5 Best Shooting Tripods and Monopods for Hunting: TRICER, BOG and Primos Compared

A quality shooting tripod can provide the stability needed for a more accurate shot, but not every hunter needs the same type of support. Some hunters want a lightweight shooting tripod they can carry deep into the backcountry. Others prioritize a secure rifle clamp for predator hunting, hog hunting or long periods of calling. A hunter moving quickly through thick cover may prefer a monopod that can be deployed in seconds.

To help you choose, we compared five of the best-selling shooting tripods and shooting sticks at TLO Outdoors:

1. TRICER HK Shooting Tripod Kit
2. BOG DeathGrip Bantam Aluminum Tripod
3. TRICER AD 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod
4. Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Monopod
5. BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod

Quick answer: Which shooting tripod is best?

The TRICER HK Shooting Tripod Kit is our best overall choice for hunters who want a premium, ready-to-use shooting system with carbon-fiber legs, a ball head and a universal gun clamp.

The BOG DeathGrip Bantam is the best value for hunters who primarily shoot from sitting or kneeling positions. The TRICER AD 2.0 is best for backcountry glassing because it weighs only 34 ounces. The Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Monopod is best for quick deployment and maximum portability. The BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod is best for hunters who want a hands-free rifle clamp with a wide height range.

Shooting tripod comparison

Prices and availability can change. Visit each TLO Outdoors product page for current pricing, inventory and shipping information.

1. TRICER HK Shooting Tripod Kit: Best overall shooting tripod system

The TRICER HK Shooting Tripod Kit is the most complete shooting platform in this comparison.

Unlike a tripod that requires separate accessories before it can support a firearm, the HK kit includes the carbon-fiber tripod, an inverted ball head and a universal gun clamp. That makes it suitable for rifles, shotguns and crossbows, including firearms that do not have an Arca-Swiss or Picatinny mounting system.

According to TRICER's HK specifications, the tripod uses 8K inverted carbon-fiber legs and reaches a maximum height of 64.84 inches. The tripod weighs 3.97 pounds and supports a maximum load of 33 pounds.

Key TRICER HK specifications

• 8K inverted carbon-fiber legs
• 60-inch maximum height
• 30.87-inch folded length
• 3.97-pound tripod weight
• 33-pound maximum load
• Three leg sections with twist locks
• 23-, 55- and 85-degree leg angles
• Arca-Swiss and Picatinny-compatible ball head
• Universal gun clamp included

Who should buy the TRICER HK?

The TRICER HK Kit is best for predator, hog and big-game hunters who want one system for both supported shooting and hands-free firearm retention. It is especially attractive for hunters using thermal optics or night-vision equipment, where a stable platform can make scanning, calling and preparing for a shot more manageable.

Potential disadvantage: The HK is the most expensive option in this comparison. The clamp is useful for stationary support, but a clamped firearm should not be treated as secure while carrying the entire tripod between positions.

Best for: Hunters who want a premium carbon-fiber tripod, ball head and universal firearm clamp in one package.

Check current TRICER HK pricing and availability at TLO Outdoors.

2. BOG DeathGrip Bantam: Best affordable compact shooting tripod

The BOG DeathGrip Bantam brings BOG's clamping-head design to a lighter and more compact aluminum tripod.

It is designed primarily for sitting and kneeling shooting positions. That makes it well suited to hunting from a blind, calling predators from the ground or setting up where a full standing-height tripod is unnecessary.

According to the BOG DeathGrip Bantam specifications, its dual-action clamping head can hold up to 40 pounds. The head provides 120 degrees of tilt and 360-degree pan control. Non-marring rubber inserts help secure the firearm without damaging its finish.

Key BOG DeathGrip Bantam features

• Compact aluminum construction
• Just over 3 pounds
• Sitting-to-kneeling shooting height
• Dual-action DeathGrip clamping head
• Up to 40-pound holding capacity
• 120-degree tilt adjustment
• 360-degree pan control
• Quiet twist-style leg locks
• Non-marring rubber clamp inserts

Verified TLO customer feedback

The DeathGrip Bantam listing at TLO Outdoors currently has one five-star customer review. The reviewer described the Bantam as well built and sturdy and gave it a positive overall recommendation. The primary criticism was its limited height, which is important because this model is intended for sitting and kneeling rather than full standing-height use.

Best for: Hunters who want an affordable, compact rifle-clamping tripod for seated and kneeling positions.

Shop the BOG DeathGrip Bantam at TLO Outdoors.

3. TRICER AD 2.0: Best lightweight tripod for backcountry glassing

The TRICER AD 2.0 Carbon Fiber Tripod is primarily an ultralight glassing tripod for binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras and other mounted equipment. It can become part of a shooting setup when paired with the appropriate head or firearm-support accessory, but those components are not included.

According to TRICER's AD specifications, the AD weighs only 34 ounces, folds to 21.5 inches and reaches 64 inches in height. It supports up to 26.4 pounds.

Key TRICER AD 2.0 specifications

• 8X carbon-fiber construction
• 34-ounce weight
• 21.5-inch folded length
• 64-inch maximum height
• 26.4-pound load capacity
• Inverted three-section legs
• Quarter-turn twist locks
• Removable center column
• Reversible 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 mounting stud

The TRICER AD 2.0 is best for hunters who cover long distances and spend significant time glassing. Its 34-ounce weight, compact folded size and full standing height are particularly useful for Western and mountain hunting.

Potential disadvantage: This is not a complete shooting system out of the box. If your primary goal is securing a rifle for calling or hands-free support, the TRICER HK or a BOG DeathGrip will be more straightforward.

Best for: Mobile hunters who want an extremely lightweight standing-height tripod for glassing and adaptable field use.

Check the TRICER AD 2.0 price at TLO Outdoors.

4. Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Monopod: Best for speed and portability

The Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Monopod is the lightest, simplest and most affordable shooting support in this comparison.

Its signature feature is one-handed height adjustment. Pulling the trigger allows the monopod to extend or retract quickly, helping the hunter adapt to standing, sitting or kneeling positions.

According to the Primos Gen 3 Tall Monopod specifications, the monopod weighs approximately two pounds and adjusts from 35 to 65 inches. Its quick-detach yoke system can transition between firearm support and compatible optics accessories.

Key Primos Trigger Stick features

• One-handed trigger height adjustment
• Approximately 35-to-65-inch adjustment range
• Approximately two-pound weight
• Quick-detach V-yoke with integrated lock
• Contoured no-slip grip
• Strengthened rotating joint
• Smooth panning
• Suitable for standing, kneeling and sitting

The Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 is ideal for hunters who are constantly moving and need occasional shooting support without carrying a full tripod.

Potential disadvantage: A monopod does not provide the same side-to-side stability as a tripod and cannot hold a firearm hands-free. The manufacturer also states that a camera mounting plate is not included.

Best for: Mobile hunters who prioritize fast deployment, low weight and one-handed adjustment.

Shop the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 at TLO Outdoors.

5. BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod: Best full-height rifle clamp

The BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod combines carbon-fiber legs with BOG's patented rifle-clamping system.

This is the better BOG option for hunters who want a broader height range than the Bantam provides. Its approximately 7-to-59-inch adjustment range supports low, seated, kneeling and standing setups.

According to BOG's DeathGrip Carbon Fiber page, the head provides up to 25 degrees of forward and backward cant and 360-degree panning with adjustable tension.

Key BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber features

• Carbon-fiber tripod legs
• Patented DeathGrip firearm clamp
• Approximately 7-to-59-inch height range
• Hands-free firearm retention
• 360-degree head rotation
• Up to 25 degrees of forward and backward cant
• Adjustable pan tension
• Twist-style leg locks
• High-density foam grips

The BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber is a strong choice for predator and hog hunters who remain in one position while scanning, calling or waiting for an animal.

Potential disadvantage: Although it uses carbon-fiber legs, the clamp and full-size platform make it bulkier than a minimalist glassing tripod or monopod.

Best for: Hunters who want a stable, full-height clamping tripod for hands-free firearm support.

View the BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod at TLO Outdoors.

Carbon fiber vs. aluminum shooting tripods

Carbon fiber is generally preferred when reducing pack weight and leg flex are priorities. It also tends to dampen vibration more effectively than aluminum, but carbon-fiber tripods normally cost more.

Aluminum offers excellent durability and value. For hunters who operate primarily from a blind, vehicle or fixed calling location, carbon fiber's weight savings may not justify the added cost.

Tripod vs. monopod for hunting

A tripod provides three points of ground contact, giving it greater stability in multiple directions. A clamping tripod can also support a firearm hands-free.

A monopod provides one point of contact. It is faster, lighter and easier to carry, but the hunter must continue controlling the firearm and stabilizing side-to-side movement.

A tripod is generally better for precision shooting, predator calling, long waits and supporting heavier rifles. A monopod is better for mobile hunting, fast position changes and situations where some support is better than carrying a larger platform.

Final recommendations

• For the most complete shooting system, choose the TRICER HK Shooting Tripod Kit.
• For a lower-cost clamping tripod used while sitting or kneeling, choose the BOG DeathGrip Bantam.
• For backcountry glassing and minimum pack weight, choose the TRICER AD 2.0.
• For fast, lightweight shooting support, choose the Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 Tall Monopod.
• For a full-height carbon-fiber tripod with a hands-free rifle clamp, choose the BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber Tripod.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best shooting tripod for hunting?

The TRICER HK is the best overall option in this comparison because it includes a carbon-fiber tripod, Arca/Picatinny-compatible ball head and universal gun clamp. The best choice still depends on whether you prioritize weight, price, standing height or hands-free firearm support.

What is the best affordable shooting tripod?

The BOG DeathGrip Bantam offers the strongest value among these models. It provides a secure firearm clamp, 360-degree panning and sitting-to-kneeling support at a lower price than premium carbon-fiber systems.

What is the lightest tripod in this comparison?

The TRICER AD 2.0 is the lightest tripod at approximately 34 ounces. The Primos Trigger Stick Gen 3 also weighs approximately two pounds, but it is a monopod rather than a tripod.

Can a shooting tripod hold a rifle hands-free?

The TRICER HK, BOG DeathGrip Bantam and BOG DeathGrip Carbon Fiber can secure a compatible firearm in a clamp. A firearm should still be monitored and handled according to all applicable safety rules.

Is carbon fiber better than aluminum for a hunting tripod?

Carbon fiber generally provides a better stiffness-to-weight ratio and is preferred for backcountry hunting. Aluminum normally costs less and remains an excellent choice when durability and value matter more than minimizing pack weight.

Can a glassing tripod also be used for shooting?

Yes, if it is fitted with a compatible ball head, rifle clamp or direct Arca/Picatinny mounting system. The TRICER AD 2.0 can be adapted, but the standalone tripod does not include the shooting head and gun clamp supplied with the TRICER HK Kit.