Equipped To Survive Equipped To Survive® Presents
The Survival Forum
Where do you want to go on ETS?

Page 2 of 4 < 1 2 3 4 >
Topic Options
#58771 - 01/21/06 07:01 PM Re: Hiking Staff?
fugitive Offline
Member

Registered: 08/26/05
Posts: 183
Loc: The Great Pacific Northwest
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

Top
#58772 - 01/21/06 07:32 PM Re: Hiking Staff?
ironraven Offline
Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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.
_________________________
-IronRaven

When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.

Top
#58773 - 01/21/06 08:49 PM Re: Hiking Staff?
a_m Offline
newbie

Registered: 11/28/05
Posts: 29
Loc: Ottawa
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

Top
#58774 - 01/21/06 09:50 PM Re: Hiking Staff?
KenK Offline
"Be Prepared"
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 06/26/04
Posts: 2208
Loc: NE Wisconsin
Quote:
a good bamboo staff


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.

Top
#58775 - 01/21/06 11:44 PM Re: Hiking Staff?
ironraven Offline
Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel

Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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.
_________________________
-IronRaven

When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.

Top
#58776 - 01/22/06 12:18 AM Re: Hiking Staff?
AyersTG Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/10/01
Posts: 1272
Loc: Upper Mississippi River Valley...
>>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

Top
#58777 - 01/22/06 01:56 AM Re: Hiking Staff?
Alan_Romania Offline

Addict

Registered: 06/29/05
Posts: 648
Loc: Arizona
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…


_________________________
"Trust in God --and press-check. You cannot ignore danger and call it faith." -Duke

Top
#58778 - 01/22/06 04:05 AM Re: Hiking Staff?
Nomad Offline
Addict

Registered: 05/04/02
Posts: 493
Loc: Just wandering around.
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.
_________________________
...........From Nomad.........Been "on the road" since '97

Top
#58779 - 01/22/06 05:23 AM Re: Hiking Staff?
Ors Offline
Namu (Giant Tree)
Addict

Registered: 09/16/05
Posts: 664
Loc: Florida, USA
Quote:
no offense to yuppie tree huggers

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="" />
_________________________
Ors, MAE, MT-BC
Memento mori
Vulnerant omnes, ultima necat (They all wound, the last kills)

Top
#58780 - 01/22/06 05:30 AM Re: Hiking Staff?
Ors Offline
Namu (Giant Tree)
Addict

Registered: 09/16/05
Posts: 664
Loc: Florida, USA
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="" />
_________________________
Ors, MAE, MT-BC
Memento mori
Vulnerant omnes, ultima necat (They all wound, the last kills)

Top
Page 2 of 4 < 1 2 3 4 >



Moderator:  Alan_Romania, Blast, cliff, Hikin_Jim 
March
Su M Tu W Th F Sa
1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Who's Online
0 registered (), 324 Guests and 6 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
GallenR, Jeebo, NicholasMarshall, Yadav, BenFoakes
5367 Registered Users
Newest Posts
What did you do today to prepare?
by dougwalkabout
Yesterday at 11:21 PM
Zippo Butane Inserts
by dougwalkabout
Yesterday at 11:11 PM
Question about a "Backyard Mutitool"
by Ren
03/17/24 01:00 AM
Problem in my WhatsApp configuration
by Chisel
03/09/24 01:55 PM
New Madrid Seismic Zone
by Jeanette_Isabelle
03/04/24 02:44 PM
EDC Reduction
by EchoingLaugh
03/02/24 04:12 PM
Using a Compass Without a Map
by KenK
02/28/24 12:22 AM
Newest Images
Tiny knife / wrench
Handmade knives
2"x2" Glass Signal Mirror, Retroreflective Mesh
Trade School Tool Kit
My Pocket Kit
Glossary
Test

WARNING & DISCLAIMER: SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Information posted on this forum is not reviewed for accuracy and may not be reliable, use at your own risk. Please review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this site.