Hiking Stick GPS Mount

Sick of losing lock on satellites when hiking? Don't want to walk around like an idiot with a GPS in your hand? Spouse telling you to keep up on the trail while your nose is buried in your GPS? This Instructable will tell you how to make a simple, cheap and durable GPS mount for your hiking stick. Mounting it to your hiking stick will keep the receiver oriented to the sky and will not cause you to lose lock during a hike. It is also easy to see the screen on the pole for quick mileage checks.

Step 1 Bill of Materials

1 Small Piece of Plexiglas
1 3"-4" 90 Angle Bracket
2 1/4" x 20 Machine Screws
2 Lock Washers
2 1/4" x 20 Wing Nuts
About a foot of tent pole shock cord
Stickyback Velcro the size of your GPS (industrial is best)
Not Pictured: 2 Zipties

Tools:
1 Black Dry Erase Marker
Cutting Tool such as Dremel or Hot Knife
Drill
1/4" Metal Drilling Bit
Scissors
Optional: Removable Thread Lock

Comments

[botronics]

I would be concerned about the shock that is transferred to the GPS at every step.

[3leftturns]

I would imagine the shock is about as much as it gets dangling off my neck. Most 'backpacking' grade GPS are durable enough to withstand the shock and environmental variables that are inherent in hiking. Many GPS receivers (as mine) have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that certifies them against, water, dust, dropping, and shock. I've had the mount since summer and I haven't had any problems with the GPS.

Check out more info on IP ratings: http://www.aquatext.com/tables/ip_ratings.htm

[3leftturns]

Thanks! I got the idea when my wife kept telling me to keep up, because I had my nose to the GPS...

For about 9 feet of accuracy, $100 - $200 isn' t too bad. Where I work we sell units that are accurate to the size of a dime.... they cost about 50k though.

You can usually find deals in the want ads for units that are older... they still should work.

[porcupinemamma]

this is amazing! Very creative. i wish GPS's weren't so darn expensive!!!