Tripods are not flashy things. They exist only to help you get just the right shot, like an overlooked and uncredited photographer's assistant. But it doesn't have to be that way. Enter the MeFoto Backpacker Air: a tripod that is equally stylish and versatile.
The $125 Backpacker Air comes in seven glorious colors, each with a glossy shine that makes the pigments pop. You'd be hard-pressed to find another tripod with such a range of colors, let alone one with a metallic lilac color option. For those who prefer the drab look, the Backpacker Air comes in black and titanium too.
Pretty as they are, MeFoto’s tripods offer more than just looks. The Backpacker Air has all the stabilizing features of larger tripods, but it shrinks to a flashlight-sized 10.4 inches when folded up. It also weighs just two pounds, making it light enough to toss in your backpack and tote around all day. Fully extended, it stretches out to 59.5 inches tall, so it can snap an eye-level shot.
A true sign of the times, the top piece pops off and doubles as a selfie stick. It's the perfect tripod for the 21st century photographer. But it won't up your Instagram game. That's on you.
