Tripod for long hikes

[heyimnick]

I was curious if some of you awesome POTN folks can give me some recommendations on a tripod designed to be carried under a backpack. I am scheduling a 1-week 40-mile hike next month and I really want the perfect one. By perfect I mean:

LIGHTWEIGHT!
Easily uncollapsable/collapsable for fast moving.
Effortless quick releaseIf you guys could help me out with this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[tvphotog]

Gitzo 1541t is the tripod. The ballhead I use is the Markins Q3t, with an RRS lever QR and RRS plates. The tripod is supremely light, and the lever release is super fast. Buy the RRS QR, ship it to Markins and they'll put it on the ball for you at no extra cost.

Stability in a wind is the only drawback of this light tripod. Check this review. (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=538298&highlight=1541t)

Feisol and Benro make lightweight tripods. IMO, they lack things compared to the Gitzo, but I haven't tried them. Others here have, and can speak to them. A bit cheaper, but I think that you get what you pay for.

[ben_r_]

I recommend the same :)

[MrGreen]

Check out a Feisol CT-3442 or CT-3441T tripod. Very light, very strong. Lighter than their Gitzo counterparts too.

Photo Clam make great ballheads so you should look at them too. Very similar to Markins. I use a PC-40NS and have used a PC-44NS as well. Superb quality, very strong, and extremely light weight too.

My setup goes with me on 30 km day hikes and I don't have any issue carrying it with me.

[HighPlainsPhotographer]

I have a carbon fiber Benro C-027 that I purchased just for backpacking. It has proven to be lightweight and reliable.