The best travel tripod will help you get crispy shots no matter where you are, whether you’re on your back porch or in Boston’s Back Bay. If you’re not sure what to look for, you've come to the right place! We've compiled this list to include every kind of tripod imaginable, from pocketable mini models to those that require a large backpack to accommodate them. Keep reading for more information on how exactly we made our selections.
Let's set these tripods up and dive in!
Best splurge
The Peak Design Travel Tripod has lovers and haters alike. Those who enjoy the tripod say it's incredibly lightweight, sturdy, and easy to use. We can verify that all of those things are true; however, we understand why some think the price is too high for what you're getting. At nearly $300 for the carbon fiber version, there are certainly better deals on this list. That said, we've been using the carbon fiber version of the Peak Design Travel Tripod for over four years and use it multiple times per week. We can vouch for its ease of use and durability. The only issue we've had is that a small portion of one of the adjustors at the top broke off, but everything still functions properly.
When closed, the tripod measures 15.51 inches (39.4 centimeters), around the average for those we tested. It fits into a bag’s large water bottle pocket, and it may even fit inside some extra-large travel backpacks. At full height, you can put your camera 60 inches (152.4 centimeters) off the ground, near the high end of our data. Though it isn't the smallest when put away, you're getting a lot of height here. The tripod weighs 3.432 pounds (1.56 kilograms), which is heavy for the tripods we tested but suitable for its size class.
Why We Like It- The carbon fiber is durable and lightweight
- The included 360-degree head and enables you to get different angles easily
- One of the clips broke after a few years of consistent use, but it’s still functional
- For the price, some may expect more features
Best value
When calculating our data, we took the averages of all of the tripods on this list (excluding the mini models) and determined the upper and lower standard deviations. To be an excellent result, a tripod had to score below the lower standard deviation in price, closed height, and weight or score above the higher standard deviation in maximum height. Only one full-size tripod met that mark twice: the SIRUI Lightweight Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod Traveler 5C. Can you guess which marks it hit?
When closed, the tripod measures just 12.99 inches (33 centimeters), which is exceptional. It's essentially just a hair longer than a five-dollar foot long from Subway, making it easy to stow inside your large daypack or small travel backpack. It comes with a carrying case, which isn't the most comfortable due to how thin the strap is; however, the tripod only weighs 1.87 pounds (0.85 kilograms), which is exceptional compared to the other tripods we’ve tested, so you don't have a ton of weight holding you down while wandering through the airport or finding your next spot to shoot. The tripod's maximum height is 54.33 inches (138 centimeters), which is pretty average. However, this will likely get your camera to about your chest height or higher. Though the price is within the average range in our calculations, at just over $100, it's hard to find a better deal for your money than the SIRUI Lightweight Carbon Fiber Camera Tripod Traveler 5C.
Why We Like It- When closed, it’s one of the smallest tripods on this list
- The light weight makes it easy to throw in your bag or carry by hand
- It lacks some sturdiness we like to see in a travel tripod
- It can be challenging to get used to opening and closing the tripod from its resting position
Best aluminum tripod
We have about a decade of experience with a SLIK SPRINT tripod. Though it’s with a more compact model, the build quality on the SLIK SPRINT 150 is almost identical to the tripod our primary tester has taken across Europe, into the wilderness, and the classroom during the pandemic. The clips that hold the legs down are easy to use, the foam grips on the legs are comfortable to hold onto, and the tripod is thin enough to fit into most water bottle pockets. Plus, the quick-release plate is easy to pop on and off for a quick transition between shots.
At a price point of under $75 at the time of writing, the SLIK SPRINT 150 is a steal, especially considering its specs. It tops out at (64.299 inches) 163.32 centimeters, which is more than most travelers will realistically need. However, that height enables unique vantage points, especially for long exposure shots and videos. The tripod weighs 2.288 pounds (1.04 kilograms), which is pretty average for this list. The area where the SLIK SPRINT 150 doesn't excel is the closed height. At 19.7 inches (50 centimeters), it’s likely too tall for most users' travel backpacks and will require stowing inside a roomy carry on or checked luggage, or stowed solo under the seat as a personal item. Still, the height and usability you get from this tripod are top-notch for the price!
Why We Like It- It’s one of the taller tripods on this list when extended
- For the features, it’s incredibly budget-friendly
- It’s not super packable, even when collapsed
- The foam on the legs is comfortable but adds bulk
Best mini tripod
Typically, we don't recommend smaller tripods like this because we have found that they're often not durable and can't hold even smaller mirrorless cameras. However, the Manfrotto PIXI EVO 2 performs well in both areas, offering ruggedness and strength that we didn't see from others in its class. We’re able to use a Fuji XT-3 mirrorless camera with a 55-200 lens attached without an issue (your mileage may vary with different camera gear).
Though we didn't include mini tripods in our average and standard deviation data, we compared the PIXI EVO 2 to those figures to see where it stacks up. Unsurprisingly, it blew most of the other tripods out of the water in terms of close height and weight, coming in at 8.1 inches (20.5 centimeters) and 0.572 pounds (0.26 kilograms), respectively. It falls flat on its face compared to the others on this list in reference to maximum height, only reaching 7.9 inches (20 centimeters); however, you can always use things around you, like a park bench or railing, to give you some extra height. Plus, low angles can make for unique photos!
That said, this tripod is priced similarly to some of the more budget-friendly standard-sized models on this list, so we feel like you should get more for the price tag. However, compared to other mini tripods we’ve tested, this one performs well and feels like it'll last longer.
Why We Like It- It’s small enough to fit into a large coat pocket
- Even though it is small, it can handle a large camera
- You’ll get off the ground, but not much more height than that
- For the price, you could purchase a budget-friendly standard-sized tripod
Best budget
K&F Concept has a reputation in most photography and videography circles as a brand that makes cheap gear that's good for getting you started. While we believe that's true, we have K&F Concept gear in the Pack Hacker studio that's been used for years, so it can be more than starter gear, too. This was one of our favorite budget tripods; however, it certainly doesn’t have the least amount of features.
The tripod is roughly the same size as the Peak Design Travel Tripod when collapsed (15.35 inches [39 centimeters]) However, it extends slightly higher (64.17 inches [163 centimeters]) and is lighter weight (2.53 pounds [1.15 kilograms]). While it outperforms one of the most recommended travel tripods on the spec sheet, this tripod has a few quirks. The clips to open the legs don't feel very durable, and overall, it is more complex to use than other tripods on this list thanks to all the moving parts. Still, it's stable, comes with a phone holder, and has a sliding plate that's easy to adjust. For the price, it's hard to beat!
Why We Like It- It’s incredibly budget-friendly
- It outperforms most tripods when it comes to weight and extended height
- The clips to open the legs don’t feel very durable
- It is more challenging and takes longer to open this tripod compared to others on this list
NEEWER has a wide range of photography and videography gear, including a list of tripods for home and travel use. We've opted for the NEEWER LITETRIP LT32 because it feels like a solid mixture of maximum height and closed size. Paired with a 360-degree panorama head that's easy to use and adjust, you can be sure you’ll get the perfect angle for the perfect shot. Plus, you can easily screw in other attachments, like a phone holder or a flash stand, though they're not included. We don't love the plate locking system, as it feels as if it could get unlocked and knocked out of place accidentally, though that hasn't happened to us in testing.
When closed, the tripod measures 43 centimeters, or 16.9 inches, which is pretty average compared to other tripods on this list. It maxes out at 61.8 inches (157 centimeters), on the upper end of the average we compiled. This will be more than enough height to get the angles you want, even if you're tall. It comes in at 2.596 pounds (1.18 kilograms), which is fairly average overall but quite good for how tall the tripod is. The NEEWER LITETRIP LT32 performs quite well, though it doesn't have a price point like we’d expect from NEEWER. Still, the carbon fiber build quality is solid, and other than the plate locking system, this thing is a joy to use at home and on the road.
Why We Like It- Easy to get the perfect angle with the 360-degree head
- The carbon fiber construction is durable and lightweight
- NEEWER is a budget-friendly brand, though this is not a budget-friendly tripod
- The plate locking system feels slightly flawed, especially for rugged photographers
What We Considered
Head: Most of the tripods on this list come with one—however, you can always remove it and use one that you already have or purchased specifically for travel. Some of these models are also available without the head, so you can get that one to save some cash. If you don’t have a head you prefer to use, ensure that the model you’re purchasing comes with one.
Size: There are very few tripods on this list that’ll work for personal-item-sized travel. Therefore, any tiny tripods we’ve tested that aren’t sturdy or durable haven’t made this list. However, we do like a few small models, which we made sure to include. When using a small tripod, we recommend using the environment around you to bring it up higher to get different angles, such as park benches, fences, and other found objects.
Packability: With increased tripod size and height comes the issue of getting it into your travel bag. While baggage like rolling luggage has more space, you may have to get creative if you’re using a one bag travel backpack. Don’t fret—we have two tips to help you get your tripod there.
First, you can store a larger tripod in the water bottle pocket of your pack. However, if the pocket doesn’t hold a large water bottle, this likely won’t work. If it does fit but doesn’t feel secure, you can use your bag’s compression straps to hold the top of the tripod in place, or if your bag doesn’t have any, rig it with something like the MODL Outdoors Infinity Tool 2.0. Our primary tester used this method to hike with their SLIK SPRINT tripod into a ravine to photograph a waterfall, and it worked without issue.
Second, you can make your tripod your personal item. This means that it has to be shorter than the height requirement presented by your airline, but plenty of tripods on this list will work for that. This tip is more practical if your tripod comes with a bag, which many of those on this list do. You can wear the tripod on your front and your backpack like usual and be on your way!
Material: Should you get a cheaper aluminum tripod or upgrade to one crafted from carbon fiber? The answer to that question will differ for everyone, so consider a few things before purchasing. Aluminum tripods are cheaper and heavier, which both have their faults and merits. If you spend less, you can spend more on travel or other photography gear. While it’s less durable, the weight offered by aluminum adds stability, ensuring your photos are super crispy, and aluminum is more straightforward to fix if something goes wrong. Carbon fiber is lighter and more durable; however, you don’t get that extra weight for stability, and you’ll often spend a lot more money.
Why You Should Trust Us
In addition to our expertise in travel as digital nomads, multiple Pack Hacker team members have worked professionally as photographers and videographers, which entails traveling with bulky photography gear. Our team has used nearly 100 tripods over the years, and that experience has informed this list.
How We Tested It
Test 1: Packed height is likely the most critical piece of information regarding a travel tripod. Using the tripod is great, but when you have to get it on a plane first, that’s more important!
Test 2: Weight is almost as significant as size, as you’ll be carrying this thing through airports, security, and across your destination before using it. Higher weight often means the tripod is more durable; however, you don’t want to be lugging around something super heavy all day.
Hopefully, by this point, you’ve found a tripod that’ll have you well on your way to taking photos and videos to show off for decades. Remember to enjoy making the work, too!
