Walking sticks?

evergreen · 10-11-2010, 05:44 AM

Do you actually need them, I have seen a lot of people in there mid 30's also using them and I can't imagine them being anything other than an inconvenience, what are your thoughts?

SmackontheWeb · 10-11-2010, 10:57 AM

I've tried the trekking poles and did not like them. Certain types of terrain (steep inclines, boulders, dense woods) make them unwieldy. I had to concentrate too much on the poles (where/how I was placing them) instead of the trail and my feet. Personally, I've always managed with just a plain ol' walking stick.

Michael · 10-11-2010, 11:07 AM

I've tried hiking poles, and I've tried plain old walking sticks. I have a slight preference for walking sticks.

I find that the more you deviate from level ground, the more helpful walking sticks are. They're especially good for going down steep, uneven hills, because they offer extra stability.

scarynickname · 10-11-2010, 06:50 PM

I never was much for walking sticks, but last Christmas my wife bought me a set of hiking poles and now I feel like they are my second set of legs! They really come in handy while bushwacking.

Noah · 10-12-2010, 06:53 AM

I never used anything until last year. My father-in-law made me a walking stick and it is amazing in design. I used it for the first time last spring and would have to say I don't leave home without it now.

jason · 10-15-2010, 11:00 AM

I typically use a 5 foot wood walking stick. I find it great for knocking down spider webs, testing for snakes, and support when needed.

HikingGuy · 10-15-2010, 03:49 PM

I was told that walking sticks are great for an extra cardio workout, they force you to work harder and burn more calories. I find them a hassle.

Michael · 10-15-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HikingGuy

I was told that walking sticks are great for an extra cardio workout, they force you to work harder and burn more calories.

That seems counterintuitive to me. Stuff that's better for cardio is generally stuff that involves larger muscles. Using a walking stick takes some of the strain off of your legs by having your arms take some of the load. This is decreasing the work being done by larger muscles, which generally means less cardio.

evergreen · 10-16-2010, 10:55 AM

Walking poles have straps if I'm not mistaken, one would think that given a bad situation they might entangle your wrists or stop you from griping something that is near you, has this happened to anyone?

bokz · 10-17-2010, 02:19 AM

I have never used one but I prefer hiking poles instead of walking sticks. I am much more comfortable using the former than the latter.