FOGHORN March 2023

Twobirds Flying Publications

VORTEX OPTICS MOUNTAIN PASS TRIPOD KIT

Copyright 2023, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.

 VORTEX OPTICS MOUNTAIN PASS TRIPOD KIT
2023

VORTEX OPTICS MOUNTAIN head is as simple as sliding the Arca plate into the
head and tightening the knob.
PASS TRIPOD KIT
By: Sal Palma

If you’ve ever had to hump the woods, you know

that every ounce you can shed is a positive. The
folks at Vortex Optics, as accomplished hunters,
know that all too well and late last year, 2022,
introduced the Mountain Pass Tripod Kit. Their
challenge was creating a platform that is light,
will support large glassing optics, adaptable to
any terrain and easily packable. Did they meet
those objects?

The Mountain Pass secret sauce is its 2-way pan

Arca Swiss head which provides a wide array of
mounting options. The tripod ships with a plate
that your can use on any 1/4x20 mounting
option. There aren’t levers to flip to lockdown
The Mountain Pass is the ideal support platform
your camera or optic. Securing your glass to the
for spotting scopes and large binoculars, both

Copyright 2023, Twobirds Flying Publications. All Rights Reserved.

 VORTEX OPTICS MOUNTAIN PASS TRIPOD KIT
2023

particularly important for those long days at the

range or the field.

Its machined aluminum construction makes it

sturdy and very light coming in at a mere 3.1 lbs.

The Mountain Pass height is adjustable from 56

inches to 9 inches. Its folded length is 19 inches,
so it drops right into your backpack. The tripod is
also extremely quick to deploy and equally fast
to take down, which hunters will love.

Vortex Optics not only met their design

objectives they did it at a price point that won’t
break the bank. M.S.R.P is $224.99 but you’ll find
it at a street price of $149. The icing on the cake,
your purchase is covered by Vortex Optics
forever warranty.

If you’re a shooter, hunter, birdwatching or just

do a lot of glassing, you need the Vortex Optics
Mountain Pass.

The Arca-Swiss Head Mount has a maximum load -SP

capacity of 22 lbs. To test head stability, I
Manufacturer Specifications:
attached a Longshot Hawk camera to a large
spotting scope eyepiece and did some • Weight: 3.1 lbs.
digiscoping in a 20+ m.p.h. northeasterly with no • Head Mount: Arca-Swiss, Compatibility
issues. The Mountain Pass performed well. across a broad range of mounting options.
• Leg Sections: 4
Another feature that impressed me is the • Leg Angles: 3
tripod’s adaptability to terrain. The Mountain • Leg Locks: 3-Angle Leg Pivot Locks -
Position each leg individually for multiple
Pass has three legs that can be individually
heights and easy, secure set up.
adjusted for both length and angle, then held in
• Leg Material: Aluminum
position by 3 pivot locks, located at the axis point • Folded Dimensions (HxW): 19.0" x 4.0"
on each leg.

Copyright 2023, Twobirds Flying Publications, All Rights