Why Hiking Sticks to Hikers Are Like Flippers to Divers
Different environment, same usability
It might seem illogical to carry hiking sticks on walking expeditions, considering you have a backpack to cart along with you. But sometimes, holding a stick in your hand can provide just a little extra balance and support as you cross uneven terrain or walk up and down hills. Walking around a slope can also be tricky, and carrying a heavy backpack can destabilize you on some ground.
Hiking sticks also give you extra power as you climb a hill in much the same way as flippers help you to swim more powerfully in water. Going down a hill, the shock on your knees is reduced and a stick will also help to displace the pressure on your back and hips, particularly when going uphill.
You might also wonder why you wouldn't just pick one up on your trip and use it for the same purpose. Well, many people do, but it's not always possible to find a good sturdy stick of just the right height, weight and size and some hiking enthusiasts love to take their own trusty one with them on all trips. It becomes like a figure of security and can be really valuable at the end of a day when you're exhausted and still have a distance to travel.
Many hiking sticks are handmade using actual sticks found in the wilderness. Locals harvest them on their own walks and fashion them into beautiful examples of the tree wood by stripping them back and finishing them with outdoor quality stains to show off the grain. Some craftspeople even carve fancy handles into the tops of the sticks to represent various animals such as grizzly bears, trout and fish. Then they apply rubber tips to the bottoms.
It's important that the hiking stick you choose is the correct length for your body. Hiking sticks are usually longer than walking sticks and they are tall and straight, usually between around 48" to 59" in length. To determine the right length for you, stand straight, letting your arms dangle relaxed to your sides. Now measure the distance from the floor to the point where your arm meets your hand. Your stick should come to 6 to 9" above your elbow while you are standing and your arm is by your side. Longer is better for downhill treks because the stick will stabilize you as you head downwards.
Hiking sticks don't have to be made of wood. There are some excellent commercial examples in aluminum and lightweight steel, which are very sturdy and unlikely to break. If you do choose wood, however, make sure it's a hard wood such as maple, walnut and ash. Some hikers even swear by broom handles cut to size. They are solid and straight, thereby featuring two of the most important qualities.
If you really want to get high tech, there are hiking sticks with telescopic shafts, shock absorbers, camera mounts, hand grips, wrist straps and ski baskets. One or more of these features may be just perfect for someone who wants to maximize their hiking experience, but be prepared to pay for extras.