Peak Design Travel Tripod
This travel tripod is built for serious photographers with a compact folded profile, fast-deploying legs, pro-level stability, and weather-resistant construction.
Buy on AmazonWhen it comes to photography gear, tripods are often a necessary evil—bulky, awkward, and a pain to carry. But the Peak Design Travel Tripod flips that reputation on its head. Designed for photographers and creators who need serious stability without sacrificing portability, this tripod manages to pack a punch in a remarkably compact form. After spending time with it in the real world, I can confidently say: it lives up to the hype.
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Peak Design Travel Tripod impresses. Its sleek, tubular design is a refreshing departure from the awkward spindly legs of traditional tripods. Whether you go for the carbon fiber version or the aluminum model, both feel premium, sturdy, and surprisingly light. The carbon fiber variant shaves off a few hundred grams, making it a top pick for ultralight travel setups.
The standout feature here is how compact the tripod becomes when folded—just 15.5 inches long and roughly the diameter of a water bottle. It easily slides into a backpack side pocket or straps to the side without bulging awkwardly.
Setup & Usability
Setting up the tripod is intuitive and fast. The lever locks feel secure and snap open quickly, allowing for full deployment in under 30 seconds. The center column extends smoothly, and the low-profile ball head offers precise control with minimal bulk. It includes a standard Arca-Swiss compatible plate, so you won’t need to swap out your mounting system if you’re already using compatible gear.
There’s even a cleverly integrated smartphone mount hidden inside the center column—perfect for hybrid shooters or casual phone videographers. It’s these kinds of small design decisions that make it clear Peak Design actually uses their own gear.
Stability & Performance
Despite its small size, the tripod is rock-solid. It handles full-frame DSLRs and heavy lenses without wobble, even on uneven terrain. Wind resistance is decent, though adding weight via the built-in hanging hook can help if you’re shooting long exposures.
The legs spread low enough for macro shots or ground-level video, and the inverted center column allows for creative angles.
Portability
Portability is where this tripod shines brightest. It doesn’t just collapse small—it disappears into your kit. If you’re a landscape photographer, travel vlogger, or street shooter who’s used to leaving a tripod behind due to size, the Peak Design Travel Tripod will change your habits.
It also comes with a weather-resistant, padded carrying case that doesn’t scream “camera gear,” which is a plus if you’re traveling in less gear-friendly environments.
Downsides?
The main downside is the price. The aluminum version retails around $380, while the carbon fiber model runs closer to $600. That’s a premium price tag, no doubt. But you’re paying for a rare combination of portability, stability, and build quality. Cheaper tripods either won’t last or won’t hold up under real use—this one will.
Some users may also find the proprietary quick-release plate annoying if they use other non-Arca heads, but that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise well-thought-out system.
Final Verdict
If you’re serious about photography and want a tripod that’s as committed as you are, the Peak Design Travel Tripod is absolutely worth it. It’s not just “good for a travel tripod”—it’s good, period. Lightweight, strong, easy to use, and beautiful to look at, it’s one of those rare pieces of gear that you’ll actually want to carry.