Need some tripod help (any hikers in here?)

I am thinking of getting a new tripod. I currently have a manfrotto tripod 3221 N, and a 3 way pan head with a quick release plate, (froget which model exactly). The tripod is amazingly sturdy, can hold up to 16lbs just fine, but it is HEAVY. I do a lot of hiking, and I would like a lighter tripod. Additionally for the head, I have only ever used pan heads, though many people have suggested I get a ball head if I don't need the panning head (like for motor sports or something).

Can anyone give me some suggestions, especially from people who hike regularly who have experince with good sturdy tripods.

For hiking, carbon fiber is the way to go...but any recommendation would depend on how much you want to spend.

argyle wrote in post #11633306
For hiking, carbon fiber is the way to go...but any recommendation would depend on how much you want to spend.

Around $300 for the legs + head if possible. I would probably stick with used gear.

Check what I use here. It's a bit beyond what you want to spend, but I love it.

If you're not 6" tall, you could go with the 3441S, which is less expensive.

Great review, I think that tripod would be a little tall for me, I am 5'10'', I will do some more reading on it though.

I have a Feisol 3442 legs w/a frotto 496rc head (all used for $210) and it works great so far. Light and sturdy w/a 1D and a 100-400mm lens.

KEH has recently bought some Benro tripods.

The issue I've had with the carbon fiber Manfrotto tripods and ballheads I currently own isn't as much the weight as it is their bulkiness; they just take up too much space in my pack or they're precariously hung off the bottom of my pack with bungies, carabiners, etc.

Probably the best tripod for backcountry backpacking would be the Gitzo 1541T, possibly with the Markins Q3T ballhead or the Photo Clam PC-33NS: (review here). I'm putting one together right now for some backcountry trips this spring and summer. Well above your budget, though.

Another option might be Benro, they make Gitzo knockoffs that some people really like and they are a lot cheaper than the Gitzo. Except... The GT1541T is on sale at Amazon.com through Saturday (I think?) if you can stand to deal with a backorder. Order from Amazon.com (note: Amazon.com, not a third party reseller) and put the promo code 25PEROFF in during checkout. Works out to something like $375, with a potential $80 gift card rebate as well.

I like to dayhike in the Appalachian's and also around the DC Metro area with a pack and tripod, I settled on the 190CX3 and 496CR2 head.
Pretty lightweight and sturdy setup, cheap as well on Craigslist.

Take a look at the Benro Travel Angel series. I bought a TRAB069 last fall for a trip to the Smoky Mountains. I also have a large, heavy tripod that I like, but needed something lightweight for the trails.

Take a look at posts #1 & #11 in this thread. The first compares the Benro to my Slik 700DX and #11 has a few shots of the Benro on my trip.

^^^
I 2nd the Benro Travel Angel series, like him I got the 069 and love it. It folds down to 13" and weighs less than 2 lbs. with the ball head.

Roger