How to Find the Perfect Hiking Stick

Hiking, or walking, sticks provide avid hikers with stability and support on long trails, especially trails with long uphill climbs. This useful tool makes the climb easier, with less strain on the knees and back and improved traction. Taking a hiking stick is also a good security measure as it can be used as a weapon, a sensible precaution when hiking in mountain lion or bear country. The right hiking stick helps a hiker and feels natural when held and used. Evaluate a hiking stick by looking at several main features when looking for that perfect hiking stick.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Measuring tape

Step 1

Measure the stick to make sure that it is at a comfortable height. Most find that the best height hits just above the waist.

Step 2

Measure the thickness of the top of the stick for comfort. A stick with a comfortable circumference will feel natural in your hand. Walking sticks that are too thick or too thin will not only be uncomfortable, but could cause hand and wrist pain after extended use.

Step 3

Check the quality of the hiking stick. Hiking sticks need to be solid and durable so so as not to break while in use.

Step 4

Check the weight of the hiking stick. You want a stick that is durable, but not so heavy it will hinder your ability to hike.

Step 5

Consider the artfulness of the stick. A walking stick can have more than a utilitarian purpose; many are created with intricate details by wood carving artists. A walking stick with an animal head or Native American artwork and shining natural wood colors shows much about the hiker's personality and becomes a conversation piece as well.

Resources

Colorado Walking Sticks

Article Written By Lynn Anders

Lynn Anders has more than 15 years of professional experience working as a zookeeper, wildlife/environmental/conservation educator and in nonprofit pet rescue. Writing since 2007, her work has appeared on various websites, covering pet-related, environmental, financial and parenting topics. Anders has a Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies and biology from California State University, Sacramento.

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