As an avid hunter who has spent countless hours in the field, I know firsthand how crucial a good tripod can be for successful hunting. Whether you’re glassing for game or setting up for a long-range shot, a stable platform for your optics or rifle is absolutely essential. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right hunting tripod can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the top hunting tripods for 2025, based on my own experiences in the field and extensive research. I’ve focused on models that offer the perfect balance of stability, portability, and versatility for hunters. No matter your hunting style or budget, you’ll find a great option here to elevate your game.
What to Look for in a Hunting Tripod
Before we dive into the top picks, let’s quickly cover the key factors to consider when choosing a hunting tripod:
– Weight & Portability: For mobile hunters, a lightweight carbon fiber tripod in the 2-4 lb range is ideal. Heavier aluminum models work well for stationary setups.
– Max Height: Make sure the tripod can extend high enough for comfortable standing use if needed.
– Stability: Wider leg spreads and larger diameter legs provide better stability, especially for heavier optics.
– Head Type: Pan heads are versatile, while ball heads offer faster adjustment. Specialized rifle rests are great for shooting.
– Build Quality: Robust materials and construction are crucial for withstanding field use.
– Leg Locks: Flip locks tend to be faster, while twist locks can be more secure.
– Feet: Look for interchangeable rubber and spiked feet for different terrain.
Now, let’s get into my top tripod picks for hunters in 2025:
Vortex Pro GT Tripod
Best Overall Hunting Tripod
The Vortex Pro GT hits the sweet spot of performance and value that most hunters are looking for. At just 4 lbs, it’s light enough for mobile hunting but still provides rock-solid stability for heavy spotting scopes and rifles.
Key Features:
– Weight: 4 lbs
– Max Height: 67.1″
– Material: Anodized aluminum
– Head: Smooth pan head
– Leg Locks: Quick-release levers
What I Love: The Pro GT’s build quality is outstanding. The anodized aluminum construction feels bombproof, while the rubber feet grip well on varied terrain. The pan head moves silky smooth for precise adjustments when glassing. View Price
For the price, you’d be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded hunting tripod. It’s equally at home supporting a spotting scope or serving as a shooting rest. While carbon fiber models are lighter, the Pro GT strikes an excellent balance for most hunters.
Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Series 2
Best High-End Carbon Fiber Tripod
If you’re looking for the absolute best performance and are willing to pay for it, the RRS Ascend-14 is hard to beat. This premium carbon fiber tripod is insanely light at just 2.7 lbs while still providing unmatched stability.
Key Features:
– Weight: 2.7 lbs
– Max Height: 59.1″
– Material: Carbon fiber
– Leg Locks: Twist locks
– Load Capacity: 50 lbs
What I Love: The build quality and attention to detail on RRS gear is simply unmatched. Every component is precision machined for smooth operation. Despite the featherlight weight, this tripod is incredibly rigid – perfect for long-range shooting or digiscoping.
- Triangular center column for an overall smaller package
- Integrated 22mm ball head
- Independent panning clamp
- Repositionable drop notch
- Integrated hex key storage
The modular design also allows you to easily swap heads or add accessories. Yes, it’s a serious investment. But for hardcore hunters and shooters who demand the absolute best, the Ascend-14 delivers.
Vanguard VEO 3+ 263AB
Best Value Aluminum Tripod
Not everyone needs or wants to spend big bucks on carbon fiber. The Vanguard VEO 3+ proves you can get excellent performance from a well-designed aluminum tripod at a reasonable price point.
Key Features:
– Weight: 4.85 lbs
– Max Height: 68.1″
– Material: Aluminum
– Head: Ball head
– Leg Angles: 3 positions (21°, 50°, 80°)
What I Love: Despite the affordable price, the VEO 3+ doesn’t skimp on features. The multi-angle center column allows for low-angle shooting, while the canopy suspension loop adds stability. The included ball head is surprisingly good for the price.
- MACC moves almost 360° in any direction for the perfect setup for any shot, from landscape to macro. MACC can be used as a multi-mount with the included VEO+ MA1 Adaptor
- Extends to 68 inches and has a maximum load capacity of 33 pounds. Folds to 29.9 inches and weighs 5.4 pounds
For hunters on a budget who still want a full-featured tripod, this Vanguard is tough to beat. It’s a bit heavier than carbon, but the rock-solid stability is worth it.
BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod
Best Tripod for Rifle Shooting
When it comes to dedicated shooting tripods, the BOG DeathGrip is purpose-built for hunters. The carbon fiber construction keeps weight down, while the specialized head securely cradles your rifle for rock-solid shots.
- DIMENSIONS: 32” L x 5” W x 5” H and weighs 6 lbs 1 oz
- DURABLE: This rugged shooting rest is built to withstand a lifetime of abuse with a heavy duty construction, lightweight carbon fiber legs, and premium rubber grips
Key Features:
– Weight: 7.5 lbs
– Max Height: 72″
– Material: Carbon fiber
– Head: DeathGrip clamping head
– Load Capacity: 30 lbs
What I Love: The DeathGrip head is ingenious, securely clamping your rifle while still allowing smooth panning and tilt adjustments. Combined with the ultra-rigid carbon legs, this creates an incredibly stable shooting platform.
While it’s overkill as just a spotting scope tripod, the DeathGrip really shines for long-range hunters and shooters. If you primarily want a tripod for shooting, this specialized design is worth a look.
Sirui W-2204 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod
Best Waterproof Tripod
Hunting often means dealing with nasty weather. The Sirui W-2204 is designed to shrug off the elements with its innovative waterproof leg locks and sealed construction.
- Padded case
- Shoulder strap
- Tool kit
- 3 x stainless steel spikes
- Monopod wrist strap
Key Features:
– Weight: 3.7 lbs
– Max Height: 70.9″
– Material: Carbon fiber
– Leg Locks: Twist locks with waterproof seals
– Load Capacity: 33 lbs
What I Love: The waterproof design provides peace of mind when hunting in wet conditions. No need to baby this tripod – it can handle stream crossings, rain, and snow with ease. Despite the weatherproofing, operation is still smooth and easy.
For hunters in rainy climates or those who are tough on gear, the W-2204 is a fantastic option that will hold up to years of abuse.
Leofoto LS-323C + LH-40
Best Ultralight Tripod
Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain on long backcountry hunts. At a scant 2.4 lbs, the Leofoto LS-323C is perfect for hunters looking to shave every possible ounce from their kit.
- Versatile Carbon Fiber Tripod: Our leofoto carbon fiber camera tripod features a telescopic design. This lightweight monopod is the perfect travel companion, weighing only 3.22 lbs yet supporting up to 33.07 lbs
- Semi-Automatic Angle Stop: Pull out the angle stop,raise the leg to your desired angle,slightly press the angle stop and it will ratchet intoplace and lock automatically.To induce the angle stop automatic system,please pull out the angle stop compltelyand raise the lge to horiaontal position until the angle stop engages.Move the legs to your desired position andthe angle stop will ratchet automatically
Key Features:
– Weight: 2.4 lbs
– Max Height: 59.1″
– Material: Carbon fiber
– Head: LH-40 ball head
– Load Capacity: 26.5 lbs
What I Love: It’s amazing how sturdy this tripod is given the miniscule weight. The 10-layer carbon fiber legs provide excellent rigidity. The included LH-40 ball head is a step above what you typically find on tripods in this class.
If you’re an ultralight fanatic or routinely carry your tripod deep into the backcountry, the weight savings of the LS-323C are hard to beat. Just be prepared to pay a premium for that lightweight performance.
Three Legged Thing Punks Travis
Best Travel Tripod
For hunters who travel frequently, a compact tripod that’s easy to pack is key. The innovatively-designed Travis from Three Legged Thing fits the bill perfectly.
- Meet Travis 2.0, the new evolution of Punks tripods by 3 Legged Thing. This compact, versatile camera tripod is ideal for general use, bridging the gap between travel tripods and big, professional systems. Durable, light and strong, Travis is the go to tripod for photographers.
- More capable and versatile than your average beginners tripod, Travis 2.0 can extend from 11.8cm up to 1.66m, offering a huge range of working heights. Despite its ability to fold down to just 45.7cm and weighing only 1.86kg.
Key Features:
– Weight: 3.4 lbs
– Max Height: 65″
– Folded Length: 17.3″
– Material: Aircraft-grade magnesium alloy
– Head: AirHed Neo ball head
What I Love: The Travis packs down incredibly small thanks to its unique tri-folding leg design. Despite the compact size, it extends to a very usable 65″ max height. The detachable center column can even be used as a monopod.
For hunters who need to fit a full-sized tripod in a suitcase or pack, the Travis is brilliantly engineered. It’s a versatile option that works well for both spotting and shooting.
Manfrotto MT055CXPRO4
Best Heavy-Duty Tripod
When stability is the absolute top priority, sometimes you need to go big. The Manfrotto 055 series are legendary workhorses, and the carbon fiber MT055CXPRO4 can handle anything you throw at it.
- Redesigned Q90 center column with quick one finger operation
- Easy Link connection for adding accessories
- Redesigned upper disk with rotating bubble level
Key Features:
– Weight: 4.6 lbs
– Max Height: 70″
– Material: Carbon fiber
– Leg Locks: Flip locks
– Load Capacity: 19.8 lbs
What I Love: Everything about this tripod is robust. The carbon fiber legs are girthy for maximum stability. The innovative horizontal center column allows for easy overhead shots or low-angle photography.
For hunters using heavy spotting scopes or large telephoto lenses, the rock-solid stability of the 055 is confidence inspiring. It’s a bit much for run-and-gun styles, but perfect for more stationary setups.
Slik Pro 340DX
Best Budget Tripod
New hunters just getting into optics often don’t want to drop hundreds on a tripod right away. The Slik Pro 340DX proves you can get solid performance even on a tight budget.
- Aluminum, Magnesium, Titanium-Alloy Legs
- Flip Locks, Rubber Feet
- 3-Position Leg Angle Locks
- Reversible, Multi-Section Rapid Column
Key Features:
– Weight: 3.5 lbs
– Max Height: 57.9″
– Material: Aluminum
– Head: 3-way pan head
– Load Capacity: 8.8 lbs
What I Love: For the price, the build quality of this Slik tripod is impressive. The speed release leg locks are convenient, while the geared center column allows for precise height adjustments.
No, it won’t match the performance of high-end carbon tripods. But for new hunters or those on a tight budget, the Pro 340DX is a great starter option that won’t break the bank.
Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Rapid
Best Tripod for Spotting Scopes
Dedicated spotting scope users have unique needs, and the Feisol CT-3442 is purposefully designed to excel in this role. The beefy carbon fiber legs provide a super-stable platform for long glassing sessions.
Key Features:
– Weight: 3.3 lbs
– Max Height: 71.3″
– Material: Carbon fiber
– Leg Locks: Twist locks
– Load Capacity: 55.1 lbs
What I Love: Despite the fairly light 3.3 lb weight, this tripod has an impressive 55 lb load capacity. That makes it ideal for large spotting scopes with heavy zoom eyepieces. The rapid center column is clutch for quick height adjustments in the field.
While it works fine for other uses, the CT-3442 really shines as a dedicated spotter’s tripod. If glassing is your primary activity, this should be at the top of your list.
Final Thoughts
A quality tripod is one of the best investments a hunter can make. It will improve your glassing, extend your effective shooting range, and generally make life in the field much easier.
Any of the options on this list will serve you well – it really comes down to your specific needs, hunting style, and budget. Carefully consider how and where you’ll use the tripod most to choose the right one for you.
Personally, I find myself reaching for the Vortex Pro GT most often as a do-it-all option. But for ultralight backcountry hunts, that Leofoto is mighty tempting. And I’m constantly drooling over that RRS Ascend-14…
Whatever you choose, a good tripod will last for many seasons of hunting. It’s an investment that will pay dividends in filled tags for years to come. Now get out there and put your new tripod to use! The animals aren’t going to glass themselves.
Happy hunting!