jgudpns Loc: Pensacola, FL

I love my Peak Design travel tripod! It i(carbon fibre version) is 2.51 lbs w/ball head. Length: 39.1 cm (15.4”), Diameter: 7.9 cm (3.125").

However, probably not shipping non-kickstarter units until March. I am waiting for the universal head adapter to come so to mount my new gimbal (Z6 and 150-600mm Sigma Contemporary).

https://www.peakdesign.com/products/travel-tripod

Newly retired, trying to put together kit to last me a while...

Jagnut07 Loc: South Carolina

I can vouch for this Peak Design. I have the carbon fiber unit. A little pricey but I was lucky enough to get one under the Kickstarter program. The nice thing about it has a built in unique ball head.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

That's an amazing hike and you'll love it. I actually used some rocks to hold my camera when I went and didn't carry a tripod. I was a lot steadier then than now, so I probably couldn't do it now. I didn't see any scorpions down there, but do be careful of the rattlers. They are pink, not tan or brown. The hike out is a killer. You'll curse every ounce in your pack before you're done. Enjoy!

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leofoto-LS-223C-Portable-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Camera-Mini-Tripod/173283912775?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

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jkruz Loc: Western Massachusetts

I will give B&H a call and see what they recommend.
Thanks

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

did that a few times when I was younger. Enjoy the scenery, it is fantastic! Want a tip: carry and drink lots of water.

jkruz Loc: Western Massachusetts

I agree, more water, only one lens = less risk.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Bean bag might be better suited as there are lots of rocks around.
In the south rim side not much.
But the trail from/to Phantom Ranch to the north rim is incredible with streams, waterfalls, pools of water,tons of wildlife, many fossil rocks all over and just incredible views and vistas.

NatureRocks

OK. I have a Sirui T-025X. I went to B&H and found that this tripod is no longer available but that a replacement (Sirui T-25SK T-0S Series Travel Tripod with B-00 Ball Head (Black, Carbon Fiber)) has replaced my model. The weight is low (2.2 lbs), but the capacity is high (13.2 lbs). And the cost is just shy of $200.00. Also, if you are an Amazon person, they carry this as well. I have used it for backpacking with a Sony and lenses, with which it has worked very well. It has numerous features; worth considering.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

RRS has a number of 5 different mini tripods listed, they'll easily support 50lbs. or more (some to 200)!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

South rim only takes a few hours to hike down or back up.

jkruz Loc: Western Massachusetts

Anyone use a Leofoto Ranger LS-223CEX. Seems it may suit my needs without breaking the bank. We are hiking down the South Kaibab trail, staying two nights at Phantom Ranch then hiking out the Bright Angle. This will be our first trip to the bottom. Very excited!

rossk Loc: Melbourne, Australia

Have a look at the latest Peak Design tripod. Beautifully engineered and sturdy.

Retrobug

I've hiked and backpacked with camera gear similar in weight to yours, including a Galvin 6x9 view camera which absolutely needed a good tripod. What I got - and has worked very well - is a carbon fiber Gitzo Weekender. Coupled with a good small ball head, this worked flawlessly for SLRs (and would be entirely fine for DSLRs). I had to adapt it with a support arm to make the Galvin work on it, and properly adapted it works perfectly there too. The Galvin use in this context is almost beside the point (you're shooting a DSLR, not a view cam on a two ended rail, so you'll never need the support arm), but the point is it's possible to get MF quality razor sharp photos off a half-height travel tripod by working at it. Some people will tell you a travel tripod - even a Gitzo - won't work for serious tripod work, but I will respectfully disagree based on experience.

(I'm assuming you are after landscapes, and not mounting a heavy telephoto. I'd never use my 70D and Tamron 300 f2.8 on this rig - way too unbalanced. I have a 1.25lb shoulder stock for that.)

What I'm advocating is a high quality CF 3 or 4 section tripod that may only come up to three and a half feet at full height. That's bigger than a table top model, but smaller and lighter than a full size tripod. The downside is you will be on your knees when using it (I carry a knee pad made from closed cell foam), and you will have to set it on a boulder if you want a photo from human eye level. But I have found it entirely practical in field use.

Tripod technique is important if you are going this small. Don't even think of raising the center column, that will end any stability you would otherwise have. And use a rock bag suspended from the bottom of the center column to add stability to the small tripod. (I assume it's obvious, but use some sort of remote release to operate the camera.)

I just looked at Amazon, and Gitzo makes a "traveller" series that I think is equivalent to the old "weekender" series. I'm not sure if I have a size 0 or a size 1. Either should make a good tripod that's sturdy, stable, and light enough for very practical long distance carry (I've carried mine for miles). If Gitzo is too expensive, look for something similar from the competition. My point is a half-height travel tripod (of good construction) as opposed to a table top model is a very workable way of cutting weight.

The smaller options (tabletop, micro, and end-of-hiking pole) just never worked for me. They were great space and weight wise, but too limiting photographically. But that's me. Hike your own hike, and shoot from your own tripod. :)

Mr Bill 2011 Loc: southern Indiana

Still get hot & sweaty, and there is a world of difference between just hiking down and back, versus carrying a pack on your back. I could go through a couple of liters easily, especially if going down South Kaibab trail, and the South Kaibab trail is definitely more scenic than Bright Angel trail.