I think you need a "sometimes" answer
I seldom take my large tripod but I always have my small compact one tucked in my purse (I know I should buy a camera bag someday).
I mostly use my small one for camera shake and no flash photos, the large one is used at home for portraits, fireworks, zooming, etc. I'm by no means a pro and feel very uncomfortable packing a large tripod to any type of gathering, although I have done it.
Great question
