Hiking Stick

Hiking is a favorite pastime for many people of a very wide range of ages and fitness levels. Unlike more complicated sports, it's easy to get into hiking since you don't have to expend a great deal of money on complicated rock climbing or spelunking equipment. Essential gear for day hiking should include a well fitting pair of boots or sturdy shoes, and socks that keep moisture away from the skin. A pack for carrying water and hiking food is essential for longer hikes. Some packs contain an internal bladder connected to a tube that allows the wearer to sip water without stopping for a break. These are not essential for hiking, but are more useful when biking or running, when it's important to be able to drink without breaking cadence.

A hiking accessory that is often useful is the hiking stick. A good stick is one that grips the ground well, has a comfortable handle and is lightweight. There is some controversy among avid hikers over whether a good hiking stick is a help or a detriment. A stick definitely aids in balance. If you're on unstable ground or crossing a creek, a hiking stick can be helpful adding stability. On long hikes, a stick transfers some of your body weight from legs to your arms. This is more effective when using two sticks, much like a cross country skier with ski poles. Transferring weight to the arms is usually promoted as a benefit by hiking stick users, as it is said to decrease the possibility of knee and back injury. Also, this can provide a more full body workout.

However, the flip side of transferring weight to the arms is that although there is not as much weight on the knees and ankles, the arms must bear the weight. Legs are bigger than arms and designed for long term stress, such as a long hike. Arms are not meant to be used for long distance transportation. Not using a hiking stick will mean that the legs must simply adapt to taking all the weight. The rest of your body learns to balance well without it. If you're noticing significant knee pain, the problem can best be solved by slowing down when going down hills, wearing properly fitting shoes, and maintaining proper posture. A hiking stick may provide temporary relief but will not be as effective as the aforementioned tactics long term.

Another potential strike against hiking sticks is their tendency to tear up a trail. Especially on solid rock, such as granite, the metal tip on most commercial sticks has a much harder impact than the rubber sole of a hiking boot.