Have you ever tried to construct something along the trail to get “that shot” putting your phone, GoPro, or DSLR at risk? Packpod is a device that looks like something from a camera store that fell into the rock climbing parts bin at the Outdoor Store next door….. and the offspring is kinda cool! It’s a tripod that can be laid onto or stuck into just about anything.
Shoot past the break to see if this might be your next best camera toting friend…..
Bicycle or not, we like gadgets that somehow just mesh with our cycling lifestyle, like this wood saw or this hella grocery getter. Packpod fits in this category as who doesn’t want to capture a few awesome keepsakes/evidence of their adventures when you don’t have a camera toting friend hanging around? The Packpod is claimed to be the only tripod that lets you to stake your camera of choice securely into grass, dirt, sand and snow while being completely portable. Invented by Maine-based free diving film maker Steve Underwood, Packpod was designed around the fact that technology has made cameras (and phones for that matter), smaller, lighter, tougher and more flexible, opening the door for equipment to follow the same suit. He’s made a few units that have had great results, but started a crowd funding campaign through their Kickstarter page to get manufacturing up and running. So far, they have about doubled their goal with plenty of time to spare.
The Packpod has interchangeable footings that you can choose based on what you need to anchor the tripod to or roll it across. The base as well as footings are designed to incorporate screws, zip-ties or anything for that matter giving you almost unlimited mounting options.
From Packpod:
“We’ve mounted Pakpod on just about everything: trees, fences, signposts, ceiling fans, car hoods, kayaks, rock walls, bicycles, hammocks, baby swings, sailboat masts, white water rafts and more. We’ve staked it into sand dunes, grassy fields, river bottoms and the ocean floor. In fact, we’ve stopped testing its mount ability because the options were kind of endless”
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Lightweight: 15.5 ounces
- Length when folded: 12.75”
- Waterproof and freeze-proof
- Patented, one-twist locking system
- Easily stashable in a small bag, pack or suitcase
- Legs rapidly extend and retract with the push of a button
- Legs move independently through a 180orange of motion
- Constructed from high-impact ABS plastic and stainless steel
- Rotating feet stake into grass, dirt, sand and snow
- Unparalleled level of versatility
- 36 tie-down points
The Packpod retails for $99.
