Why Use Walking Sticks in Hike

Being on the trails in hiking or walking along a back road, you probably have seen people using walking sticks. Walking sticks that are also called hiking sticks or poles are long poles or sticks used to help hikers keep balanced and for some other outdoors activities. A stick seems can not help a lot while climbing mountains or hiking trails, but the reality is that it really works.


Walking sticks are widely used by hikers especially in some areas of Europe with tough ground, such as in the Alps. The stick can help you keep in balance while walking in the slippery surface or terrain that it is hard to get footing on such as shale, mud or sand. As a third leg, a walking stick can prevent you from getting slippery. Beside of balancing and supporting, it also can be used as a lever to help pull yourself uphill when climbing. The other uses for walking poles are using it as a place to prop up a blanket for a makeshift tent, or as a way to push aside tall grass or brush for your clearer sight forward.


The ideal height for a walking stick is 4 feet to 5.5 feet, of course, depending on your height and the way you use it. Walking stick usually is made of very hard wood to avoid be to broken. Else , the hiking pole, which is a type of walking stick, is made of metal. Some poles have spikes or cleats at the end for digging into the ground. So it is always best to take a hiking stick or pole with for your trip. Have fun in your hikes!