Backcountry/NRL Hunter Tripod

[Xringer07]

I might be looking for a unicorn, but here goes.

Looking to get into some NRL Hunter and there is an obvious preference and advantage to inverted leg tripods usually in a 2 segment configuration for fast deployment and increased stability. The issue is those tripods are intentionally long stowed and are in the 4-5 lb range.

I’m thinking an inverted 3 section tripod with a stowed length of ~25”, max height of ~65” and weighing around 3lb would offer folks a practical solution for a backcountry tripod that would fit within the vertical profile of most frame packs, while being fast and competitive within NRL Hunter for someone that wants to develop skills with their hunting equipment.

The T3 Trinity exhibits nearly those exact specs, but is super heavy at over 5 lbs (perfect for PRS and NRL Hunter) but pretty hefty for packing.

My question is, is it even possible to skinny down those specs to hit the sub 3lb weight mark?

I might be in the minority that doesn’t want to “game” NRL Hunter, but rather develop skills with what I use in the field while creating an efficient yet packable system.

 

[Lawnboi]

I use an rrs 24L for everything. It works okay at everything. If I could go back I’d buy a big two section for comp use and a seated height rrs for hunting, something like a 14L or 13.

My 24L is 26” stowed. That the most annoying part about hunting with it.

 

[KY_coop]

I bought a tricer hk tripod and paired it with a aziak front country head for a similar use. Comes in a few ounces over 3lbs. The tripod itself seems okay, haven't shot if it yet but first impressions are that there seems to be a decent amount of wobble in the legs. Ive grown fond of my fatboy elevate. But like you mentioned its very heavy. Fatboy is coming out with a lighter 3 section inverted aimed at hunting. It'll be around the same 3lb weight and that will probably be worth a look. Ill be checking one out if I feel the tricer is to wobbly.

 

[JDMBEND]

I might be looking for a unicorn, but here goes.

Looking to get into some NRL Hunter and there is an obvious preference and advantage to inverted leg tripods usually in a 2 segment configuration for fast deployment and increased stability. The issue is those tripods are intentionally long stowed and are in the 4-5 lb range.

I’m thinking an inverted 3 section tripod with a stowed length of ~25”, max height of ~65” and weighing around 3lb would offer folks a practical solution for a backcountry tripod that would fit within the vertical profile of most frame packs, while being fast and competitive within NRL Hunter for someone that wants to develop skills with their hunting equipment.

The T3 Trinity exhibits nearly those exact specs, but is super heavy at over 5 lbs (perfect for PRS and NRL Hunter) but pretty hefty for packing.

My question is, is it even possible to skinny down those specs to hit the sub 3lb weight mark?

I might be in the minority that doesn’t want to “game” NRL Hunter, but rather develop skills with what I use in the field while creating an efficient yet packable system.

What you have described is a unicorn. I haven’t been able to find one.

 

[TX_Diver]

On paper this is the closest I’ve found but I haven’t bought it or tried it…. It also would be limiting for both activities in some ways. Short for some NRL things, heavy for some hunting things, etc


2.73lbs with no head.

Leofoto SO-282CMX (Short) Inverted Outdoors Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with FIXED Apex/Platform

2024 NEW PRODUCT The Leofoto SO-282CMX/CX "X Version" 2-Section Inverted Carbon Fiber Tripod (FIXED Apex/Platform) is an excellent choice for full-sized firearm combos that need rock-solid support for a full-length rifle chassis with a spotting scope. Available in two sizes for your convenience...

leofotooutdoors.com

 

[wpeach1912]

The Leofoto 282 or 324 will get you close. The 282CMX will be a bit short but will be better for shooting off of. The 324 isn’t great for NRL hunter matches if you’re trying to win, but it’s serviceable. You can still learn stuff too with full on gamer gear, but that’s an expensive game to play. Something to consider for hunter matches too is that if you go in with a bunch of compromises, you’re going to spend more time fighting your equipment than learning

 

[Xringer07]

Appreciate the input guys. I currently have a Promaster 525 carbon that works super well for hunting. Just under 2 lbs without a head, tall enough for standing use and only 16” long stowed. The leg sections are just thin on the 4th and 5th segments and it has a good amount of wobble fully extended. They used to make a very light 3 section that I had and foolishly sold chasing a compact package, hence the 5 section I have now.

I’ll keep an eye on the new Fatboy in development, that may be the ticket is the weight is reasonable.

 

[Fetty Wapiti]

I bought a 282CMX this year and am pleasantly satisfied. Stable, light enough and compact enough it got taken on several backcountry hunts. Maybe not the greatest for NRL, but it will still be a huge upgrade from any traditional tripod. It is tall enough to shoot standing off of, but not for standing with binos... no big deal imho. I like it a lot!

 

[KY_coop]

Got outside today and shot at 100yd kyl rimfire rack from standing, kneeling, and sitting with the tricer hk/aziak frontcountry combo. It did pretty well. Not as forgiving as the bigger heavier competition designed tripods but definately still doable. Myself and my gun run out of accuracy on the kyl rack before stability became a problem. Looking forward to more testing/ shooting with the combo. Probably be shooting more .22 on it this week then next weekend take it out to 450yds or so with a 223.

 

[Xringer07]

Got outside today and shot at 100yd kyl rimfire rack from standing, kneeling, and sitting with the tricer hk/aziak frontcountry combo. It did pretty well. Not as forgiving as the bigger heavier competition designed tripods but definately still doable. Myself and my gun run out of accuracy on the kyl rack before stability became a problem. Looking forward to more testing/ shooting with the combo. Probably be shooting more .22 on it this week then next weekend take it out to 450yds or so with a 223.

Great to hear. I ended up ordering a Tricer HK as well, as it most closely hits all the high points I’m looking for in this role. Looking forward to giving it a workout and learning the art of building positions with the tools you have in the field.

 

[tak]

I use an rrs 24L for everything. It works okay at everything. If I could go back I’d buy a big two section for comp use and a seated height rrs for hunting, something like a 14L or 13.

My 24L is 26” stowed. That the most annoying part about hunting with it.

Meaning that it's still pretty big/long even when stowed?

I'd agree with that, I've been using 24L for everything as well. I'd do a 33 if I had to do it again, pretty much same weight IIRC, and more stable. Of course I haven't used the inverted gamer ones.
I removed the lower 3 legs on my 24 and replaced them the 3rd leg from a 33. Maybe 4-5 inches longer stowed, but it saved me a full pound and was a great sitting height tripod, and even maybe half standing/crouched over if needed. Of course I ended up having to take a full standing shot off my buddy's rickety glassing tripod one hunt, so I put the original legs back in.

 

[Lawnboi]

Meaning that it's still pretty big/long even when stowed?

I'd agree with that, I've been using 24L for everything as well. I'd do a 33 if I had to do it again, pretty much same weight IIRC, and more stable. Of course I haven't used the inverted gamer ones.
I removed the lower 3 legs on my 24 and replaced them the 3rd leg from a 33. Maybe 4-5 inches longer stowed, but it saved me a full pound and was a great sitting height tripod, and even maybe half standing/crouched over if needed. Of course I ended up having to take a full standing shot off my buddy's rickety glassing tripod one hunt, so I put the original legs back in.

Yea too long when stowed.

I still wish I had a 14l or 13 for hunting most of the time

There’s a pretty decent difference in stability when compared to a 34l, I’m sure a 33 is even more stout. The weight difference between most of them is negligible.