I’ve been using the Gitzo GT0541 in conjunction with the Really Right Stuff BH-25Pro Ulralight ballhead as a backpacking setup for a few years now. I’ve grown to really like it and find it sufficient and extremely light-weight for those day trip excursions that require a streamlined, but functional tripod. Every pound seems to count, especially when doing a lot of vertical gain, or trekking many miles in a single day, and the continual process of streamlining equipment is challenging. I find this especially true in Alaska. On an average day-hike in the mountains I end up taking: Rain gear, down sweater, wind pants, light gloves, hat, water, food, and oh yeah, the camera gear. So a small and light tripod becomes very handy.
Sometimes, on a shorter trip, I will take my kinesis camera belt strap with one or two lens pouches, put the 5D around my neck, and slide the leg of the tripod through the belt strap. I’m then set to travel super light and super fast.
