The TrekPod has arrived!

[480sparky41 41]

Was looking for a way to utilize a pair of trek poles for use as a tripod while out in the boonies. Came up with this contraption for about half an hours' work. I call it the TrekPod.

Parts needed: A small piece of 1/2-thick wood, a 1/4x20 machine bolt and nut, a short piece of paracord, a 1/2" unibit and a small ballhead.

I drilled two holes into the wood with the unibit at an angle in two directions. This will allow the trek poles to spread out just like tripod legs.

I then drilled a 1/4" though the board for the machine bolt, taking a 1/2" bit to back-drill the 'top' of the TrekPod so the nut will recess flush with the board.

Then a little sanding, and install the ballhead.

The principle of this design is to use the two adjustable trek poles I have as two legs of a tripod. The third 'leg' is a piece of scrap paracord, securely anchored to something.

With this method, I can use the paracord,

and tie off to anything solid or steady.

Makes for a very stable platform for my P7100, which is my camera of choice when weight is an issue.

If there's something solid enough handy, and the camera can lean against it instead, there's no need for the paracord.

If need be, the entire setup can be 'freestanding', using a log, rock or similar weight.

And as a bonus, the TrekPod alone can be useful even without the trek poles and paracord!

 

[JonA_CT]

Looks like a beautiful solution! Can't wait to see in action photos.

 

[table1349]

Cool DIY. It looks good. Can't wait to hear how it works when you try it out. One question, what do you do if you are here?

 

[Ysarex87 81]

Want a reference to my patent lawyer?

Joe

 

[KmH]

Let us know how it works when the wind blows harder than about 10 mph.

But they say "necessity is the mother of invention".

 

[tirediron]

Let us know how it works when the wind blows harder than about 10 mph.

But they say "necessity is the mother of invention".

Way to be supportive there, Keith!

 

[table1349]

Let us know how it works when the wind blows harder than about 10 mph.

But they say "necessity is the mother of invention".

Well DUHHHH! Find a bigger tree.

 

[480sparky41 41]

Cool DIY. It looks good. Can't wait to hear how it works when you try it out. One question, what do you do if you are here?

What... there's no rocks there?

Actually, if I were there, I'd at least have a hydration pack.

 

[spiralout462]

Cool DIY. It looks good. Can't wait to hear how it works when you try it out. One question, what do you do if you are here?

What... there's no rocks there?

Actually, if I were there, I'd at least have a hydration pack.

In addition, you could always use yourself as the "third leg".

 

[Watchful]

I was wondering about the effects of wind as well. I have used tree mounts in gusts to 60 mph with good results and they make some lightweight ones too.
Interesting solution you came up with.

 

[480sparky41 41]

Well, here it is in some 20-30 MPH gusts: