Sharing the best of Florida hiking

Walking stick

Do you use one? If so, just one you can find on the trail or something more elaborate like with an owners manual? I can see a use for one on rough terrain going uphill but otherwise I tend to find them a burden and prefer to keep my hands empty.

Curious what others here thought on the issue.

Tags: gear, hiking, stick, walking

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Permalink Reply by Bricky Way on February 20, 2009 at 10:16am: I like to carry a stick, but its not a requirement for me and I don't always take one. The one I have now is just a natural stick that I got from the woods near my house and stripped the bark from, I think its hickory but I'm not 100% certain. I've left several sticks in the woods just due to forgetfulness. In FL its seems to me a stick is most useful while crossing creeks and also for moving tall weeds and briars out of your way.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jason on February 20, 2009 at 1:58pm: Brickman Way said:
The one I have now is just a natural stick that I got from the woods near my house and stripped the bark from

Friend of mine I hike with always has his and it's usually a discussion at some point so thought I would post the question here. I've thought of doing what you did as I'd imagine a natural stick would feel better and I'd appreciate it more.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bricky Way on February 20, 2009 at 7:08pm: Oh yeah, spider webs, they are very useful for that!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Janette on March 7, 2009 at 7:50pm: Leki non shock poles. I find it much easier to keep my balance in wet or slippery mud. My poles have saved me from more than one face plant into the swamp! I also find that my stride and rhythm are much smoother with the poles on level flat terrain. That made those long road walks go much faster! 8-); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dean and Tyra S on March 9, 2009 at 10:24am: Hi Jason....another thot on the matter is some of the newer metal composite staffs have a place were one can mount a camera...these compress down now to about 20 inches and can be stowed on a day pack easily. They are also quite light and very affordable.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jason on March 9, 2009 at 3:51pm: Good thoughts, thanks. I may consider it for hikes along rougher terrain.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Corrina Coates on March 12, 2009 at 4:30am: Dean and Tyra S said:
Hi Jason....another thot on the matter is some of the newer metal composite staffs have a place were one can mount a camera...these compress down now to about 20 inches and can be stowed on a day pack easily. They are also quite light and very affordable.

I was thinking about buying a tripod for my next trip to Florida in April, but this seems to be a much better idea as I was also planning on dragging my walking pole across the pond and wasn't sure if customs would let me through with it! Do you have any idea where they sell these? I may leave mine behind and get one when I arrive... all problems solved!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Curtis Blair on March 19, 2009 at 10:07pm: I don't use one too often in FL but sometimes will pic up a stick to clear cobwebs on the trail. When hiking mountain trails though they are a must,it will help getting up the hills and save your knees going down hill.Oh and you will need a pair for that.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jason on April 1, 2009 at 9:10am: Well, I had a stick that I planned to take with me to TN that I found out there years ago. I sanded it down, cleaned it up, put many coats of sealer on it...and left it at home on accident. So while out there in "rougher terrain than around here" I found another stick with a good spot for holding and was quite useful on the downhills and creek/prong crossings. I mentioned to the others I was hiking with about the walking stick with the camera mount and we all agreed that was something worth checking into.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Lee Small on April 1, 2009 at 9:22pm: I use one of the Leki anti-shocks that have the camera adapter on the top.

I find it to be useful on rough terrain (esp. elevation changes) and for clearing tall grass/plants from my path.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mark on April 3, 2009 at 1:05am: I used to carry an old broomstick. Then I bought a "real" walking stick at Outdoor World which has some substance to it. On the very next hike in Seminole State Forest, I was attacked by a rabid dog. He jumped up at me, and after some purely instinct-driven stick handling, the snarling dog wandered off, beaten. I can only wonder what would have happened if I had still had that flimsey broomstick.
WHEW!!

Oh yeah... I don't go on any hike now without my trusty stick.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Derek Ray on April 3, 2009 at 8:32am: I usually bring a hiking stick whenever I am walking more than 6 miles. Especially if there is alot of sugar sand involved. Since I usually hike alone, I always bring a stick to new places, or places wher I know there will be feral hogs. Great for cobwebs too, but only as a last resort. I try to duck or walk around cobwebs if possible. As far as type, I use a bamboo stick. It is light and yet very durable.; ▶ Reply to This