I have used this as both a walking stick and a camera monopod. too heavy to load. The telescopic locks are not strong enough to load my full weight of 200+ pounds as too much weight will cause them to collapse. But as a stabilizer on hiking trails it's serviceable and with my aching knees I find it serviceable despite this shortcoming. Otherwise it feels well made and is in every way more stable than I expected for the price. As a monopod it works. The bottom has a pointed metal tip with a retractable "rubber bumper" that extends beyond the metal tip when you unscrew the threaded mount. For outdoor use, I screw in the rubber buffer and expose the metal tip. For indoor use, I unscrew the rubber bumper and it protects the floor surfaces while providing a stable grip on the floor. large enough for most situations, although at 5ft 7in fully extended it is a little short for use in a standing crowd. Folds up to 22 inches and comes with a carrying case.