Choosing a trek stick

These are a much overlooked piece of kit that is very, very useful.

When purchasing a trek stick, you should make sure that it extends to the correct size for your height.

The only other considerations are:

The type of handle

An ergonomic handle will be more stable to hold than a round hand to support you when your footing is unsure.

Handle material

Some handles, even those that are ergonomic, can be very uncomfortable, try to choose a soft rubberised material. Flocking on the handle can make it more comfortable but after time may become smooth or wear off.

Tip

Some trek sticks have a removable rubber boot covering the tip. This is very important as the tip is often made of a hardened material such as tungsten steel. This enable you to use the stick with the boot on when traversing smooth, slippery surfaces such as wet slate or granite, to remove the tip for use on ice.

Flange

The flange, which may be removable, will stop the stick sinking too far into soft ground.

 

The only other considerations are whether you want a shock absorbing stick or not. The shock absorbing mechanism prevents your hand from the repetitive jarring when walking on hard surfaces.

Also, whether to buy one or a pair. This is a purely personal choice.

Uses for your trek stick.

Aside from the obvious, to aid you in walking, a trek stick can be used for a multitude of other, less obvious purposes:

o   Providing a ‘third leg’ for crossing streams and rivers;

o   Knocking fruit down from trees;

o   Probing soft ground for firmer spots to walk on;

o   Probing snow for holes;

o   Pass things over a chasm;

o   Supporting a tarp for protection;

o   Using as a splint for a sprained or broken limb;

o   Forming a frame for an emergency pack;

o   And many other uses…