Just wondering if anyone has seen a tripod head that has three sockets with clamps that would accept disposable tree branches as legs? If not, what is the lightest tripod that would be suitable for extended backcountry hikes?

I guess that you've already decided that a mono-pod isn't the right solution? Since it can function as a walking stick it would be perfect.

I like the walking stick idea and a monopod has crossed my mind for some time now. The monopod would be great for landscapes, but for those macros in the alpine I would need something a little more stable. Maybe what I need is a good machinest and a patent;-)

Or perhaps a caddie?

When are you coming Sam?

The problem with a monopod is that it can slightly distort the aspect ratio of your image if you don't hold it just right. But in addition to its alternative use as a walking stick, it also serves as a pool cue.

For field work, I use the SUNPAK 2001 UT. It fits in my backpack and is very light but sturdy. It extends to about four feet and has a fluid head adjustment HERE. Google it for about US$15 $20.

There are times I wish I had a wooden apendage with a 1/4 bolt.

I saw a design for a steady cam type harness that can be made from aluminum. That folds up flat and fits into a small back pack it rest on your chest and has standard bolt mount head. It shouldn’t be that difficult to make.

if you got a flat surface, which you can usually find, mini-pod it...

Yes, I agree the mini tripod works well for ground level macros but those giraffe level macros will be impossible;-) I saw a tripod somewhere that had a tilting center column. Any ideas where? Hey, check this out;-)

Wow, cool! I can't imagine they would be terribly stable though.

How about a tripod head with nine sockets that will take a variety of short / long /bendy etc legs? You could probably make your own legs too:
http://www.novoflex.de/english/html/products.htm (click tripods)

Re: the tripod with the tilting center column. Benbo is, to my knowledge, the only manufacturer of these types of tripods.

Manfrotto's Carbon Fiber lineup offers the reduced weight, but at a premium price.

Giottos makes two carbon fiber and one or two aluminum tripods that have tilting center columns. Available from B&H and Adorama and probably others. I have one of the CF models and it is (reasonably) light and quite stable. Many pros probably consider Giottos an "off" brand, but I can find no flaws with design or construction. I routinely use the tilted center column to support a D70 w/macro lens on a heavy ballhead and get very sharp macros. brphoto is correct that CF tripods are lighter, and more expensive. But the real benefit I see of CF vs. aluminum is that CF naturally damps vibration and aluminum does not. I carry my tripod and gear all day on a decent pack without too much discomfort. Having said all that, these Giottos tripods support 22-26 pounds and are likely too heavy for backpacking, especially if all you have to eat is mushrooms ;)