Hiking sticks are important for serious hikers because serve as an extra limb and help keep balance and stability. They resemble long canes and are usually made of wood, aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber, which are resilient to the elements.
Wooden Hiking Sticks are made usually of strong, hardwoods like cherry, oak, aspen, pecan, cedar, and bamboo. They come in different lengths but are mostly available in lengths between four and five and a half feet. Some models have rubber tips and grips and metal ends.
Steel Hiking Sticks are made of durable steel tubing. Some may be a bit heavy, weighing up to a pound. Most Steel Hiking Sticks have metal or rubber tips for balance.
Aluminum Hiking Sticks are made of lightweight aluminum tubes. They may be adjustable to lengths of two and a half to five feet. They typically have locking mechanisms that prevent them from sliding down.
Aluminum Hiking Sticks may also have springs that act as shock absorbers to alleviate pressure in the ligaments, muscles and joints.
Carbon Fiber Hiking Sticks are made of lightweight carbon fiber that weighs at least 10 ounces. Most models may be folded to three sections, making them adjustable to different heights, between two and a half to five and a half feet. They are ideal for long adventure hiking.
Carbon Fiber Hiking Sticks usually come with carbide tips and foam grips for maximum stability and balance.
Length: Choose hiking sticks that are proportional to your height. When measuring for the correct length, stand upright with your arms on your sides. Choose sticks that are between 6 and 9 inches above your elbow. The steeper your hike, the longer sticks you might need. Consider cutting off extra-long Wooden Hiking Sticks to the right length. Cut near the edge so you can hide rough edges with rubber or metal tips.
Accessories: Choose hiking sticks that have hand grips and tips made of foam, rubber, or metal for a non-slip grip. Rubber tips will provide traction and extra balance while walking in muddy surfaces or crossing streams or rivers. Also choose hiking sticks with wrist straps so you can conveniently hang them on your arm when they are not being used.
