Ideal tripod/ball-head for backpacking?

I'm looking for a lightweight tripod/ball-head combo primarily for backpacking and other wilderness adventures. Weight is of primary concern, but it must be able to handle up to 6lb or so of camera gear (100-400mm lens + body).

After doing some initial research, my starting point is the Gitzo Mountaineering GT0541 tripod and the Manfrotto 494RC2 ball head. Theoretically, should support over 8lb and with a combined weight of only ~2.4 lb.

Thoughts on that combo or other suggestions?

You'll be better off with something like this:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=538298


I think the GT0541 is too small, and does not support a lot of weight. It is more for a compact camera.

I personally went with the GT2541 and Markins Q10 ball head as a setup that I could take hiking. But ben_r setup would best maximize minium weight and having a solid support platform. You should check out his well written review. It maybe more of a pricer setup, but it will worth it in the long run.

Feisol 3441s with markings ballhead designed for the travel angel. It's light and folds up super small because the legs fold around the ballhead. It's rated for 22lbs on the legs and I'm sure more on the ballhead.

Take a look at my signature.

I don't agree with the above post on the 1541t Gitzo. I've used mine in all sorts of conditions, but not strong winds. It works extremely well. The ballhead is the Markins Q3t. See this review, and read as many pages as you can stay awake for. The basic ideal is that you want sticks that are light enough that you won't even think about strapping them onto a backpack for an outting.

I'm not expert, but I use the Benro TRA-269: http://www.adorama.com​/BE457269.html
been very happy with it. definitely not as much as some of those other tripods, but still a worthy option i'd say.

Thanks for the replies and links. After more thought/research, I'm now leaning towards the Gitzo 1541T and Manfrotto 496RC2 head. Unfortunately, I can't find a place that sells Feisol up here, so that kind of rules them out.

Not sure where "up here" is, but Kerry will ship Feisol anywhere I would suspect. He owns Really Big Cameras in my signature. Great guy to deal with if Feisol is of interest. In either case I would not put a cheap head on a nice tripod. If going with Gitzo legs, look at some other ballheads is my suggestion. Markins would be one to consider. Photo Clam I can speak well of from personal use. Many to choose from. Manfrotto are good value type gear, but I would not put it on a nice set of Gitzo legs personally.

-Dan

"Up here" is Canada. I typically try to buy local to both support my local camera shops, plus it's really easy to return stuff locally if I need to. Thanks for the link, though. I may order, as buying a tripod is safer than buying a lens I suppose.

I understand and appreciate that. If you change your mind, Kerry will take good care of you. It was only after talking with many folks here I decided to do business with him. I was very impressed with what I found. Prompt attention and fast shipping. He will also service the Feisol tripods. One of my legs was tougher to open than the others. Perhaps I torqued it down too hard when I first got it, not sure. Anyway, after my trip to Alaska, I sent it to Kerry and got it back in less than a week in perfect working order. I am on Nantucket,Mass working out of state, Kerry is in Oregon. Pretty impressive service.

-Dan