For me a hiking staff (or walking stick in urban mode) is a virtual essential with numerous uses, one of which could be self defense. If I had to travel on foot in an urban area after the Big One, I would want my hiking staff as much as ever, and I would probably go for the stout converted tool handle model (shades of the quarter staffs of Robin Hood and Little John), mostly because it would be a superior whacker to the collapsible, light aluminum models. Should I get a matching cloak?<br><br>Be sure to speak softly if you carry one..