I have to agree with you, wood just seems to be 'the' material for a staff (IMHO). It has a 'warmth' metal staffs don't have, and doesn't clunk or rattle with every placement. Besides, I think during a fall or an unexpected ride down a river, the first thing your going to lose is going to be your staff, so I'd keep all your 'emergency' stuff strapped to your person, not your staff. Of course, a hollow staff for something like a folded trash bag or two might be something to think about, as long as you keep it really light in weight.