Introduction
The Universal TrailPix, two trekking poles, and one additional pole make a tripod capable of holding a compact or small DSLR camera. The TrailPix consists of a triangular and mostly flat piece of aluminum with three holes in it for trekking poles. Thumbscrews secure the poles in place. A lighter weight model is available without the thumbscrews.
Features
Universal TrailPix:
- Connects to trekking poles and cameras with minimal hardware
- Works with most trekking poles
- Can be attached to small cameras directly
- Is typically used with a ballhead
Specifications
Universal TrailPix:
- Weight: 2.4 oz (68g)
- Camera Mounting Screw: ¼”-20
- MSRP: $40
Performance of the Universal TrailPix Tripod
Recently I completed an eleven day backpacking trip at the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico. I enjoyed the once in a lifetime experience with my son and some scout friends. I wanted the image quality from a DSLR camera. Since all the members of the crew used trekking poles, I was able to create a tripod using the TrailPix.
Before the trip, I ordered the TrailPix and searched for a ball head. The manufacturer of the Universal TrailPix sells two different ball heads, but both appeared undersized for a DSLR camera. I found the Really Right Stuff BH-25 to be an excellent fit, but also expensive. I opted for the Joby Ballhead X typically sold with the Joby Gorillapod but also available separately for just $43. It is very serviceable but is slightly too large to mount directly to the TrailPix. A spacer made from a section of curtain rod readily solved this problem. The Joby Ballhead X and a quick release plate for the camera weigh 9.26 oz (262 g). Assembled, the Universal TrailPix, Joby Ballhead X, spacer, and lanyard weigh 11.6 oz (330 g).
The TrailPix makes it possible to get shots that are almost impossible without a tripod. Group pictures are an obvious use. The Universal TrailPix also works well for sunrise and sunset shots. I even used it for astrophotography.
Performance Summary
- Setup and use are quicker than field improvised solutions.
- Hanging a weight from the center of the tripod improves stability. I used an MSR dromedary bag.
- Three poles are necessary. I made an accessory pole from an old tent pole, but the manufacturer sells a ready-made pole.
Summary
Strengths
- Combined with an appropriate ballhead and trekking poles, the TrailPix makes a workable substitute for a traditional tripod.
- The Universal TrailPix is lightweight. The user can select a ballhead and thus, effect the total weight of the device.
Limitations
- A traditional tripod is potentially more stable and faster to set up.
- There is limited ability to adjust the height of the tripod.
- Trekking poles aren’t always available. They may be holding up the tent when you need the tripod.
- The thumbscrews make small marks on the trekking poles.
Recommendations
I am very pleased with the Universal TrailPix, and will continue to use it for hiking when bringing a regular tripod is not possible. I would opt for the BH-25 ballhead from Really Right Stuff instead of the Joby Ballhead X if I had no budgetary constraints. The Joby ballhead works well but is not the lightest option available. For use with a compact camera, I would choose one of the very small ballheads available directly from TrailPix.
Taking a tripod into the backcountry expands photographic options. The Universal TrailPix keeps the weight and bulk of carrying a tripod at a manageable level.
Many options are available for attaching a small camera to your trekking pole. Most are only suitable for small compact cameras and are more of a monopod arrangement. The TrailPix is unique in its ability to provide three legs and enough support to hold small to mid-size DSLR cameras.
Purchase here.
Discussion
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Companion forum thread to: Universal TrailPix Trekking Pole Tripod Review
The Universal TrailPix, two trekking poles, and one additional pole make a tripod capable of holding a compact or small DSLR camera. The TrailPix consists of a triangular and mostly flat piece of aluminum with three holes in it for trekking poles. Thumbscrews secure the poles in place.
This sounded familiar, yep. Heard about it here
Jeff, you wouldn’t try their HD ball mount? Oh, welcome to BPL.
Nice write up. Looking forward to trying one of these out this Spring with DSLR and compact cameras. Another good ball head option is the Slik SBH-100 DQ Compact Ballhead 100 – it’s 4.6 oz, has a QR plate, and is around $25 (should be ideal for compact cameras).
Nice review.
In reference to “Small marks on the trekking poles,” How small is small? My experience with carbon fiber poles is that if they suffer deepish scratches and abrasions, it seems to weaken their resistance to lateral forces and break. I wonder whether aluminum poles should be recommended for the Trailpix.?
But the screws only touch the pole tips, not the pole shaft. Look at the photo in the article. Also the UL version does not use the screws.
I can get my z-poles nice and stable and their light ballhead works well with my Canon G-15 & 20D. No, It’s not a professional tripod. But it’s a nice workaround for those of us who use trekking poles and who are used to bringing a “light” tripod for some amateur shots. This is lots lighter and a more packable option. And in my case more durable, as those “light” tripods tended to be relatively fragile.
The problem is the ballhead. A ballhead must be quite heavy (at least a pound I would say) to be stable for a larger camera. If you like me – priorize photography you can get a remarkably stable tripod at almost no weight using the trailpix without a ballhead.
My foodsack with freeze-dried food is acturally a reasonally good “bean-bag” when the original, often vacuum tight, bags are replaced with lightweight plastic bags. I attach the stove windshield on the trailpix instead of a ball head to get a larger area to put my “bean-bag” on. Mostly I secure everything with my belt or a strap. (If your windsheld is not siutable find someting else that is…). It of cause takes some more time to get your camera set up compared to a proffesional tripod, but is much less frustrating than trying to use a to large camera with a to small ballhead. Anyone who have tried will know what I mean. Once you get it in position it will be more stable than any ballhead due to the lack of torque, and easily stable for 3-4 punds of camera and zoom.
If you are using freeze-dried food and are not already replacing the origninal package with plastic bags, you will probaly be able to get a working stable tripod at no extra weight for a multiday trip even if you- as me – have to bring the extra leg that you can buy with the Trailpix.
A tripod that is not stable enough is of no use, so I much prefer this when trekking to a small ballhead for a “normal” SLR. I take 95% of the photos without tripod, but when I use it, stability is priority. When I don´t use it, low weight is priority.
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