Discover the ultimate tripod for travelers—and it's 30% off this Black Friday!

Welcome to Dinogo Approved: a thorough exploration of travel essentials that we can't live without, always packed, and endlessly recommending to our friends. Enjoy up to 30% off Peak Design’s tripods and more travel gear. No promo code required.

I often feel a bit awkward with tripods. There, I admitted it. As a freelance photographer with over a decade in the business, my feelings might catch you off guard. Yet, there's likely a part of you that understands. Tripods are fundamental in photography; every instructor will tell you they ensure your framing is steady, your focus sharp, and your camera secure. But while traveling or shooting on-site, nothing feels clumsier than lugging around a tripod. Years ago, I dismissed them, saving them for the occasional photo booth, long exposure, or still life shots; for everything else, a car hood or tree stump worked just fine.

However, as it often goes, having quality tools that enhance a task leads to finding reasons to use them. Since I discovered Peak Design’s compact, stylish, and user-friendly Travel Tripod, I’ve been throwing it in my bag and bringing it along everywhere, except the grocery store, just in case creativity strikes.

• Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod: $420 until November 27 (original price $600), peakdesign.com
• Peak Design Aluminum Travel Tripod: $323 until November 27 (original price $380), peakdesign.com
• Peak Design Everyday Backpack: $252 until November 27 (original price $280), peakdesign.com

When I first discovered that Peak Design was working on a tripod, I was all ears. To say I’m a fan of the brand would be an understatement. Over the years, I’ve created a small shrine to my Peak Design gear. Their products are designed with care to endure the test of time. (I’ve even raved about my gear obsession, Peak’s Everyday Backpack, in an article discussing the travel gear that Dinogo team members can’t travel without.) Moreover, Peak Design is committed to sustainable and ethical business practices. So when they invited me to try out their first tripod, I jumped at the opportunity, just like any devoted fan would.

The Peak Design Travel Tripod certainly exceeded my expectations. It’s slightly taller and much slimmer than a wine bottle, incredibly quick to set up, and easy to use, eliminating all the frustrations I’ve faced with other tripods. Plus, it’s anything but awkward. I dare say it makes me feel a bit like a badass female Indiana Jones (if we replace archaeology with photography, of course).

What sets this tripod apart from all the others available?

To begin with, the Travel Tripod is designed to eliminate any negative space, making it exceptionally compact and preventing gaps between the legs when collapsed. Standing at 15.4 inches tall with a diameter of 3.125 inches (similar to a water bottle), it takes up half the volume of its rivals. Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging it around. Just slide it into the side pocket of your backpack or attach the leash (sold separately) and carry it over your shoulder for effortless travel, even without a backpack.

In terms of quick setup, this tripod is the fastest aluminum option available, going from packed to fully set up in under 10 seconds.

I want to know more

Like all Peak Design products, this tripod focuses on the finer details. I became particularly fond of the anchor link system that enables you to attach the leash; these clever connectors can be fixed to any camera or bag and easily click into Peak’s leash straps, allowing for quick gear security. The Travel Tripod also includes a single, user-friendly adjustment ring and an omnidirectional ball head, making angle adjustments effortless—just loosen the ring, adjust your camera, and retighten. Additionally, it features a built-in level to ensure your horizons are straight, and a mobile mount for those moments when you're traveling light with just your phone camera but need to capture a timelapse. Just keep in mind, it doesn’t have cup holders, so you might want to bring a hip flask instead.

While easy setup is important, stability is the real reason we’re all here, right? You can tick that off your list too. Fully extended to 60 inches, it boasts a 20-pound capacity, ensuring stability and minimizing vibrations, whether you're using a light smartphone or a heavier full-frame DSLR. It can even support various fixed and telephoto lenses that weigh 10 pounds or more.

In terms of materials, it comes in both lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber—I’ve been using the aluminum version, which weighs 3.44 pounds. The carbon model is even lighter at 2.81 pounds. Regardless, it’s a manageable load compared to other travel tripods, which can weigh up to 4 pounds, and adds minimal bulk to your pack. Plus, the Travel Tripod includes a waterproof carry case and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

This sounds almost too good to be true

This tripod genuinely unleashes the happy camper in me. I’ve happily taken it to Yosemite National Park, the Oregon coast, the deserts of Arizona, and numerous hills in San Francisco. I even traveled with it all the way to Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It has proven to be a reliable companion, rain or shine.

This article was first published in 2020 and was updated on November 24, 2023, to include the latest sale details.