Hiking Sticks?

Whiskey River

Whiskey River

Joined
Sep 13, 2007
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I'm curious how many people who do a lot of hiking, actually use hiking sticks? If you use them, do you use a single long stick or the two ski pole type hiking sticks?

I haven't used one before but I guess on a long hike in the hills it could be nice.
 
I usually just set out hiking and pick up a branch I like. When i take breaks I tend to carve it some. Its just something I find more enjoyable. Plus if I get tired of carrying it I can just put it back in the woods.
 
The trekking poles take some getting used to... I had a nice 60 dollar pair from mountainsmith and blew them out. I figured if a pair that expensive from one of my most favorite companies aren't going to last, then it's probably not a good permanent solution. Still on the hunt for that perfect limb though...
 
I have used a single stick on some very steep climbs carrying a heavy pack, but generally i dont use either sticks or poles.
 
I need a cane now anyway, but before, I used to like a four or five foot staff in the woods. Not just for load-bearing, but to push branches and thorns out of the way, and tap ahead of me in the tall grass for snakes and such. I found it helped for balance on loose ground, too, like gravel or sand.
 
I use a single pole or stick. It really helps when climbing or descending or hopping over obstacles.
 
PorcupineMtns66 said:
I use a single pole or stick. It really helps when climbing or descending or hopping over obstacles.
Click to expand...

I would add that it helps crossing smaller streams too along with serving as an "early warning device" or probe if you are moving through an area with dense, low cover. I have the hiking poles, but haven't used them much. I have a wax-wood staff that I put a nice pointed ferrule on...it will definitely serve as a defensive tool as well:thumbup:

ROCK6
 
depends on duration of the hike and terrain. but typically use at least one of the modern hiking poles. steeper terrain esp with loose bits, i tend to want both.
being somewhat of a romantic(or curmudgeon as many of my friends would say...)the numerous old wood staffs ive made over the yrs appeal more. but have found them less useful in reality on long and/or multiple day hikes. the new ones are lighter usually and telescope. easy to hang off yr pack outta the way when yr not needing/using them. have had a cupla prs used for yrs now without failure.
 
I usually hike with a single staff or trekking/ski pole.


Not only does it help with balance and shock load on the leg joints,

...it's my most used tool on the trail. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:

I use it for clearing debris and cob-webs from the trail, as well as smashing the low hanging dead branches of the hemlocks that prevail in the areas I tend wushwhack, as well as a probe, a lever, and when needed a defensive weapon.


Staff in use in slippery conditions:




Detail shot of one of my staffs (hop-hornbeam) along with a few other tools:







Big Mike
 
For big load backpacking I rely on my trekking poles. The pair save my knees when descending and do everything my single pole can do except give a solid thump to a potential threat on the trail. I love them and have the same Eastern Mountain Sports pair that I got over a decade ago.
 
I have telescoping poles (an inexpensive pair) and like them with the pointed metal tips when it is icy.

For dry weather, I like a walking stick about the length that a cane would be. Its good on ascents and decsending rocky terrain.

Never liked the longer staff type sticks.

I would say it is a "personal preference" type of thing.

Peter
 
I make a lot of short day hikes with my dog around here and usually carry a walking stick. I have a couple that I have made. One is cedar and the other I do not know what. Both are a little better than hip high and are very useful imho.
Jim
 
i have two walking sticks, one medium size and 1 that is quite large. both are driftwood sticks.. they are extremely strong and weathered so they will not rot in my lifetime. smooth them out a bit and you have a great stick for cheap. well free in my case
 
I only use a Crawford Survival Staff and it was my constant companion from when I broke my legs, in the wheelchair until I could walk well enough after my last surgery. I still use it when we go for our hikes around the city and on vacations, especially if I am carrying our son. Here is a recent pic (sorry about having the gut out there to look at all;))
 

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+1 for trekking poles.

They add balance / traction in all types of terrain.

They keep blood from pooling in your hands.

They give you something to do to take your mind off the hike I.e. Where should I put my next pole.

They are great for leaning against while taking a standing break on an incline.

-Stan
 
I used to use a single hiking staff. But, I didn't realize how much it helped until after messed up my knee at the beginning of my last backpacking trip. I messed up my left knee to the point I could barely walk, so I started walking with my hiking staff in my left hand instead of my right, and I was able to finish two more days of hiking with a 35lb. pack.

After that experience, I'm giving the double ski pole sticks a try. I also noticed that on just about all previous backpacking trips, my left knee and hip always hurt a bit more. If a stick is saving my knees and hips that much, then why not save both instead of just the right side?
 
I use a walking stick...started using them in the boy scouts. I never hike with out one; theres so many things a stick can help you with. I use one made out of hickory with para cord wrap for a handle. I have a wistle on it, hanging from a peice of para cord.
 
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I use shock absorbing Komperdells when hiking with a load--either a full pack or a child carrier. They take a lot of load/stress off your knees. And they give you greater stability because you have more points of contact with the ground. That's particularly important with a little one on your back.

LHSolo07.jpg
 
Yes, I use a hiking stick. I used to just find one along the way of my hikes, but sometimes I just never found a good one. So I purchased one, and take it with me always. Comes in handy moving brush/ivy out of the way, extra support and stability. Protection should you need it.

newwpic.jpg
 
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