Alas,there is no simple solution to backpacking with photo gear. Tripods & photo backpacks add xtra weight. But you need to determine the tradeoff.

When I want to go light I use a walking stick rather then tripod, made by Tracks & sold by Campmor. Top unscrews to a 1/4-20 screw mount for your camera. Not as good as a tripod but whatever is with you is best. It will assist down to about 1/8 sec.

For the camera, use a Lowe or Tamrac toploader of a suitable size & possibly mount it onto the SIDE of your hipbelt. A bag hanging in front of you will interfer with uphill walking.
I own Gitzo CF tripods, medium format stuff, a Nikon D2X & all the lenses, but use a D70 w/18-70 for backpacking or older Nikon FM. Also consider a P&S either film or digital.
I also carry a Olympus Stylus(film, 5 oz.) most of the time.


It ain't the gear, it's the photographer.
Most important thing is to BE THERE!
www.pbase.com/cwphoto