Hiking Staff?

considering a collapsible hiking staff for the bug out bag, in case I would have to walk any great distance. [and since I have a small car, a collapsible is about the only option]. Good idea, bad idea? Since I'm over 50, and just recently almost had a fall, I think it might be a good thing to have. Any recommendations?
thanks

Forget the hoity-toity $100 commercial sticks, get a custom fresh stick en route every time you bug out...

<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Maybe you'll find some evaluations here:

http://www.backpackgeartest.org/home.php

Look under "Trekking Poles"

Bear

I have a 8' staff which makes a formidable weapon properly wielded. I even took a cue from all those silly 'survival knife as spear' illustrations and acquired an actual spearhead <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. The local mountain lions and pagan biker gangs finally figured out my swiss army knife was mostly show. The Cold Steel Bushman economy knife also works. For vehicles I would suggest my latest acquisition- a umbrella ( brolly in english) rescued from a trashcan. Hey, it was raining and I'm still unsure what prompted the owner to discard it. The thing actually makes a spendid short cane, has a tactical pointy edge on it and is easily stowed in the back seat with the fastfood wrappers. You might also look at a pair of old garage sale ski poles. The keyword here is CHEAP, no exotic woods with hobbits carved in the top, compasses or swiss army sticks with hollow tubes full of PSK on steroid goodies. It's a stick, long and skinny, with one end in the dirt and the other one in the clouds. Like me according to the local Sierra Club <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Anybody ever thought about a cap/cover of some kind for one end of a long bow??? I'm sure that an unstrung LB in the 70-80 lb range would make a pretty fair staff, and you'd have the option of stringing it if you needed to "reach out and touch" a squirrel or two for the stew pot. While you could get by with less poundage for small game, I wouldn't dream of swatting a growling hound with my 50 pounder, and I'd hate to think what would happen to it if I tried to recover from a fall with it, but a good 80 pounder might be up to the job. Any archers out there with more knowledge/experience than me got any ideas???

Troy

A staff, by definition, gets wacked with every step, when you set it down. I've always been under the impression that you should baby a bow. I would think that it would stop being a bow within a few miles, or at least it would stop being a very good bow.

Yeah, I guess that's why I haven't tried it myself, ya put that much time into making, or that much money into buying, a good bow, and you just don't want to beat it up <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Troy

These are nice if you want to spend the money.

Survival Staff

I agree, but that is a lot of survival stuff dollars. thanks for the link though

Check backpacker.com gear reviews the magazine does publish an issue on gear reviews. Look at campmor and rei.com ect.

Lee

7k7k99,

You should be able to get a decent collapsible hiking staff for under $75. I haven't seriously researched the topic, but played with a few at some camping stores. They seemed quite capable.

If you are a photographer you might even look for one with a mount on top to allow double duty as a mono-pod. I picked up a Bogen collapsible mono-pod that I have seriously considered using as a hiking staff (Probably seriously voiding any warranty).

For those on a budget (and no requirement for compact dimensions) check out the staffs from Cold Steel.

http://www.coldsteel.com/sticks.html

The white wax wood sticks are real bargains compared to the common yuppie tree hugger wood hiking staffs, (no offense to yuppie tree huggers. I'm just more of a masmmie tree hugger [middle aged suburban Mr. Mom]) and have real world potential as defensive tools.

I plan on picking up one of the long white wax wood staffs and giving it a twirl. I figure I'm less likely to damage my nads or eyes with a staff than I am with a set of nunchakus! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

TR

I've seen it before. My opinion is that it IS pretty. And most of it is effective (I want to see the squirrel that was supposedly taken with the blowgun- the blowgun is a lousy weapon until you've practiced with it for a LONG time).

But, in all honesty, my opinion of it is the same as the newest Life Capsule from Triple Aught: "survival bling". Except for the blowgun, a good bamboo staff can do everything here for half the cost, and that includes a better knife in the form of the Cold Steel Bushman and a screw, or a custom plug bayonet-type set up using a blade from a knife maker's supply house. Or I can make a better staff (free, just takes time), add a triple tine firsh spear (about 3 bucks), a good knife, and a small pack for the same price.

http://www.leevalley.com/gifts/page.aspx?c=1&p=52925&cat=4,104,53221&ap=3

I received one of these as a christmas present. They're quite nice, and this particular one is much better features for the price then I've seen elsewhere. The retailer is local to me, but I know they do a lot of mail order sales. I don't know recognize the brand on the staff itself, but the one I have seems to be good quality and Lee Valley is well known for only selling high quality items.

Alex

I've read on a few backpacking sites that many also use rattan staffs - the kind used in marshall arts training (also called a "bo". They are as light, if not lighter than bamboo and will take much more punishment than bamboo (which is why rattan is used instead of bamboo).

I've borrowed my kid's rattan bo staff with a rubber foot added to one end for hiking and really liked it. Not fancy, but extremely lightweight, smooth (easy on the hands), very strong, and warmer than aluminum in the winter. I think the bo cost about $25 purchased from the Taikwando instructor. I need to buy one for myself.

My big question is: Which is better, a single staff ? or two hiking poles? I kind of like the idea of two hiking poles.

I was thinking bamboo becuase I can put stuff in it if I'm smart about what I put in and how much, which is one of the advantages to the thing from the link.

>>Which is better, a single staff ? or two hiking poles?<<

I don't believe there is a simple correct answer to that question, Ken. There is certainly a lot of personal opinion on the question and probably arguments to be made for every approach taken.

There are folks who intently and noisily stride along with two poles as if they are cross-country skiing some circuit. I have mixed emotions about that technique - mostly not favorable, but hey, that's just my opinion. Back country skiing is the only time I personally use two (ski) poles. I've done a couple of snowshoe trips where I tried two poles and 1) I don't need them 2) I don't like having both hands encumbered all the time.

Apart from skiing: I almost always use one staff - a long one that is a bit taller than me. Sometimes I use a short walking aid - a traditional ice axe - but only when I am mountaineering. And sometimes I use none - when I absolutely, positively, must have both hands free for quick use of a shoulder arm. (A shoulder arm is not the dictum for me - it is the potential need for quick action with it.)

Something this whole thread has me thinking about: To the best of my (limited) knowledge, aboriginal peoples around the world either use one long (tall) walking aid (for more than just aiding sure footing) or none (because they need hands free for weapons or burdens or there is no energy/safety benefit to an aid OR nothing suitable is available in their environment). I am not aware of any who use two short poles. Two short poles probably would be easier to fashion - deliberate or expedient - than one long pole. Does anyone know of aboriginal peoples who use / used two walking aids?

Put me in the "One long stave" camp for 98% of my walking. It has proven to be useful and versitle for me, and it suits me aesthetically. I don't like the <clack> <clack> <clack> of the mechanical walking sticks anyway - extremely annoying noise to my ears. Try your two bo technique and a single stave and use what you like best.

Regards,

Tom

I am a big fan of trekking poles. I have hiked many miles with a pair of these in my hands, and have found them nearly indispensable when carrying a load over rough terrain and moving fast over a long distance. They are great especially when descending steep terrain. I have used single poles before, but much prefer a pair. The wrist straps allow me to still use my hands for basic tasks while moving. If I need my hands to be free, I typically need both hands to be free so the poles stay in the truck.

Currently I have a pair of Leki Ultralights that have held up remarkable well. These poles are light, strong, and comfortable. They also collapse small enough to fit on the side of my pack, so I have them when I need them but can climb and scramble without them. These poles have earned a permanent place in my truck, when there not in use that is…

I really like using a hiking stick of some kind. My current favorite is one leg of a shooting bipod. But in the past I have used ski poles, collapsible expensive hiking poles and wooden sticks. Sometimes I like one, sometimes another.

Get the cheapest thing you can find. Try it. You will see the advantages and gradually you will find what works for you. There are many $20 poles on the market now. Most are good enough for starters and actually they work quite well. I think even Wal-mart sells them now.

Or do you mean hippie tree huggers? The picture that comes to mind when I hear "yuppie" is Stephanie and Michael from "Newhart" talking about the "B-Mer".

The term my wife uses (to describe me <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />) is "peace freak". Suppose that qualifies as a tree hugger too <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If you can find one, I highly recommend the "Walkabout Stick" made by Newt Livesay. It's not collapsible, but it's darn near impossible to break! Made out of a material called "saynite" which I think is a fancy name for habenero strength fiberglass. They cost about $25.

The website newtlivesay.com, has been down for several months. You might keep an eye out (or do an occaisional web search) for that name or "Wicked Knife Company".

I'm just a very satisfied customer with the products, not a paid endorsee <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

First off..yes, I would recommend getting a pair of trekking poles. I believe Santa got mine at Wal-Mart. Swiss gear brand, collapseable, cushion grip,wrist strap, multiple ends and it's even got a cheap compass in the handle..and it was accurate! They were cheap to or my Santa wouldn't have picked up two of them.

I used them this past weekend on the 19 mile Greenleaf state park trail. Pretty rought terrain, lots of ups and downs. These poles saved my knees and kept me upright on the last mile of the first ten mile day, but didn't blister my hands. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Not as conditioned as I once was.

Hiked Robbers Cave State park when Rita cut through the corner of Oklahoma, used same two trekking poles that a buddy has to create a very adequate wind break using a heavy space blanket and some para cord.

The poles come with a removeable rubber tip so that if you need to use them as tent poles, you have a narrow point to go through a grommet. Very nice set up and I am quite happy with them.

QUOTE: "Or do you mean hippie tree huggers? The picture that comes to mind when I hear "yuppie" is Stephanie and Michael from "Newhart" talking about the "B-Mer".

Ors,

As far as I can tell you can put a fork in the original hippie movement, it's dead. These folks grew up and became their own worst nightmares (but just don't recognize it).

Here in the Puget Sound area they drive solo, at high speed, in their giant SUVs to get an environmental rally. They talk on camera to TV types about saving the forests while living in log cabin mansions on a pristine hillside overlooking the ocean. Being the home of REI coop and lots of Microsoft millionaires, I'll see folks clad in $3000 worth of high tech clothing and gear to go on a 30 minute day hike. A hiking stick under $250 must be crap.

You're right, they aint yuppies, but they sure aint hippies either. For now, I'll just call them "Clueless in Seattle"

TR

I never much cared for them synthetic walking sticks much. I suppose a collapsible one is better if space is really a concern, but I much prefer heading to the hills and picking a few nice cedar saplings. I like to find them with a 2" diameter butt tapering to about an inch or so at 6 feet. I'll pick 4 or 5 out of a grove (helps to thin the grove a little anyways). I take them home, put the draw knife to them, sand them smooth, let them hang dry, then stain them with something nice, and varnish them up to protect them. Sometimes I carve little designs in them. Usually I just ball the butt end and put a plastic pipe cap on the other end. I like Cedar because it is so light and yet has incredible strength along the length of the pole. I've used them for batoning big knives to split logs. It dents the wood, but it is not so bad. I've yet to snap one. If I need a shooting stick, I just drill a couple holes in the handle and make some dowel pegs and that seems to do okay.

It cost me a little elbow grease, but what the heck, they last a decade of rugged use.

White wax wood staves are quite nice. Stronger than rattan, inch for inch. Back when I was taking lessons, just about all of the more advanced students had broken rattan staves during practice at one point ot another. The instructor's waxwood staff had a smaller cross-section (which made it more comfortable for some people) but was very sturdy. They frequently come with a bit of a taper, which most people like for their walking sticks.

And, er, yes. Stay away from those nunchakus. They're more dangerous to you than to anyone else, unless you've taken a good bit of time to train with them. Put the same training time into using a stick, and you'll have a more useful skill. Whether you're in an urban setting or a wilderness one, the chances of being able to find something stick-like are pretty good. How often will you be carrying nunchakus? They're inconvenient and will always excite comment. If you're dead-set on that STYLE of weapon, learn to use a chain or a weighted rope instead. At least that you have some vague hope of tripping over as a found object (or quickly improvising from your own kit).

nunchakus??

where did that come from?? we are talking about hiking sticks/poles

It came from the post I replied to. Pizzaman wrote:


Which I agree with, clearly!

Just looked at them tonight at Waldy based on your recommendation. They go for under $10 and I may have to pick up a couple. They get good reviews from what I can tell, and although the compass seemed to work on the one I checked, it was tiny and looked cheap.

Just curious how big you are... at 225, I'm not sure the extension joint locks would be tough enough for me.

Funny you should ask. I worried about that the whole time I was using them...but brother, if my 230 didn't wear out those joints on some pretty rough terrain, then they should last a while.

I like the shock absorber function, kept me from jarring my shoulders on the step downs. Yes, the compass is cheap, but hey, it's better than starring at your palm and trying to determine which way is north.

I think you'll find they are well worth the money. I was certainly glad to have them on that trip and they will go on the next one.

I did notice that my buddy has the same poles. Many hikes later, one of the joint tighteners has a small crack. Probably from overtightening, so you might watch that. He breaks his poles down after each hike, I got mine set at the height I like, so I'm leaving them there. Less chance for overtightening...and I don't have to get them set up again for the next hike.

An extra one in each vehicle might come in handy? hmmmm something to think about.

I was recently looking through the Campmor catalog, saw this one. Meets the collapsible requirement. I don't have any experience with it, has anyone checked this out?
Tracks Compact Travel Staff

Thanks highvelocity (or Hghvlocity) <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I didn't mean to imply that the compass was worthless, just that maybe it shouldn't be your primary means.

I saw they had a shock on them too, and it sounds like you had a good experience and we are in the same weight category. I think that seals the deal for me. The handles were comfy and I can keep an eye on the overtightening. But for $10, replacing one in a year really isn't a huge concern.

Pros:
Can be had for ~$10 per pole
Nice comfy handle
Functional (if potentially cheap) compass
Sharp anodized red aluminum finish
Breaks down to about 2 feet (roughly - I wasn't measuring)
Shock Absorber
Optional end for hiking or tent stake (need confirmation on that one)
Wenger manufactured?
Can hold my weight

Cons:
Not sure if this is made by Wenger (Swiss Army), but if not, likely Chinese build
Over tightening can crack joint locks (probably cheaper plastic)

Going to see about picking up a couple and start up some Geocaching .

I found a pick here (no affiliation - hope they don't mind direct linking which could bring in business)

About 15 years ago, I was heavily into outdoor activities. At the same time I was also about 75 pounds overweight.
frown A friend of mine suggested using a walking stick to help ease the pressure on my knees.

So I went to Lowe's and found 2-1" or 1.5" hardwood dowels about 4 or 5 feet long. Add a rubber crutch tip and a little 550 cord for grip.

Instant walking staff and it could be used for other applications as well, just use your imagination.

I can confirm that they come with a nice rubber tip that covers the carbide point. If you need to use it as a tent pole, just pull the rubber tip off.

Other than that, I have to totally agree with your list. I agree the compass is cheap..but better than nothing and your right, I probably wouldn't use it as my primary source of direction location.

I was surprised that after hiking 19 miles in two days and putting considerable stress on these poles, that I didn't have blisters. I did have a hot spot on my right hand, but it never blistered.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

thanks Alex, got two of them on the way from Lee Valley, also picked up some other cool stuff from them, a small hammer for the bug out bag, and a small 2 AA battery powered fluorescent pocket light -- should be here in a few days

Check out Pete's Pole Page for some usefule tip. Especially the section on Using your poles as proper techniques makes the difference beyween carrying a stick or sticks around vs. have a useful tool to aid in stability and transfer load from your knees to your upper body.

I bought a pair prior to my trip to Philmont in the mountains of New Mexico. I was a skeptic at first but am no a firm beleiver. I have two bad knees and they did not cause me any discomfort during the 10 days on the trail. And they saved me from doing a "face plant," as one of our youth members descibed falling forward on the rocks in full pack, more than one time. I would not do any serious back packing without them.

For short walks on level terrain or well groomedpath, I usually take my basswood staff. I doesn't provide the same load transfer, but that's not needed without the backpack. And it does provide stability and balance, especially when crossing streams over rocks or logs. (I also use it to point out different plants to the Scouts. That's especially useful when the plant is Poison Ivy when I don't want to wave my bare finger around it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />)