This little guy is awesome for hiking and backpacking, and essential if you want to take a time-lapse video. The Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod is super compact (closed length 7.28") and very lightweight (0.51 lbs) but can hold a 2 lb camera. This is more than enough for my use with an iPhone or GoPro. The ball head allows me to plop this down anywhere and achieve a quick level. I've used this for dozens of hikes and never had a single issue. For less than $25 this is a steal. [UPDATE: On my Rampart Lakes over-nighter someone really did steal my tripod...]