We finally decided to get the Wingard this spring and realized it was something we should have done years ago. Tripod wasn't really that big of a pain as long as you were going to be staying put for at least a few days but gets tiring if traveling. We will still carry the tripod in case we end up in a situation where tree cover necessitates setup. Did have to lower it during the big winds in Lethbridge in April but that was only a few hours. Bought ours in Quartsite and with the dollar in late March it was slightly less than we would have paid at home. With todays exchange I would imagine it would be a less money to do it in Canada.