Do it Yourself - Tripod Pads

SkipD wrote in post #6238421
The foam makes carrying a tripod across your back a lot more comfortable than doing it with uncovered tripod legs, as has been said above.

In addition, the foam makes handling a tripod outdoors in very low temperatures a lot more comfortable on the hands. That's why they are sometimes called "leg warmers".

On CF tripods, its done more for the 'padding' effect if you carry it around on your shoulders. The 'warming' is more for the aluminum tripods, where cold metal can be a problem. No such issues with CF...

Nice "how to"
Added to the tripod sticky

Cool! It's really a sticky! I tried to like using the tripod pads on my Gitzo but, I couldn't stand the extra bulk. Tripods like the Gitzo are made for abuse and will last for years to come. Although, I do understand the reasoning behind you putting pads on them.

Sick my first sticky haha...A lot of other ideas came up also, which is very nice...Calicajun nice idea Im going to look into that!

PS update on the Fabic part to come...I have two samples coming to my house for like $1.50 ones the material lenscoat uses for their fabric and the other I chose is a 100% waterproof nylon...

Ill test both for comfort and durability (they come in like 50 different types of camo btw)

A roll of most of them ranges from 8.99-10.99 so not too bad (you can also get non camo I believe for much cheaper! Also these price quotes are only from one store


I went out to the city today to hike around Central Park mostly - Got there around 6:00am and stayed in the park till somewhere around 11

-Let me tell you ha...without those pads I WOULD HAVE DIED...Shoulder pain started around 9:45-10:00am and then I had to start switching shoulders so Id say they did their job...the good light is mostly gone by then anyway and your just looking and hoping for something nice

[QUOTE=wallybud;623677​0]Sounds like a good idea, basically the same concept I guess... accept im not sure id like the pattern the bike companies would choose for the pads ....what you are only two years my junior btw mean lol?


It means I am 24.
If you know some one that is handy with a sewing machine they could take any material you want and back stitch it. then you could just pull it over the pads like a glove.

[QUOTE=midnight_rider;​6241636]

wallybud wrote in post #6236770
Sounds like a good idea, basically the same concept I guess... accept im not sure id like the pattern the bike companies would choose for the pads ....what you are only two years my junior btw mean lol?


It means I am 24.
If you know some one that is handy with a sewing machine they could take any material you want and back stitch it. then you could just pull it over the pads like a glove.

I was thinking of numerous different ways to do the fabric...Im the handy one with a sewing machine
-I was also thinking about all kinda of stupid stuff too haha...like small drawstrings on top and bottom of each pad to keep dust dirt and water from getting inside to the foam (the nylon I have coming is waterproof)
-I don't know tho help me brainstorm some crazy ideas up I like going way overboard

Well an update on the fabric status is it was shipped a day ago (taking forever!) I wish BH sold camo fabric haha...

You can buy camo fabric, I just don't know where.

I just got my fabric in the mail one moment and ill post images

OK so the fabrics came and upon first analysis I conclude

- Neoprene can prolly be used by itself as the pad (wont be THAT comfortable but it would do)
- Won't work here as it adds too much width to the pad and is just plain bulky

a garter might work instead of a string.

RPCrowe wrote in post #6234547
The Giottos comes with pads built in...

I actually removed one of the leg pads on my Giottos to enable the tripod to fit better on a Manfrotto 401N tripod strap... They were solidly glued on and I had to resort to a metal scraper to get it off.

any tips on how to keep the foam from sliding up and down the tripod leg?

HYBEagle wrote in post #17645164
any tips on how to keep the foam from sliding up and down the tripod leg?

Cut the foam tubes long enough so there's no space at the ends to allow the foam to move on the tripod leg.

An alternative, depending on the design of what you're using for "foam", would be two use a dual-sided tape on the tripod leg.

I bought some 3M Friction tape from home depot. They seem to work pretty good at stopping the foam from sliding up and down.

http://www.homedepot.c​om …ack-3407NA-BA-6/202192876