Trekking Poles And Walking Sticks

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 you're going downhill.

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

Do You Need Trekking Poles?

What if you don't have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point to using trekking poles. They can be just more things to carry.

Do they save energy? They take weight off your joints, but logic says you'll expend more energy by carrying them. I use a walking stick at times, when my knees insist, and it's fun to poke at things, but it's not a necessity. For what it's worth, Ray Jardine, the "father" of ultralight backpacking, doesn't recommend trekking poles.

If you decide to use them, consider the incredible Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Xls Trekking Poles. They're made of a high-strength carbon fiber and weigh 2.7 ounces each! That's 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 good 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 make good light hiking staffs. It's stronger than it looks, so use a piece that's 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. It's best if you remove the baskets, especially if you're hiking in wooded areas where they may catch on something.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

---

Google News Updated : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:48:34 GMT PGA -- 2008 Turning Point Championship Recap - Pro Fantasy Sports SkySports PGA -- 2008 Turning Point Championship Recap Pro Fantasy Sports - 41 minutes ago Hello in the second of the “Fall Finish” series, a unknown rookie birdied the 72 nd hole to earn a hefty paycheck and a spot on the PGA tour for the next two years. Johnson earns first win at Turning Stone Sports Network Rookie posts first victory San Francisco Chronicle WFIE-TV - Chicago Tribune - PGA Tour all 293 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:07:14 GMT Angelina Jolie Debuts New Movie and New Ink - Actress Archives MTV UK Angelina Jolie Debuts New Movie and New Ink Actress Archives - 39 minutes ago Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt recently attended the movie premiere for Jolie’s new film “The Changeling” directed by Clint Eastwood, and the film wasn’t the only thing on display. Video: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt at Premiere AssociatedPress Angelina Jolie’s New Tattoo MTV UK eFluxMedia - First Coast News - ChattahBox - hecklerspray all 402 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:09:31 GMT Obama accuses McCain of looking for distractions - CNN Los Angeles Times Obama accuses McCain of looking for distractions CNN - 19 hours ago (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama on Sunday charged that Sen. John McCain's campaign is launching "Swift boat-style attacks" on him instead of addressing the country's problems. Health Care: Coverage -- But at What Price? WIS Health Care Destruction New York Times Los Angeles Times - BlueRidgeNow.com - Chicago Tribune - Wall Street Journal Blogs all 1,314 news articles Publ.Date : Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:30:50 GMT Ask.com Sails into Semantic Search to Differentiate from Google - eWeek BBC News Ask.com Sails into Semantic Search to Differentiate from Google eWeek - 1 hour ago By Clint Boulton Ask.com's search engine market share is minimal at best, but the company keeps on plugging away in application development to keep from being extinguished by Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. Ask.com Amps Up Search Again Wired News Ask.com, now with more answers CNET News BBC News - Search Engine Land - Computerworld - Profy all 21 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:04:07 GMT Postseason ace Beckett shelled as Angels win 5-4 - The Associated Press The Associated Press Postseason ace Beckett shelled as Angels win 5-4 The Associated Press - 37 minutes ago BOSTON (AP) - Josh Beckett waited four extra days for a chance to show his postseason brilliance. That shine wore off with his very first pitch. Video: Angels, White Sox Each Force a Game 4 AssociatedPress Red Sox's injuries could prove costly vs. Angels FOXSports.com Boston Globe - MLB.com - Newsday - Boston Herald all 2,381 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:11:21 GMT Mammals facing extinction threat - BBC News Canada.com Mammals facing extinction threat BBC News - 2 hours ago By Richard Black At least 25% of the world's mammal species are at risk of extinction, according to the first assessment of their status for a decade. Many, many mammals face extinction Los Angeles Times One Quarter of World's Mammals Face Extinction Scientific American Washington Post - Daily Green - eFluxMedia - Boston Globe all 194 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:37:47 GMT For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home - U.S. News & World Report Canada.com For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home U.S. News & World Report - 1 hour ago By Amanda Gardner MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Exposing your children to the joys of pet ownership may, in some cases, also mean exposing them to infections and injuries. Keep Kids From Exotic Animals, Docs Say NewsNet5.com Doctors: No hamsters or exotic pets for young kids The Associated Press WRCB-TV - Reuters South Africa - The Press Association all 291 news articles Publ.Date : Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:06:44 GMT Rss Feed Reader Increase Online Traffic

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Kenya Safari Top Five National Parks

The Kenya safari circuit is one of the best in... Read More

Dont Forget that Camping Gear Checklist Before You Leave on that Family Camping Adventure

A camping gear checklist is an important tool to help... Read More

Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More

Boondocking America

Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More

Hiking in the Forest Knowing When to Slow Down

One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some... Read More

Bird Watching in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More

River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More

The Best Safari Company for Your Safari Trip - Heres How To Choose

Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More

Its an Alien World in Every River

When you look at a river, what do you see?... Read More

Rigid Inflatable Boats

A rigid inflatable boat is defined as a hard-hulled boat... Read More

How Are Minerals Formed?

HOW ARE MINERALS FORMED?MINERALS are naturally occuring, inorganic solids, with... Read More

San Diego Beach Hikes ? Cardiff to Carlsbad

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More

Trekking Poles And Walking Sticks

Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking... Read More

Take a Hiking Pole on Your Next Hike

It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Viewpoints on Whale Watching in Hermanus!

If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More

Review: Russell Shortos The Island At The Center Of The World

Up to now the preponderant view held by many historians... Read More

Dancing With Whales

We've all heard about whalewatching from boats or shore, and... Read More

South Africa Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More

The Best Backpacking Food

Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More

10 Tips to Planning Your Dream Road Trip

Everyone has a travel dream. For many it is hitting... Read More

Top Five African Safari Destinations

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going... Read More

Canoe Trip with Nature

A canoe trip is a great way to appreciate Nature!A... Read More

Is There Such A Thing As A Romantic Camping Getaway In Minnesota?

Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More