5. Wooden Walking and Hiking Sticks/Staffs

Wooden Walking and Hiking Sticks/Staffs

Wooden Walking/Hiking Sticks

 A  hiking staff is a companion used by both casual and avid hikers to help them keep their balance, reduce stress and pressure on their knees, back and hips.  Using a walking staff gives extra power to the hiker when going up hills and a stabilizer while going down hills, wading through streams and over dead-fall.  Essentially, a hiker becomes a third leg giving added protection and support.. 

Wooden walking or hiking sticks are also used everyday around town by those who need to keep their balance due to an injury or disability.  In some medical situations a person using a cane may lean over rather than standing upright.  In this situation, they can be prescribed by a physiotherapist instead of a cane. 

 Our wooden walking sticks are made from many types of woods in many different styles.  We welcome you to view our wide selection of hikers from Canada, the US and Germany.

Click here to find our hand carved hiking sticks, natural wooden walking sticks. laminated hikers or our turned hiking sticks.


Root Knobs, Pistol Grips and Hame Tops

                   
Root Knob                  Pistol Grip                    Hame Top Walking Sticks

Shorter walking sticks such as the root knob, pistol grip and hame tops are also used by many for a walking and hiking aid.  Most people using this style of stick are not using them for weight bearing like those using a cane but rather for balance and protection.  Walking in the city or on a hiking trail many people either need or prefer the added support given by a nice walking stick.  The knob provides the added feeling of protection from wild life or an unruly pet. 

Click here to view our Root Knobs, Hame Tops and Pistol Grip

Seat Canes and Shooting Sticks                      

Aluminum Seat Cane      Wooden Seat Cane             Shooting Stick

A seat cane is useful for traveling, camping, parades, watching your kids at soccer , baseball or for when we are out for a walk in the park.  They are made from wood and aluminum.  The seat cane is straddled when used as a seat with the handle being in the front of the user.  This adds stability to the seat and allows the user to push on the handle to stand upright.

Shooting sticks are different than seat canes in that they have one leg.  With a spike tip, they are great to use when on grass or out on a hike.  Some come with rubber tips for indoor use but many don’t.  When traveling it is essential to use rubber tips as many historical places won’t allow the use of metal tips on their sites.  **This style of seat isn't recommended for those with balance issues or for those who need to relax their legs when resting.

Click here to find our Seat Canes. Click here to find our Shooting Sticks. (Not available at this time.)


How to Measure Yourself for a Walking/Hiking Stick

There is no hard and fast rule for measuring yourself for a walking or hiking staff.  The only rule you need to follow is to have your elbow bent at a right angle or 90 degrees to the hiker when you are walking on flat ground.  For this reason we recommend that you measure the distance from the ground to the top of your hand when your elbow is bent at a right angle.  Once you have this measure, we suggest adding no less than two inches onto it.  The extra length will allow the walking or hiking stick to extend in front of you while walking down inclines.  Most people like hikers that are shoulder to chin length.

How to Measure Yourself for a Root Knob, Pistol Grip or Hame Top or Seat Cane

To measure yourself for a shorter walking stick follow the steps listed below.

1)    Put on the shoes you most often wear or your hiking boots.
2)    Stand on a hard surface. (not carpet)
3)    Stand as straight as possible.
4)    Let your measuring arm hang loosely at your side. (ensure it isn't completely straight)
5)    Measure to the top of the crook of your wrist. (The wrinkle that separates your hand from your arm.)
If the directions above are followed correctly, your elbow will have a 15 – 20 degree when you are holding the root knob, pistol grip or hame top.

Contact information

It is our goal to help everyone Walk with a Smile and to Walk in Style ®. We invite you to look through our selection of walking canes and hiking sticks on our online store www.canescanada.com and to call us with any questions at 1-866-217-8091.

Posted on May 17, 2012  |  1 comment