Tripod?

[hank4elk]

Since I like using a adapter for my binos sometimes and now finally have a good spotter I needed a tripod too.I picked up a Manfrotto 785b that is extremly lite but I will have to watch it they are not that heavy duty.Both together weight around 4lbs.What do you folks use? I'm talking for backpackhunting.

 

[ayun112]

Tripod alternative

It's too easy for me to gain a lot of weight in my pack while backpacking. so I'd stick to the lightweight tripod. Try it out a few times on day hikes. 4 lbs may not sound like much, but on top of all the regular backpacking gear (20-25 lbs), a rifle or bow (4-9 lbs) and water (8 lbs per gallon), you can be pushing your final pack weight up above 50 lbs. Since I need hiking poles because of my bad knees, I use the poles and a bungie to make a bipod for the rifle and also use it as a support for my spotting scope. This works if I keep the magnification at 20X or below. Frankly, it's not as good as having a lightweight tripod, but the weight trade-off is a reasonable compromise. I've been thinking of upping the magnification of my binoculars and foregoing the spotter.

 

[JNDEER]

lately I have been using a cheapo walmart one. it is not super strong, but it is as light as a feather. the only down side is because it is cheap it will slightly move once you get it on a target if you bump it. in other words it cannot be locked in tight on a specific spot. but as long as you don't bump it, it works just fine for me.

 

[hank4elk]

It's too easy for me to gain a lot of weight in my pack while backpacking. so I'd stick to the lightweight tripod. Try it out a few times on day hikes. 4 lbs may not sound like much, but on top of all the regular backpacking gear (20-25 lbs), a rifle or bow (4-9 lbs) and water (8 lbs per gallon), you can be pushing your final pack weight up above 50 lbs. Since I need hiking poles because of my bad knees, I use the poles and a bungie to make a bipod for the rifle and also use it as a support for my spotting scope. This works if I keep the magnification at 20X or below. Frankly, it's not as good as having a lightweight tripod, but the weight trade-off is a reasonable compromise. I've been thinking of upping the magnification of my binoculars and foregoing the spotter.

I use my 10x50 Alpens mostly and even put them on a rest sometimes.But the new scope is great and the tripod looks like a good choice, very light and stable.Been trying it out hiking around.I've gotten my pack wt. down with recent additions.I don't carry all the h2o I need with me,I use a filter.

 

[hank4elk]

I have an Eastmans hiking/shooting stick the last few years that I like.Adjustable and lite.When I need two for the packout with load I find a good wood hike stick and I have two.