# Recommendation for a Backpacking Tripod **URL:** \ **Category:** Discussions\ **Created:** [July 9, 2025, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346 "2025-07-09T23:22:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Youssef\_Ismail](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/youssef_ismail/32/486_2.png) [@Youssef\_Ismail](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Youssef_Ismail)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2025, 11:22pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346/1 "2025-07-09T23:22:59Z")
Hi all, I just got back from a 20 mile backpacking trip with my son in the Sierras. It was a nice trip but I’m getting to old to carry the weight I used to carry when I was younger. One way I think I could lighten my load is with a smaller tripod. My first tripod was an Aluminum Gitzo the G1350 Mk2 with a Kirk BH-1 ball head. It was a monster setup weighing in at about 9 pounds but it served its purpose for the large format 4x5. Then about 18 years ago I made a solo photo trip to west Africa and I wanted a lighter set up but one that could still handle the 4x5 and I bought a comparable sized Gitzo, the GT3540XLS which reduced my weight to 6 pounds total for the tripod and head. Now that the 4x5 days are nearly gone, I mean once I can’t get film anymore, and I am mostly using the D850, I am looking for a lighter tripod and head. All the smaller Gitzo tripods come with a center column and neither of my other two have center columns and I have never missed it nor ever thought I needed one. I don’t need a Gitzo, as today many tripods are built using carbon fiber and are more than sturdy. So I am looking for any recommendations for a smaller, less than 3 pounds for the tripod, preferrable with twist locks for the legs and no center column. I can find them on my own, but I have no idea which of them is good or not and was hoping the fellow photographers here on NPN will have had enough experience with other tripods that I can rely on. Thanks in Advance. ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2025, 12:54am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346/2 "2025-07-10T00:54:55Z")
Youssef, I recently replaced a Gitzo Traveler with an FLM CP30-L4 II tripod. The Traveler came with a center column, but I took it off and only rarely put it back on. The folded FLM is only 2 inches taller than the Gitzo and weighs 3.1 lbs, but it extends to 68 inches, so I can shoot without bending over. FLM makes a wide variety of tripods with different lengths, and weights so you should be able to find one that will work for you. In 3 months of use, I think it’s a nice improvement over the Gitzo. I’ve also owned and worn out a Feisol and a Sirui. Neither of those were as well built as the Gitso or the FLM. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Gavin](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jim\_Gavin](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Gavin)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2025, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346/3 "2025-07-10T16:02:16Z")
I have been looking for a new tripod, too. Mark’s comment encouraged me to check out the FLM. I located a good review of the FLM C30-L4ii at [Andrealivieriphoto.com](http://Andrealivieriphoto.com). I have never heard of Andrea Livieri, but his review seems to echo Mark’s. I am now seriously considering it as a replacement. ---
**Author:** ![Matt\_Payne](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/matt_payne/32/76789_2.png) [@Matt\_Payne](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Matt_Payne)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2025, 7:38pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346/4 "2025-07-13T19:38:49Z")
I have used a lot of backpacking tripods in my time. My two favorite tripods are these two: 1. FLM CP30-L4 II - heavier, sturdier, but hits all the right notes. 2. FLM CP26-S4 II - smaller but basically the same set-up but folds up smaller. I’ve been discussing both on my podcast recently. You can use the discount code HOUSEOFPAYNE at FLM if you want some $ off the price. ---
**Author:** ![LarryR](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/l/8dc957/32.png) [@LarryR](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/LarryR)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2025, 9:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346/5 "2025-07-13T21:40:37Z")
> [@Matt\_Payne](#): > > FLM CP26-S4 II I can echo the recommendation for FLM. I have the slightly larger model (CP-34) but I don’t do any lengthy hikes or backpacking. I’ve had it for about 2 years and have been very pleased. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Kingham](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/david_kingham/32/10890_2.png) [@David\_Kingham](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Kingham)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2025, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/recommendation-for-a-backpacking-tripod/47346/6 "2025-07-15T16:54:02Z")
I’ve been pretty happy with this Leofoto, the whole setup is 2.19 lbs and have found it to be sturdy enough for most situations. I’m using it with a Canon R5, so I’m not sure if it would be enough for the D850 since it’s a fair bit heavier. I also have the FLM travel and happy with that too, along with a Acratech GXP-SS, that would likely be a better setup for the D850, just a bit heavier. > **[【Leofoto USA】Leofoto LS-224C X Version Ranger Series Tripod + LH-25 Ballhead...](https://www.ebay.com/itm/315558797722?_skw=Leofoto%2BLS-224CL%2B%2B%2BLH25%2Bballhead&itmmeta=01K07FTTYQ24AJ5D4SJ25PZFEE&hash=item4978c5219a:g:e9UAAOSwK4hmlVCv&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAABAFkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dYAunNEXwzf6PiybyFiAtnMYYR6Axg5ANoHNZngDCpFq6Lpu0IWYdtR347Ka7mA1F%2BwN6Wf%2FSIaWBiAZYo5Z7kX0Uc3Al4yZiuhcUBDwyeyQpRHni5D66o4MySK03hWG2fT5FhlbHpu4JlSnPqTgWb3%2F57fmIKACS%2Bp9qqRgmOowovxCMISpkyqi7uDjm8du5djglPT1SCm3TQKl4s7C2poekL%2BLVMornYzTVDxS7MxS3YKqvXb4EQn15UnCgsLbaZpbri2rTLWYdslE%2FMqTIGvLqZ7pejDzuYOyTNZO937KXvEn2C%2Fo9NH4G%2FxSDgbCY%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMvq_r74Fm)** > > Leofoto USA We are responsible for the sales and after-sale services of all Leofoto products. This new angle stop design allows for one handed operation for convenience. This tripod features a convertible mounting stud which can change to either...