Useful Facts About the Walking Stick

Idenfication

• The walking stick is also quite easily made with a minimum of materials and tools. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to make a walking stick is to use a long broom handle. All that is necessary to modify the broom handle into a walking stick is the addition of a wrist strap at one end and some kind of a tip for the other end that will contact the ground. A walking stick is typically made from aluminum, steel and wood. If using wood, a hardwood is recommended for most durability.

Wrist Strap

• A wrist strap is recommended when using a walking stick. Some wrist straps are simply loops of nylon cording, and other walking sticks have ergonomically designed wrist straps that are designed for either a right hand or a left hand. A wrist strap is more than just for safety. Its primary function is to relieve stress on the hands and prevent fatigue. When a wrist strap is used while using a walking stick, the hand will not need to grip the stick as tightly and this will relieve stress on the hand.

End Tips

• The end tip of a walking stick can be made from different materials, including carbide and rubber. The rubber tip is known for being slippery on wet surfaces and under wet conditions. The carbide tip has a unique sound when it contacts the ground that some people do not like. The carbide tip also penetrates the ground with each step whereas rubber tips do not. When choosing a walking stick, many people choose the tip separately to ascertain that they have the desired end tip.

One or Two

• Either one or two walking sticks can be used while walking. If the walking stick(s) are being used while hiking, there are situations that may make using two walking sticks preferable. If a hiker experiences back discomfort or would benefit from additional help in balancing, two walking sticks may be recommended. When using two walking sticks instead of one, there is less stress placed on the back because both sides of the back are supported evenly with the walking sticks. Using two walking sticks may take additional practice and adjustment, however.

Accessories

• Many walking sticks have springs that are a part of the joints to absorb shocks. This can be useful to minimize shocks to the wrist and elbow joints. Often these shock absorbers can be purchased separately and added to a walking stick.

  Some walking sticks can be adjusted for proper height. By unscrewing various sections, these portions of the walking stick can either be extended for added length or pushed back in to be made shorter and then tightened and locked for safety.

  People who use their walking stick while hiking in the wilderness might appreciate an optional camera mount attached to the walking stick. A camera can be fastened into the camera mount for quick and easy access while hiking.

  Another accessory that can be useful on a walking stick is a basket or bag of some kind to carry small items.