Originally posted by Lowell Goudge the problem with carrying it is, if the tripod is in one hand and the walking stick in the other, where is your camera???
I put the hiking stick down when I want to take a picture.
A while ago I read an interesting page about someone who used a combo of backpack D-rings and carabiners to hang their camera by their side using the neckstrap. I can't find that particular page any more, but the basic idea is:
Camera neckstrap is clipped to the upper D-ring of my right shoulder strap using a carabiner, and hangs from this 'biner.
A second 'biner is attached around the right part of my waistbelt. Clipping both ends of the camera strap into this 'biner prevents the camera from bouncing around much.
The end result is that my camera hangs by my side with the lens facing backwards while I move. If I want to get the camera ready to shoot, I just unclip the strap from the lower carabiner and I'm ready. (Camera remains clipped to the upper 'biner for safety until it's attached to the tripod.)
As to quick release plates - I now swear by the Arca Swiss style plates and clamps. They're robust and supported by multiple manufacturers. I only have one plate and clamp right now, but as soon as Kirk releases an L-bracket for the K20D (coming soon most likely, they need to modify it slightly to deal with the K20D's PC X-sync jack) I'll be buying a Kirk clamp for my monopod and my Slik Sprint Mini.
Also: I normally wouldn't go on a hike with the tripod in my hand the entire time, except:
1) I still hadn't worked out an easy way to remove it from its bag when the bag was strapped to my pack. (need to work on this)
2) On this particular hike (Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, NY), there was a place to stop and take pictures almost every corner. Once you reach the actual gorge it's just waterfall after waterfall.