For as long as I can remember I have always used a hiking stick of some form or another while hiking the back country. Whether it be a stick I found (preferred) or an old broom stick I feel more comfortable with a hiking stick. My wife does not care to use one and constantly asks me “Why Use A Hiking Stick?”
Using a hiking stick has saved my butt on several occasions and I believe that by using one I am helping my back, legs, feet and knees in the long run. Whether I am trail running or hiking in the back country I always carry my hiking stick.
I have used several sticks over the years, most were found on the trail and discarded after the hike. There are several fancy “Trekking Poles” you can buy that are very lightweight and available in several price ranges. For me I prefer a good stout wooden stick.
My current hiking stick I have had for several years now. I found it on the trails close to the area where I live. It was a piece of scrub oak about six foot long and still very green with a lot of character. It was crooked and wavy, not the kind of straight stick most prefer but perfect for me.
I took it home and cut it down to 50”, stripped it of its bark and sanded it smooth. I then stained it and wrapped the handle with some old tent cord I had. It has been a great hiking stick and I am very comfortable with it.
It helps me keep my balance especially in the winter on the snow covered trails. I am much more maneuverable as my hiking stick helps prevent me from falling when traversing uneven terrain. When I am carrying a backpack it helps take some of the load off of my back and knees.
I feel sorry for any Sasquatch that I might encounter on the trail because it will get a good taste of my hiking stick before it gets a taste of me. Even when I go ATV camping my hiking stick is strapped to my ATV with the rest of my camping gear.
When I am trail running I don’t use my hiking stick, I just carry it. When I stop for a rest I use it to lean on. I have been using this stick for so long it is like a part of me and I feel uncomfortable if I am in the back country without it. Some prefer two hiking sticks but one works just fine for me.
Why use a hiking stick? Because it helps support me, protect me and comfort me while in the back country. So the next time you are out hiking the back country trails and you find a stick that is unique and stout, take it home and make it your own hiking stick.
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Nice insight, there is something that just looks cool about using a stick when you are out too, it gives you a more authentic look but thats probably not as important as the help you are giving to your knees, back etc!
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Thanks Lilly.
Good post about hiking sticks. A lot of people don’t realize the advantages of a hiking srtick. I use one and it is great for balancing as you cross streams by going from one rock to another or by balancing across a log. I used to use an adjustable metal trekking pole but found it was generally to short. Like you, I finished a crooked stick found in the woods and enjoy the uniqueness.
I agree Charlie, the trekking poles are nice in that they collapse for easy packing, but I prefer the stoutness of a good hiking stick.