No need to debate thing doesn't need to debate.  In general tripod is
better than monopod (especially for potraid and landscape etc.), when
monopod is better than tripod for portable, light weigh, quick setup which
often good for sport, or place you have no room for tripod.  Some monopod
can be used as hiking stick

    And there are several types of tripods, some can be very lightweight
(Carbon fiber) and the price range can be from $20 to $200-400 just the
tripod alone without head (weigh around 4-6lbs).

    Same with nomopod there are several different types, some is
strong/weaker, heavier/lighter, cheaper/expensive.

    I am a little too old for hiking but when I walk around some local park,
zoo etc. then I carry a very light monopod, when I photograph some event
that don't even have room for regular monopod then I even use a super
lightweight monopod that is too light to hold my camera (I use a special
technique for this).  And when I do macro photography (rarely) then I will
drag the heavy tripod along.

    And for hiking I would go for monopod to be used as hiking stick and
photography.

Check out these hiking staffs/monopods:
<http://houseofcanes.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10_20&pro
ducts_id=51>
or
<http://tinyurl.com/3wk5cs>

"Tracks brand Travel lightweight aluminum staff. Weighs 18oz. Adjusts in
length from 44.5in to 57.5in. Comes with walnut knob, universal camera
mount, rubber tip unscrews to reveal a 1.25in in. long SPIKE, staff
unscrews in half for easy storage and comes with it's own carry case.
Storage length 24in."

<http://houseofcanes.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=10_11&pro
ducts_id=308>
or
<http://tinyurl.com/3kyog4>

"Celebrate America's Wildlife with one of these hiking staffs made of
American Hickory and topped off with a beautiful reproduction of a
woodland animal. Converts into a mono pod for use with your camera.
Lengths to 56". Comes with one rubber tip and one extra and it's own
leather strap."

I haven't used one of the monopods but I have several canes & hiking
sticks from them and have been very happy with them.

--k

I use the Manfrotto 694.  It is carbon fibre & magnesium.and weighs 0.58 kg.
I also use the 234RC head which has a tilt and a quick release.  The quick
release is great, one second and the camera is on the monopod.