One of the last technical issues we faced with the RuxPod was how to attach the tripod to the backpack while wearing the backpack. Sounds simple enough; after all, every camera backpack has the same issue.
However, we wanted easy access to the tripod without taking off the pack. Now things got complicated. Frankly, we thought we had it figured out until we started real world testing. Our attachment scheme just didn't work as well as we wanted.
Our solution: build the tripod into the frame.
Rendering of the new design. Shoulder belts and waist belt not shown for clarity. Colors chosen to enhance visibility.
Core to the solution was reinventing the tripod. (We call it the FlatPod for obvious reasons). The two side legs are fixed in place and the third leg swings out from the frame.
Since it has only one moving joint, it's very solid.
The hub is filled with threaded holes, so you can mount just about any accessory imaginable.
The largest segments will be 32mm diameter; four segments on the main legs, five segments on the center leg.
Of course, this will increase the final price but it now includes a high performance, carbon fiber tripod. And functionally that no other backpack/tripod can offer.
We're still working out details and optimizing the design with the goal to launch as a kickstarter in August 2025.
Comments and suggestions welcome: editor@stearmanpress.com.