When you’re out in the backcountry, a sturdy tripod can be your secret weapon for perfecting your shots on rugged terrain. Take a look at my ranking for the best tripods for shooting and hunting.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1. BOG DeathGrip - Hands-Free Aluminum Tripod
Top-rated: 6,457 ratings | 133 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: Can secure any weapon for hands-free use.
Helpful review: "I read the reviews on this before I purchased it, and I saw a lot of people complaining about how the swivel wasn’t smooth, so naturally the first thing I did when I took it out of the box was twist the head back and forth, and yes there was absolutely a noticeable texture in the movement…until I actually put my rifle on it. With the weight of my Bergara B14 HMR, both the tilt and swivel were smooth as butter without taking anything apart or messing with it.
Even when I cranked things down tight enough to hold my rifle steady, hands free, I could still very easily swivel and tilt from a seated position. I also like how it does truly adjust all the way down to a prone position, and the choice between the rubber feet or metal spikes is easy and convenient. As others noted, it is not light, but neither are my rifles, my pack, or the deer I plan to be dragging out of the woods, so not really a deal breaker for me. Good stuff, especially for the $150 or whatever it cost during the prime deal days.
A FEW WORDS FROM A FRIEND:
Build quality is very nice. Even though it is made out of aluminum, it feels very robust and sturdy. The elevation tilt is strong enough to hold my 9lbs rifle on its own and I think it can hold a lot more. My 360 pan felt rough when panning, but I read another review about loosening the Allen screw underneath and that definitely made it smooth. The legs are easy to adjust height and it doesn’t seem to move underweight. The only thing I wish is if they added some measurement markings on the legs so when I deploy it, I wouldn't be playing this guessing game to fit my height. But overall I really like this tripod especially for the price. As long as you take care of it, this tripod will last a long time." — Jeremy Durscher
Get it from Amazon now: $147.39 & FREE Returns
2. Primos Trigger Stick - GEN3 Shooting Support
Top-rated: 6,618 ratings | 162 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: New contoured grip with no-slip backbone.
Helpful review: "Love this new shooting stick. This was an upgrade for me from an earlier-gen monopod and there are two big differences. First, it seems to be much stronger. Maybe it's just because it's a tripod, but the monopod when used as a walking stick did occasionally collapse if you put a lot of weight on it. They say not to use it as a walking stick... but you kind of don't have a choice because it's not like you can hold anything ELSE while you're carrying it... Anyway, this one seems to hold triple the weight - I didn't try to force it, but easily put 25-30 lbs on it without it collapsing. That's plenty.
Second, the quick change camera mount is a really nice feature. It's not obvious from the listing but this does indeed include the 1/4" camera adapter accessory, so what's in the box is a complete gun + spotting scope solution.
If I had a wish list for Gen 4 it would be:
1. Some type of lanyard to hold the shooting rest while a scope is mounted, or better still, some type of hinge to "flip" it to the side. It's REALLY easy to lose/drop it, and that's a problem because it has a custom base. I imagine getting a replacement would be a pain, and losing it in the field would mess up your day...
2. Improve the quick-change latch mechanism. It's SUPER weak and if you don't get the side lock firmly latched it's really easy to knock your spotting scope off the mount! I did this twice already, fortunately with a super cheap scope into snow, but I'd be very nervous about putting an expensive piece of glass on that thing...
I've taken this on two scouting/small game trips already and can't imagine hunting without it.
A FRIEND’S REVIEW:
I liked that it came with a spotting scope and camera mount adapter. Plus the quick release button for switching from rifle rest V to spotting scope is fast and secure. It is a little long at 42" compressed. But, I will try to tie it onto my backpack. I have the Primos Trigger Stick monopod. Worked great for me last year on a Pronghorn at 175 yards.
This year, I used the tripod on white tail hunts to Georgia, Illinois, and on my Coues Deer hunt. It worked great as a solid gun rest. It is also a good solid base for my spotting scope, but it takes a little practice to scan across and vertically. Instructions say "do not use it as a trekking pole" which is exactly what I used it for in the rugged superstition mountains.
The shooting stick tripod (when legs are strapped together) provides a very stable support while climbing or traversing steep terrain. I could also easily adjust the height I needed by pulling the trigger. This was a life saver when I was climbing up out of a steep canyon - in total darkness - with half a Coues deer, rifle, and heavy pack on my back. I shot Coues through the neck at 360 yards across a canyon, using the solid rest provided by the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 series tripod.
Both my mono-pod and my tripod trigger sticks have held up to all the abuses I can cause in tough terrain, and horrible weather. These products are the best equipment I've added to my pile in 65 years of hunting experience. Will Primos and Jim Shockey are the real deals and any product with their name on it - is a product I know I can depend upon." — Charlie Robinson
Get it from Amazon now: $193.45 & FREE Returns
3. BOG DeathGrip II - Carbon Fiber Tripod
Top-rated: 1,484 ratings | 53 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: 17 times stronger than aluminum tripods yet 15% lighter.
Helpful review: "I have used shooting sticks, bag rests, and bipods. I wanted a versatile platform to use for any position: prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing. This carbon fiber version is stiffer and lighter (by a pound) than the aluminum version, weighing in at 8.5 pounds. It is still too heavy to lug around for hunting unless you have a ground blind. Definitely way too heavy to carry in the mountains of Appalachia.
The footing has rubber feet and spikes. Practically speaking, the spikes will be what you use the most, unless you're shooting indoors.
The legs are thick. There are two joints which have very secure clamps. One leg has a foam wrap for carrying or for stability when shooting. I like that there are only two legs that adjust since many multisegmented legs get thinner and thinner, decreasing stability. These legs are stout. There is a level on the top of the tripod housing to ensure proper alignment. The clamps are heavy, too, and do not make a lot of noise.
The angle is adjustable with a 3 setting bar. It locks securely into place. There is a number setting to indicate your angle.
The tripod operates on a swivel. It can be tightened but not tightened enough to prevent rotation. The swivel moves smoothly and adjustments are useful for a firm rotation, if necessary.
The mounting of the rifle (bolt action or AR) uses a clamp design with rubber edges to prevent damage to your firearm. The tension is adjusted with a large knob. It is very secure and does not require a rail attachment; therefore, it is also useful for a crossbow. It has fitted my rifles very easily with the exception of my IWI Tavor SAR, since most of the weight is rear of the rifle. It can still hold the Tavor, but the up and down cant is not strong enough for the weight of the Tavor.
The cant is adjustable up and down, and the tension is controlled by a large knob.
The only limitation of this system is that you cannot angle the rifle, like you can with conventional ball mount systems. It does not have an adjustable neck to raise the head, like a conventional camera tripod, either, but that would be less stable, in general. Lastly, the weight makes it limited for more stationary endeavors. Yet, overall, this is very solid and stable.
A FEW WORDS FROM GUY BIVENS:
This is exactly what I needed. While it isn't one of the $500 plus price point tripods, IT'S NOT A $500 PLUS TRIPOD either. For the price, this unit has done everything I've wanted so far. Other brands cost more just for the head assembly than this entire carbon fiber tripod. I've had more than 6 back surgeries, so for Coyote hunting from my blind, this is a necessity. The swivel lockdowns are a little stiff and you can tighten them down to hold the average rifle without creeping, but when it’s tight, almost too tight to still swivel and tilt. However, it does work well, not $500 dollars well, but works well. The tripod legs and body are perfect, reduced weight and still being rigid carbon fiber is spot on. So, yes, I would recommend this unit, unless you have double the money to spend on a tripod that will do pretty much the same thing. I've taken two Coyotes with this, my Savage thumbhole BTVSS .17 HMR and ATN XSITE II night vision scope." — Ian Stevens
Get it from Amazon now: $239.99 & FREE Returns
4. Vanguard Quest - Shooting Stick
Top-rated: 767 ratings | 36 answered questions
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: 3-in-1 construction: tripod, bi-pod, and monopod.
Helpful review: "OK, to be clear, I am reviewing this item as a 3 in 1 shooting stick, not as a camera tripod (though I'll make some comments). I purchased the item with deliberate intent for my own use, it was not given to me to review.
A very lightweight shooting platform that is very stable in both tripod and bipod forms. It is a very good value. Happy I bought it and would recommend it to friends for sure.
PROS:
- Variety of applications.
- Really stable for the weight.
- Adjustable from sitting level to standing levels. Can be set up low to ground as a tripod for back against the tree turkey calling. Nice height for me.
- Flexible configuration - third leg unthreads and provides a monopod that is very lightweight.
- No single-button deployment.
- Simple design.
- In tripod form, would be a great stand for rifle caliber hunting pistols.
- Less expensive than any other pod with as many features.
- I like to use it as a bipod, leaving the third leg attached but short so that I can rest it back down on the third leg while I cock and load. I can then rest a gun in the cradle, push it forward and it's on the bipod.
CONS:
- Screw base is not articulated in any way. If your application requires some articulation (spotting scope, camera, chrono) you could use a ball mount.
- No single button deployment for very fast setup.
- Strap has an adjustment buckle but limited range - adding a swivel clip to the webbing strap would increase the flexibility by allowing the bipod legs to be spread out wider.
- Feet are rubber without a cleat point.
LET’S SUM THINGS UP:
I really like to complain, but I’ll admit that this is one of the few things that I have bought that really lives up to the advertised value of it. It really does work and being disabled every advantage when hunting or just shooting is always a welcome reality. There may be some cheaper ones out there but that's what they are, cheap! Also, there are some more expensive ones. But if you want one that doesn't have such a high ratio of bad experiences to good ones, go with this one. You will be able to use it for more than just one season without having serious issues. It's very well made and for use in a ground blind taking off the third leg gives you extra room and you still maintain the high quality stability that it promises. You won't be sorry!" — Douglas Howard
Get it from Amazon now: $76.32 & FREE Returns
5. TKKOK D360 - Aluminum Rifle Tripod
Top-rated: 27 ratings
Credit: Amazon.com
Highlight: There are 3 angles available: 20°, 45°, and 85°.
Helpful review: "This tripod is heavy built and seems like a solid tripod. However, when I opened it for the first time from the carrying case, this red button was floating around inside and the pin that held it in place looked like it was intact. I was able to use the 2 supplied hex wrenches to remove the leg and figure out how to put this back together but it is a bit concerning that this could happen out in the field where parts may be lost.
A few other things to note about this tripod. The legs are beefy which is good. But they flop around at the joint which is a little distracting and might cause some stability issues when set up with a rifle as well. This is just an observation on my part and I can test to see if it’s problematic or not.
Ok, now that the concerns are out of the way, this seems to be a heavy and purpose built tripod and I really like everything else about it. I have 3 other tripods for shooting and this is by far the heaviest but not necessarily best. That remains to be seen. Love the carry-case the most out of all my tripods. This is a well thought out case with its own pocket for the smaller tools.
I would give it 5 stars were it not for the button issue and the floppy legs which may be by design but not sure yet. Otherwise a great tripod I’m sure.
A FEW WORDS FROM TEXAS WILLIE:
Guns are heavy. This tripod is up to the task. It has three detents on the leg arms for full height (over 60"), wide legs and full down for belly shooting. A combination is probably what will be needed for shooting in the rough. When fully rested, it is very stable. The system is heavy but that is a good thing. The jaws of the holder are padded to protect your firearm investment and sit on a ball adjuster for precise aiming. The leg system has a bubble level which in my mind should have been up on the head instead. Here in Texas, there are all kinds of shooting opportunities, from deer to coyotes to feral hogs. I look forward to trying this out in the field." — Mike & Teresa
Get it from Amazon now: $137.77 & FREE Returns