Trekking Poles And Walking Sticks

Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when you're going downhill.

What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You can use them as defense against wild animals as well. I use a walking stick to rest my head on from time to time, and I also use it as a monopod for steadying the camera.

Do You Need Trekking Poles?

What if you don't have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point to using trekking poles. They can be just more things to carry.

Do they save energy? They take weight off your joints, but logic says you'll expend more energy by carrying them. I use a walking stick at times, when my knees insist, and it's fun to poke at things, but it's not a necessity. For what it's worth, Ray Jardine, the "father" of ultralight backpacking, doesn't recommend trekking poles.

If you decide to use them, consider the incredible Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Xls Trekking Poles. They're made of a high-strength carbon fiber and weigh 2.7 ounces each! That's is half the weight of the nearest competition.

Walking Sticks and Other Options

I often cut dead sticks and use them until I lose them. I always lose my walking stick - a good reason not to buy the expensive ones. If I do still have it at the end of the trail, I leave it for the next hiker. Hand-cut walking sticks are heavier than high-tech trekking poles, but you can just leave them behind when you get tired of them.

You can use bamboo to make good light hiking staffs. It's stronger than it looks, so use a piece that's only about 3/4" thick. I bought cheap decorative bamboo at Pier One Imports, and cut it to size. You can glue some soft scrap leather on for a comfortable handgrip.

Finally, ski poles work as trekking poles. It's best if you remove the baskets, especially if you're hiking in wooded areas where they may catch on something.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

---

San Francisco Beaches

When you are planning a vacation to Maui or Rio... Read More

Your Horses Back May Not Be the Same Next Month

A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More

Kenya Safari Top Five National Parks

The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More

Yellowstone Camping In The Fall

Soon, the busy summer tourist season will be over in... Read More

Boston Vacations: Four Ways To Experience Beantown

Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There's... Read More

Protection from Lightning - Smart Strategies for Hikers and All Outdoor Enthusiasts

Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More

Ultralight Backpacking Skills - A Three Day Test

On Lake Michigan, at the end of the Stonington Peninsula,... Read More

Traveling To and Around Hawaii, A First-Time Visitors Primer

Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More

Rafting on the Rogue River in Oregon

Oregon's Rogue River is one of the nation's most beautiful.... Read More

Hiking Trails Mt. Washington Valley NH - Trekking trails USA

Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More

Zambezi Sharks Under Threat at Protea Banks

Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More

Is The Workamper Lifestyle For You?

If you've been dreaming of traveling the highways in your... Read More

Bird Watching Tips

Simply sitting and watching birds is a popular hobby around... Read More

The Kuan Yin Shrine, Bangkok ? the Goddess of Mercy on the Chao Phraya

The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More

Camping Stove Performance: Ease of Use & What to Avoid

Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More

Find a Camping Gear Outlet Near You

When you search online for a camping gear outlet you... Read More

Three Classic Hikes Abroad

Paul Scott Mower once said, "There is nothing like walking... Read More

Lightweight Backpacking: How Light?

You aren't lightweight backpacking if you are carrying twenty-five pounds... Read More

Safety Tips While Walking in the Spanish Countryside

Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More

Chimborazo: Learning Spanish At 20,600 Feet

Climbing the glaciers to the summit of Mount Chimborazo in... Read More

Bird Watching Journals ? Preserve Your Bird Watching Experiences

Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat... Read More

Hiking in the Forest Knowing When to Slow Down

One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some... Read More

Backcountry Safety ? An Essential 10-Point Checklist

The call of the wild can be seductive. The exquisite... Read More

The Wandle Trail - Map and Illustrated Guide

The Wandle offered wonderful trout fishing up to the latter... Read More

Alternatives to Pressurized Fuel

Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More

The Cast of Culture in South Africa

Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More

Kayak Travel and Trips

If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Bunbury Western Australia

The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay... Read More

The Great Outdoors is to be Explored and Loved in all its fullness

The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More

Find Outdoor Camping Gear Online at Great Discount Prices

Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More

River Rafting in the Grand Canyon

Rafting through the Grand Canyon is the experience of a... Read More

Rigid Inflatable Boats

A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More