Bino mono/bipod out of trekking poles

[elkyinzer]

I'm going on my first hunt that I expect to do a little glassing on in a couple weeks (elk, binos glassing burns for animals during downtime, not assessing trophy quality).

I am not interested in carrying a tripod or spending any more money but I got to thinking about ways to convert a trekking pole into a monopod or lashing together for a bipod (for use while sitting as it doesn't extend high enough to use standing).

I messed around last night simply resting the binos on top of the pole and it was about the same as resting on the knees but more comfortable.

Anyone have suggestions or pictures of using trekking poles as monopod/bipod? Using black diamond poles telescoping poles and Vortex Diamondback 10x42 binos.

 

[jim thorpe]

It sounds like you've already decided that you will not be spending any more money for a tripod, so you will have to make use out of what you have. You can utilize your trekking poles to stabilize your binos. Will it be ideal, my guess is not. But it will be better than nothing at all. You will only be able to use it in the sitting position as they max out at about 55" in height. You could lash them together to add a bit more stabilization but lashings can be a pain. I would suggest using pieces of an old bike inner tube and cut cross sections to make a beefy rubber bands. I use these inner tube rubber bands for a lot of things as they don't fall apart like regular cheap rubber bands. Good luck. Improvise and make due as you don't have a choice.

 

[kuhn4]

I've used one trekking pole as a monopod for glassing with binoculars while sitting. More stabil than free handing, but less stabil than a tripod. For 30 minute or less intervals I like it. Years ago Luke Moffat posted pictures of a trekking pole he drilled a vertical hole through the handle tip and threaded a bolt from the bottom up that stuck out the top maybe 1/4 of an inch, pretty much like a tripod head. As I remember, he mounted a very small spotting scope on it and also a camera for timer pics. Good Alaskan resourcefulness. You could also mount a shooting V, binocular mount, or other accessories on it.

 

[elkyinzer]

I messed around with it more last night... using about two feet of paracord and a small piece of foam in combination with the strap on the trekking pole I was able to lash them quite securely to the pole.

Furthermore, for use while standing, I discovered that just holding the trekking pole with the binos latched to it was quite a bit more steady than the binos alone.

I will look for the attachment mentioned above, that is really more what I was thinking about as a long term solution. I just couldnt figure how to get under the cap part to drill but not sure I'll have time in the next week to get it done anywawy.

 

[boom]

I'm not sure my trekking poles get long enough to use my binos while standing. Hmm.