BranchMaster 5000

Hack your hike with BranchMaster 5000 – because every abandoned stick deserves a second chance.
 

This is the first functional prototype of the BranchMaster 5000, a handle that clamps onto any stick or branch roughly 20–30 mm in diameter, instantly turning it into a trail-ready hiking pole.

The idea was born last winter after I slipped on a hike and snapped my last trekking pole. That’s when I thought: “What if I could just hack a branch into a pole?” And here we are.

The goal was to create something light enough to stash as an emergency backup — either for me or for anyone who needs poles to hike comfortably.

Let’s be real: most hiking poles are just sticks with nice grips, folding bits, and a sharp end. This handle takes care of the grip part — and you supply nature’s incredible, biodegradable composite material: THE STICK.
Slide it on, tighten the thumb screw (gently — it just keeps the handle in place, not under load), and you’re good to go. Need to adjust the height? Loosen, slide, retighten. Want extra security? Carve a little notch into the stick for added grip.

👉 Two versions are provided:

• Version A for thinner straps (20 mm wide)
• Version B for thicker straps (30 mm wide)

To correctly attach and loop the strap, please refer to the example photos. You'll need approximately 70 cm of strap length.

I do plan to design a 3D-printable tip as well, but I literally used up the last bits of filament I had — and it's hard to get where I live — so please be patient with me 🥲.
Add wax to the screw for lubrication.
 

Important notes:

• Not yet trail-tested — use with caution and common sense.
• This is a work in progress. I’ll keep testing and improving it, and any feedback from the amazing MakerWorld community is more than welcome.
• If anyone wants to try this in a more rugged filament, you’ll be my absolute hero — I’ve only printed with PLA so far, so I’m kinda flying blind beyond that.

Let’s bring dignity and ergonomic handles to fallen branches everywhere.