The best replacement for tripod is monopod.

The best alternatives to tripod are rated as following:
★★★★★  monopod
★  handheld
★  no tripod
★  gorillapod
★  angelfire
★  shoulder rig
★  monopod better
  monopod dslr
  bipod shooting sticks
  image stabilization
  bipod
  4 section tripod
  photo tripod
  geocities
  easel
  hand held

Your alternative for tripod is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about tripod, one probably shouldn't forget about level.

Other search terms related to tripod and their ratings are:
★★★★★ level
★★★★★ dolly
★★★★ monopod
★★ pistol grip
You have in mind a companion for tripod and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of tripod in all years. Click on graph for more.
tripod
monopod
handheld