When putting together your toolkit as a photographer your tripod will be a standard fixture on backpacking travels.
This review will detail 6 of the best travel tripods that any backpacking photographer should consider, that we feel will only help to capture those breathtaking videos or landscape photos, no matter where you are in the world with your camera.
It’s necessary that photographers, from the novice to the seasoned professional, must invest in a tripod to support their beloved cameras.
At the most basic level, a tripod will allow photographers to stabilize their shot, often creating the opportunity for more creative outcomes.
Whether a photographer wants to get the stability for a pin-sharp shot wide open, use slow shutter speed to blur the water, use the timer mode to shoot a selfie or to get the stability for a pin-sharp shot wide open, these 3-legged tripods are an absolute essential in every photographer’s camera bag.
Luckily, there are many high quality, affordable options on the market in 2020. Why not take a look at what we have discovered below?
LET’s START with QUICK BONUS: Selfie Stick Tripod
We’ve decided to list this travel tripod as a bonus because we think it’s a very useful solution for most of the travelers. Having a flexible tripod that you can use for your camera, phone or as a selfie stick can be great addition to your travel gear!
If you’re a solo traveler, blogger or you love publishing great photos on your Instagram then this tripod is the best solution for taking pictures of yourself while traveling alone.
This travel tripod is loved by travelers and also by Amazon! It’s one of the best-rated tripods and also labeled as Amazon’s choice!
JOBY GorillaPod – Lightweight Tripod – 1KG
Pros:
- ZOOM IN CLOSE
- CAPTURE SUPERIOR PERSPECTIVES
- PRECISE POSITIONING AT ANY ANGLE
- SET UP WITH EASE
- PROVIDES A SECURE MOUNT
Cons:
- A bit pricey at this entry-level
- lack of any integrated bubble levels for greater convenience.
- Legs can loosen after extended use.
This flexible Camera Tripod with Ballhead designed for DSLR Camera Rigs with Zoom Lenses of up to 5kg. The GorillaPod Focus is a truly unique looking tripod, this is thanks to its very adjustable leg design.
In short, all of the three legs are made up of nine individual ball-joints (making it 27 in total) that can be adjusted independently to suit all your needs in different situations. The joints are made up of anodized aluminum, which is what gives it a lightweight yet durable structure.
P.S.: it’s JOBY Tripods are ALL TIME FAVORITE of Youtubers & Travel Bloggers.
ZOMEi Z818 Hiking Tripod for Canon Nikon Sony
- Compact
- Multi-Functional
- Stable
- Resistant to corrosion
- Lightweight
- Not suitable for larger units
- Not ideal for a hiking environment
- Not ideal for beginners as the set up may prove difficult
The legs on this tripod can be folded back 180 degrees and inverted, making it compact at the size of 18″, will save space and small enough to be carried anywhere.
This is a 2-in-1 tripod, as it can be converted into a full-size monopod when one screw together the tripod leg and (re-moveable) center column. This has many features that can be adjusted making it extremely stable and adjustable, whilst still providing height and range flexibility. It is super easy to set up and it is so lightweight that it can be useful in many different environments.
Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Aluminum Travel Tripod
- Light and compact design.
- Supports up to 8.8lbs.
- Will fit into carry-on luggage and backpacks.
- High quality of the material
- Too lightweight to be useful for DSLRs.
- Ball head can prove to be a little tricky.
- Non-intuitive setup for the less advanced user.
This is a new and innovative tripod designed for the photographer who loves to travel. As it is light, compact, and portable, this high-quality product will fit into a backpack or carry-on luggage.
Designed with a unique folding mechanism, the legs will fold around the head and there is an attachment for the quick release plate. Fully closed this tripod is only 15.8″ long, but its portability and small size do not mean its sturdiness and image quality has been compromised. This tripod has a max payload of only 8,8lb so bear that in mind when making a selection.
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod
Pros:
- Load Capacity: 15.4 lb, Leg Sections: 3
- Tiltable & Rotatable Rapid Center Column
- Swivel 360°, Tilt 90° Up or Down
- Aluminum-Alloy Legs, Flip Locks
- Long-lasting materials
Cons:
- Hard to store
- Not suitable to be around toddlers
- Heavy
This tripod is extremely flexible and durable as well as being steady. It boasts a very sleek aluminum design and with the three adjustable legs, it will assist a photographer’s best work at any height and angle. Add to this that it has a multi-angle central column system and this makes a tripod that will work for a traveling photographer in any situation.
PS: This tripod might be a little bit heavy for a light backpacker but you can definitely count with high quality and TOP stabilization. Make sure to watch some tips on how to travel with a tripod in order to stay comfortable on your trip.
Benro SLIM Carbon Fiber Lightweight Travel Tripod Kit
Pros:
- Compact
- 4kg max load
- 4 leg sections
- 3 leg angles
- Ball head
- Reversible center column
- Lightweight
Cons:
- There is no rubber/foam grip
- This tripod is too top heavy with a heavy camera
The Benro Slim carbon fiber tripod is definitely aimed at the travel photographers using both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It offers great value for money, and are massively undercutting their big-name rivals. You can choose between Carbon Fibre and Aluminium, just bear in mind the weight handling differences when making that decision.
Don’t let the thin leg structure put you off, this tripod will remain sturdy on a variety of surfaces. This tripod stretches to a max height of only 146cm and without the center column, to 122cm. Its minimum height is set at just 40cm and once stored away in its travel bag it measures at an impressive 51cm only. The slim legs are adjustable and feature anodized aluminum twist locking mechanisms.
The kit includes:
- A removable ball head, with a ratchet-style locking knob
- A panoramic scale.
- Arca-style quick-release plate that features a 1/4in D-Ring camera attachment screw.
Amazon Basics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
Pros:
- Compact.
- Can be turned into a small size piece.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Isn’t durable.
- Not suitable for use with the heavier, high-end DSLR cameras.
This tripod is quite suited for most cameras, as long as they come in at under 6.6 pounds. The setup of this sleek product is easy and super quick. This Tripod comes paired with a handy carry bag and it folds and fits effortlessly for storage.
The adjustable legs will extend from 20 inches to 48 inches and the leg locks will release smoothly. With rubberized feet, this tripod proves to be quite stable and is compatible with most video cameras, digital cameras, and even smartphone adaptors. Other great design features allow for versatile tilt and swivel motions, portrait or landscape options. Lastly, if you are needing a fast transition between shots then the quick release mounting plate is a nice feature.
Editor’s note: if you are a beginner and you want to experiment, we recommend this tripod! You’ll save money and you can still travel comfortably. Once you improve and you get more serious with you travel photography, then invest in PRO travel tripod!
WRAP UP:
This sums up the review on the 6 best travel tripods for backpackers that consider themselves an avid photographer should keep a keen eye out for. Travel safe and ‘bon voyage’, all you happy snappers.
All in all, when it comes to comfort while abroad and traveling the world while traipsing the highs and lows that come with any intrepid traveler’s journey into the unknown, the creature comforts one foregoes when opting for a life of adventure need not be sacrificed altogether. With a good travelers tripod, any of the above-mentioned tripods would do the trick, all you need to do is secure yourself one as a trusty traveling companion – and the pleasure of laying your photography equipment on the stand of a quality tripod, ensuring the luxury of professional photographic is yours to take with you, wherever you may roam.
From tripods to steady hand-held moments, captured in time – this is what is needed for any well-traveled individual. There is every opportunity when looking to get the best photographic equipment that is light-weight and easy to stow away in a backpack, to go the cheaper route, cheap as in less quality – yet when checking out any of the above-mentioned travel tripods, the prospect of top-quality is not skimped on. Indeed any of the travel tripods will offer high-end quality, all the way.
Taking the road less traveled is indeed rife with many head-aches and trails along the way, but don’t let these be determining factors as to where you would lay your head down in despair. Instead, opt to see the glass half full, and not half empty. When those seasoned traveler blues strike, be sure to take it upon yourself to set the record straight, why not offer fate another option and ensure you make space in your rucksack for one of these great travelers tripods – as the heavier the load, the heavier the head-load – yet these tripods will make for easy comfort, while allowing for the best possible way to capture each passing moment when on the adventure of a lifetime.
Designed to offer the best in the way of luxury-meets-necessity, these travelers tripods are indeed the best way to ensure those unforgettable moments are encapsulated and immortalized in time. Being able to document the ups and downs and candid moments, while on the move – and to be able to do so in style with top-quality is indeed a welcome aspect to any avid travelers’ experience.
From the very first kilometer stepped into the great unknown, to the ultimate last as you step on back to your once-known comfort zone, these travelers pillows will quickly provide a safe haven, and allow for many wonderful memories to accompany it as well.
Head on over to Amazon right away and make your choice, as these travelers tripods will surely change the way you envision your next road trip and backpacking adventure to go, from start to finish.
If you are a passionate traveler or photographer and you have any suggestions on how to improve this article or you would like to submit a personal review of travel tripod, please let us know in the comment below or via contact form. We would be happy to publish it and credit you as well. (Great way to earn a backlink to your photography portfolio)