MeFOTO backpacker tripod

Just curious if anyone has any experience with this tripod? Although I don't envision this lightweight tripod replacing my Arcatech head and Manfrotto tripod for most situations, for longing hikes and backpack trips, it could be a great alternative.
Considering its weight is only 2.6 lbs and folded up it is about 12" long, it would fit quite nicely on or in a backpack. Of course one does give up some length as it extends to 51". But that would sufficient for me, since I have an articulating screen. It will support about 9 lbs, so obviously it wouldn't be adequate for DSLRs with uber weight lenses.

http://www.mefoto.com/Products/BackPacker.aspx

If you haven't already seen one in person, go take a look. Well, set it up if you can. I expect you will find it a little too spindly for demanding nature photography. Only you can decide, but we have the next larger MeFOTO at work and I find it just barely acceptable. I like the design features, but I think even the larger size that I'm familiar with gives up too much stability in favor of portabiity.

Pete D.

I won't be able to view it in person, so the observations provided and quite valuable. But from the images I did notice those end portions being quite thin. That said, a compromise may have to be made. Additionally, I would be using a micro4/3s camera which weighs significantly less than a DLSR. Besides weight, the portability of it is important, particularly in trying to attach to a backpack. I haven't found any yet that can fold up to 12 inches.

I have the MeFoto backpacker tripod and have enjoyed using it on motorcycle trips. However, I only use my point and shoot on it as it just isn't sturdy enough to support a DSLR. You *might* be successful if using a micro 4/3's system but I think the only way to know for sure is to try it out.

For what it's worth, I use an Induro CT213 with Acratech ballhead for backpacking. The whole shebang is 4 lbs. It doesn't pack up super small like the MeFoto but it doesn't weigh that much more despite being far more sturdy.

I have this Sirui tripod for when I want something smaller. It's not quite as small or light as what you mentioned (13.39" folded, and 2.2 lbs), but I've used it many times with my SLR and 12-60/f2.8-f4 lens, which is relatively heavy for a normal lens (about as much as my 70-300). Seems like a great combo to me - although I don't always use the last section of the legs.

They have a carbon fiber version too, and both an aluminum and carbon fiber that are slightly larger, and hold a little more weight.

Thanks for all the comments. The Sirui tripod recommendation will be seriously considered. No doubt it is much studier. Additionally, although it would add a bit of weight, I prefer to use my Arcatech ballhead. Going that route would be about a 1-2 lbs more than the Mefoto. The folded length of 13.4 is quite adequate, as well.
Also, I have run across the Feisol compact tripods. The specs and reviews are quite good.
Another decision point is cost vs usability. Factoring in cost is going to make this decision a bit more difficult. Fortunately, I don't see any backpacking trips in the near future so I have some time to make a decision.