The Ulanzi TT35 Hiking Tripod Offers Five-in-One Functionality

Apr 22, 2024

A close-up view of a red backpack and three collapsed tripod legs branded "udrizi" lying on the ground, viewed from above, indicating preparation for a photography excursion.

Ulanzi’s latest release offers an ingenious design ideal for traveling and hiking photographers or those who like to keep their kit lightweight. The multi-functional design of the Ulanzi TT35 incorporates three hiking poles, a mini tripod, a full-sized travel tripod, and a selfie stick into one product, so each component serves a purpose when out in the field.

Full disclosure: This sponsored article is brought to you by Ulanzi.

When backpacking or traveling, every ounce of weight counts, and every free space in a pack is crucial. Because of this, traveling with a tripod can be a pain since it mostly just takes up space and adds weight while only getting used for certain portions of the hike or trip. The new Ulanzi TT35 Hiking Stick Tripod Kit aims to fix that by serving as five products in one, making it more worthwhile to bring along.

A hand holding two ulanzi tripod heads displayed against a blurred natural background with foliage. — The tripod kit comes with two different tripod heads.

A person's hand holding a small, black camera tripod mount and an allen wrench outdoors, with a natural, leaf-covered ground background. — The quick release plate needs an allen wrench to attach and remove it from the camera.

Ulanzi’s latest release offers a multi-functional solution for hiking or traveling photographers by acting as five different products. It even comes with two different heads, adding to its versatility. The ball head features a bubble level and a quick-release plate. Unfortunately, though, there’s no tab on the plate’s screw. Instead, it requires a hex key (one is included) or something similar to attach the plate to the camera, so I recommend doing that before heading into the backcountry. A hex key with a key ring would have been a nice touch to prevent it from getting lost.

A close-up of a ulanzi camera tripod head, featuring a ball head and adjustment knobs, set against a blurred green natural background.

Instead of a lever to release and lock down the plate, there’s a knob that requires twisting. It’s not the quickest, quick-release plate I’ve encountered. The ball head has a bubble level, though, which is nice to see. The second head is a screw head mount for when quick-release functionality isn’t necessary.

A person's hand gripping a black trekking pole with a wrist strap, set against a background of sunlit green foliage. — The trekking poles are very lightweight with a comfortable grip and wrist strap.

Three trekking poles sit on a sandy trail. — Each trekking pole features height markers.

A hand holds three Ulanzi trekking poles against a blurred grassy background. — The trekking poles are very compact and lightweight, making them easy to pack.

Hiking Poles

The first function of the TT35 is a hiking pole, or, rather, three hiking poles. These poles each have a foam handle that is comfortable to hold and a strap for added security around the wrist. They have three extension points that use a snap-style lock that holds securely. Each pole weighs 284 grams (10 ounces), has a folded height of 47 centimeters (1.5 feet), and a fully extended length of 130 centimeters (4.3 feet), so users can easily adjust it to their height. The bottom leg section offers markers in centimeters, so those who use two poles can get them to be the same height more easily.

The Ulanzi mini tripod in the woods.

A person holding a ulanzi tripod in their left hand against a blurred natural background of greenery. the tripod is displayed with its legs folded.

Mini Tripod

The second format of the TT35 is a mini tripod that’s ideal for use on a desk or for low-angle shots. The leg levers allow the legs to adjust to 20 degrees, 50 degrees, and 80 degrees, providing three different heights. Depending on the head used and the positioning of the legs, the mini tripod offers a height of 22.7 centimeters (8.9 inches) or 14.2 centimeters (5.6 inches). The rubber feet grip nicely, so they stay on my smooth desk.

A tripod stands on a grassy field with a blurred background of green vegetation and a partly cloudy sky. — Attaching the mini tripod to a trekking pole results in a monopod with a sturdy base.

Monopod

The third option with the TT35 is a monopod mode. Attach the tripod head to the top of the trekking pole to create the monopod. The provided instructions don’t make this very clear, but to add the tripod head, first pull down on the textured metal piece at the top and remove the cap that comes on the hiking pole. Pull down on the metal piece again, insert the tripod head, and release the metal cylinder to lock it in place. This is how every piece connects, making switching configurations incredibly quick and easy.

A hand holds the Ulanzi trekking tripod in front of a blurred grassy background. — To attach the tripod heads or legs, pull down on this metal piece and release to lock it into place.

While the monopod can be used as is, users can connect the mini tripod as a base for more stability. This setup weighs 630 grams, offers a working height of 60 to 140 centimeters (1.9 to 4.6 feet), and supports a maximum load of 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds), though Ulanzi doesn’t suggest going over 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds). I tried it with my Sony a7 III and Rokinon 135m f/1.8, which weighs 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds). It was definitely wobbly on its own but would work in a pinch if I held on.

A gopro camera mounted on an Ulanzi selfie stick, centrally framed against a blurred forest backdrop under clear blue skies. — Either tripod head can be attached to the top of a trekking pole to make a selfie stick.

Selfie Stick and Extension Pole

Next, by simply attaching a tripod head to the top of the trekking pole, the TT35 functions as a selfie stick and extension pole. It’s ideal for grabbing selfie footage with action cameras or reaching beyond where arms can go. For even more reach than one pole, the three trekking poles can be connected for an ultra-long extension pole, offering a maximum length of 350 centimeters (11.5 feet) and weighing 852 grams (1.9 pounds).

The Ulanzi camera tripod stands on sandy soil, surrounded by a dense forest of tall pine trees and lush green underbrush under a clear blue sky. — The full tripod is compact and lightweight, but relatively sturdy.

Travel Tripod

Finally, by attaching each trekking pole to one of the legs on the mini tripod, the TT35 also serves as a lightweight, compact, full-sized tripod. Be sure to remove the rubber feet on the mini tripod first, though, or they won’t connect very well. The entire tripod weighs 1.19kg (4.2 pounds) and is narrower than most water bottles. It is long when assembled like this, though, coming in at roughly 74 centimeters (2.4 feet) with the ball head attached. When fully extended, it offers a height of 145cm (4.7 feet).

A red backpack and a camera tripod standing upright beside it, placed on the grassy edge of a dirt track, with dense pine trees in the background under a clear blue sky. — The fully assembled tripod is long. Still, it’s narrow enough to fit in a water bottle pocket.

As a full tripod, the TT35 can support up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds), though Ulanzi suggests only 3kg (6.6 pounds). It nicely holds my Sony a7 III and lenses that are a little on the heavier side, but it shouldn’t be used with any large telephoto lenses. Given the modular design, it was surprisingly stable. It doesn’t offer as much support as heavier tripods, but that’s to be expected.

Pricing and Availability

The Ulanzi TT35 Hiking Stick Tripod is available for pre-order now with early bird pricing of $199 for the full kit. Early bird pricing is only for 50 in-stock units, though, and ends on May 6. Users can also opt for different components of the TT35, including just the monopod kit ($148), only the mini tripod ($79), or only the hiking poles ($69).

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Image credits: Photographs by Abby Ferguson