[RichNH]

For the longest time I have used a 7' long hiking staff cut from a Red Oak sapling in my back yard. It is years old and is still working fine. But I've been looking at the hiking poles that collapse that people have been using and think that there are a lot of times when I wished that tall stick would collapse.

So does anyone know if they sell hiking staffs that collapse or hiking poles that will extend to 6 or 7 feet in length?

If anyone else wants to enter notes about what they use feel free!

Rich

[fishmonger]

Have to admit, I've never used a walking stick/trekking poles (never saw a use for them). However, there's been increased coyote activity in our neighborhood, so I'm thinking about making one just as an extra precaution when hiking with the dog.

Listened to a great podcast a while back about whether trekking poles were really useful/necessary for long-term hiking. It's from a podcast on iTunes called "The Wildebeat." Pretty interesting, they have short segments on all sorts of wilderness topics, worth checking out

[dudley]

For about 10 years I've used an old ski pole. I like the length and it has a comfortable leather grip and strap.
I think it must bother my buddy that I don't use an "official" hiking pole because he gave me one of the brand name ones.
....it's too short, I don't like dealing with the shock absorber or tightening this and loosening that. I only use it when I hike with him. The rest of the time I use my old ski pole.

[iClimb]

On a recent hike up to North Kinsman my trekking poles were indispensable. Helped a lot with balance and poking through fresh snow to find the AMC bridges over small stream crossings. I would have otherwised postholed and fell into streams, not to mention lost my balance with a 60lb pack on in slushy fresh snow.

[3/4 time]

I don’t regularly use hiking poles or a walking stick, however, the few times that I have I’ve found a walking stick useful. But, I would offer this suggestion. When selecting a walking stick, examine the stick carefully. Last week I was faced with a small (about 20 yards) brook crossing. It was in the Whites and the water, only about 2 feet at its deepest, was running fast and very cold. I found a nice looking walking stick I thought I would use for balance while crossing. Planning a quick crossing, I removed my boots and socks, tied them around my neck, and stepped in. Near the middle of the stream, where the water was quick, I stumbled on the rocky bottom, but caught myself with the walking stick. That is when I wished I had been more careful in my stick selection. The shaft broke and I splashed into about 2 feet of ice water.

[RichNH]

My hiking staff is my portable tree. With such a long length it is great when I'm descending as I frequently plant it below me and find that the top is waist high. It's a great way for me to absorb some of the shock of stepping down with my upper body (I have arthritis in my hips, spine, neck, hands and my knees aren't what they used to be either). The staff also helps when trying to get up some rock ledge, like I say, it's my portable tree. It really helps with balance a lot of times allowing me to have a third point of contact with Mother Earth without having to bend over to use my hands.

I took three spare hex screws from the pack of replacement hex screws for my Stabilicers and screwed them into the butt of the staff. They work great in grabbing dirt and even rock. But as I say, there are times when I wish I could collapse it down and carry it in the pack. Anyway...