My sister in-law's boyfriend is looking for a hiking staff/walking stick. I recommended the Cold Steel white wax staffs. I ordered two of these of few years ago. One was the perfect diameter but the other was like a tree trunk. I eventually cut the tree trunk one down to use a club and burgular bar for the side door. Any recommendations. I would like to find one of the old Cold Steel Purple Heart stick but they are no longer made.
I went hi-tech: I use Leki Super Makalu trekking poles for backpacking. Worth their weight in gold. O0 todd
and for a few dollar more... Our lightest shock-absorbing trekking poles--less than 14 oz. per pair! Built for backpackers looking to keep weight low. * Small-diameter carbon fiber creates ultralight poles that damp vibration and retain strength over a wide temperature range * AirShocks™ work like mountain-bike suspension forks * AirShocks air damping technology with an encased spring absorbs vibration; with no metal-on-metal spring, you get a far quieter pole * AirShocks mechanism creates an air cushion inside tube before spring is engaged, absorbing even the slightest impacts * Lock-out mechanism creates a rigid pole when needed for more efficient climbing * Extra-strong DuoLocks™ provide a big boost in performance * DuoLocks--internal locking mechanisms--apply a wide area of pressure against pole walls to lock in length adjustment * DuoLocks showed 50% more holding power than other locking mechanisms during REI lab tests * DuoLock's reliability enhances stability, eases length adjustments and offers a compelling reason to upgrade to Peak UL poles * Three-section telescoping poles extend to a maximum length of 55'' and compact to 27'' for easy storage and transport * Ultralight EVA foam grips with an ergonomic, contoured shape and adjustable padded neoprene wrist straps provide miles of comfort * Fitted with vario trekking disk with extra-durable tungsten carbide tips; rubber tip protectors included Imported. Specs: REI Peak UL AirShock Trekking Poles - Pair Specification Description Weight 13.8 oz. (390g) Shaft material Carbon fiber Maximum length 55 inches Minimum length 27 inches Shock absorbing Yes Grip material EVA foam http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47873576&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1
I use a wooden walking stick, about 4 1/2' long, not sure what type of wood it's made of though. I just added a paracord wriststrap that I made to it.
that leevalley is a neat site! seems like nice people to do business with too. out of those walking sticks at the moment though..
You might try here http://houseofcanes.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=1 for something more low tech. Good luck and enjoy the hunt!
For urban walkabout I use an Irish Blackthorn for the tall & uncut i use a rattan hiking staff. gino ;D
My brother has some custome made (short run) ons a College guy made.they are aluminum and i think they have a compass built into the top. They have a survival kit built into them. I don't use them but they are nice if i did. let me know if your interested and ill get pics and a price.
There is always the ultimate http://www.tadgear.com/edged%20tools/crawford_hiking-survival_staff.htm or for those of us who like tricked out stuff but don't have megabucks my favorite walking staff, a camera monopod.
I have two fo the Cold Steel walking sticks. One has the regular top and the other has the new skull design. I really like the quality, but Cold Steel nearly doubled the price for some reason. Glad I got mine before they went up... GG
I have one of these and if i used a walking stick i would use it. Very light and compacts up nice. i'm going to design a flat plate the screws to it, to shoot off. then i might carry it.
I make my own hiking sticks out of white cedar. Here are a few pics of some that I've made over the years.
