Backcountry tripod

[eburgtrapper]

I have a Swarovski spotting scope and an using a Swarovski tripod, but it weighs over 5 pounds. I was hoping to get some suggestions on a good, lightweight backcountry tripod.

[huntnphool]

Get one made with carbon fiber, it will likely cut your weight in half.

If you don't need a full size tripod you might try one of these.

http://www.slik.co.jp/slik_com/CMS-COMPACT_II.html

 It still extends a decent amount and only weighs 1.25lbs. I have used one of these for years, it works well for packing and spotter use.

[bucksbearsbeers]

Just got a Slik Comp II.  Seems pretty sturdy for it's light weight.  Will be using it this coming weekend.

[Pueblo]

I just picked up the Slik Compact II as well and super impressed. 1.3lbs.  Retail less than $30 and I got mine for less than $2 on an ebay auction.  It's not carbon.  It is not for standing up but will accommodate any sitting or kneeling height. A big upgrade from a Vanguard Lite. 

I saw South Cox mention this in EBJ and chased it down. 

[Camo]

I really like my Vortex High Country but the SLIK might be a couple ounces lighter.

[briancorneal]

I really like my Vortex High Country but the SLIK might be a couple ounces lighter.

X2.   I love my vortex, but the adjustment knob popped off somewhere in the backcountry.  I had to use a pair of pliers to tighten it in place.

[Camo]

I really like my Vortex High Country but the SLIK might be a couple ounces lighter.

X2.   I love my vortex, but the adjustment knob popped off somewhere in the backcountry.  I had to use a pair of pliers to tighten it in place.

That's good to know, I'll keep an eye on mine now.

[whuppinstick]

They're expensive, but I went with Gitzo last year for both my tripod and head.

Carbon 4-section tripod that weighs 1.72 pounds: G0541
Lightest fluid head they make at 1.26 pounds (less after removing the handle): G2180

I plugged them both into ebay early in the spring and watched the prices until I found good deals on both.  I don't remember what I paid but I think it was around $300 for the tripod and $150 for the head?  I used them extensively last fall and was happy with both.

[MtnMuley]

I really like my Vortex High Country but the SLIK might be a couple ounces lighter.

X2.   I love my vortex, but the adjustment knob popped off somewhere in the backcountry.  I had to use a pair of pliers to tighten it in place.

That's good to know, I'll keep an eye on mine now.

Do that, because that has happened TWICE to me now as well.  Really like the tripod overall, but that is an issue that bugs me.

[MtnMuley]

They're expensive, but I went with Gitzo last year for both my tripod and head.

Carbon 4-section tripod that weighs 1.72 pounds: G0541
Lightest fluid head they make at 1.26 pounds (less after removing the handle): G2180

I plugged them both into ebay early in the spring and watched the prices until I found good deals on both.  I don't remember what I paid but I think it was around $300 for the tripod and $150 for the head?  I used them extensively last fall and was happy with both.

That's good info.  I was close to pulling the trigger on a new back country tripod, and the Gitzo was on the top of my list.  Which spotter were you running on it?

[whuppinstick]

That's good info.  I was close to pulling the trigger on a new back country tripod, and the Gitzo was on the top of my list.  Which spotter were you running on it?

Swarovski 20-60 x 65mm.
After further review I think I actually got the 3-section tripod which is the GT0531 model at 1.59 pounds.

[jjhunter]

I really like my Vortex High Country but the SLIK might be a couple ounces lighter.

X2.   I love my vortex, but the adjustment knob popped off somewhere in the backcountry.  I had to use a pair of pliers to tighten it in place.

That's good to know, I'll keep an eye on mine now.

Do that, because that has happened TWICE to me now as well.  Really like the tripod overall, but that is an issue that bugs me.

You don't have an Outdoorsman system yet?   

[HardCorpsHuntr]

I've been running a slik compact with a Jim White tripod head for about 10 years! My Zeiss 85 spotting scope and the swaro 15x56 work just fine with the lighter tripod even fully extended (2.5').  You don't need a full sized tripod in the backcounty.

Looks like you've got three good options.  Good luck!

http://store.coueswhitetail.com/jim-white-tripod-head/

[elkaholic123]

I got this one last year and have an Outdoorsman pistol grip head on it for my Swaro
http://www.amazon.com/Benro-C0580F-Classic-Tripod-Carbon/dp/B004E50IMW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377355132&sr=8-1&keywords=benro+carbon+fiber+tripod+C0580F

[actionshooter]

Someday I will swing the Outdoorsman, but for now I am using this one.  Mine is right at 3# with the fluid head. Not sure how its going to hold up, just got it this year. Its not the quality of the good ones, but it works, is light, and was $100 to my door.
 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=740308&is=REG&Q=&A=details