Good way to transport tripod while hiking? Does anyone have a good way to transport their tripod while hiking? I sometimes walk for miles on trails and have always carried my tripod.

CO

Does anyone have a good way to transport their tripod while hiking? I sometimes walk for miles on trails and have always carried my tripod. That gets tiresome after a while. I think that some backpacks have a way of attaching a tripod. I only have shoulder bags so I'm not sure what the best option would be.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

My camera backpack has a mesh water bottle pocket. When I want to carry a heavy tripod, I put a heavy nylon bag (like a chalk bag for climbing) into the pocket. Then I stuff the legs of the tripod into the bag. I have a nylon sling (also climbing equipment) that I use to secure the ball head to the carry strap on the top of the backpack. It is not the most elegant solution; but it is better than carrying a tripod in your hand for miles. When I go backpacking and weight becomes a real issue, I leave the heavy tripod at home. Then I resort to bean bags if I need long exposures.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

CO wrote:

Does anyone have a good way to transport their tripod while hiking? I sometimes walk for miles on trails and have always carried my tripod. That gets tiresome after a while. I think that some backpacks have a way of attaching a tripod. I only have shoulder bags so I'm not sure what the best option would be.

I have a couple with detachable shoulder straps, but I don't like them for hiking. My small (12") MeFoto easily fits into a pack.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

CO wrote:

Does anyone have a good way to transport their tripod while hiking? I sometimes walk for miles on trails and have always carried my tripod. That gets tiresome after a while. I think that some backpacks have a way of attaching a tripod. I only have shoulder bags so I'm not sure what the best option would be.

Many of the backpacks have a setup like this.

http://www.digitaltoyshop.com/uploads/images_specification/anuncios/image/Vanguard/Mochila%20Adaptor%2041/Mochila_vanguard_Adaptor_41_frente_con_tr%C3%ADpode.jpg

Ranjan Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!

ebrunner wrote:

My camera backpack has a mesh water bottle pocket.... (show quote)

How about a dedicated tripod bag with a shoulder sling (that stays on the shoulder as opposed to slipping!). I have a bit of difficulty walking on uneven terrain and always wished for a sturdy monopod that could double as a walking stick? I have a fairly decent manfrotto, but do not want to risk testing it with undesirable effects on the monopod and/or test subject (210 lbs)

cockney greg Loc: London E17

What kind of tripod do you use CO? Is it worth thinking about opting for a lighter carbon tripod perhaps. You won'y have to compromise on performance with today's offerings.

MarkintheHV Loc: Hudson Valley

I have a Mefoto day trip which comes with its own bag and shoulder strap http://www.mefoto.com/products/roadtrip.aspx

I also use a Mountainsmith Borealis AT backpack which has a specialized tripod carrier on the back, or you can strap it to the sides. I also use the laptop compartment to carry a Camelbak. With the extra compartment for storage, makes a great place for the "10 essentials."

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Ranjan wrote:

How about a dedicated tripod bag with a shoulder sling (that stays on the shoulder as opposed to slipping!). I have a bit of difficulty walking on uneven terrain and always wished for a sturdy monopod that could double as a walking stick? I have a fairly decent manfrotto, but do not want to risk testing it with undesirable effects on the monopod and/or test subject (210 lbs)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

CO

cockney greg wrote:

What kind of tripod do you use CO? Is it worth thinking about opting for a lighter carbon tripod perhaps. You won'y have to compromise on performance with today's offerings.

I have a Manfrotto 055CX3 carbon fiber tripod. It's light but I still get tired of carrying it. I recently went on trails that go to Cascade Falls in Giles county VA. One of the trails is really rocky and narrow in places. You sometimes have a use your hands to steady yourself.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Take a look at the Optech shoulder strap designed for carrying a tripod. I have one and it works well. ;)

catfish252

I use the Tamrac system 6 and Pro 8 shoulder bags, they both have straps for my tripod along the outside edge(away from my body) should I choose to carry it. My Manfrotto 190XPROB comes with a shoulder strap -- Manfrotto offers 10-15 shoulder straps for tripods. Manfrotto says this one will fit your 055 tripod: http://www.manfrotto.us/tripod-shoulder-strap

cockney greg Loc: London E17

CO wrote:

I have a Manfrotto 055CX3 carbon fiber tripod. It's light but I still get tired of carrying it. I recently went on trails that go to Cascade Falls in Giles county VA. One of the trails is really rocky and narrow in places. You sometimes have a use your hands to steady yourself.

Something like this maybe?

http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055cxpro3-804rc2-Tripod-Black/dp/B00KSFJ77E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403956155&sr=8-1&keywords=manfrotto+tripod+055cxpro3+bag

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I have a Camelback Mountaineer day pack, that has a mesh pocket on each side for items. One side has my hiking sticks the other my tripod or monopod, held in tight by the compression straps. Anything with a shoulder strap is eventually going to get uncomfortable for longer periods on the trail.

Also, a lightweight carbon fiber 'pod is recommended.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

I have a Lowepro Slingshot 202AW that has a monopod/tripod carry on the side. It works quite well for carrying the tripod.

http://store.lowepro.com/slingshot-202-aw

CO

Thanks for the input. I'm looking at all of the items that were recommended.