Favorite backcountry tripod

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Jan 8, 2025
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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.
 
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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.
 

Juan_ID

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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

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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
 

MT_Wyatt

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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
 
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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

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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.
 
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