum performance and stability in the least time – including when they’re traveling or hiking.
Its ergonomic design makes functioning the Manfrotto Befree advanced intuitive, fast, and swift, enabling even the foremost demanding photographers to line their equipment up quickly and simply so their focus stays on catching the desired shot.
The Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Aluminium tripods have an easy, functional design that’s no-frills yet also provides everything you would like for each day out on the road.
They compact to simply 40cm, go together with a well-made carry bag and have the power to change the friction of the ball head.
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is a stylish, renewed range of Manfrotto travel tripods made to match the high expectations of travel photographers trying to find portable and high-performance support.
It is featuring impressive load capacity and easy adjustments with ergonomic & independent controls. And also framing with zoom lenses is easier and faster.
It allows you to read in seconds – no more losing touch together with your creative momentum as you frame your shot. The new generation of carbon fiber legs offers maximum performance and extreme lightness.
The Manfrotto BeFree Advanced Aluminium tripods Befree gives you two different locking mechanisms.
The M-Lock drives fast and secure operations in the most portable way and therefore the QPL lock, with its on-off mechanism build the setup and adjustment easy and secure.
7. 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey is the best Lightweight Tripod Under $200. As a travel photographer, you’ll not be able to spend quite $200 on a transportable lightweight tripod for a DSLR.
Luckily, the 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey Tripod Kit comes with some side of great features at an inexpensive price level.
Corey could be a solid tripod, with powder-coated furniture for durability, and precision-engineered mechanisms for smooth, easy use.
In a tripod-like 3 Legged Things are fine with a unique Bubble Grip system that provides better leverage, and greater rigidity, with a smooth, easy-to-use mechanism.
This tripod is created from a durable aircraft-grade magnesium alloy that’s both lightweight and robust. Its solid build quality and a maximum load capacity of 30 pounds put it to steadily support most DSLR and mirrorless camera setups.
Corey, like all 3 Legged Thing tripods, comes with a detachable monopod leg which will even be used as a microphone or camera boom.
The embodied AirHed Neo ball head is an ultra-compact, simple, single-lock head that has one knob for controlling the pan rotation and ball orbit. And there’s another separate knob that locks the Arca Swiss-style attachment plate.
The 3 Legged Thing Punks Corey lightweight tripod could be a perfect fit for budget travel photographers who want their tripod as compact as possible without compromising on its overall stability.
8. Sirui T-025SK
The Sirui T-025S is the freshly designed replacement for the popular top-selling Sirui T-025X Your trustworthy Travel Companion!
They are the perfect choice for your travel photography needs. This is an upgraded version of the bestselling Sirui T-025X, the main advantages of which are lightness and portability.
This is probably the best tripod for hiking and for those travelers who want to reap the benefits of an average-sized tripod while minimizing the weight to carry around.
The quality materials guarantee a safe and enjoyable experience, and the leg mechanism works smoothly. The tripod is extremely user-friendly; it can be unfolded in just 20 seconds.
9. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 inch Portable Professional Aluminium Camera Tripod. You can invert and fold the back legs of this tripod so that they’re only 18”.
This space-saving feature explains why it’s so easy to carry the Best Vanguard Tripod around. It can also be transformed into a full-scale monopod.
The tripod was designed in such a way that it’s compact and enables you to take great shots anywhere you want. A carrying bag that comes with the set protects the tripod and makes it easy to transport.
The mount includes a safety lock, which means you don’t need to worry about it while dealing with a quick-release plate. There’s even a 360-degree panoramic mode that lets you capture nature’s beauty.
10. Gitzo Lightweight
The Gitzo GIGT1545T is the best lightweight Tripod for Travel. It’s someone Series one carbon fiber tripod could be a compact network with legs that fold around the center column and ex gratia head.
These reverse-folding legs contribute to the tripod’s collapsible length of simply sixteen.7″. It extends to sixty.2″ high and might blockage to twenty-two pounds.
What I love about this tripod is that you can fold the legs in reverse. It makes for a folded height of just 16”. The maximum height of this hiking tripod is 60” and its weight capacity is around 20 lbs.
In my experience, this is a durable device. It survived multiple backpacking and hiking adventures and never let me down.
Undoubtedly, this gear is a good fit for travel shooting. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a reliable travel companion.
11. Zomei Q555 Lightweight
Zomei Q555 is the last tripod for Backpacking on our list. It is lightweight and compact, with a high-quality tripod that matches carry-on baggage and backpacks, ideal for a travel companion.
This backpacking camera tripod is compact, lightweight, and high-quality. Overall, it’s the perfect traveling equipment. The legs are extendable and feel secure enough to withstand light winds.
At the bottom of the middle bar, you’ll find a hook for more balance if the weather gets worse.
The foam grips on the legs become very handy in case you’re a fan of shooting outdoors when it’s cold and damp. Three-leg positioning allows working with various angles and different kinds of uneven surfaces.
Why Invest in a Travel Tripod for Your DSLR Camera?
The fact it’s a no-brainer: why buy an expensive travel camera if you can’t get the most out of it?
With a tripod, you’ll do exactly this – unlock the complete potential of your camera and obtain the most effective pictures possible.
With a tripod, you’ll shoot photos in conditions that might be near impossible if you were simply holding the camera in your hand. Selfies, light trails, long exposures; all of those, and more are possible while employing a tripod.
A nice travel tripod will create maximum stability for your camera. Granted, some photographers go away with using features like image stabilization and lens stabilization – but these will only get you thus far.
At a minimum, a lightweight travel tripod will allow some kind of rigidity in certain circumstances.
Advanced techniques like HDR, focus stacking, and nightscapes will all be available to you because of your new travel tripod.
With this guide, you’ll receive several tips about what to seem for in an exceedingly great tripod and what constitutes a decent investment.
This guide includes a ton of options, but I’ve made it easy to navigate so you’ll easily be ready to identify a tripod that most closely fits your style.
With maximum stabilization comes maximum image quality. Where some novices may struggle with the wind, and the dark, or when trying to induce that artistic composition, you’ll succeed.
With the simplest possible travel tripod, you’ll take a number of the best photos of your life.
As you dive further into the photographic world, you’ll even discover whole new ways of taking photos because of your travel tripod.
Things To Consider When Buying Tripod For Backpacking
1. Size and Weight
These are perhaps the foremost important aspects to think about when choosing a tripod for traveling as both have far-reaching repercussions.
How you pack your tripod and the way much of a burden it’s are hooked into its size and weight. Generally speaking, a bigger tripod is going to be more able to handle heavier loads and adverse conditions.
With size comes weight though the possible amount and carrying around those extra pounds will fatigue you after a short time.
If you would like to cut weight, a smaller tripod will have the advantage of being lighter additionally to being less costly.
With a smaller tripod comes other compromises though: you’ll not have the maximum amount of freedom when it involves composing your shot and stability can sometimes be an issue.
You can have your cake and eat it too but it’ll cost quite a little bit of cash. There are several professional-grade travel tripods that are physically large enough to be effective yet still weigh little at a similar time.
These are going to be far more expensive though as they’re nearly always made from premium materials.
2. Load Capacity
Certain travel tripods can hold certain amounts of weight counting on their size, build, and overall quality. Lighter tripods could also be less able to hold heavier weights but, on the other hand, heavier tripods are going to be a burden on your back.
It is important to own a travel tripod that will properly hold your camera because it will ensure maximum image quality. A tripod that’s struggling under a load of a heavy camera will start to shake and sharpness is going to be affected.
The tripod may even break down, during which case you’ve got a significant problem – fallen tripods can mean broken cameras.
Most travel tripods can handle a standard DSLR. Only in extreme situations does one got to worry about load capacity i.e. if you’re employing a really bulky DSLR with a hefty lens or if you recognize you’ll be shooting in very windy conditions.
In these cases, it might be wise to have a travel tripod that’s rated to hold more.
3. Material and Durability
As previously mentioned, the components will play a vital part in weight and price also as overall durability.
To put it simply: costlier materials are going to be lighter, stronger, and costlier while cheaper ones are going to be heavier, weaker, and less expensive.
1. Carbon fiber:
It is a stronger composite that’s lighter and stronger than aluminum. It is a really feasible and reliable material that’s wont to manufacture all kinds of products that need the utmost durability like cars, safety vests, and even spaceships.
Because it’s hard to supply though, carbon fiber is markedly costlier than aluminum.
2. Aluminum:
It is the commonest alloy utilized in the development and building of tripods. It is a cheap, ubiquitous material that handles the elements well as well can be handled smoothly.
Even though it is somehow technically weaker than carbon fiber, it’s still very durable. Most effective budget travel tripods are going to be made from aluminum.
Unless you’re very adamant about cutting weight and are willing to pay the value, aluminum could be a perfectly fine material.
When used properly with care – as is the case with all of the tripods on this list – it’s very reliable. I’ve personally taken aluminum tripods into some very shaggy situations and they’ve never failed me.
4. Tripod Head
Finding the best tripod head is just as important as finding a great travel tripod. A tripod head will enable even more customizable compositions and contribute to aspects like weight, ergonomics, and weight capacity.
A type of better tripod head will have a full 360-degree range of motion. Most modern-day ball heads allow for this.
Ball heads will be free-floating until locked into place by several clamps. Clamps are available in the shape of nobs or larger winged screws.
Some photographers will prefer one or the other but I find this distinction to be negligible.
Other signs of a good travel tripod head will be features like a quick-release plate, panoramic markings, and a bubble leveler.
Quick-release places provide optimal mounting of a camera and I always prefer having one. Panoramic marking will help guide you and maintain even composition while creating panoramas.
Finally, a bubble leveler will assist you to make sure that an image is a level with the ground.
5. Legs
Legs play an important part in tripod stability. Generally speaking, the more sections that a tripod leg has, the lesser the durability.
Try to find a tripod with as few leg sections as possible – around 3-4. Should you find that the legs are often shaky and wonky – for whatever reason – try investing in a stone bag, which will weigh down the tripod and limit shakiness.
The length of a tripod leg can be adjusted via a series of locking mechanisms. Most of these mechanisms get in two styles: screw and flip locks.
Screws locks need a twisting motion to adjust while flip locks require, as the name implies, a flipping action.
In terms of usability, the difference between screw locks and flip locks may be a matter of preference; some photographers find twisting to be a natural motion while others prefer flipping. Really, it’s up to you.
6. Cost
In the end, cash rules everything around us. How much are you willing to serve the price on a tripod?
You get what you pay money for, as they assert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get what you wish for a decent price.
Weigh all of the aspects highlighted in this section and then figure out what it’ll take to get the best possible tripod for your backpacking.
Faq’s: Backpacking Tripod
What is the Best Affordable Lightweight Tripod for Backpacking?
After testing a couple of tripods, I’ve figured out that Zomei Q555 Lightweight & AmazonBasics 60 is the most affordable Lightweight Tripod for Backpacking.
Which one is Best for Backpacking carbon fiber or Aluminum?
Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum. If you’re someone who is traveling a great deal or carrying around a gear pack, every ounce counts. On the other hand, Aluminum is less expensive, and a touch more durable, than carbon fiber.
You would think because carbon fiber is lighter, that’s what makes it costlier. Actually, the upper cost is because of production costs.
What to Look for in a Lightweight Tripod for DSLR?
Choosing a lightweight tripod for DSLRs is not just about selecting the tiniest and lightest model. Indeed, picking the lightest legs isn’t the most effective plan.
Marginally heavier alternatives won’t be a clear burden, but they will provide far more rigidity and versatility. Here are a few things to consider: Weight, Ballast hook, Height, Dimensions, Quick-release plate, Ease of use, Optimal load capacity
Summing Up
The best tripod for backpacking has two very important features that are irrelevant for full-sized tripods: minimal weight and compact design.
It’s obvious why these two parameters would be most vital for photographers who travel a lot. However, there are some other tripod characteristics you should pay attention to.
Whether you are looking to purchase the best lightweight tripods for backpacking in the premium category or the best budget tripod, pay attention to the maximum load your tripod can take.
These devices are rated for a load-bearing indicator. Opt for the models that have a load capacity much higher than the equipment they must hold.
I’m a videographer and travel photographer. I created this website to help you buy a Tripod or Gimbal for your DSLR, GoPro, or Mirrorless camera. I tried and reviewed most of the Tripod, Monopod, or Gimbal currently available on the market.