Guest zormsk Posted November 28, 2001 Share Posted November 28, 2001 I thought maybe others might like to see this photo I took of a home-made GPS mounting system that a couple of guys compiling data for a guidebook were using. I met them while hiking in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas just before Thanksgiving. They had an E-Trex mounted to a telescoping hiking pole using a motorcycle mount, presumably purchased at a motorcycle shop. I tried out their poles and found that it wasn't at all awkward! The mount was designed to withstand heavy vertical shocks on bikes, so stabbing a pole into the ground apparently had no adverse effect. I would think something like this might have some utility to Geocachers. Does anyone have any other creative ways to mount GPS units for use while hiking? [This message has been edited by zormsk (edited 28 November 2001).] Quote Link to comment
Guest ClayJar Posted November 28, 2001 Share Posted November 28, 2001 Does that look like a RAM mount to anyone else? Quote Link to comment
Guest Alan2 Posted November 28, 2001 Share Posted November 28, 2001 What a great idea those guys have. I just got a hiking pole and already have the mounting bracket shown in your picture only with the suction cup that I use when mounting to my car's windshield. I'm going to get the u-bolt handlebar attachment shown and try it out. This stuff is sold by GPScity for Garmin , Megellan, etc. equipment. http://www.gpscity.com/accessories/rammounts/rammounts.html By the way my suction cup is great in the car especially with the cigarette lighter/laptop computer cable attached. With the cable, you can't just wedge the Vista between the windshield and dash as when you're just using batteries. Even without the cable, the suction bracket is a great and quick mounting system. quote:Originally posted by zormsk:I thought maybe others might like to see this photo I took of a home-made GPS mounting system that a couple of guys compiling data for a guidebook were using. I met them while hiking in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas just before Thanksgiving. They had an E-Trex mounted to a telescoping hiking pole using a motorcycle mount, presumably purchased at a motorcycle shop. I tried out their poles and found that it wasn't at all awkward! The mount was designed to withstand heavy vertical shocks on bikes, so stabbing a pole into the ground apparently had no adverse effect. I would think something like this might have some utility to Geocachers. Does anyone have any other creative ways to mount GPS units for use while hiking? [This message has been edited by zormsk (edited 28 November 2001).] Quote Link to comment
Guest Alan2 Posted November 28, 2001 Share Posted November 28, 2001 and found that it wasn't at all awkward! The mount was designed to withstand heavy vertical shocks on bikes, so stabbing a pole into the ground apparently had no adverse effect. I would think something like this might have some utility to Geocachers. Does anyone have any other creative ways to mount GPS units for use while hiking? [This message has been edited by zormsk (edited 28 November 2001).] Quote Link to comment
Guest Hamster Posted November 28, 2001 Share Posted November 28, 2001 Brilliant! I really like that setup! Quote Link to comment
Guest Olar Posted November 29, 2001 Share Posted November 29, 2001 I don't think this is very original however it really works well and keeps my hands free for walking stick, compass, water bottle, camera, binoculars, etc. Its a little dark to see but the carry case hangs from my backpack strap with a biner and is loosely strapped at bottom to keep it from swinging around too much. I put a piece of foam rubber inside the bottom so it would not drop all the way in and to keep the antenna exposed. Works great with my GPS V particularly with the swivel antenna so it is completely vertical and keeps a good satellite lock. I had good results with my Mag315 also. Quote Link to comment
Guest Olar Posted November 29, 2001 Share Posted November 29, 2001 , camera, binoculars, etc. Its a little dark to see but the carry case hangs from my backpack strap with a biner and is loosely strapped at bottom to keep it from swinging around too much. I put a piece of foam rubber inside the bottom so it would not drop all the way in and to keep the antenna exposed. Works great with my GPS V particularly with the swivel antenna so it is completely vertical and keeps a good satellite lock. I had good results with my Mag315 also. Quote Link to comment
Guest blackjak Posted December 6, 2001 Share Posted December 6, 2001 Ok, I got sucked in. I already had the RAM mount pictured above, all I needed was the ubolt and the ski pole. I went to my local ski shop and bought a pair of the cheapest poles they had for 20 bucks. They only sold in pairs, but at least I have an extra one now. (I kinda like the brand name on the ski pole, it says "cyber HEAD") I then purchased the Ubolt for 14 bucks, had it installed in seconds. Very nice! The real nice thing about it is it keeps the GPS horizontal, which is better recep for the patch antennas. Thanks for the idea! Quote Link to comment
Guest Betty Posted December 6, 2001 Share Posted December 6, 2001 I bought a single ski pole for a buck at the local Goodwill. They wanted another buck for its mate, but it was bent. I'll probably go back and get it sometime. Quote Link to comment
Guest ESFKids Posted March 5, 2002 Share Posted March 5, 2002 Inspiring! My Teammate and I saw this and thought it was a great Idea. We purchased a pair (one for each of us) of Black Diamond Access Trekking Poles. They were the most affordabe, collapsable, trekking poles. We got them here : http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/poles/trekking-poles.html if anyone is interested. I am mounting my Garmin GPS76 to it and my partner will be mounting his Garmin ETrex both using R.A.M mounts. Thanks a lot for this posting! we thi nk it is a great idea especially for the longer hikes.. which come this spring we will be taking! Keep up the caching!!! ESFKids Dave & Andrew-KC2HUX Quote Link to comment
Guest crusso Posted March 5, 2002 Share Posted March 5, 2002 I made a walking stick from PVC tubing w/a joint in the middle so I could break it down for travel. The whole thing cost less then $10. I have a cork knob/strap on top which unscrews for a camera mount. The stick is hollow so I store spare AAs in it. Quote Link to comment
Guest madphatboy2 Posted March 5, 2002 Share Posted March 5, 2002 quote:Originally posted by crusso:I made a walking stick from PVC tubing w/a joint in the middle so I could break it down for travel. The whole thing cost less then $10. I have a cork knob/strap on top which unscrews for a camera mount. The stick is hollow so I store spare AAs in it. PVC tubing? Am I missing something here? I thought it was flexible, and from my experience isn't all that strong. What did you do so that it will withstand alot of shock? (Did the batteries help stiffen it up? ) ------------------ MPB2 I wander from here to there looking for. . .my mind? And then I find it in the cache. Quote Link to comment
Guest madphatboy2 Posted March 5, 2002 Share Posted March 5, 2002 quote:Originally posted by crusso:I made a walking stick from PVC tubing w/a joint in the middle so I could break it down for travel. The whole thing cost less then $10. I have a cork knob/strap on top which unscrews for a camera mount. The stick is hollow so I store spare AAs in it. PVC tubing? Am I missing something here? I thought it was flexible, and from my experience isn't all that strong. What did you do so that it will withstand alot of shock? (Did the batteries help stiffen it up? ) ------------------ MPB2 I wander from here to there looking for. . .my mind? And then I find it in the cache. Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted March 30, 2002 Share Posted March 30, 2002 Best walking stick I've ever seen or used was a sheepherders staff. With the classic hook on the end. Quote Link to comment
markusby Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. Quote Link to comment
markusby Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. Quote Link to comment
+Crusso Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 quote:Originally posted by madphatboy2: Originally posted by crusso: _I made a walking stick from PVC tubing w/a joint in the middle so I could break it down for travel. The whole thing cost less then $10. I have a cork knob/strap on top which unscrews for a camera mount. The stick is hollow so I store spare AAs in it. PVC tubing? Am I missing something here? I thought it was flexible, and from my experience isn't all that strong. What did you do so that it will withstand alot of shock? (Did the batteries help stiffen it up? ) . That was my first thought, but the fact that I put a break/joint in the middle stiffened it as well as the fact that a 5-6' length is not that flexible. I am a big guy & find that the flexibility is a big help, sort of like the shock absorbing feature of some expensive walking sticks. If it's too flexible you could put in the spare batteries, they make it almost rigid (thinking of doing simple wiring to turn the stick into a flashlight!), or even a section of unthreaded rod (or dowel for weight savings)from the hardware store. I also found that EMS stores sell the cork knob /compass w/strap for only a dollar or 2 on closeout. Quote Link to comment
+Crusso Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 quote:Originally posted by madphatboy2: Originally posted by crusso: _I made a walking stick from PVC tubing w/a joint in the middle so I could break it down for travel. The whole thing cost less then $10. I have a cork knob/strap on top which unscrews for a camera mount. The stick is hollow so I store spare AAs in it. PVC tubing? Am I missing something here? I thought it was flexible, and from my experience isn't all that strong. What did you do so that it will withstand alot of shock? (Did the batteries help stiffen it up? ) . That was my first thought, but the fact that I put a break/joint in the middle stiffened it as well as the fact that a 5-6' length is not that flexible. I am a big guy & find that the flexibility is a big help, sort of like the shock absorbing feature of some expensive walking sticks. If it's too flexible you could put in the spare batteries, they make it almost rigid (thinking of doing simple wiring to turn the stick into a flashlight!), or even a section of unthreaded rod (or dowel for weight savings)from the hardware store. I also found that EMS stores sell the cork knob /compass w/strap for only a dollar or 2 on closeout. Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 quote:Originally posted by markusby: Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. Well, I guess in west Palm Beach where you live there aren't too many hills. But if you were to hike steep hills, the stick helps stabilize you. Also it's great for poking around the bushes where ticks, snakes, and other critters might be lurking. The mounting arrangement shown above with the GPS on the stick works pretty good too. Alan Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted April 10, 2002 Share Posted April 10, 2002 quote:Originally posted by markusby: Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. Well, I guess in west Palm Beach where you live there aren't too many hills. But if you were to hike steep hills, the stick helps stabilize you. Also it's great for poking around the bushes where ticks, snakes, and other critters might be lurking. The mounting arrangement shown above with the GPS on the stick works pretty good too. Alan Quote Link to comment
Tzan Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 quote:Originally posted by markusby:Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. 11 Oz, isn't very much so weight isn't an issue. Hiking sticks help you stay upright as you walk, so it helps your back and your feet. If you're carrying lots of weight (gear/water/etc..) for a long hike, it really helps. The anti shock ones are great if you're going downhill, and the ones you can turn off are great for going up hill so you don't lose energy. In regards to the above setup, doesn't the extra weight on the stick throw the walking stick off balance, so the tip is farther behind the handle when it lands? Quote Link to comment
+Alan2 Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 Yes. I stopped using the setup because of that. Alan Quote Link to comment
+jonboy Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 I attach my external antenna to the bottom section of a collapsible hiking pole, stick a paint can lid with a hole over the tip and duct tape it to the snow basket, the resulting metal platform greatly enhances performance. I then stick the section of pole inside my pack and keep the GPS safely stowed in my pouch. I also use a break awy connection that will pull out if my cable gets snagged, protecting the connector plug on the GPS. Quote Link to comment
+Dread Pirate Roberts' Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 quote:Originally posted by markusby:Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. Why carry a walking stick I won't leave home without mine! Quote Link to comment
shrekTBA Posted March 5, 2003 Share Posted March 5, 2003 it may just be the amount of time i have been awake (almost 30 hours) but the first thing that popped into my mind was Viagra and a handle bar mount for an etrex. No extra weight and self colapsing, as well as muti-purpose. It's not a sport unless there is something dead in the back of the truck when you get home. Quote Link to comment
+evergreenhiker! Posted March 7, 2003 Share Posted March 7, 2003 quote:Originally posted by markusby:Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. My hickory hiking stick is my friend....I've hiked several hundred miles with it. It's kept the pressure off my knees and helped me cross streams...saved me from many a mishap. It also serves as a deterence should a mountain lion appear. I find that I will cruise down trails on way back if using the stick...it acts like a third leg and thus extra balance. Point in case...few years ago, I took a friend hiking up the legendary Mailbox Peak...3.25 miles one way and 4100 feet elevation gain!!!! It took him 2.5 hours from summit to my old truck. It took me 1.3 hours so you can see that hiking time can be shaved down. Check out my website, http://www.evergreenhiker.net in the north bend hiking section. Quote Link to comment
+phantom4099 Posted March 10, 2003 Share Posted March 10, 2003 Does this affect the odometer reading on the GPSr? I am thinking that your more apt to swing your arms so it will appear that you went further than you actually did. I suppose this would be the same as if you held it in your hands, and let your hands swing back and forth. Wyatt W. The probability of someone watching you is directly proportional to the stupidity of your actions. Quote Link to comment
+The Good Shag Posted April 6, 2003 Share Posted April 6, 2003 Another use for a stick is that it is great for checking for wobbly stepping stones when crossing a stream. It has saved me from a soaking on many occaisions. TGS Quote Link to comment
+Greenjeens Posted April 7, 2003 Share Posted April 7, 2003 quote:Originally posted by zormsk:I thought maybe others might like to see this photo I took of a home-made GPS mounting system... I tried out their poles and found that it wasn't at all awkward! The mount was designed to withstand heavy vertical shocks on bikes, so stabbing a pole into the ground apparently had no adverse effect. I would think something like this might have some utility to Geocachers. Does anyone have any other creative ways to mount GPS units for use while hiking? That's funny, doesn't look very practical for how I use my trekking poles. Many dual pole trekers stow the poles for flat walking and only use them uphill and downhill and in very rough terrain. I use 2 Leki Positive angle TI trekking poles and have a pouch attached to my shoulder strap for the GPS. If a better signal is required, I clip an amplified antenna to my hat brim. The Leki "Postive Angle" trekking poles are highly reccommeded. The ergonomics of the cambered hand grip is much better than straight poles. A single pole or ill fitting wood pole throws the gait off. Not to mention the lack of a strap, which is designed to take much of the weight, allowing the hand to unclench and relax... but to each their own. I love to climb mountains and hills with these things, 'cause it feels like I'm cheating...using arms. It also feels like the whole body gets into walking and gets a work out, in a balanced way. The main drawback is, where to stow them and having 2 hands full, though the wrist strap allows other objects to be grasped. Orginally had this scary knee problem, especially going downhill with a pack. The shock absobers really help take the strain off a potential knee blow out. On descents, I really smack the poles down hard, just before the opposite foot strikes. I'm always dropping the trekking poles, shoving them in a small pocket for the "flats" or having them fall over, which makes the mounting in the photo look impractical. How to use a Trekking Pole http://www.trekpoles.com/howtouse.htm ---------- Greenjeens "There's no need to be afraid of strange noises in the night. Anything that intends you harm... will stalk you silently." [This message was edited by Greenjeens on April 07, 2003 at 12:17 AM.] Quote Link to comment
+Greenjeens Posted April 7, 2003 Share Posted April 7, 2003 quote:Originally posted by markusby:Forgive me... I;ve done a LOT of hiking with a LOT of gear... but what is the purpose of a hiking stick? Seems like extra weight to me, but then again, I've never used one so I can't make an educated decision. Enlighten me, oh walking stick persons. My buddy, an old backpacker, had to have a complete knee replacement. Let him try a pair of Leki (Pos Angle) trekking poles and he walked with a near normal gait and says he feels much more confident. Using a traditional cane, he has a bad limp and walked very slowly. I would reccomend using TWO trekking poles to anyone with knee problems. Check with a doctor first. My buddies doctor had never heard of trekking poles and has since started reccommending them to other knee surgery patients:-) Using trekking poles can also get one over the stigma of being noticably crippled walking with a cane. Using poles evens the gait and restores confidence. I like the extra uphill arm boost, and downhill stability from trekking poles, even without major knee problems. Might even be delaying some knee wear and tear. Also makes a nasty stabbing weapon, with that sharp hardened carbide tip! ---------- Greenjeens "There's no need to be afraid of strange noises in the night. Anything that intends you harm... will stalk you silently." Quote Link to comment
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