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Many people use a hiking stick just as a walking aid, but it is also used to clear debris and high grass from your path, as well as to get rid of any wild animals should they get too close (such as snakes). Do you, however, actually need a hardwood hiking stick while hiking? Most hikers would be inclined to say “yes,” simply because of the versatility that it can be used for. However, while it isn’t essential that you have a hardwood hiking stick, it definitely makes your hiking days easier if you have one.
Do-It-Yourself
While you are hiking, look out for young poplar trees where they are growing wild or over-planted in a tight group. These trees are certainly the best resource for your homemade hardwood hiking stick. Be careful though not to break off trees unless they are already in a tight cluster together. While it is vital to have a hiking stick, it shouldn’t be at the expense of the forests that we love so much. Besides poplar, you will find that white cedar is also a great variety of wood to carve out your own hiking stick.
Cutting Down The Right Tree To Pick Your Hardwood Hiking Stick
In truth, not many people think of cutting down trees today with much patience or finesse. You want, however, to focus on places that are already overcrowded, and could use a little thinning, as the areas to get your materials. You’d want to make sure that you choose the right tree also, because while selecting an area where there is an overpopulation of hardwood trees is great, if you go through and cut down 10 trees to find the right one, then the exercise is futile.
For this reason, make sure you spend some time selecting out the right tree, make sure that it is the right strength, the right height, and the right thickness and so on before cutting it. The end of your hardwood hiking stick should rest at around your armpit, but this is just a general guideline, and some hikers prefer their hiking sticks to be up to their heads, or even higher.
You can carve the body and the head however you wish; the bottom can be wrapped with a strip of leather so that not only does it look nice, but it also prevents it from slipping off while negotiating uneven terrain.
Shopping for Hiking Sticks
For those who do not have the skill to carve one for yourself, you can just visit a specialty sporting shop, and choose a hardwood hiking stick that is right for you. While this method is easier, the satisfaction that you will get from making your own hiking stick for your travels is worth the sweat, effort and time it takes to make it.
Tagged with: hiking essentials • hiking sticks
Filed under: Hiking Gear