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