Most portable tripods are close to useless as they are so tiny they only work propped up on a taller structure. The Tamrac ZipShot tripods secret is the tent pole-like legs that take the tripod from 15-inches (when folded) to 44-inches when fully extended. The ZipShot tripod can also support cameras up to 3lbs in weight and costs about $50.
very smart, just bought one, will let you know if it sucks 😉