1. flatten (full size) tripod legs to horizontal (most common)
2. some form of ground pod / bean bag ("Platypod" or ordinary tabletop tripod with standard Arca-Swiss p0 ball head moved temporarily from the full size legs). This may be necessary in situations where it is hard to fit the flattened legs of the full-size tripod. The Platypod Max covers an area of approx. 5 x 7" - weighs 13 oz. The Platypod Ultra is 3.5 oz and covers area of approx 3 x 5", therefore, not a good choice for tele lenses, but could possibly handle a light camera with a short macro lens. Stability is related to size as well as weight - the 4 "legs" (bolts, height adjustable for length of bolt) are at the corners of the Platypod sheet of aluminum. A home-made ground pod, similar to the "Skimmer" used by bird photographers for easily movable ground pod, could also work - 1 cheap aluminum frying pan with sloping sides, a home drill and lubricating oil, a wood spacer of desired height, a 3/8" bolt of desired length.