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]