Hiking Pole/Monopod: We've had several members ask about a hiking pole that be used as a monopod. Looking through a Travel smith catalog, I came across this. The online description...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

We've had several members ask about a hiking pole that be used as a monopod. Looking through a Travel smith catalog, I came across this. The online description doesn't mention the monopod feature, but if you look at the online pictures, you will see a P&S attached.

http://www.travelsmith.com/leki-sierra-anti-shock-trekking-pole/724566

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I have found the best walking pole and mount is a good monopod

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've not seen a treking pole or hiking stick that did not have a 1/4 x 20 thread on it.

Problems can come from TSA if you want to take one with you on an airplane. Under the rubber tip can be a "Concealed carbide flextip for use on ice and rock surfaces". It can be sharp enough to be deemed to have weapon potential.

Then there are "canes" that can't be disallowed. You can screw a gear shift knob, drawer pull or most anything to a "monopod" and call it a "cane". Monopods typically don't have the sharp tip and may extend a little longer.

I have one that is short enough for inside of luggage and does not have a sharp tip. It is cheap enough that I wouldn't get too mad if the TSA took it away from me. I have a wood ball I screw to it for the "cane" effect.

http://www.amazon.com/Opteka-CFM200-Inches-Section-Monopod/dp/B003TP39QA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1375292967&sr=8-3&keywords=opteka+monopod

mtclicker Loc: Montana

Hey I got mine at Wal-Mart. Works great

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Mine

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/394-photo-movie-monopod

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

JR1 wrote:

Mine

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/394-photo-movie-monopod

But could that be classified as a weapon? A Nikon D4 could probably be classified as a weapon, especially at the end of a strap. :D

donrosshill Loc: Delaware & Florida

Thank you for that Link JerryC41.
Don

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I use the trek tech hiking pole, it has a sturdy tripod leg system that actually holds a fair amount of weight. (7D w/ grip and long lens) The ballhead has a palm grip attachment for use as a walking stick.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=trek+tech&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jdubu wrote:

I use the trek tech hiking pole, it has a sturdy tripod leg system that actually holds a fair amount of weight. (7D w/ grip and long lens) The ballhead has a palm grip attachment for use as a walking stick.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=trek+tech&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

What's magnetic about it?

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

jerryc41 wrote:

What's magnetic about it?

The ball head mount has a earth magnet in the base, the quick release attachments are steel and stick to the base. There is a simple slip on safety lock to keep the two from accidentally separating. No release lever, simply release the safety and remove the camera with a quick rocking motion.

The palm grip just snaps into the ballhead.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

jdubu wrote:

The ball head mount has a earth magnet in the base, the quick release attachments are steel and stick to the base. There is a simple slip on safety lock to keep the two from accidentally separating. No release lever, simply release the safety and remove the camera with a quick rocking motion.

The palm grip just snaps into the ballhead.

Interesting. I guess it would need that safety lock.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

jerryc41 wrote:

Interesting. I guess it would need that safety lock.

With anything beyond 3 pounds or so, yes. But as a safety feature, always. Not so much a lock as a clip that surrounds where the base meets the quick release.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

JR1 wrote:

Mine

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/394-photo-movie-monopod

That one is light, cheap and has faster looking latches. Nice.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

bsprague wrote:

That one is light, cheap and has faster looking latches. Nice.

Looks good... I still like the trek mainly because it has a relatively sturdy tripod option. Serves well as an impromptu speedlight stand as well.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

jerryc41 wrote:

We've had several members ask about a hiking pole that be used as a monopod. Looking through a Travel smith catalog, I came across this. The online description doesn't mention the monopod feature, but if you look at the online pictures, you will see a P&S attached.

http://www.travelsmith.com/leki-sierra-anti-shock-trekking-pole/724566

I've used one for years and recommended them here. My only modification is replacing the walnut knob with an adapted unmarked gearshift knob. It's sturdy enough for a P&S or a bridge camera. Also available at REI.