I've got an 8-foot ladder in the photography studio I operate, and while the thing is indispensable for the grip & lighting guys, it's a pain in the neck to store. Not to mention for shoots where the crew needs to shoot against multiple walls, the hard-to-miss ladder always seems to be in the way. Sure it folds flat, but it's still 8 feet long, and I'm getting sick of finding creative ways to hide it.

The Xtend & Climb ladder seems to be a neat alternative, as it stretches from 2 1/2 feet in storage to 12 1/2 feet in height.

It's made from aircraft aluminum with steel connectors and it needn't be unfurled all the way to be used; just "pop" up as many steps as you need into their locking positions. I'm thinking about picking one up, and if I do, an in-depth review will follow.