I have several older, aluminum tripods that I love, but have avoided using them outside especially during the winter months because the legs get so cold and are difficult to hold. I wanted to insulate them without spending a lot of money. After doing some research on the best way to cover tripods legs, I discovered three basic approaches:
- buy commercially available tripods wraps,
- use pipe insulation, and
- use bicycle handlebar tape.
I ruled out commercially available covers, in part, because they were either too costly, didn’t fit my tripod legs precisely, or were essentially the same as pipe insulation. I considered using pipe insulation, but I wasn’t too pleased with the final appearance (although functional, they looked rather like a Band-Aid fix). The last option was to use bicycle handlebar tape.
For about $12, I found some cork handlebar tape at Performance Bicycle shop in Rockville. I’m sure you can find less expensive ones on-line or elsewhere. For $20, you can get a more grippy, high-tech tape with adhesive backing that makes wrapping a little easier. Both have two rolls in the package – more than enough to wrap three tripod legs as long as you don’t wrap the entire leg. You only need to wrap 5-7 inches near the top of the leg where you are most likely to hold the tripod while carrying it.
Applying the tape was relatively simple. Be sure to start at the lower end of the tripod leg and work your way up so the overlap is on top and pointing downwards. Overlap about 1/3 of the tape’s width. Keep the tape taut while wrapping.
When you’re finished, secure the top and bottom ends with electrical tape.
Here’s a picture of the finished tripod with three leg wraps applied.
