WTB Hiking Staff

[SonOfMartin]

Hi,

I'm new to HF and hammock camping in general. I'm recovering from spinal surgery and have a bad leg with a limp. I currently use a closet rod as a hiking staff but am hoping someone has a used collapsable staff they aren't using any longer.

I watch eBay but those go for more than I can afford - so I'm hoping someone has a deal gathering dust in their closet.

I'd like something about 54" extended (or longer?) and can collapse down to fit my backpack straps when not needed.

Thanks for your consideration.

I live in PA and can do PayPal.

[CanadaDan]

There are tons of cheap telescopic walking sticks available on ebay, just like
This one

[Turtle2]

Or, Walmart has a collapsible for less than $20. Might be cheaper than purchase and mailing.

[nothermark]

The other question is whether you want a staff or 2 poles. They might give you better support. It depends what you need. If you want low cost poles I would check places that sell used ski equipment as well as the Walmart poles. pop the baskets off and you are in business.

[SonOfMartin]

I've looked at the WalMart poles and they don't support my weight. They collapse when I lean on them. I need to be able to put my weight on the pole when crossing uneven terrain or a creek. Part of my new medically induced life.

I will look at the ski pole idea - those long cross country skis may be the ticket - and with ski season ending I just might snag what I'm looking for.

[AaronMB]

...I will look at the ski pole idea - those long cross country skis may be the ticket - and with ski season ending I just might snag what I'm looking for.

If I may - depending on your height, you could look into golf drivers. The woods are long enough for me with their heads cut off and a replacement hiking tip JB-welded in place. Tips are a few bucks online and clubs are $1 at my local Goodwill.

[2ply]

I've looked at the WalMart poles and they don't support my weight. They collapse when I lean on them. I need to be able to put my weight on the pole when crossing uneven terrain or a creek. Part of my new medically induced life.

I bought a pair of the Walmart poles for my grandson and had the same slipping problem. In looking at the connectors the screws were not tight on the clamps. Once I tightened them up they worked great.

[Rolloff]

My WW poles work very well, but I'm not the biggest of hikers. Really don't care much for their products or practices in general, but sort of glad I didn't spend for the larger points at this point.

I still have lots of places to spend $$

[SonOfMartin]

Great ideas - never thought of a golf driver and JB Weld(ing) in a carbide tip.

I'll go back to WW and check on their poles and see if I can tighten up the screw and then lean on it.

Really looking for a collapsible type pole that I can keep in my backpack and use when needed - but that golf shaft idea may be just the ticket - can also use to prod spider webs and coax snakes along their merry way...

[Rolloff]

The ones I bought for 20 bucks do have a shock system. Once you get or find a set with tight screws, make sure it's not the spring shock absorber your feeling. The shafts are graduated so you will be able to see for sure if one or the other are not locking.

Good luck. They really make a difference for my knees.

There are some neat DIY's on walking sticks. I'm sure there's one or two here in the donating section. and Youtube should have some as well. My problem with a staff, is tendency to want all the bells and whistles, secret storage compartments, that of course have to be filled with everything from survival gear to snacks. Compass, whistle, light, swordcane.

I'd probably need all of that, and I'm already starting to put everything on a scale. The weight of something like that would make me have to go lay down for a bit.