Favorite backcountry tripod

[chrissmithdvm]

What is your favorite backcountry tripod and why. Looking at outdoorsman, aziac, and tricer currently. I like to shoot off a ball head but am I losing some stability by doing this with the systems that have a pan and ball combined? Should I focus more on pan head for shooting and glassing? Any recommendations appreciated.

 

[ReddingArcher]

I really like my Tricer, I haven’t used the other ones though. I’ve shot prone off my Tricer but will be doing some seated shooting here soon.

 

[THH33]

I really like my Tricer, I haven’t used the other ones though. I’ve shot prone off my Tricer but will be doing some seated shooting here soon.

+1 for the tricer

 

[AndrewMT34]

My wife gave me a Leofoto tripod/ball head for Christmas. So far I love shooting off it. Time will tell with glassing.

 

[Juan_ID]

Used the tricer all of 2023, used the aziak all of 24 and very happy with the switch. Lighter, center column locks up tighter and packs down way smaller.

 

[jonesn3]

A buddy has Tricer and loves it! Tbh if I had to start over I’d probably go Tricer. I’m using a Slik 634 for archery season (or for when weight is really a concern), and a Slik 734 during rifle season and when I plan on shooting off the tripod. I was able to get both Sliks either on sale or slightly used for under the cost of a Tricer

 

[carlc]

I have a Tricer for sale in the classifieds

 

[MT_Wyatt]

What is your favorite backcountry tripod and why. Looking at outdoorsman, aziac, and tricer currently. I like to shoot off a ball head but am I losing some stability by doing this with the systems that have a pan and ball combined? Should I focus more on pan head for shooting and glassing? Any recommendations appreciated.

I don’t think you are losing stability for a ball head with separate pan, so long as it’s big enough to handle that load.

None of these UL tripods are nearly as stable to shoot from. Use to use a Leofoto 284 and that’s as small as I’d depend on for consistent “shooting” tripod. I use a little Aziak now for glassing and it is awesome for the size. You can shoot off it, but it isn’t nearly as stable as a full size tripod. The little aziak ball head is okay, does have a separate pan, but the pressure the tension set screws isn’t nearly as linear as larger ball heads I’ve used.

A panning ball head is okay for glassing, but a small pan head like the tricer LP is a bit better for me in use. Having a panning ball head is much nicer if you’re going to clip in shooting. I’ve seen these posted a bit for more shooting focus, and they look pretty convenient: https://leofotousa.com/products/leo...rol-arca-compatible-ideal-for-target-shooting

 

[justinspicher]

I’ve been using my Spartan sentinel for a couple of years now. I’ve shot off it, glasses off it and even used it as a set of trekking poles. I recently picked up one of their hoplite tripods and so far it’s been really handy as well.

 

[mtwarden]

I've been using an Aziak Backcountry w/ a Spartan Davros head. I have an adapter for my spotting scope, binoculars and rifle—makes swapping back and forth very easy (and quick). If I was shooting competitive matches I'd certainly choose something different (heavier and sturdier), but for backcountry hunting the Aziak has worked really well.

 

[chrissmithdvm]

Thanks for the info!

 

[camelcluch]

I used the Aziak last year. Very happy with it so far. I know what it is and don’t expect it to something it’s not. It is plenty stable to glass off of and can be used to shoot if have too.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I just got the Aziak Front Country to try in 2025. I've used it a bit so far and like it. Went with it over the Tricer due to how compact the Aziak gets when collapsed. I have their FC ballhead as well to play with. Right now the tripod is setup with a Smallrig fluid head and a Tricer GO.

 

[chrissmithdvm]

 

[Hitchcockhntr]

I bought a Tricer and used in Alaska this fall on a moose hunt. Very lightweight and easy to use.

 

[TetonRecon]

Leofoto LS-254CX + LH-30 Ballhead combo (order a Leofoto LSC-50 with it)​

Normally around $260, if you watch ebay you can find the combo for around $150. Best bang for the buck as an all around glassing and hunting/backpacking tripod.

 

[100%DIYazCOUES]

Lot of good options out there, and I swear I’ve tried half of them!. Best for super light to stability ratio that I’ve found is promaster xc325c with tricer lp head. For closer to truck/ windy days I like sirui w2204, but the legs are almost twice as heavy as the promaster. Sirui 124 are an impressive set of all around tripod legs. pretty light and pretty good in the wind for being on the lighter side. Whatever you get, highly suggest getting something with a center post, convenience of making inch or 2 adjustments vs having to adjust the whole tripod is 100% worth the marginal weight penalty. Some people say they’re less stable, but I haven’t found that to be the case at all when the post is all the way down, and you gain a lot of flexibility.

 

[KYtoAK]

Has anyone used the Peak 44 Teton? The features look good (integrated Arca pan head with handle and ball tilt function, removable center column, etc) but I was wondering if anyone had any first-hand experience glassing and shooting off of it

 

[Jakeb]

Has anyone used the Peak 44 Teton? The features look good (integrated Arca pan head with handle and ball tilt function, removable center column, etc) but I was wondering if anyone had any first-hand experience glassing and shooting off of it

I’m curious aswell. The integrated ball seems intriguing.