Hiking with a tripod

I collapse mine and put it in my backpack then zip it as closed as possible . A plastic wrap keeps the zippers together .

Feisol CT-3342 legs (not small, but with a stem for height - can get it above my head)
PhotoClam ballhead (I don't remember what size, but bigger is smoother, but heavier). I prefer these over the Markins.
RRS lever plate - IMO these are great.

Light, strong, works great unless you hate twist-locks. I'm pretty brutal on tripods (although maybe not as brutal as I am on monopods).

Hardest camera-gear related buying decision of my life. I think a tripod, when you use it a lot (e.g. landscapes or birding) is a very personal thing.

Update... I ended up with this:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Section_Carbon_​Fiber.html

Found a good deal on Craigslist with a nice ballhead. So far is looks and feels nice... Never had the twist locks before. Was reluctant, but it seems ok.