It's actually way more comfortable/convenient to have the space between the legs while closed. I hike into stands with the rifle clipped in and over my shoulder. Makes for a nice handle. The tfct closed that gap.
Weight is noticeable to pick them up, it is less than a pound. The weight doesn't bother me whatsoever for what I'm using it for, especially coming from a fat boy tripod. My purpose for this tripod is predator hunting- not big game
