Manfrotto 442 / Bogen 3445

Because of its light weight and sturdiness, this is my favorite tripod to take hiking. It is very easy to level and has worked fine in all temperatures. I used it for months at a time while shooting films about Death Valley and desert wildflowers (www.parkfilms.com).

It is worth packing a small philips head screw driver as the leg clamp screws can loosen after lots of wear.

I switched to this product after using a heavier Bogen
tripod and the difference is night and day. It is a very
comfortable (with padded legs) to sling over the shoulder and hike through the woods.
The tripod is very stiff and has very little vibration in the
wind. The leg clamps are quiet for setting up and hold firmly. I highly recommend this tripod.