Walking Sticks

My son uses two and his hiking buddies have converted after noticing that he was the only one with any energy when they set up camp. I use one hunting. Two and a rifle more than I can manage, but one helps me get into places I couldn't manage without the additional stability it affords me.
 
I always just chop a fresh one when I need it, but most the time I dont bother, still young and spry! When I do use one I try to find one that branches off at the base to use as a hook to help pull my self up obstacles I'd otherwise have to get my hands dirty to climb.
 
ubang2 said:
Here is one I make for my woodsloafing. It is red oak and popular laminated. I have also enjoyed making them.
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I had a laminated stick years ago that was made by a canoe paddle maker. I imagine they were able to use the edges of their paddle layups. It was strong and light. Wood sticks are warm, have the glow of a natural product, and I'll bet they have some inherent vibration damping too.
 
brians said:
Here's my Cabela's Guide stick. It's height adjustable with a little compass (used to verify real compass) and a waterproof compartment in the handle.

Also comes with a carbide end, removable snow basket, rubber end, a shooting yoke, shoulder sling and you can mount a spotting scope or camera - very versatile. Seems to be pretty rugged cause I've been using it for three years without any failures.
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Nice rig. Cabela's has 'em on sale too> I haven't seen one with a compartment inside like that. It has a small tube that screws to the bottom of the knob and then the knob threads inside the staff. Very clever.

You could make your own staff and use a piece of hose for a waterproof compartment. that makes me think about using hose or tubing for a PSK container.... hmmm.....

A bamboo pole with a crutch tip works too. I made one a while back that was about 12oz. I tied up a loop of tubular webbing for a wrist strap that wasn't half bad.
 
I like to make my own too. I prefer hickory and ironwood but I have a nice piece of cherry set aside now. I watch for good saplings when hunting and woods walking and mark them with flagging tape. Then I come back and get them in the winter.

What does everyone use to seal their stick? I normally prefer linseed oil.
 
MikeysStick.jpg

This one (above) is apricot from a neighbor's tree.
More of a cane, for my friend.

mesign.jpg

This one ,(above) 'the usual' will soon be decorated since I had so much fun doing the apricot stick. It is 'silver birch' and surprisingly strong.

stickinlay.jpg

The top of the 'hiking log' a bigger stick that goes along when there are other people or the possibility of feral dogs around. Again 'silver birch'. I did the inlay of my 'mark' with copper wire held in with epoxy and sanded smooth.

A stick or staff is just so handy. Besides steadying your walk, you can poke, knock and set up a tarp. Makes a fine hat & coat rack as well.
I need to fit a piece of copper pipe on the bottom so it doesn't continue to wear.
Walking sticks are great DIY projects :D
 
My favorite is a blackthorn. Light and extremely strong. Trekking poles are also nice.
Terry
 
I'm currently using a 6' length of bamboo. I guess the story goes that some grounds workers were cutting or trimming some bamboo down near UCLA, so my brother grabbed a stick to use as his bo staff (he must have been 8 or 9 at the time). I've recently taken to using it as a walking stick, but will probably end up with something else because it doesn't really fit in any cars, so I have to lug it around in the bed of my truck.
 
Getahl said:
I'm currently using a 6' length of bamboo. I guess the story goes that some grounds workers were cutting or trimming some bamboo down near UCLA, so my brother grabbed a stick to use as his bo staff (he must have been 8 or 9 at the time). I've recently taken to using it as a walking stick, but will probably end up with something else because it doesn't really fit in any cars, so I have to lug it around in the bed of my truck.
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I’m using bamboo too at this time. It’s strong and light; nothing fancy but it works for me.

-sh00ter
 
Crawford Survival Staff- Red with a custom steel Shepards Hook. I have been using it in its smaller form since my accident and it has definatly earned its name in the house. The hook has allowed me to access many things that would otherwise be out of my reach (either on the floor or in cupboards). The thing has allowed me to keep as much of my sanity as possible while being cooped up for the past 5 months.
It has earned its worth on numerous hikes- and came in very handy in the arctic as well.

Do any of you out there own this tool or am I the only one???
 
Saving this thread for later...I'll post pics when I get a chance tomorrow, or actually today! It's already past midnight for me. I'm sleepy, I'll Edit in my walking stick tomorrow.
 
For my hike on the Appalachian Trail I used Leki hiking poles, They work awesome, saved my knees and helped with the uphill climbs.

When I did a trip with the boyscouts a year or so later I brought them along loaned them to a scoutmaster when his knees started bothering him. The next trip we went on he had a pair of his own. They are not a piece of art but they sure do what they are designed to do.
 
All I've ever used have been leki's. They seem to do the job, but I would always end up leaving one behind or something. I really want to try making one for myself, i think it would be very fun!
 
hollowdweller said:
I live in WV too. I use the aluminum trekking poles. At home I usually just use one in the woods. Backpacking I take two because it's really rocky.
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Tell me about it... I have like 8 of them at home! I like the aluminum trekking poles better than the traditional walking poles for a few reasons:
  • Adjustable height
  • Ergonomic grip
  • Hand leash
  • Basket (I can switch from summer/small to winter/big baskets in no time)
  • Replaceable carbide tips
  • Low weight
Mines are mostly Leki but if I had some extra money I would probably buy Komperdell. There are some magnesium models that are even ligther. Just a quick advice... if anyone here is willing to buy a pair of trekking poles... and plans to use them on snow often... stay away of those fitted with a shock absorving system. They may feel great in the store but they don't help much, are heavier, more expensive and when everthing freezes up the shock absorbing system doesn't work any more.

On Sunday we went to do some ice climbing and what started like a nice almost sunny day. I am the one with the grey/black jacket and red hat (wearing snowshoes), the other one is my climbing pal Manu.
dscn1490pequedg0.jpg


Not long after that picture was taken and while we where climbing... the weather changed quite a bit. We ended up with like 1/8" of ice coating in our poles! The guy who is not wearing his googles is my other climbing pal Iñaki.
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Almost didn't make it back to the car! Now... who is going to make funny jokes about how warm and sunny the weather is in Spain? :D
Mikel
 
For me, I am always hiking light and fast, and poles of any kind just get in my way. I do use poles when showshoeing, but I have to say that I think trekking poles are just sissy foo foo (but well suited to the yuppie Sierra Club types that you run into around here!).

For hikes in my local hills however, where I might have to deal with nasty dogs, I carry a pitchfork handle....now that's a nice substantial weapon!
 
What an attitude! You don't like them so no one should?
Toss around a few more insults, why don't you ...
 
reconranger said:
For me, I am always hiking light and fast, and poles of any kind just get in my way. I do use poles when showshoeing, but I have to say that I think trekking poles are just sissy foo foo (but well suited to the yuppie Sierra Club types that you run into around here!).

For hikes in my local hills however, where I might have to deal with nasty dogs, I carry a pitchfork handle....now that's a nice substantial weapon!
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If they get on your way is just because you didn't get used to them. I always carry two of them (unless I don't carry a backpack at all) and sometimes I have to lend one to someone who doesn't want to carry any but get's in trouble when the ground gets icy or slippery (think mud over polished stones).

Even while climbing with long aproaches I rather take ligther/less suportive footwear and a pair of trekking poles than sturdy boots and no poles... The footwear will have to go into the pack once we rope up and big boots are a hassle. And let me tell you from my own experience that abusing big boots makes your ankles weak...

You will risk your ankles less if you carry them eve if you go light and fast.

Mikel
 
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