Bamboo Hiking Sticks

[grease-man]

I recently picked up 3 lengths of bamboo at Wal-Mart for $.75 down from $3. My plan is to make some hiking/walking sticks from them. They are about 4.5 feet long and two are fairly stout but not too heavy. One has some cracks in it, and I'm not so sure I will be able to use it. I have those rubber chair leg ends on the bottoms to protect them from splitting. Question is...are they just fine to use naturally, or should I sand the surface and apply a sealer/finish of some type? Also, I have enough space on the open nodes, about 5 or 6 inches, I was thinking about putting some fish hooks, some line and a small knife in there. Any other ideas for small stuff that might be useful? Thanks. -Matt-

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I had one when I was a kid that I used for a long time. It lasted for quite a while without any treatments. I'm far from being in any place to give advice on such subjects, though.

I think that some hooks and line, razors, chlorine tabs, everything-proof matches and some fatwood or PJ cotton would be good things to stash.

 

[m_calingo]

Question is...are they just fine to use naturally, or should I sand the surface and apply a sealer/finish of some type?

Bamboo is so cheap I don't think it's worth the time and trouble to sand and finish the surface, IMO.

If it starts looking bad, just replace it with another stick.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Depending on where the cracks are and how extensive, you might wrap that area tightly with duck tape and then with paracord. This will give you some paracord just in case. Paracord also makes a good handle at the upper end, and you can leave some loose as a loop to hang the stick by.

I don't think you need to finish the bamboo itself, but it might be a nice exercise, good practice for other sticks later.

 

[hollowdweller]

I'd just use them till they wear out. But of course I have a patch of bamboo.

The most important thing is to rig up the wrist loops. You don't grip hiking sticks, or only slightly. you want loops to where your wrists can lay on them and take the weight off of your arms, but you don't have to grip them.:thumbup:

 

[grease-man]

Thanks for the great advice so far guys! That migraine I had last night must have messed with my head more that I thought, I forgot all about the fire making end of it! Based upon what I've seen here so far, I'll just leave the bamboo au-natural- and concentrate more on the wrist loops (gotta get some paracord) and what can fit inside. Still open to any other ideas! Thanks again. -Matt-

 

[IUKE12]

I have one that is going on hiking season # 3, left it unfinished. The rubber chair tip lasted 2 seasons before wearing through on the bottom, easily and cheaply replaced since they come in a 4 pack. I did the usual para cord wrap thing for a grip and stuffed some fire making supplies down in the hollow section at the top. They make great hiking staffs for a few bucks investment.