Tripod-walking stick
Apr 2, 2012 14:20:19 #
I'm an old guy (71), no longer able to hop from rock to rock as I did in my miss-spent middle age. Because I hop/walk in lava flows, I made an "elderly geologist's walker" out of a fireman's pike handle because it is fiberglass and immensely strong. It's the yellow pole with the green tape scale markings under my hand in my photo.
In the best of worlds, somebody would make a tripod having the requisite strength to serve as a walking stick, able to resist the bending that has destroyed other tripods in my life. I realize that a walking-stick tripod would neither be collapsible nor have an elevating column.
Has anybody seen anything like this?
In the best of worlds, somebody would make a tripod having the requisite strength to serve as a walking stick, able to resist the bending that has destroyed other tripods in my life. I realize that a walking-stick tripod would neither be collapsible nor have an elevating column.
Has anybody seen anything like this?
Apr 2, 2012 14:30:46 #
Apr 2, 2012 15:24:46 #
I think this might be it. I have written to them with questions about durability on lava and whether or not I can fall on it (things happen).
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 2, 2012 15:26:23 #
sounds great, but the pike handle costs around $275.00 Is that what your talking about ?
Apr 2, 2012 15:34:19 #
I have a hiking stick/monopod that is made by Komperdell. It has a removable rubber cover over the metal spike tip and the rest is made of aluminum. There is foam up near the top for a comfy grip and a cork ball at the very top that unscrews and you can attach a ball head, or camera, directly to that screw. And, it's collapsible and fully adjustable to your height.
I picked it up at REI several years ago.
I picked it up at REI several years ago.
Apr 2, 2012 15:41:17 #
Gee, when i bought my fiberglass fireman's pike handle from the local fire equipment store, it only cost $80. But, it weighs 2 kg!
Apr 2, 2012 15:48:38 #
stonecherub wrote:
Gee, when i bought my fiberglass fireman's pike handle from the local fire equipment store, it only cost $80. But, it weighs 2 kg!
I jsut use my MONOPOD (carbon fiber) with the ball head on it. Just hold on the foam wrap just below the head, and it works fine. I guess it would be nice to have a spike on the bottom, but still very handy.
Apr 2, 2012 16:47:49 #
I use my monopod. Like you I am not so spry anymore and need all the help I can get
Apr 3, 2012 06:55:15 #
Try REI Hiker Shock Light Staff = $59.50:
My hiking moniker is "Trail Trashed" so that should give you a good idea of my hiking credentials. My brother uses Meanderthal, its a family thing. What parts are left function with protest. I carry a tripod, monopod and a pair of hiking sticks (also stocked daypack & hiking boots) in my truck all the time and use them interchangeably depending on trail conditions. When serious walking support trumps camera support, as it sounds in your case, I use the hiking sticks and a small backpack for camera gear and monopod or light tripod. I hang out in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC but I've hiked lava fields in Northwest and Hawaii. Both can be difficult.
For you non-hikers reading this, hiking sticks provide great stability and support while reducing the effect of a loaded backpack by about 20%. Especially helpful for squeaky knees going downhill.
Try your local hiking shop for some of those fancy hiking sticks with pretty walnut or cork knobs on top. I have seen them with a compass and light on one stick and a tripod mount on the other. I just can't remember where. They weigh ounces instead of pounds and cost less than $200/pair for the best quality available.
Happy Trails . . .
My hiking moniker is "Trail Trashed" so that should give you a good idea of my hiking credentials. My brother uses Meanderthal, its a family thing. What parts are left function with protest. I carry a tripod, monopod and a pair of hiking sticks (also stocked daypack & hiking boots) in my truck all the time and use them interchangeably depending on trail conditions. When serious walking support trumps camera support, as it sounds in your case, I use the hiking sticks and a small backpack for camera gear and monopod or light tripod. I hang out in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC but I've hiked lava fields in Northwest and Hawaii. Both can be difficult.
For you non-hikers reading this, hiking sticks provide great stability and support while reducing the effect of a loaded backpack by about 20%. Especially helpful for squeaky knees going downhill.
Try your local hiking shop for some of those fancy hiking sticks with pretty walnut or cork knobs on top. I have seen them with a compass and light on one stick and a tripod mount on the other. I just can't remember where. They weigh ounces instead of pounds and cost less than $200/pair for the best quality available.
Happy Trails . . .
Apr 3, 2012 07:00:57 #
I have a Trekpod. The slender metal shaft between the ball head and shaft snapped one day and destroyed my 18-270 lens. I contacted the vender and they stepped right up and had the lens repaired (works great) and replaced the Trekpod. Only problem I see with it is a; it is tubular and 2 pieces so if you fall on it will probably get bent and second, the 3 legs are very short and it will not hold a DSLR camera steady like a regular tripod will.
Apr 3, 2012 07:29:44 #
I use My Giottos Monopod as a hiking stick since becomming unsteady due to an illness. I retracts nicely for storage and extends to over 5 ft. if needed as a hiking staff.
It works pretty well for me.
It works pretty well for me.
Apr 3, 2012 07:40:48 #
Edmund Dworakowski wrote:
I use My Giottos Monopod as a hiking stick since becomming unsteady due to an illness. I retracts nicely for storage and extends to over 5 ft. if needed as a hiking staff.
It works pretty well for me.
It works pretty well for me.
Great avatar!
Apr 3, 2012 07:52:23 #
stonecherub wrote:
I'm an old guy (71), no longer able to hop from rock to rock as I did in my miss-spent middle age. Because I hop/walk in lava flows, I made an "elderly geologist's walker" out of a fireman's pike handle because it is fiberglass and immensely strong.
First, let me correct one of your statements. You are not an old guy. Next week, I will be just a few years behind you, and I am not an old guy. No one who is involved in photography and walking on lava is an old guy.
Speaking of lava, I loved walking on lava on the Big Island. That is just amazing stuff - straight from the center of the earth, more or less. I'm just sorry that I live so far away from it.
Apr 3, 2012 08:16:33 #
Good to know Trekpod stepped up.
Just one more note on hiking gear or any other outdoor gear, Best quality is not always highest price. Shop carefully for this stuff. In some instances it can be the difference between disaster and good stories.
I've lost count of my tent nights, good gear lasts for years. Some of my stuff has been in service for thirty years and is still going strong.
Bargain gear will fail quickly. Any body wanna buy some slightly used flashlights?
"TrailTrashed"
Just one more note on hiking gear or any other outdoor gear, Best quality is not always highest price. Shop carefully for this stuff. In some instances it can be the difference between disaster and good stories.
I've lost count of my tent nights, good gear lasts for years. Some of my stuff has been in service for thirty years and is still going strong.
Bargain gear will fail quickly. Any body wanna buy some slightly used flashlights?
"TrailTrashed"
Apr 5, 2012 08:16:37 #
So I've ordered a Manfrotto 695cx Monopod...........can I use a normal ball head or do I need something different?
http://www.adorama.com/BG695CX.html?utm_source=ET&utm_medium=TransactionalEmail&utm_campaign=2point0Product1
http://www.adorama.com/BG695CX.html?utm_source=ET&utm_medium=TransactionalEmail&utm_campaign=2point0Product1
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