The MeFoto Backpacker Air is an ultralight, ultra compact tripod clearly designed to stow easily into a bag on the go. It is easily the smallest tripod that I have reviewed capable of getting a camera to eye level. That comes at a price though. It is hysterically unstable. Those will be the two major themes throughout this abbreviated review. If you are in any way interested in photography as a hobby, stop reading here. If you just need a cheap support to throw a phone or point and shoot camera onto, this tripod may work well for you.
This tripod was purchased through retail channels. I was not paid by any party to write this review, and the opinions are entirely my own.
| Name | MeFoto Backpacker Air |
| Class | Travel |
| Yaw Stiffness | 58.5 +/- 6 Nm/rad |
| Yaw Damping | 0.385 +/- 0.039 Js/rad |
| Pitch Stiffness | 143.8 +/- 1 Nm/rad |
| Pitch Damping | 0.661 +/- 0.066 Js/rad |
| Retail Price | $80 |
| Weight | 1.95 lbs (0.883 kgs) |
| Manufacturer weight rating | 8.8 lbs |
| Maximum Height | 37.5 in (95.2 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 11.0 in (27.9 cm) |
| Max Height with Center Column | 59.6 in (151.4 cm) |
| Center Column | Yes |
| Base Diameter | 1 in (2.5 cm) |
| Folded Length | 10.2 in (25.9 cm) |
| Folded Circumference | 9.2 in (23.4 cm) |
| Folded Volume | 69.0 cu. in. (1.1 liters) |
| Leg Material | Aluminum |
| Leg Sections | 5 |
| Primary Leg Angle | 20.0 deg |
| Leg Locks | Leg Twist |
| Top Tube Diameter | 21.9 mm |
| Second Tube Diameter | 19.2 mm |
| Third Tube Diameter | 16.0 mm |
| Fourth Tube Diameter | 13.3 mm |
| Fifth Tube Diameter | 10.0 mm |
| Exchangeable Feet | No |
| Foot Type | Rubber |
| Bottom Hook | Yes |
The test results are included here as I consider them to be part of the tripod’s specification. For full discussion of the stiffness and damping, see the test results page of the review.
Note that the specs here include the ballhead that comes with the Mefoto Air. Normally I test tripods without a head attached, but in this case the head is not removable.
At under 1 kg (or 2 lbs) the Air is rather lightweight. It is also extraordinarily compact at just over a liter in folded volume. The folded length is easily the shortest I have ever seen in something attempting to be more than a table top tripod. But then again, the maximum height of the tripod is incredibly short. The center column extends quite far, up to eye level, but as we shall see in the test results, this turns the tripod into a glorified monopod.
What’s in the Box?
The Package includes the tripod with ballhead attached, a small nylon storage bag, a phone holder, and a small remote release. Its actually kind of nice to see some basic accessories included that will help the target audience actually achieve the images they are looking for. Again though, if you are a hobbyist photographer, these won’t be of use to you.