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Reviewing the NEW HEIPI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod (2025)

Reviewing the NEW HEIPI Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod (2025)

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Heipi has quietly rolled out an updated version of their popular 3-in-1 travel tripod, refining its features while keeping the innovative design that made it stand out. If you’ve been following my gear reviews, you’ll know that I’ve tested dozens of travel tripods for hiking and adventure photography—from big-name brands like Manfrotto and Peak Design to newer contenders like Heipi.

I’ve been living on the road since 2018 as a full-time traveling photographer, and in that time, my gear has evolved. I switched to the Heipi 3-in-1 as my main tripod in 2023 and have been using it almost daily since.

So when I heard that Heipi had upgraded from a small Kickstarter project to a refined new version, I had to get my hands on it. I’ve spent the past month testing the new Heipi tripod on a couple of hikes in Australia’s Far North Queensland and in this review, I’ll break down what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and whether this new model is still my favorite lightweight carbon fiber tripod for travel in 2025.

Olly gaspar reviewing a travel tripod

My TL;DR Review:

The new Heipi 3-in-1 Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod (W28S) is still one of the lightest and most compact full-featured travel tripods (1.2 kg, 44.4 cm folded). It has the best travel-size ball head I’ve tested, supporting up to a claimed 25 kg (realistically around 10 kg), and the sub-tripod is a game changer for lightweight hiking setups.

Improvements on the new version include a slightly better ball head design, upgraded hook, and beefed up locking levers. Worth upgrading? Not really. The original is still excellent and improvements are minor. But, if you need a new travel tripod, this is still my top recommendation, offering better features than big-name brands at a lower price.

Buy from HEIPI: Heipi 3-in-1 (W28S)

NEW HEIPI 3-in-1 Travel Tripod Specs

  • Maximum Load: 25 kg (55.1 lbs)
  • Maximum Height: 150 cm (59")
  • Folded Height: 45 cm (17.7")
  • Weight: 1.35 kg (3 lbs)
  • Price: $843

The new Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod (2025) keeps almost identical specs to the original, with only minor refinements that improve usability and durability. The most obvious change is the price, which has more than doubled since its Kickstarter days.

That said, the older version has also seen a significant price increase post-launch. If you were an early backer like me, this was once the best budget travel tripod—but now, it's priced fairly for what it offers, considering its revolutionary design and unique features.

Comparing two heipi travel tripods

What's Changed?

While the core design and specs remain the same, Heipi has introduced several small but appreciated improvements based on user feedback.

Improved Spike Foot & Locking Lever Design

One issue with the previous model was the potential loosening of the spike foot when unlocking the leg levers. Actually I lost one of these and had to order a replacement (HEIPI sent one for free).

However on the new version to fix this, Heipi has increased the distance between the spike foot and the locking levers, reducing accidental loosening and making adjustments smoother.

Spike foot on a travel tripod

Ball Head Enhancements

The ball head has received a subtle but effective upgrade. The previous model’s knob was small and a bit sharp, making it uncomfortable for prolonged use. In response, Heipi has increased the size of the knob and improved the panoramic pan structure.

In my experience this wasn't really necessary but after using the new version now for a month I can appreciate the change as it's a bit easier to grip and smoother to operate.

Heipi travel tripod ball head

Upgraded Hook – Now a Lanyard

Previously, the counterweight hook was somewhat difficult to access and had a tendency to rub against the legs when folded. This scuffed my tripod a bit over the years.

Heipi has now replaced it with a lanyard, making it more flexible and easier to attach small accessories or stabilizing weights. However, now you need to use a carabiner or similar where before you could easily hook on.

Lanyard on the new heipi travel tripod

Detachable Locking Levers for Maintenance

A newly designed locking lever system allows for easy detachment, making maintenance simpler. This means you can clean or replace parts without requiring full disassembly.

Locking lever on the heipi travel tripod

Extended Grip on Leg Locking Tabs

To improve comfort and usability, Heipi has extended the grip area on the leg locking tabs.

To be honest I didn't notice this upgrade at first but side-by-side they are noticbly larger. While there were no issued before, I can see how this would make them easier to operate with gloves or in wet conditions.

Heipi travel tripod leg locks

New Angle Buttons for Leg Adjustments

Heipi has redesigned the leg angle adjustment buttons, making them more intuitive and easier to use. They now pull out rather than being a toggle switch.

This is a small but probably the most noticeable improvement because you will use these buttons every single time you set up the tripod.

New heipi leg angle locks
Extended leg on the heipi travel tripod
Comparing side by side the old and new heipi travel tripod leg locks
Side by side: The new tripod (right) has larger, pull-out leg angle tabs.

Optimized Center Column Gap Structure

Another upgrade I didn't notice at first was the center column now has an improved gap structure, which enhances overall stability. The original version was very stable, in fact one of the most stable travel tripods I've ever tested. The new center column is ever so slightly more stable.

While I've never had any issues, this is welcomed since it can translate to and adds a bit more rigidity, especially at full extension and when conditions get a bit windy.

Girl testing the heipi tripod center column

Deeper Leg Angles – Up to 69.5 Degrees

A surprise discovery during testing—the new version allows for an incredibly deep leg angle of up to 69.5 degrees. This is one of the deepest, most stable low-angle setups I’ve tested on any travel tripod, making it perfect for ground-level shots without compromising stability.

I'm not sure why HEIPI is not advertising this improvement, as it is by far one of the biggest changes I noticed from the original version.

Travel photographer testing the angle of the heipi travel tripod over water

New Anti-Rotation Screw for Main Tripod

To reduce unwanted movement, Heipi has added an anti-rotation screw to the main tripod. This helps keep the legs and center column more securely in place. Again, this upgrade wasn't a game changer for me but I appreciate it.

Inner tripod taken out from large body of the heipi travel tripod

What's in the Box?

  • Heipi 3-in-1 Tripod – Carbon fiber main tripod with updated design refinements.
  • Sub Tripod – Stored inside the center column, ready to detach for low-angle or compact use.
  • Quick Release Plate – Compatible with Arca-Swiss mounts for secure and easy camera attachment.
  • Rubber-Spiked Feet – Default rubber covers for everyday use, with hidden metal spikes underneath for added grip on rough terrain.
  • Hex Keys – Small tools for making adjustments to leg tension and hardware.
  • Carry Case – A slightly padded, water-repellent bag with a high-quality zipper. Feels durable and offers good protection for travel.
  • Ball Head (KF50-Q, Optional) – I opted for this quick-release system, which I really like. It's super secure and easy to attach or remove, making setup and breakdown faster.

While there’s nothing groundbreaking here, the build quality of the included accessories is excellent, and everything feels well-thought-out. It definitely does not feel like a budget-tier tripod, which I guess is reflected in the updated pricing.

Olly gaspar reviewing a travel tripod

Review: Setup

Setting up the new Heipi 3-in-1 Tripod is just as quick and intuitive as the original. It still uses flip levers instead of screw-in leg systems like the Manfrotto BeFree series, which I used to carry. I much prefer the flip tabs—setup is faster, and collapsing the legs is way more efficient. The new tabs are slightly larger, but honestly, after using the old version for years, I didn’t even notice at first.

What I did notice was the redesigned leg extension tabs. They’re now pull-out style instead of toggles, and they feel way more solid. When they click in, it’s loud, and you can clearly see when they’re locked. That extra feedback makes setup easier, especially in low light or when wearing gloves.

These days, I usually extend the legs fully but leave the center column down—it's plenty tall as it is, and much more stable. If you need extra height, the sub-tripod extends, but for heavier full-frame mirrorless setups like the Canon R5 with an 85mm f/1.2, I wouldn’t raise it more than halfway. Fully extending the column is fine in calm conditions, but in wind, you’ll notice some shake.

For a tripod under 1.5 kg, the setup is fast, intuitive, and rock solid—which is why I still recommend it over anything else in this size class.

Girl setting up the heipi travel tripod in a tropical river

Review: Ball Head

I opted for the quick-release version, which I highly recommend. It’s Arca-Swiss compatible, meaning it works seamlessly with my Peak Design Capture Clip—one of my most-used travel photography accessories. Not having to swap plates between my tripod and backpack clip makes a huge difference. It might seem small, but in practice, it means I actually take the tripod out more often instead of leaving it packed away.

Heipi travel tripod ball head

The dual-safety locking system is still here, requiring both a twist and a lock toggle to secure the mount. It’s a bit different from standard ball heads, but once you get used to it, it feels extremely solid. My DSLR and mirrorless bodies lock in tightly, and I’ve never had an issue with slippage, even when mounting heavier setups.

The biggest change is the larger locking tab on the new ball head. It feels slightly more solid, but beyond that, the experience is nearly identical to the original. Honestly, that’s not a bad thing—the Heipi ball head is still one of the best I’ve tested on a travel tripod under $1,000.

Attaching a camera to the the heipi ball head
Attaching a camera to the the heipi ball head

Review: Stability

Stability was one of the standout features of the original Heipi tripod, and the new version is just as solid—if not slightly better. The core design hasn’t changed, but the refined engineering in the center column does make a small difference. When everything is locked up tightly, it just feels a bit more rigid. The original was already impressive, but if you’ve used both versions side by side, the added stability is noticeable.

At full extension (1.5 meters), the tripod holds up well, even with a heavier mirrorless setup like the Canon R5 and RF 15-35mm f/2.8L. The three-pillar center column still plays a huge role in keeping things steady, and the new optimized gap structure seems to add a touch more reinforcement.

Heipi travel tripod

That said, my advice remains the same—for long-exposure photography or windy conditions, keep the center column at half-extension or lower. It’s perfectly stable at full height, but if you’re mounting a telephoto lens or a full-frame camera with a heavy prime, lowering it slightly will eliminate any potential movement.

For a tripod this lightweight (1.35 kg), the fact that it competes with much heavier setups in stability is still impressive. The refinements are small, but they do make an already excellent design just that little bit better.

Heipi travel tripod in a river
Heipi travel tripod in a river

Review: Portability

The Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod is still one of the most compact full-featured travel tripods I’ve tested. At 45 cm (17.7”) folded and just 6.9 cm (2.7”) in diameter, it’s slimmer than the Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon (43 cm folded, but bulkier), and slightly longer than the Peak Design Travel Tripod (39 cm folded).

However, what sets the Heipi apart is its balance between compactness and full-height stability—something other ultra-compact tripods struggle with.

At 1.35 kg (3 lbs), it’s lighter than the Manfrotto BeFree GT Carbon (1.55 kg) but ever so slightly heavier than the Peak Design Travel Tripod (1.27 kg). In practice, the weight difference is minimal, but the Heipi feels more robust and stable than both and has a way beefier ball head. If you’re hiking long distances, a 200-300g difference won’t matter as much as overall packability and usability—which is why I still reach for the Heipi.

Carbon fiber tripod review

The padded carry bag is a nice touch—it feels premium, water-repellent, and has a high-quality zipper. That said, I rarely use it while shooting since it adds bulk. Instead, I pack the tripod directly into my travel backpack when moving between locations.

Photographer at waterfall

On hikes, I usually mount it on the side of my camera backpack for hiking, where it fits securely. If needed, it’s compact enough to fit into a water bottle pocket as long as you secure it with a strap higher up.

Side by side the new heipi travel tripod and the old

Final Thoughts on the New HEIPI Travel Tripod

The new Heipi 3-in-1 Travel Tripod (W28S) is still my go-to recommendation for a lightweight, full-featured travel tripod.

The refinements—like the improved leg locks, ball head tweaks, and deeper leg angles—are nice touches, but they don’t drastically change the experience. If you already own the original, there’s no real need to upgrade.

However, if you’re in the market for a compact, ultra-stable tripod that outperforms big-name brands at a lower price, this is still the best option in 2025. Despite the price increase, it remains the most innovative and well-built lightweight tripod I've reviewed for hiking and travel.

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Thanks for Reading

I’m Olly Gaspar, Australian adventure traveler and founder of We Seek Travel. Six years ago, I left home to travel full-time and started this website to share my journey. Today, it’s grown into one of the world’s largest free adventure travel resources, now supported by a team of passionate travelers writing travel guides to the places we visit.

We only make genuine, worthwhile recommendations based on our experience, expertise, & research. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, supporting this website and keeping us on the road. Read Olly's Publishing Ethics Statement.