Curious about one thing: do you usually shoot with a dedicated L-bracket? It's a game changer for keeping that heavy GM lens balanced over the center of gravity. Quick tip: look for a "no-center-column" design like the Sirui AM-254 Carbon Fiber Tripod paired with a Sirui K-20X Ball Head. It cuts out the vibration you get with most travel legs. Way more stable than the Peak Design setup imo!

For your situation, I’d suggest looking at setups that skip the center column entirely. After years of shooting landscapes, I’ve realized that column is basically a giant sail in the wind—highkey a safety hazard for a heavy Sony Alpha A7IV Mirrorless Digital Camera and that GM lens. You don't want your gear toppling over in the Alps, right? Here are two options I've found to be super reliable: • Feisol Tournament CT-3442 Rapid 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod: This thing is a beast for its weight (around 2.5 lbs). Since there’s no center column, the legs attach directly to the top plate, making it way more rigid than the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber someone already suggested. It’s honestly the best "safety-first" pick for hiking.
• Benro Tortoise 24C Carbon Fiber Tripod with GX30 Ball Head: This is a bit more modern and very stable. It feels really solid with a heavier setup, tho it’s a tiny bit over ur 3 lb limit with the head attached. Tbh, if ur doing long exposures in the Alps, the Feisol is probably ur best bet for stability... just dont forget to use the hook! gl!

Late to the party but honestly, for the Swiss Alps, you want something that can handle a bit of moisture and wind without vibrating like crazy. I've had great luck with the Sirui ST-124 Waterproof Carbon Fiber Tripod. It's designed specifically for mirrorless setups like your A7IV. It's got these triangular center columns that make it pack down really thin, and the leg locks are sealed so you dont have to worry about grit or snow getting in there. It's super stable for those long exposures even when it's breezy. If you want to spend a bit more for that premium feel, the Gitzo GT1545T Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod is kind of the benchmark. It's incredibly light and the carbon tubing is stiffer than most travel legs I've used, which helps with that GM II lens weight. Between the two, the Sirui is way better value and probably more rugged for hiking through dirt and snow. The Gitzo is beautiful and slightly lighter, but you're definitely paying a brand tax there. Both will hold that 24-70mm GM II steady tho.

Oh man, I feel u... I honestly had such a bad time with my first "travel" setup in the wind. I'm still kinda new to all this landscape stuff, but I've already learned that some of these light tripods are just too flimsy for a heavy Sony Alpha A7IV Mirrorless Camera and that big Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II Lens you've got. Its reallyyy frustrating when you hike all that way and the shots are blurry!! I tried the Peak Design Travel Tripod Carbon Fiber because everyone raves about it, but honestly? I was a bit disappointed. It looks cool, but when I had the legs fully out, the vibration was actually kinda scary... idk, I just didnt feel like my gear was safe. If you want something really rock-solid for your situation, I think you should look at the Leofoto LS-284C Ranger Series Carbon Fiber Tripod with LH-30 Ball Head. It doesn't have a center column, which basically means it's way more stable because there's less to wobble in the breeze. Plus, it's pretty light for hiking all day. Another one I looked at was the Sirui AM-284 Carbon Fiber Tripod. It's more affordable and felt sturdier than the "trendy" ones I've tried. Maybe check some reviews on those? I'm always worried about my camera falling over so I'd definitely suggest being cautious with the weight limits. Anyway, hope that helps and you have a great trip to Switzerland!! gl! 👍

Sooo, for your situation, I've been doing a ton of market research lately because I use the exact same setup!! The A7IV with that GM II lens is definitely front-heavy, right?? Honestly, if you want STABILITY over everything for those long exposures, you gotta look at the FLM CP30-S4 II 10-Layer Carbon Fiber Tripod. It's basically a beast. It weighs only about 2.4 lbs but handles heavy gear way better than those ultra-thin travel sticks. But if you want the classic premium feel, the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod GT1545T is amazing for hiking. It’s super compact! Only issue is the price usually hits $700, tho you might find a used one. For ur $500 budget, I'd HIGHKEY go with the FLM. It’s way more stable in the wind than the thinner designs and fits the Alps vibe perfectly. Enjoy the trip!!