Get perfect shots in 2020

Traveling isn’t just about the destination. Carry On is our series devoted to how we get away in the digital age, from the choices we make to the experiences we share.

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If you’re going on a trip-of-a-lifetime type adventure, just taking handheld snaps with your iPhone ain’t going to cut it. You really need to consider investing in a travel tripod so you can get the very best photographs and videos of your epic time away. Luckily these days, compact versions exist that won’t add unwanted pounds to your pack, and many fall into the affordable bracket. We’re taking a look at the best portable tripods for traveling, whatever your camera set up. 

What to consider when choosing a tripod

The first thing to educate yourself about when tripod shopping is the different types available. We’re taking a look at each product category, then will bring you a top choice from each one for your careful consideration. 

We’ve rounded up the very best travel tripods (in our opinion) below with details, but if you’re looking for a cheat sheet, here are our faves:

Portable tripods

A portable, or travel tripod is as close to a studio tripod you can get while on the road. Lightweight and collapsible, they basically resemble full tripods but can fit in backpacks or camera bags. 

Monopods

Technically not a tripod, a monopod is a single-legged way to support your camera to aid stability. They are often used in conjunction with longer telephoto lenses and to get a level horizon on landscape shots. 

Tabletop tripods

The name says it all really — a small tripod that can be used on flat surfaces to improve the quality of your images. Obviously because of their size, these are travel-friendly. 

Selfie tripods 

Or selfie sticks as they are more commonly known, these need no introduction. Yes, you might look like a bit of an idiot using one, but it’s your trip of a lifetime and you want amazing images to look back on. We say get one — haters gonna hate.  

Mini tripods 

Mini, or action tripods are a great solution if you really don’t have the capacity to carry a larger version but still need stabilization. They can be used both on surfaces, or as handheld options. To enable stable handheld operation, these types of tripods sometimes come with built-in pistol grips to help you shoot video more smoothly. 

Suction tripods

A bit of a niche product, suction tripods nonetheless have their place in the tripod market. They are most often used in action shoots, to stick on windows to capture car or train journeys, or to create time-lapse videos. 

Flexible tripods

Also referred to as grippy legs tripods, these are invaluable in certain scenarios as they can obviously grip round objects like branches and poles, but because of their flexibility can also be used on uneven terrain, such as rock, to ensure you get a level image. 

1. The Best Overall Travel Tripod 

If we got to take one of these products on our next travel trip we’d choose the Joby GorillaPod 500 Flexible Tripod, but with the optional extra GripTight mount so we could use it with both our digital camera and our smartphone. It’s compact enough to not be a burden to carry around, can be used like a mini or tabletop tripod, can also be used as a handheld tripod or selfie stick and works both indoors and in outdoor, more rugged, terrains. For the price it’s a really competent piece of kit from a well-respected brand that, if looked after properly, should last you for many adventures. 

Another option with a standard ¼”-20 tripod mount, this is suitable for point-and-shoot cameras, action cams, and any other photographic device that weighs in at less than one pound. Smartphone photographers can also buy the optional extra Joby GripTight mount to use this with their phones. It has a stainless steel reinforced ballhead with 90-degree tilt that’s ideal for portrait or landscape mode, while there are foot grips for enhanced stability in difficult terrain. Lightweight at just under three ounces, this folds up for portability. 

2. Best Portable Tripod

This highly recommended option gives you all the functionality of a full-size tripod, but in a compact and lightweight package. Fully extended, this gives you up to 58 inches of height in various gradients and can support photographic equipment measuring up to 11 pounds. Despite this, it collapses down to a manageable 19 inches long, weighing in at 2.5 pounds. Like with a standard tripod, the lever can be used to pan and tilt the head. If you’re looking for extra stability for long exposure shots for example, there’s a built-in hook on the center column to hang a weight from. 

3. Best Monopod

This monopod from AmazonBasics is a popular choice thanks to its no-nonsense, capable design and affordable price. It has a standard ¼”-20 tripod mount for all still cameras and video cameras up to 6.6 pounds. It’s comprised of four leg sections that extend separately to reach a total length of 67 inches — so around five and a half feet. Made of lightweight aluminum, it will only add a pound to your load and includes a carry bag for tidy transportation. When you’re using this monopod outdoors, you can choose to utilise the metal spikes for use on rugged terrain, but then rest easy with the rubber foot for indoor use. 

4. Best Table-Top Tripod

From a big name in the tripod marketplace, this is available as a standalone tripod with a standard size tripod mount, or in a bundle with a universal smartphone clamp. This attractive option has won design awards for its chic Italian style and comes in a sleek all black, or with red, white, or pink detail. It measures in at just under eight inches when closed and nearly six inches when open and weighs a backpack-friendly 6.7 ounces. 

5. Best Selfie Tripod

This fun selfie stick is perfect for your over-the-top holiday poses. It’s compact and lightweight at just over four ounces, it’s only 7.1-inches long when folded up, but can extend to 31.9-inches when it’s selfie time. The 270-degree adjustable head will hold any smartphone that measures between 2.17 and 3.35 inches. We rate this Mpow model highly as it has built-in Bluetooth compatibility with most popular smartphones so you can capture your snaps by pressing the button on the bottom of the handle. 

6. Best Mini Tripod

We really like this clever gadget. It allows you to hold your phone one-handed like a camera for snaps and selfies, put your phone in the three-legged tripod base, stand your phone up in its “self-standing” mode, take pictures or start recording video with the detachable Bluetooth shutter remote and then edit, and write or draw on your photos with the built-in mini stylus. With battery life good for up to 72,000 photos, it’s a fun accessory that comes complete with a carry pouch and neck strap. 

7. Best Suction Tripod

The Fat Gecko Mini Mount works with all cameras that weigh under four pounds with a standard  ¼”-20 tripod thread. Its three-inch, industrial-grade suction cup creates a secure, damage-free attachment to any smooth, non-porous surface. It boasts rugged construction that is ideal for action photography and video shoots — you can attach it to surfboards, snowboards, motorbikes, jet skis or even the top of a helmet. Once in place, the mount’s fully adjustable ball head has a 360-degree tilt, turn and rotation to capture all the action.