Tech Review

SMALLRIG Carabiner Tripod Review 2026 — Best Pocket Tripod for Action Cameras?

SMALLRIG has been quietly dominating the creator accessories space, and their portable action camera tripod in carabiner shape is a perfect example of why. It's a compact, clip-on tripod that doubles as a selfie stick — and it's designed specifically for the action camera crowd running GoPro, Insta360, or DJI gear.

I've been using it with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and it's become one of those products I didn't know I needed until I had it. Here's my full take.

What Is It?

The SMALLRIG carabiner tripod is a 6.5–13.6 inch (16.5–34.5 cm) extendable mini tripod/selfie stick with an openable carabiner clip built into the grip. The idea is simple: when you're not shooting, clip it to your bag, belt loop, or backpack strap. When you need it, unhook and set up in seconds.

It fits any camera with a standard 1/4-20 thread — which means GoPro Hero 13/12/11, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, Insta360 X5, DJI Osmo Action 5, and most compact cameras are all fair game.

Design & Build Quality

The build is solid for the price. The legs extend and lock confidently, and the carabiner gate opens and closes with a satisfying click. There's no wobble when extended, which matters when you're running a camera like the Insta360 X5 that captures everything in 360 — you do not want a shaky tripod showing up in your footage.

The grip texture is good, the aluminum legs feel durable, and the whole thing weighs next to nothing. It disappears in a jacket pocket or clips to the outside of a pack without getting in the way.

Real-World Use

I've used it for a few different scenarios: tabletop shots, low-angle B-roll, and quick selfie-stick style POV clips. At 13.6 inches fully extended it's not going to replace a proper selfie stick for arm's-length shots, but for getting the camera off a surface and at a usable angle? It nails it.

The tripod feet spread wide enough to be stable on flat surfaces. It's not rock-solid on rough terrain, but it handles smooth pavement, tables, and ledges without issue. For quick vlog clips or gear showcase shots it does exactly what you need.

One thing I appreciated: the 1/4-20 thread mount is solid with no play. With something like the Insta360 X5 where the mount alignment matters for horizon levelling, a sloppy thread would be annoying. This one doesn't have that problem.

Pros & Cons

Who Is It For?

This is purpose-built for action camera users who are always on the move. If you're hiking, riding, travelling, or just shooting quick content between other activities, the clip-and-go design is a genuine quality-of-life improvement over digging a tripod out of a bag.

It's also a great secondary tripod to throw in your kit even if you have a full-size option. At this price it's essentially disposable, but it feels like it'll outlast what you paid for it.

Verdict

SMALLRIG consistently makes smart, practical gear for creators and this tripod is no different. The carabiner concept sounds like a marketing gimmick but in practice it's one of the most convenient ways to carry a mini tripod. The build quality punches above its weight, and compatibility with the full Insta360 and GoPro lineup makes it a no-brainer if you shoot action camera content.

At under $40 CAD it's one of the easiest recommendations I can make for action camera shooters.

FAQ

Is the SMALLRIG carabiner tripod worth buying?

For creators who move fast and shoot in multiple locations, yes. The clip-on design and compact size make it genuinely useful — especially for action cameras under 200g.

What cameras work with the SMALLRIG carabiner tripod?

It works with GoPro Hero 13/12/11, Insta360 Ace Pro 2, Insta360 X5, DJI Osmo Action 5, and any camera with a standard 1/4-20 thread mount.

How tall does the SMALLRIG carabiner tripod extend?

It extends from 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) to 13.6 inches (34.5 cm), giving you a decent range for tabletop and low-angle shots.