The blue camo BackPacker Air Travel Tripod from MeFOTO is a sturdy, lightweight, and compact aluminum alloy support designed for the modern enthusiast and smartphone photographer.
Extending to a maximum height of 59.5" and capable of supporting up to 8.8 lb, the BackPacker Air is not all that different from its Classic series sibling—with one big difference—HyperLocks. The telescoping 5-section HyperLock design allows the user to set-up and break-down the tripod with speed and ease by simply turning the rubber foot in one direction to extend the leg and in the opposite direction to lock it at the desired length. This design also helps to reduce the tripod's overall weight down to a transportable 1.98 lb.
Appealing to both system camera users and smartphone photographers, the Air series comes equipped with a few features that many users will find both fashionable and functional. Starting off, the Air series features a color-matched Arca-type compatible ball head, which not only includes a color matched Arca-type plate, but is also capable of independent 360° pans—an uncommon feature on a ball head this compact. Secondly, the entire center column may be removed from the tripod and, using HyperLock technology, is capable of extending into a stand-alone selfie stick. A folding smartphone adapter is included for convenience as is a universal Bluetooth remote capable of triggering the camera on most smartphones. Lastly, MeFoto aims to make user manuals a thing of the past with new intuitive icons on the tripod's body. Each icon is placed at a point of interest or adjustment and details, in easy-to-understand pictograms, how to adjust the tripod for any shooting situation.
For those looking to use the BackPacker Air for low-angle photos or on a table top, each one of the tripod's anodized aluminum legs can be spread independently down to a minimum height of 11.2". The 3-position leg angle stops allow the user to adjust the tripod's height to accommodate almost any shooting situation. Additionally, a removable spring-loaded hook is located in a recess at the bottom of the center column, allowing you to hang a variety of weighted objects to increase the tripod's overall stability.
As a travel tripod, the BackPacker Air is designed to fold in an inverted style with the 3 legs collapsing upward around the center column. This design allows the BackPacker to attain a compact folded length of just 10.4", which fits conveniently within the included soft carrying case.