I currently use a pair of collapsable Al/Ti hiking sticks for the light weight and to help take the load off my knees when backpacking. When out with the scouts when hiking is not the emphasis of the trip, I prefer a natural stave. I am not sure of the proper name, but we always called it "ironwood". Increadably strong and light weight when dry. Mine is approx. 5 foot long and about 1 1/4" at the top, tapering to about 1" on the bottom. I trimmed the bottom a little bit and glued a 3/4" copper tubing coupling on the end to keep it from splitting under heavy use. Drilled near the top and ran a leather thong through it for a wrist / hanging strap.