Monopod Durability?

[D Boone]

I need a monopod that can take a hike and be used as a hiking stick. I have a cheap one I just bent hiking, and I didn't think I put that much weight on it? Does anyone have any recomendations?

[gmen]

This might fit the bill...

http://www.gitzo.com/products/metric/monopods/monotrek/rightscreen.php3

A colleague of mine uses one of these and swears by it... but it is only designed for lightweight camera equipment.

For heavier kit, you might consider their conventional monopods as many of them are recommended for hiking use (the mountaineer range)...

http://www.gitzo.com/products/metric/monopods/

---- Gavin

[langelis]

Check this out. I bought one and love it.

http://www.trek-tech.com/

[rklepper]

Check out www.feisol.com

[NullMind]

Check this out. I bought one and love it.

http://www.trek-tech.com/

That looks great, what type of camera do you use with it ?

[GSH]

I've got a Benbo Trekker.

Fairly cheap but strong enough to use as a stick and takes the weight of my 20D, Grip and 100-400L with no problems :)

[D Boone]

Thanks for all the input guys... I will look into some of those.

[SkipD]

Look into the Bogen/Manfrotto 680B - a very moderately priced, reasonably short (when collapsed), decent working height (when extended), quite rugged monopod. I wouldn't hesitate to use for a walking stick.

[Mitcon]

I too have the Manfrotto/Bogen 680B and find it quite strong. I can lean on it, use it to walk with, push snakes outta my way, hit things with it and a very handy use I found for it was putting my camera on it also lol.