There is an unavoidable trade-off: in general, a sturdier tripod is heavier, while a lighter tripod is easier to carry but usually less stable. Adding a low budget creates a third constraint, so you usually have to choose which two matter most.

For hiking, carbon fibre is the best way to get low weight and good stiffness, but it typically costs far more than your budget. At $100–$150, most options will involve compromise, and very light tripods in that range may feel flimsy in wind.

A practical approach is to prioritize a solid set of legs and accept a bit more weight. One community recommendation was the Manfrotto 055XPROB, noted as durable and reasonably stable, with the option to hang weight from it for extra steadiness. It may stretch the budget, but the idea is sound: buying a better tripod once can be better than repeatedly replacing cheap ones.

So, in your price range, look for the best-built tripod you can comfortably carry, and don’t expect maximum lightness, maximum stability, and low cost all at once.