Which Hunting Tripod is Best for You?

When you’re chasing game in the backcountry, your gear can’t slow you down. A lightweight hunting tripod is a fundamental tool that keeps you mobile and steady when it counts, whether glassing with optics, or making a shot with your rifle. At MTN HNTR, we lean on our hunting experience in every product and tripod we create. This includes the ultralight MTN SS and the versatile Swift TS.

Choosing the right lightweight hunting tripod is important. It can make a big difference when you glass ridges for hours or set up quickly in rough terrain. This guide dives into why lightweight matters, what sets MTN HNTR apart, and how to choose your tripod for your hunts this year.

Why Lightweight Hunting Tripods Matter

Hunting isn’t a stroll in the park—it’s a grind. Miles of hiking, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather test every piece of gear's durability.

But lightweight isn’t just about cutting ounces. You don't want to sacrifice performance just to save some weight. A few other important factors exist when choosing your hunting tripod that we carefully considered when designing our lineup of tripods. Speed, Stability, Durability, and Packability were are seriously considered.

MTN HNTR builds every lightweight hunting tripod with hunters in mind: Let’s break down our lineup, designed by hunters who’ve been there.

Built for Hunters by Hunters

MTN HNTR isn’t some corporate gear factory. We’re hunters—guys who’ve humped packs up scree fields, packed out elk quarters, and lived on a ridge for over a week to hunt a specific buck, we've also cursed heavy gear on the way out. That’s why both the MTN SS and Swift TS are lightweight hunting tripods built for the real world. We’ve been the ones sweating under a load, so we know what works.

Our tripods come from that experience. Carbon fiber cuts weight without sacrificing strength. Quick-lock legs and reduced number of leg sections save time when seconds matter. Every detail—down to the grip on the Swift TS or the compact fold of the MTN SS—reflects what we’d want on our own hunts. You’re not just buying a lightweight hunting tripod; you’re getting gear from people who live the same pursuit. Here’s how each one fits your style.

MTN HNTR SS: The Ultralight Choice for Weight-Conscious Glassers

• Weight: 21 oz (1.31 lbs)
• Min Weight: 19 oz.
• Load Capacity: 25 lbs
• Height: 21" collapsed, 47” extended
• Price: $229 (Shop MTN SS)

The MTN SS is the lightest lightweight hunting tripod we make—and it’s built for hunters obsessed with cutting weight. At 21 ounces, it’s lighter than your water bottle, yet it supports heavy glass like a champ. That’s a spotting scope, binos, or even a rifle rest, no sweat. We designed it for sitting while glassing, whether perched on a ridge for days, or running and gunning, its lightweight nature is perfect for weight-concious hunters on the go.

If you’re the hunter who weighs every ounce—maybe even cuts your toothbrush handle—this lightweight hunting tripod is your dream. It’s minimalist without compromise, built by hunters who’ve sat in your boots.

Swift TS: Power Meets Portability with Unmatched Versatility

• Weight: 2.1 lbs, 32 ounces
• Minimum Weidht: 30 ounces
• Load Capacity: 35 lbs
• Height: 23” collapsed, 62” extended
• Price: $289 (Shop Swift TS)

The Swift TS is the most versatile lightweight hunting tripod in our lineup—and it’s still only 2.1 pounds. Hunters who bounce between glassing, shooting, and scouting need gear that adapts. This one does. With a 62-inch max height, it’s tall enough for standing and glassing in open country. The 35-pound capacity of the Swift TS shines in stability—seriously, it’s a tank for its weight.

Hunters who mix terrains or tasks will love this lightweight hunting tripod. It’s stability and ergonomics shine in a variety of hunting scenarios.

Pairing with Nano Pro Fluid Head: Amazing Value at $105

• Weight: 9.5 oz
• Load Capacity: 15 lbs
• Price: $105 (Shop Nano Pro)

A lightweight hunting tripod needs a head that matches its grit. The Nano Pro Fluid Head is that piece—at just $105, it’s an unreal value. Weighing a mere 9.5 ounces, it turns your MTN SS or Swift TS into a glassing powerhouse without bulking up your pack. The 15-pound capacity handles mid-size scopes or binos, and the true fluid movement tracks game smoothly across a valley.

Read more about why we choose a fluid head for glassing big game in the mountains.

Which MTN HNTR Tripod Is Right for You?

Your hunt decides your gear. Here’s how to pick your lightweight hunting tripod from MTN HNTR:

• Deep Backcountry, Weight-Obsessed: MTN SS. At 21 ounces, it’s for hunters who glass all day and cut every corner on weight. Think high-country elk or sheep, where ounces mean miles.
• Versatile All-Rounder: Swift TS. 2.1 pounds with extreme stability and height, it’s the do-it-all choice. Perfect for mixed hunts—glassing one day, shooting the next.
• Smooth Glassing Precision: Add Nano Pro. For $105, it’s the value king, boosting either tripod’s spotting game and is available as a kit option with either tripod.

Still unsure? Test your trip. Short ridge stalk? MTN SS. Week-long alpine trek with rifle shots? Swift TS. Either way, you’re getting a lightweight hunting tripod forged from real hunts, not a boardroom. Pair it with our lifetime warranty, and 30 day return policy and it's hard to beat

Caring for Your MTN HNTR Tripod

These tripods are tough, but a little care goes far. After a muddy hunt, rinse the legs with water—don’t soak the joints. Dry it fully before packing to avoid rust on metal bits. Tighten leg locks monthly; mountain dust loves to creep in. Store it collapsed in its bag, and it’ll last years. We’ve dragged ours through hell—still kicking.

Final Thoughts

MTN HNTR’s MTN SS and Swift TS, built for hunters by hunters, prove you don’t need bulk to get steady. We've found that by prioritizing features that matter, we can save weight, and increase your comfort and performance. Pick up your MTN HNTR lightweight hunting tripod and follow along as we continue to release new products that are "built for the mountain."