Introduction: Trekking Pole Monopod for Small Camera/Camcorder

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About: Never odd or even.

I like taking a lot of photos while I'm hiking, but my tripod is a little to heavy for any serious hikes and my gorilla-pod style tripod takes too long to get in the right spot and isn't very stable (I should have bought a nicer one). This simple camera mount doesn't take up any space in my pack, barely adds weight to my trekking pole, folds up when not in use, isn't permanently attached, and costs very little to make.

Step 1: Obtain Parts

In addition to the trekking pole you will need...

1 2"x1/2" Mending Brace
2 1"x1/2" Corner Braces
2 Hose Clamps of appropriate size for the upper shaft of your trekking pole (smaller the better)
Some Gasket Material (I found this rubbery pipe mending stuff in my closet, but I imagine an old bicycle tire inner-tube would work well)
1 3/4" long Screw
1 3/4" long Thumb Screw
2 Lock Nuts
6 or more Nylon Washers

All Screws, Nuts and Washers are 1/4"x20 thread.

Step 2: Assemble

Before assembling inspect the corner braces. If they aren't quite 90 degree angles bend them a little so that they are pretty close.

Start by attaching the three braces as shown with the non-thumb screw, four nylon washers, and a lock nut. Don't tighten the lock nut all the way down. Leave it loose enough that you can rotate the mending brace, but tight enough that it will stay where you put it.

Next, attach the thumb screw to the other hole of the mending brace with the other lock nut and at least one washer on either side of the brace. Orient the screw so it is facing the opposite direction of the first screw, unlike in the photo (so that the first screw doesn't get in the way of the camera). Tighten similarly.

Step 3: Mount

Cut two pieces (or one big piece) of your gasket stuff long enough to fit around your trekking pole and wide enough for one (or both) flanges of the mount. Hold them in place against the pole with tape if necessary. Then cut out two more pieces to go over the flanges.

Next, slide a hose clamp all the way up to the handle, then place the mount against the gasket stuff so that the mount is sticking out on the left (right if you're left handed) side of the handle (from a 1st person perspective), place one of the gasket pieces over the top flange, slide the hose clamp over it, and tighten just enough to get it to stay. Repeat for the lower half and adjust until the mount is in the right spot. Now tighten the hose clamps the rest of the way, but not so tight that you risk denting your trekking pole.

Mount your camera, loosen/tighten the lock nuts to taste, and you're done!

Step 4: Use

Hike around with the brace folded in, then unfold, screw your camera onto it and start taking pictures. Use as you would any other monopod, or you can drive the end of the pole into the ground and leave it freestanding for self-timer pictures. You could also hold it by the other end and use it as a sort of boom (pictures/video from above).

Admittedly this project isn't perfect compared to a real monopod. The mount is slightly wobbly when taking photos one-handed and there is no mechanism for tilt or pan. Still, my pictures are remarkably crisper using the monopod with both hands vs. freehand, especially with longer exposures. Also, since my camera is very light, I can drive the pole into the ground at slight angles if necessary.

Anyhoo, I hope you've enjoyed my first instructable. Happy shooting!