Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when youre going downhill.

What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You might use them as defense against wild animals as well. I utilize a walking stick to rest my head on from instant to instant, and I also utilize it as a monopod for steadying the camera.

Do You Need Trekking Poles?

What if you dont have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point to using trekking poles. They could be just more things to carry.

Do they save energy? They take weight off your joints, but logic says you will expend more energy by carrying them. I utilize a walking stick at times, when my knees insist, and its fun to poke at things, but its not a necessity. For what its assessment of value, Ray Jardine, the "father" of ultralight backpacking, doesnt recommend trekking poles.

If you decide to utilize them, ruminate on the incredible Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Xls Trekking Poles. Theyre made of a high-strength carbon fiber and weigh 2.7 ounces each! Thats is half the weight of the nearest competition.

Walking Sticks and Other Options

I often cut dead sticks and use them until I lose them. I always lose my walking stick - a great reason not to buy the expensive ones. If I do still have it at the end of the trail, I leave it for the next hiker. Hand-cut walking sticks are heavier than high-tech trekking poles, but you can just leave them behind when you get tired of them.

You can use bamboo to generate dazzling light hiking staffs. Its stronger than it looks, so utilize a piece thats only about 3/4" thick. I bought cheap decorative bamboo at Pier One Imports, and cut it to size. You can glue some soft scrap leather on for a comfortable handgrip.

Finally, ski poles work as trekking poles. Its best if you remove the baskets, especially if youre hiking in wooded areas where they might catch on something.