PEDCO Ultrapod 3 Lightweight Travel Tripod for Camera and Phone, Black

Great Size, sturdy material, Lightweight, passed the TSA check with no issues, you can have it inside your backpack or even in a fanny pack. Went to Spain and this proved to be a savior, I was even able to use it for some video time-lapse recording. The photo shown was taken by using the included strap (there was light pole). You will need an adapter if you want to mount your GoPro, I had one lying around. To snap your phone is really easy, just remember to remove any PopSocket or MagSafe accessorize in the back to fit. You can Mount your Phone Horizontally or Vertically too.

This is a pretty good little tripod. It's useful if you are using your phone for video calls and it's useful if you want to have a minimal tripod for a hike. You might use it to hold your iPhone while you scan a bunch of documents. You can even use it on your Apple computers when you want to turn your iPhone into a great camera for tele-work. I had one that I lost and bought this one as a replacement. I've tried 3 other mini tripods. One looked like chains of balls. One had suction cup legs. This is the clear winner. Caveat. If your needs actually fit, you'll love it. If not, it will become just another thing to carry about.

The ultra pod is designed to serve three functions in a particular manner. While remaining as lightweight as possible, it is intended as a tripod when self-supported or strapped to a stable object, a selfie grip when hand held, and as a monopod when strapped to a trekking pole. For those who might be confused, a monopod is not a walking stick. It’s a support for filming or taking photographs to steady your shot. There are several reviews I’m seeing where someone strapped a weighted tripod to a trekking pole and went hiking. Tripods and monopods are meant to keep your camera still. Strapping it to a trekking pole works great if you’re trying to steady a long exposure picture of a sunset, not so much if you want a time lapse of your 14 mile hike. If you want to walk with something or strap it to a bike, get an action camera. Those mounts are specifically made with small lever arms to take repetitive vibration and impact. That’s not what this is for. For it’s intended use, it functions great and locks down well. I’m knocking one star off because the double ball mount can be a little fiddly. It tends to either lock down hard or completely release, which can make adjustments a little difficult, as you can’t really loosen it a smidge just to tweak it a little.

I've been using an Ultrapod 2 for a decade as my backpacking tripod. Its lightweight, compact, stable, and highly versatile thanks to the velcro strap. I finally broke mine after long use, and ordered an Ultrapod 3 as a replacement. While the 3rd iteration of the ultrapod is very nice in some respects, consumers should be aware it has basically doubled in weight from 2 to 4 ounces. That seems minor but in backpacking its a pretty significant weight difference, for limited additional functionality. The main thing the increased weight seems to contribute is a better ability to handle heavy cameras - manufacturer specs now state 10 lbs, vs 6 lbs for the ultrapod 2. This might be desirable if you are using the tripod with a mirrorless or DSLR, but if you are using a phone or a compact camera (as you might be if you're a backpacker looking to trim weight), the added functionality serves no purpose and comes at a significant weight penalty. To make things worse, the ultrapod 3 no longer fits handily in the hipbelt pocket of the three packs I use for backpacking. I had to go to ebay and buy an ultrapod 2 to get the weight/functionality/size I was after. I don't regret buying an ultrapod 3, I will use it with my mirrorless camera. But Pedco should consider continuing to produce the ultrapod 2 and marketing it as a the ultralight version. I think there is significant overlap between backpackers and people looking for a small, lightweight, mini tripod. The ultrapod is the best small tripod I've used, significantly better than the gorillapod or other options, and it would be a shame if the only way to get the backpacking-friendly version was on the used market.

I bought this for my thru hike on the JMT. I’m hike a little over 200 miles and wanted something that was stable, ultralight, and could attach to my backpack shoulder strap. This did all of those and more. I also found I can put my GoPro hero 10 on it and film my hike. It’s strong and holds my iPhone 12 Pro without any issues. It comes with a long velcro strap that can easily attach to large tree limbs. I liked this so much that I bought one for my partner to use on the trail as well. For some reason I can’t add a picture of it on a scale. But it came out to be 137grams with the velcro and top attachment piece for your phone.

This stand allow me to watch hands free and on whatever surface is at hand. Each leg adjusts separately, and you can reach a level with just a little adjustment of one leg or the other.