the hardest mile

Can anyone recommend a light but stable tripod for hiking in mountainous coun try with an 8x10? I'll probably be using a Canham JMC with a Fujinon CS 450mm (weighing about 5 kg together) attached most of the time. I currently own a Benbo mk2 which is rock solid but definitely NOT light-" why is the last mile the hardest mile ?" as The Smiths observed. Ideally, I'd like something I can strap onto the back of my (large) Lowe Alpine pack so as to have both hands free for the more challenging ascents -probably use the ice axe loops.

For that situation, you might look at a Gitzo 13XX carbon fiber with the corresponding G13XXM low profile magnesium alloy 3-way pan head. I wouldn't go much lighter with 8x10".

When hiking any distance I use a Gitzo 1325 with an Arca Swiss head. My Kodak Masterview without lens weighs about 17 lbs. and I have used lenses longer than 450mm with it.