Inverted legs
Legs built with the thickest tube at the bottom and the locks up top. The locks stay out of mud and snow and sit within reach while standing.
What it means
On a standard tripod the thickest leg section is at the top and the thinner ones slide out below it. An inverted tripod turns that around: the thin sections come out of the top, the thick tube sits at the ground, and the twist locks ride high on the legs. Two Vets sells inverted versions of its V2 tripods; Tricer’s HK and X Series and Warrior’s Commander use the layout.
What it changes in the field
- Locks stay clear of mud, sand and snow.
- You can reach the locks standing, which speeds up a height change at a stand.
- Water and grit run down the outside instead of into the joints.
What to look for
Weight and folded length against the standard version of the same tripod; makers publish both where they sell both.
How we use it on this site
Tripod pages say “inverted” when the maker describes the legs that way.