BENRO Travel Angel C-Series Carbon Fiber tripod kits include precision matched B-Series Ballheads and have reverse folding legs providing photographers with the most sturdy yet compact tripod available.

http://www.benro.com/upload/products/small/456-269.jpg

http://www.benro.com/products_catalog_CarbonTravelAngelTripodKits.html

Dimmable CFLs are just coming onto the scene in quantities large enough to warrant discounting. Usually around $10; here's one for less than half that at 1000bulbs.com: http://www.1000bulbs.com/40689/?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=DimmableCFL20Watt75WEqualWarmWhite2700KReplacementS&utm_content=DimmableCFL20Watt75WEqualWarmWhite2700KReplacementS&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBase&site=google_base

I've been watching the sales at Home Depot and elsewhere, too. In California, PGE often pre-pays rebates on CFLs. "Normal" 13-16 watt bulbs are often at a retail price of $.50 to a buck and a half. I haven't seen a "pre-rebate" on dimmables as yet, but that will be the best deal, when it arrives.

Umbrellas: I've used a Knirps X1 for many years — it folds up (down?) to the size of a 2x D-cell Maglite (http://www.amazon.com/Knirps-X1-Black-Umbrella/dp/B001E3E7WE). I'll work on a write-up this week, if you're interested.

The best tripod may be no tripod-- brace the camera against a tree or on a rock or whatever is handy (a "beanbag" comes in handy, or just roll up a jacket and use that). Something that doubles as a tent pole might be good.

On a related note, here's a page I did a few years ago about "tabletop" tripods that are strong enough to hold an SLR (the camera in the pics is a Pentax K1000):
http://www.panix.com/~rbean/tripod/

I would love to see the Nail Jack/ Nail Hunter!

The key for taking great pictures is always having a camera. The late Galen Rowell took many of his best shots with improvised camera supports. That said, after a lot of experimentation, the best support I have found is a Gitzo Traveler tripod with the RRS BH-25 Pro. It is expensive but this is pretty much a no compromise approach.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Customkititems.asp?kc=BH-25-Pro&eq=

John is absolutely spot-on.

And so is this: http://joby.com/gorillapod/slrzoom/

Perfect - lightweight, sturdy and inexpensive - and as adaptable as you could ever need.

I've been using a Featherlite folding umbrella for over a decade. It always works and looks almost brand new. Mine is about 10" long when folded up, but they've got new "micro mini" models that are half that size. Mine was $20 at the time; it looks like the new ones are $30.

I agree with Tim above. I love my gorilla pods and have one of each size since I bought them as the company came out with them.

The little one lives in our diaper bag and we use it to turn the stroller into a tripod. The larger series can be hung from trees, rocks, fences, whatever.

Agree with the gorillapod (reviewed on cooltools a while back) recommendation. There are lots of knockoffs out now, but the ones i've tried are flimsy and not as durable. Buy the real thing.

Re: Gorillapod
I've never used one. Is it strong enough to hold a DSLR and midsize lens? -es