April 06, 2026

Backwoods Pursuit: Top Pick for Ultralight Backcountry Hunting

The Expert Verdict: Why MTN HNTR is a Top Pick for Ultralight Backcountry Hunting

When we started MTN HNTR, our goal was simple: stop carrying extra weight that doesn't help you kill more game. We knew we had something special with the MTN SS, but it’s always rewarding to see it put through the ringer by the industry’s toughest critics.

Recently, the gear experts at Backwoods Pursuit featured us in their definitive guide: 12 Best Ultralight Tripods Review: Sub-2lb Tripods.

Here is what they had to say about the MTN HNTR system, and why it’s changing the way we look at backcountry glassing.

"The Most Versatile Option"

One of the standout takeaways from the review was how the MTN SS punches above its weight class. Testing revealed that while many "ultralight" tripods force you into awkward positions, our design provides a range of motion that hunters actually need.

"The MTN HNTR MTN SS is the most versatile option getting lowest and highest in height, while also coming in at the lightest weight."

By offering a 46-inch max height in a package that weighs a mere 21 ounces, we’ve created a tripod that lets you glass comfortably from a seated position on a steep hillside or drop down low for a prone shot.

"The Best on a Budget"

In their final rankings, the MTN SS was officially named the "Best on a Budget" ultralight tripod. When you’re preparing for a backcountry hunt, the "gear math" can get painful. Usually, you’re forced to choose between a tripod that is ultralight, stable, or affordable. You rarely get all three.

The reviewers were particularly impressed that such an affordable kit—the legs and Nano Pro head combined—weighed in at less than 2 lbs while maintaining the backbone to support heavy 80mm+ spotting scopes. As they noted, it’s an "insanely good backcountry tripod" for hunters who need to shave weight without sacrificing performance or emptying their savings.

Built for Speed: The 2-Section Advantage

One "feature" of the MTN SS that the reviewers loved is actually something we removed. While most tripods use 3 or 4 leg sections, we stick with two. Why? Speed.

The review noted that the "two leg sections adjusted by a single oversized knurled twist lock" made the tripod "fast and intuitive to deploy and adjust." When a bull is moving through the timber, you don't have time to fiddle with eight different leg locks. With the SS, you're on the glass in seconds.

MTN HNTR Lightweight Fluid Tripod Head

Don't Overlook the Nano Pro

A tripod is only as good as the head sitting on top of it. Backwoods Pursuit paired our legs with the Nano Pro Fluid Head, and the results were clear:

"Panning performance is excellent, with great fluid dampening and a real video-head-style feel... The head capably supported my 88mm spotting scope and even my 10-pound rifle."

To hear that a 9.5-ounce head can smoothly manage an 88mm spotter—one of the largest optics in the woods—is a testament to the engineering we put into the Nano Pro. You don't need a 2-lb video head to get professional-grade panning.

The Bottom Line

Backwoods Pursuit summed it up best by calling the MTN SS an "insanely good backcountry tripod" when weight is your primary concern.

We are honored to be included in such a prestigious lineup. If you’re tired of "making do" with heavy photography tripods or flimsy ultralight options that can't handle the wind, it’s time to see why the experts are switching to MTN HNTR.