Hiking - yes. Walking - no.

I find it handy for keeping my balance as much as anything else. Sometimes you are crossing streams or over obstacles on the trail, and a little more stability is nice.

I have used several different sticks. Once upon a time it was a broomstick with some cord wrapped around it for a handhold. I have also used shorter sticks but found I did not like them for hiking. I bought a walking stick at Gander Mountain for my wife and I sometimes use it. I recently bought a 3 piece stick that I have yet to try in the woods.