MEET the Designer: Travis Bond

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 Travis Bond is the maker behind Take a Hike, LLC, a Baltimore-area business creating custom walking sticks, canes, campfire tools, and one-of-a-kind gifts from repurposed tap handles and other unique finds.

The idea started with a gift. Travis found a Blonde Guinness tap handle in an antique store and knew it would be perfect for a friend. Instead of handing it over as-is, he turned it into a walking stick. The gift was a hit, and when he realized there was nothing quite like it on the market, Take a Hike was born.

What began as a creative experiment has grown into a full line of handcrafted products, including walking sticks, custom canes, fire pokers, marshmallow sticks, meat flippers, golf putters, corkscrews, and wine stoppers.

For Travis, the work is more than woodworking. After long days working as a correctional officer, creating these pieces gives him a way to relax, focus, and turn raw materials into something meaningful. Every item is handmade, functional, and designed to feel like it belongs to the person receiving it.

Take a Hike pieces make great gifts because they are not generic. They are personal, practical, and just strange enough to be unforgettable — which, frankly, is the sweet spot.

Every piece starts with a story: a tap handle, a found object, a favorite brand, a team, a hobby, or some weird little treasure that deserves a second life. 

At Take A Hike LLC, Travis transforms those pieces into handcrafted walking sticks, custom canes, fire pokers, roasting sticks, meat flippers, golf putters, wine accessories, and one-of-a-kind gifts built for use, adventure, and conversation.

Made with durable materials and plenty of personality, each product is designed to be functional, memorable, and tailored to the person who will use it. 

"Wow...the custom-made walking stick was perfect!  The rubber base keeps it from slipping when I'm using it on the trails and the beer tap handle is always a great conversation starter!  I would buy 5 more of these for my family.  The customer service was off the charts!"

--Nick Fuhrman, Associate Dean and Professor, University of Georgia

"Take A Hike met with me multiple times to go over options, design, etc.  The hiking stick they made for my husband was his favorite gift for Christmas and he loves it.  Would highly recommend."

--Katie Mumford

"I received a fabulous gift today!  It is a gorgeous custom-made cane!  I will be having a spinal fusion in a few weeks and needed something a bit more "me".  The cane is perfectly my size.  The foot handgrip is very comfortable.  It is a very well made cane!"

--Phynyx Fyre

"Met the family at Wyndridge (Farms) and really appreciated their work but didn't see anything that suited me.  They offered to send me pictures of everything they had to let me customize my gifts.  

Got two bottle openers for my uncle and father for Christmas.  Sent me pictures, let me pick, and had them ready in time for Christmas!"

--Cameron Gebhart