Tripods are by far one of the most important and powerful photography accessories out there. They can be used in countless ways from allowing us to shoot at longer exposures to providing us with precise control over composition and even holding the weight of our cameras and lenses allowing us to shoot at ease for longer periods of time. Tripods have existed since the very early days of photography and for good reason. These invaluable tools are an absolute must-have for anyone serious about their photography.

Of course, many of us frequently shoot handheld, and with the phenomenal IBIS and optical stabilization in modern-day cameras some might argue that tripods are slightly less useful than they used to be. perhaps there is some validity to this argument but at the end of the day, even with massive technological advancements, the simple nature of tripods and the plethora of benefits they provide make them an essential tool.

There are many different types of tripods out there all designed for specific uses and users. They range in functionality, price, material, and construction making it difficult for photographers to sift through their options and choose what’s right for them. Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve spent countless hours researching and comparing an overwhelming number of options. I’ve cut corners and tried to save a bit of money only to realize I purchased the wrong tripod for me and ended up buying another soon after.

Because of these reasons, I’ve decided to write a series of articles listing the absolute best and top-rated tripods within a few general categories. The idea is to sift through everything that’s out there and provide readers with a comprehensive list of really great tripods designed for specific uses. Today’s article will take a look at some of the absolute best travel tripods currently on the market. Stay tuned for articles discussing pro-level photography tripods, video tripods, and perhaps some other categories.

Let’s take a look at our curated list containing 10 of the very best travel tripods currently available. Of course, this is a subjective list containing tripods that are both highly rated and that we have selected as some of our favorites here at Backcountry Journeys. The following list is presented in no particular order. Let’s get right into it!

Peak Design Travel Tripod

Specs:

• Price: Carbon: $599, Aluminum: $379

• Load Capacity: 20 lb

• Maximum height: 60”

• Minimum height: 5.5”

• Weight: 2.8 lb

• Folded Length: 15.5”

The Peak Design Travel Tripod is by far one of the most popular and attractive travel tripods out there. If you’ve spent any time searching for a tripod in this category you’ve likely come across this offering, and for good reason. With a great strength-to-weight ratio, a compact and lightweight design, and many useful and user-friendly features, this is a great option for any photographer on the go. And you can purchase it with either a carbon fiber or aluminum build depending on your needs.

Benro Rhino Carbon Fiber Three Series Travel Tripod with VX30 Head

Specs:

• Price: $315

• Load Capacity: 44 lb

• Maximum height: 68.75”

• Minimum height: 19.3”

• Weight: 4.45 lb

• Folded Length: 19.45”

Benro is one of the world’s premiere tripod manufacturers and this travel-friendly option is no exception. With a lightweight and versatile carbon fiber construction, a superb ball head, a reverse folding design, and mounts for extension arms and accessories this compact tripod has it all. If you want great quality that’s easy to travel with then this is a great option.

Manfrotto Element MII Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $160

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

• Maximum height: 63”

• Minimum height: N/A

• Weight: 3.5 lb

• Folded Length: 16.7”

Manfrotto is one of the most well-known tripod manufacturers out there and over many years they have come to be known for producing really great affordable tripods that will perform well and won’t break the bank. The Element MII Aluminum Tripod continues this trend and has received tons of great reviews. If you want a tried and tested travel tripod that won’t cost you an arm and a leg then this just might be what you’re looking for.

Gitzo GIGT1545T Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Specs:

• Price: $449

• Load Capacity: 22 lb

• Maximum height: 60.2”

• Minimum height: 8.6”

• Weight: 2.3 lb

• Folded Length: 16.7”

Moving across the spectrum we have this very impressive tripod from Gitzo, who is widely considered one of the premiere manufacturers of very high-quality tripods. Their Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod packs a punch with superb and durable build quality and great functionality. If you want a very high-end tripod that will serve you well and that comes in a lightweight and compact package, then this just might be the tripod for you. Similar to many high-end tripods in this price range, the Traveler Series 1 doesn’t come with any sort of tripod head. You will have to purchase a compatible head separately. It’s also worth noting that this tripod is also available in folding lengths of 14”, 14.4”, and 17.5”. We decided to include the 16.7” offering because it is by far the most popular and thoroughly reviewed option.

Benro MeFOTO RoadTrip Pro Aluminum Series 1 Travel Tripod with Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $220

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

• Maximum height: 61.8”

• Minimum height: 15.6”

• Weight: 3.6 lb

• Folded Length: 15.16”

As a collaboration between Benro and MeFOTO, this is an incredibly popular and versatile travel tripod. This was the first travel tripod I ever purchased and it has served me well for the last few years. Perhaps it isn’t the lightest or highest-performance option on this list, but when it comes to versatility this thing is hard to beat. With an expandable center column that doubles as a great monopod with a detachable base, a durable aluminum construction, and a great weight-to-load ratio, this is a very popular and well-built option for anyone in search of a great travel tripod. This tripod is also offered in a lighter and more expensive carbon fiber configuration but we’ve chosen to include the aluminum option due to it having more total reviews and a higher overall rating.

Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Long Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod

Specs:

• Price: $1,420

• Load Capacity: 30 lb

• Maximum height: 68.9”

• Minimum height: 3.7”

• Weight: 3.19 lb

• Folded Length: 19.6”

This is by far the most expensive tripod on this list, which will come as no surprise to you if you’re familiar with Really Right Stuff. Widely considered one of the absolute best high-end tripod and accessory manufacturers on earth, Really Right Stuff is known for producing incredibly high-quality, high-performance, and durable products. This travel tripod is no exception. This tripod extends to a very tall maximum height of 70” (one of the tallest on this list) and compacts down to 19.6” for travel and storage. And with a removable center column, you can get very close to the ground at a minimum height of only 3.7” (one of the lowest on this list). The Ascend-14 is pretty much a pro-level tripod in a lightweight, compact, and travel-friendly size. If you want the absolute best performance out there when it comes to travel tripods this thing is hard to beat.

K&F Concept D2252C Carbon Fiber Tripod

Specs:

• Price: $130

• Load Capacity: 17.6 lb

• Maximum height: 55.5”

• Minimum height: 17.7”

• Weight: 2.36 lb

• Folded Length: 15.7”

K&F Concept is known for producing high-quality products (especially lens filters) at very reasonable and approachable price points. Their D2252C Carbon Fiber Tripod is yet another one of their great products and since its release it has received very positive reviews from all sorts of users. This versatile travel tripod works great with both mirrorless and DSLR cameras and packs down to a nice 15.7” length making it easy to pack and travel with. Additionally, one of the legs can be removed and used as a monopod.  With a rapid locking collar for the center column, you can quickly raise and lower this tripod with ease. If you want a great travel tripod at a great price, then this is a very solid option.

Sirui ET-2004 Aluminum Tripod with E-20 Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $169

• Load Capacity: 26.5 lb

• Maximum height: 57”

• Minimum height: 5”

• Weight: 4.2 lb

• Folded Length: 17”

Another very popular tripod on today’s list with overwhelmingly positive reviews is the Sirui ET-2004 Aluminum Tripod. This relatively compact and lightweight 4-section tripod is a great choice for those of us who want functionality at an attractive and approachable price point. With a reversible center column photographers can either shoot as high as 57” off the ground or as low as 5” providing opportunities for a wide variety of images. And the legs can be folded a full 180degrees to make this tripod a compact 17” when fully compressed. If you want a nice tripod from a reputable manufacturer that’s ideal for travel, then this is yet another great option. The many 5-star reviews speak for themselves.

Fotopro X-Go Max Tripod Kit with FPH-62Q Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $249

• Load Capacity:  25 lb

• Maximum height: 67.6”

• Minimum height: 18.4”

• Weight: 4 lb

• Folded Length: 18.7”

Although it may not technically be advertised as a “travel” tripod, the X-Go Max has many specifications that fall in line with other offerings on this list. Additionally, with its reverse-folding legs, this tripod packs down to a folded length of 18.7” which is quite impressive when you consider it features a max height of 67.6 inches (one of the tallest on our list). If you want a very solid tripod that bridges the gap between more of a traditional option and a travel tripod, then this is a great choice. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, a durable construction, and all the basic features you could ask for, the X-Go Max is a very solid option for any photographer on the go.

Manfrotto Befree GT Travel Aluminum Tripod with 496 Ball Head

Specs:

• Price: $240

• Load Capacity: $26.5 lb

• Maximum height: 64.6”

• Minimum height: N/A

• Weight: 4.1 lb

• Folded Length: 16.9”

And last but certainly not least, we have yet another very popular offering from Manfrotto. The Befree FT Travel Tripod is a great travel companion offering all the essential functionality a photographer needs. With a comfortable fully extended length of 64.6” and a folded length of only 16.9” this tripod will get the job done while also packing away nicely. With three different leg angle options, an Easy Link attachment for any accessories, and a durable and lightweight design, this is a great travel tripod. And, with tons of five-star reviews, the people have spoken and shown their support for this great product.

Conclusion

And there we have it. This has been our list of 10 of the very best travel tripods currently on the market. Again, this is a subjective list containing 10 tripods with great reviews that we are particularly excited about here at Backcountry Journeys. Of course, there are plenty of great options not included in this list and we always encourage you to do your own research before purchasing anything. That being said, I sincerely hope this article has been informative and educational, and that it helps make your travel tripod purchasing journey a bit smoother and less stressful. Stay tuned for similar articles on both professional-level photography tripods and video-specific tripods. We’ll see you on the next one and happy shooting!

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com