In my opinion, the perfect pleinair set-up.
When I was in the south of France this past summer (really, this workshop is amazing, "Art in Provence with Jill Steinhaus) all of the supplies were provided and then our paintings were shipped home for us. Jill was using a "soltek" easel, and I loved it so much I went online to buy one. I nearly threw up when I saw the price. But...having gotten to test it out for 7 days straight, I bought the Soltek 2.0 anyway, ordering it online. I have not regretted it. I've tried various plein air easels over the years, En Plein Air Pro, Julian half- and full-box french easels, and others. They were fine. This is more than fine. It is lightweight, sturdy, well-engineered, and can be used on just about any type of terrain. Seriously. I've stood in a rising tide and painted on this thing (see below). I think I now have the perfect, utterly perfect plein air setup. I got a Patagonia roll-top backpack to accomodate the length of the tripod portion for half price because...