I rarely ever hike with mine (the CT314 might have 10-15 miles under its belt) and I've only flown with it a couple of times (it fits diagonally in my largest checked luggage). My priorities were maximum height and excessive stability (and I've been happy with my choice).

On the few occasions I did hike a short distance with the tripod attached to a backpack, I seriously considered the benefits of a more compact, lighter weight option to add to the arsenal. :-)