At S&S Archery, we carry only the gear we trust and use in the field. The Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod is an exciting addition to our lineup, offering an ultralight, compact solution for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable performance without added weight. After extensive testing in real-world backcountry conditions, we’ll cover its unique features, pros, limitations, and what makes it a standout option for serious ounce counters.
Sleek, Lightweight Design
Weight is everything when you’re deep in the backcountry, and the Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod delivers.
- Tripod Weight: 1 pound, 4 ounces
- Collapsed Length: 15.5 inches
- Max Height: 45 inches with the center column fully extended
Its design ensures you can pack it easily without even noticing it’s there. Collapsed, it measures 15.5 inches, fitting perfectly into side pockets or small pack compartments. Despite its compact size, it extends to 45 inches, providing ample height for seated glassing—ideal for steep inclines or uneven terrain.
For those who need to go lower, it includes a short center column, allowing a minimum height of just 3 inches. At only 0.9 oz, you can throw it in your pack for added versatility without worrying about weight.
Build Quality and Materials
The Aziak tripod balances weight savings and durability with:
- Carbon Fiber Legs: Sturdy, lightweight, and consistent diameter across all three leg sections for enhanced stability.
- Triangular Center Column: This unique design improves collapse efficiency and bite-down stability compared to traditional cylindrical columns.
The twist-lock system on the legs offers smooth, silent adjustments and quick deployment. With only two leg joints (three total sections), you spend less time setting up and more time glassing—crucial when seconds matter, like spotting a buck before it moves into timber.
Leg Angles for Versatility
The tripod offers three adjustable leg angles to adapt to different terrains:
- Standard Position: Ideal for most glassing scenarios. Although can feel a bit narrow.
- Mid-Level Adjustment: Perfect for uneven ground or slopes where you need added stability.
- Low Profile: Allows the tripod to sit nearly flat for ultimate stability on steep inclines or in windy conditions.
Adjusting the angles is quick and easy with the lever system. This versatility ensures you can adapt to any environment, whether on a downhill slope or uneven rocky terrain.
Field Performance and Limitations
After extensive field testing, here’s where the Aziak Backcountry Lite shines:
Pros
- Weight and Packability: At just 1 pound, 4 ounces, this tripod is a game-changer for multi-day trips where every ounce matters.
- Height Versatility: Ranges from 3 to 45 inches, making it ideal for seated glassing or low-profile setups.
- Quick Deployment: Two leg joints make for faster adjustments compared to tripods with four or five sections.
- Stable Triangular Column: Enhances rigidity at full extension, something noticeable during glassing.
- Compact Design: Triangular center column collapses smoothly, avoiding interference with legs and sliding into your pack easily.
Limitations
The tripod isn’t without a few drawbacks:
- Narrow Leg Stance: In its standard position, the leg stance can feel a bit narrow. While this conserves height, it reduces stability—especially with heavier optics or in windy conditions. To offset this, widen the leg angles for better balance, though this lowers the overall height.
- Folded Length: At 15.5 inches, it’s slightly longer than some ultralight competitors. However, this is a tradeoff for having fewer leg joints and quicker setup.
Sweet Spot and Ideal Use Cases
The Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod excels for binocular glassing and lightweight spotting scopes like the Kowa 553 or 66mm models. It’s perfect for:
- Backcountry hunters prioritizing weight savings.
- Sit-down glassing in rugged or steep terrain.
- Multi-day trips where every ounce matters.
While it can handle larger optics in a pinch, its sweet spot is lightweight setups. If you run big glass like an 88mm spotting scope regularly, you may want to consider a beefier option.
Final Thoughts
The Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod is an excellent choice for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who need ultralight performance without compromise. Despite minor limitations, its lightweight design, quick deployment, and smart features make it a standout option for backcountry use.
For ounce counters and those looking to shave weight from their kit, this tripod delivers incredible performance at just over 1 pound.
Check out the Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod now at S&S Archery!
