Does anyone here use a monopod for their cameras in the wilderness? Pros & Cons?

I might be doing some extensive work in the field, mostly running and gunning, and I doubt I will be able to take a tripod with me. Would a monopod (with a quick release) do the job for the instances when I need a steadier shot than on the shoulder?

The camera is an XLH1, but it will have a number of accessories attached making it a bit bigger and heavier.

Also, I have made a thread over at the "Taking care of business" section, that might have been more appropriate for this section. Could all you UWOL people please have a look:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/taking-care-business/498000-huniting-safari-videos-advice-please.html

Thanks!

Manfrotto 562B-1 Fluid Video Aluminum Monopod w/ Plate 562B-1

Friend of mine has one and it is great!

Just to start with, with a tripod you have a place to put your camera other than the ground! Monopods weigh less and are cheaper than tripods and so have their place but I always recommend against a monopod for nature work. Even on a tripod, at the upper range of your zoom you can barely touch your camera and even then you hope there's not too much wind. If one does not have time to set up a tripod, just use your tripod as a monopod. You are not going to carry both and a tripod does far more.