The StickPic

 Product Review:

By John R. Ghysels, Special to Technology-Report.com

Anyone who has spent much time hiking knows that hiking poles have now become as much a staple for North American outdoors enthusiasts has they have been for Europeans for decades.  Those seeking to avoid injuries and early wear on joints use sturdy poles to ease the strain on knees, hips and backs.

For the photographer on a group hike, there is rarely time for toying with tripods and complex camera gear.  Taking self-portraits or couple-shots outdoors can be a hassle since there is rarely time to find a well positioned rock and or fiddle with a timer. 

That’s why I was impressed with this tiny device from inventor, outdoors enthusiast and fellow Sierra Club volunteer, Rod Java.  Rod developed this little wonder to take quick shots by placing a camera on the end of a hiking pole. This puts the camera far enough away for a easy shot of a single person or small group. This makes taking quick photos in front of breathtaking vistas fast and easy and helps capture those great, once in a lifetime memories. 

It’s one of those things that makes one wonder why no one ever thought of it before. 

You won’t find this device anywhere on ebay.  Rod sells a few hundred every year, mostly to Europeans who have become hip to the utility and “cool factor” of this lightweight, photo enthusiasts tool.  You’ll find it at www.thestickpic.com. 

-John Ghysels

December 1, 2008

Cameras, Outdoors, gadgets hiking, hiking poles, monopods, outdoor photography, Outdoors, photography, Sierra Club, The Stickpic, tripods