Once again thanks a lot for your guidance.

As Sabyasachi suggested, Gitzo monopods are much... much lighter than Manfrotto ones and ideal for trekking, and my obvious choice.

Btw, any idea about the ease of use of Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod. Review says it allows us to use with one hand and I think that will be a boon for the forests of Kerala.

Kind regards,
Dileep