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.
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.
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.
Ranjan
Loc: Currently Cyber-Nation!
ebrunner wrote:
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.
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)
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 Mefoto day trip which comes with its own bag and shoulder strap
http://www.mefoto.com/products/roadtrip.aspxI 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."
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.
Take a look at the Optech shoulder strap designed for carrying a tripod. I have one and it works well. ;)
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
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.
Thanks for the input. I'm looking at all of the items that were recommended.
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