A walking staff apparatus having a tripod assembly that is releasably fastened to a main shaft. The tripod assembly may be released from the shaft to achieve a compact arrangement for transport or storage. The shaft may also be telescoping to achieve a compact size. The release joint may include a mechanism for centering the shaft and tripod assembly. A magnetic-based mechanism for releasable attachment of an article may be coupled to the shaft. The magnetic-based attachment mechanism may include an anti-rotation device to achieve secure positioning of an article releasable attached to the shaft.