Hiking sticks, trekking poles, walking sticks: No matter what you call them, they serve the same basic purpose, offering extra support and stability on the trail. There are a few downsides to hiking sticks, not least the fact that once you set out with them, you're committed to carrying them for the entire trip. It'll only take one or two outings for you to decide whether hiking sticks are for you or not.
Types
Anything that's long enough to grip with your arm at your side, elbow bent at a right angle--and sturdy enough to bear your weight--can become a hiking stick. Some woodworkers specialize in creating ornate, hand-carved hiking sticks; you'll also encounter high-tech versions, singly or in pairs. You might find a sturdy stick by the trailside that's to your liking and use it as a staff.
Advantages
Hiking sticks, whether used singly or in pairs, offer a number of benefits. You can use them to probe the depth of mud or water in front of you, or to feel for solid footing. They also make a convenient third point of balance when crossing swift-running water. You can use your hiking stick to move stinging nettle, devil's club and poison ivy out of the way. Hiking sticks help reduce the load on your joints from carrying heavy loads, and you can use them to help power yourself uphill or for extra balance on the way down.
Disadvantages
Some high-tech hiking sticks telescope into a compact bundle that you can strap to your backpack for easy storage. But non-telescoping sticks can become a serious hassle in some terrain, getting tangled in low underbrush or tiring your arms and shoulders if you have to carry them a long distance. If you drag the stick behind you or carry it jutting behind you, you can poke other hikers by mistake. Avoid this by carrying your hiking sticks with the point down in front of you, not sticking out behind, when not in active use.
The sharp metal tip on some hiking sticks can damage delicate terrain; you can purchase a rubber protector to go over the point, which protects both terrain and anywhere you choose to store the stick from accidental pokes and jabs.
Features
If you opt for a high-tech hiking stick, you'll have to choose between a number of features. Some sticks have shock absorbers, which reduce the impact on your joints every time you plant the stick. But you don't want the shock absorbers activated if you're going uphill; you can usually de-activate the shock absorbers by compressing the pole, then twisting it. Many poles come with wrist straps; if these bother you, simply don't use them, cut them off or tape them to your handle to keep them out of the way. Many poles have removable baskets; if you're walking in the summer you'll want relatively small baskets that keep the pole from sinking far into soft ground, but don't get caught on undergrowth. You can swap these out for larger baskets to help the poles "float" on top of the snow during winter.
Other Uses
Hiking sticks can be put to a number of uses in a pinch, including makeshift splint, support for a tarp or emergency shelter and a self-defense tool. You can use the stick, with a brightly-colored bandana or shirt tied to it, to mark an important location. Another option: Wrap duct tape or thin, strong cord around the stick so that when you need emergency repair supplies, they're readily available.
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