When you need support for your camera (or smartphone), and you are on the move, a solid tripod is the call.
On the move is the key phrase as I like to travel as light as possible, while getting the results I need.
Through the years I have tried many solutions, and have come to this list of criteria for the right tool:
*Weight
*Size/Length when closed, and max height
*Versatile ball head
*Price
There are a lot of options out there, and this Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS twist carbon tripod checks all the boxes.

At the end of the post I’ll give you a concise pluses and minuses on this tripod!

Ok, on weight, make sure you get the carbon fiber version, as you will super happy after carrying this around all day. This one clocks in at 2.8 Lbs.
On the size, being able to slip into a backpack is key for me, as you want to keep your profile low. Folds up to 16.14 in, and extends to 59.06 in.

You can also use the included carry case. As you can see, the adjustable strap can extend to sling over your shoulder.
Now, Manfrotto has a great reputation on all of their line-up of ball heads, and this is no exception. Manfrotto’s Advanced 494 aluminum center Ball Head, with the included Arca Swiss type mount, you can lock your camera on and off easily, knowing that your camera is secure. Payload is rated at almost 20LBs!

The level helps you know when you are, well, level!

The design of this tripod has the ball head folding down into the 3 tripod legs, to help minimize the length.

Plus, you can easily reverse the center column, which also reverses the tripod head allowing you to have the camera low to the ground, while maintaining solid support with legs spread.

As you can see here, I also always use a Spider Wrist strap, and just use the Arca Swiss type mount on the bottom for easy access on and off, if I want to switch to handheld. You can also see a detail of the feet of the legs and get a sense of the angle of them.

The 3 leg are twist open and lock, which I always prefer.You can see the removable plug below which sits in the center pole tightly, and the friction of the rubber

The legs have slanted rubber tips on the bottom, to aid in balance on the ground. In a photo above you can see how it may sit on a surface.

There is no option for spikes on the bottom, as in some other units, but not a big deal. The legs can each lock in about 4 diff angles so can easily adjust to whatever terrain

A feature I particularly like is a 3/8 screw input on the side for using a Noga arm for an addition of a monitor, or perhaps a light. It does have a rubber cap when not in use

The Noga Arm does not come with the tripod and should be in your toolkit. Please spend the money on a good arm. A cheap one can lose tension, and your gear could flop over.Trust me , you will use this in so many applications.

Once you’ve screwed it into your tripod, you can loosen the center elbow knob, and the entire arm become adjustable.

They have added a hook on the side, which can be used to hang the included tripod case.

I would have preferred a hook on the bottom of the center pole to add a weighted bag to aid in stability.

This tripod is perhaps best for the advanced hobbyist. Overall It has everything you need for your basic shoots. The weight and size are everything to me, and with this compact package, you will take it with you on your next shoot!

To be fair the leg locks, center column collar, and some of the ball head knobs are high end plastic. Normal use should be a great lasting piece of kit, so much so that Manfrotto will warranty it for 10 years upon purchase registration! For Free! 

A few things I would have liked to have seen are the ability to mount an alternative ball head , without the column, to go super low.  Spikes in the leg bottoms could be useful, but not critical. Just a not that this is a tripod made for still photography, as the included ball head is not damped for smooth pans, nor is there a panning arm.

Recommended purchase!

Price is about $290 USD.