Advice for a new tripod please

[Russ Holland]

Hi all.
Once again I seek advice before I make a purchase. I currently have a Velbon D7000 video tripod with a pan fluid head, and it holds my VX2100 rather nicely. It doesn't move much in wind when I've filmed on the costline here in Britain (rough wind) but now I feel that I have to get rid of it because it's rather heavy...

I've just brought a new Tamrac Expedition 7x for my kit, as my shoulder bag was getting heavy. Now though I can strap a tripod to the back of it and it will remain balanced on my back. But, the straps on the new rucksack don't really hold the tripod that well, because of its thickness.

So, what I'd like advice on is which tripod should I replace it with? Something more streamlined and lightweight, but not too light that the winds will rock it, not too thin that my camera feels too heavy for it. I'll need it to take a hammering in the years I'll own it but not feel like it'll break (not that i'll be throwing it around the countryside).

What do I use it for? Well I've started doing alot of wildlife videography but I also make short films too. I'm out with my kit alot but don't want to feel dragged down.

What would you fine people suggest? What would be right for me?

Thanks.

Russ