I bought this monopod for two reasons: weight and price. I bought it here at Revain for about $13 and it came with an APE carrying case. The monopod is so light that I don't notice it when hiking. I was concerned about the build quality given the price but I have to say I was blown away by this thing. I've dunked it in rivers, lakes, salt water, raging rapids, carried it through many thickets, put it through long rains, and it just kept going. He hit the trees and I fell on him off the rocks…