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What makes a good hiking stick?

Author

Matthew Martinez

Updated on February 15, 2026

What makes a good hiking stick?

Some poles and staffs include ergonomic grips that have a 15-degree corrective angle to keep your wrists in a neutral and comfortable position. Also, some hiking staffs have grips that look like the grip you'd find on a walking cane. This shape provides good support for casual walking and very light hiking.

Then, how do I choose a hiking stick?

If you're taller than about 6 feet, choose a hiking staff or trekking poles that have a maximum length of at least 51 inches. If you are shorter than 6 feet tall, you'll be able to shorten most adjustable trekking poles and hiking staffs enough to make them work for you.

One may also ask, what is the best finish for a walking stick? For a walking stick, (an item that will likely be used outdoors a lot), you should use a high quality oil-based polyurethane product, (instead of a water-based finish). This is because water-based finishes are less durable than their oil-based counterparts.

People also ask, what is the correct length for a hiking stick?

If you plan to hike with it, look for a tall and straight stick. Here's a good rule on sizing: Standing with your arms at your side, the stick should be about 6 or 8 inches taller than your elbow. Pick a longer stick if you'll be tackling steep terrain.

What wood makes a good walking stick?

Excellent woods for walking sticks include hazel, birch, cherry, blackthorn, ash, oak, elder, and holly. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa, or "sloe") is perhaps ideal. These woods also make excellent walking stick handles, either in the shape of root knobs or knots, or when turned into shape on a lathe.

Are hiking sticks worth it?

FINAL THOUGHTS. Trekking poles are not a strictly necessary piece of gear, but many choose to take them on their hikes because they provide a lot of benefits. Poles take a lot of strain off your joints while you hike and can help you maintain balance through various types of tricky terrain.

Is it better to hike with one pole or two?

Hiking sticks make it easy on the knees. Gear has changed a lot since many of us started hiking. Hikers often ask how two trekking poles are better than one “regular” walking stick. The simplest answer to this question is that poles give symmetrical support that one stick does not.

What are hiking sticks called?

Trekking poles (also known as hiking poles, hiking sticks or walking poles) are a common hiking accessory that function to assist walkers with their rhythm and to provide stability on rough terrain.

How do you hike downhill without slipping?

Tips for Hiking Downhill
  1. Prepare your Gear. Before beginning a downhill section give your gear a quick once-over:
  2. Centre of Gravity. Don't lean forward, don't lean back – while descending a mountain your centre of gravity should be low and over your legs.
  3. Minimize Stress.
  4. Pack Weight.
  5. Shorter Steps.
  6. Focus.
  7. Don't Cut Switchbacks.
  8. Comfort Zone.

What is a hiking stick used for?

Hikers use walking sticks, also known as trekking poles, pilgrim's staffs, hiking poles, or hiking sticks, for a wide variety of purposes: to clear spider webs or to part thick bushes or grass obscuring their trail; as a support when going uphill or as a brake when going downhill; as a balance point when crossing

What do you do if you are caught in a thunderstorm while hiking?

If it's possible, seek shelter. A safe building is one that is fully enclosed and has electricity and plumbing – a home, school, office building, etc. A hard-topped vehicle is also a safe place. Partially open structures such as trail shelters, patios, open garages, tents, dugouts and sheds are not safe.

How do I adjust my hiking sticks?

Generally speaking, walking poles should be the height from the top of your palm (when your arm is down by your side) with your forearm held out in front of you at 90 degrees to your body. Essentially the top of the handle should be at waist/hip level and your elbow at 90 degrees.

How do I measure myself for a walking stick?

To measure the height of any walking stick, the base of the stick should be placed approximately 15cm from the outside of the foot and the handle height should be set at the wrist crease height. The elbow should be bent slightly (generally between 15 and 30 degrees) when holding the stick and standing upright.

Can you take a hiking stick on a plane?

While TSA does deem them as off limits for carry on bags, we have some tips from experience on how to travel with trekking poles. According to TSA, ski and hiking poles are not allowed as carry-ons, but walking canes are allowed, provided “they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed.”

How do you make a hiking stick?

6 Steps to Making a Walking or Hiking Stick
  1. Trim the stick. If there are small branches protruding from the stick, cut them with a hand saw as close as possible to the stick and slightly into the bark, but parallel to the stick.
  2. Remove the bark.
  3. Sand the wood.
  4. Wipe the stick.
  5. Oil and finish.
  6. Sand again.

How do you make a walking stick shiny?

For walking sticks, I prefer full gloss polyurethane in spray cans. 4 coats is usually enough. Lightly sand between each coat with 200 to 400 grit. But if you want to use a stain, linseed oil, or other, it should be fine.

How do you polish a walking stick?

Apply two coats of wood stain, allowing each coat to dry overnight, to give the stick a darker, richer hue. Then apply three coats of clear urethane varnish to seal the wood and prevent rot. Allow each coat of varnish to dry overnight. Sand the stick lightly with very fine sandpaper or steel wool after each coat.

Can you leave the bark on a walking stick?

Certainly, there are all kinds of polyurethane, shellac and oils that will preserve the life of the bark on the walking stick; but, unfortunately the wood and the bark will decay, dry and change dimensions at different rates. Eventually the bark will mechanically separate from the wood.

How long does it take to season a walking stick?

If you can lay it flat, if not make sure it's standing up straight and not leaning. Turn the wood at least every couple of days to prevent warping. Depending on the type of wood this process will take 6 to 12 weeks before the wood is ready to use. As to hard or soft wood.

Does Pine make a good walking stick?

Pine is still an excellent choice for practicing on and for a lightweight staff. Pine will almost always be "sappy", which will leach out past the finish and need to be covered with tape or leather over the handle area. It can be used for a walking stick but is not a "good" walking stick and has better uses.

How do you seal a wooden walking stick?

How to Seal a Walking Stick
  1. Sand the surface of the walking stick or cane with rough to medium grit (50-100 grit) sand paper.
  2. Clean excess residue or dirt from the surface of the cane or walking stick.
  3. Apply the wood sealer using a bristle brush making sure you coat the entire wooden surface area.

Do walking sticks bite or sting?

While the "sting" from these insects doesn't come from their bite, it can be just as painful. While most species of walking stick insects are completely harmless, in the southeastern United States there are some species that have the ability to spray defensive venom when they think they are being threatened.

Are walking sticks poisonous?

A common misconception about stick insects is that they are highly venomous. That's not true at all, but If threatened, a stick insect will use whatever means necessary to thwart its attacker. Some will regurgitate a nasty substance that will put a bad taste in a hungry predator's mouth.

What does it mean when you see a walking stick bug?

Walking stick are telling you to keep you plans a secret, do not tell it to anyone until it is fully develop. It is best to keep silent because of the impending danger that it might cause, not actually a life threatening situation, but someone might sabotage your plan when he finds out about it.

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