I was always a fan of hockey tape on a staff (back when I use to hike a lot). Wrap it just like you would a hockey stick and you have nice finger grooves. Maybe thats my canadian upbringing ;-). I just found that it was very comfortable.

Its not for something that you want to keep forever, but for the summer it worked great.

After being here (ETS), i'd take it one step farther and keep a good chunk of duct tape on the staff, then wrap over the duct tape with paracord. Can never have too much of both of those items.

Kris