There are photographers and there are those that take pictures.  Unfortunately, I’m in the latter category.  I just can’t quite categorize myself as a full-fledged photographer because I’m missing the artistic eye.  It’s not from lack of trying.  I have read dozens of books, I’ve attended classes and I’ve bought thousands of dollars in equipment but I still can’t “see” the picture before I take it.  However, lack of talent doesn’t keep me from taking photographic gear with me on every backpacking trip.

I sometimes take as much as 10 or 12 pounds of gear but usually I try to take the minimum.  One item I consistently struggle with is the tripod.  My best photos have always been taken when the light is low enough that a tripod is necessary for a high-quality picture.  But the weight of a tripod is a real problem.

Here’s the dilemma. Tripods are designed to hold a camera still.  Heavy tripods hold cameras still better than light tripods.  Therefore, most tripods are heavy and it is hard as heck to find a quality tripod that is light.  If you go to a website like B&H Photo (my personal favorite) you’ll find lots of tripods that are carbon fiber and even call themselves mountaineering tripods but you’ll be stunned to see how much they weigh.  For example, The Gitzo G1158 Carbon Fiber Mountaineer Sport (sounds light, doesn’t it?) weighs in at a porky 3.6 lbs.  I’m sure that’s light for a professional tripod but that’s heavier than my tent, my backpack or my sleeping bag.

So what is a backpacker to do?  I’ve found two reasonable (but not great) solutions.  The first is my minimalist approach.  I got a mini tripod from REI.

Mini REI tripod (4 oz)

This tripod works as well as any mini-tripod can.  Plus it has a Velcro strap that attaches the tripod to other stable fixtures.  I usually use the Velcro strap to attach the tripod to one of my trekking poles.  Then, I have a nice monopod.  If I want completely hands free operation then I either stick my trekking pole into the ground or prop it up with something.  That works in non-windy situations.  It doesn't work in the wind.

The second reasonable approach is a regular tripod that is acceptably light.  I haven’t found a more flexible and light tripod on the market as the Slik Sprint Pro.

Slik Sprint Pro (32.7 oz)

The Slik weighs about 2 pounds and extends to a height of 64”.  The vertical post also comes apart so you can attach the camera underneath the tripod.  This is handy for macro shots.  You can also adjust the legs to be completely horizontal so you can keep the camera upright and get down very close to the ground.  The tripod is designed to have a head attached but I attach the camera directly to the tripod.

The Slik is a good option but it sure seems like someone could make an even lighter option with the same capabilities.  The slik is not carbon fibor; I think it’s made of aluminum.