Sgt. Speakman On Walking Sticks

I would like to take a moment to talk to you and get a blog conversation on the topic of
walking sticks. Walking sticks, whether bought or made on the spot are something that
are beneficial to anybody either walking, backpacking, hiking or camping. Very easy to make or
obtain they can be used for many things and are a great tool to have and take the time to
make.

If you are backpacking, hiking, camping, even hunting or fishing or you find yourself spending
alot of time walking through the wilderness, both on and off trail, then a walking stick or staff
is somehting you should consider. You could buy manufactured sticks, custom made handcrafted sticks
or fashion one yourself in a matter of no time and with little effort. Find yourself in the woods, mountains,
stream or desert...make a walking stick.

Lets look at a few saftety reasons and benefits to having a walking stick. First off, it provides you with a
great tool to help aid you while traversing the land. Any place you go, even on trails you are confronted with
very uneven and if off the trail very unpredictable landscape and footing. A staff gives you that 3rd leg, that
extra balance to control your step and give you sure footing. It will also improve and make more comfortable and
less tiresome traveling up and down hill as you can use it to balance and support weight on the way down
and dig in and lean into on the way up.

Secondly, a walking stick is a good defense. When setting up a camp, or resting in the woods or just stopping
along a trail it could protect you from many harmful intruders. It could be used as a sacraficial arm, exploring holes
and rocks around your camp and bushes and shrubs and undergrowth to make sure there are no harmful critters lurking
in the shadow of your camp or rest spot. Also, while traveling it could be used as a protective tool in the event you
come across a snake or agressive varmin, being used as a club or stick to push away an attacker or stay off
a snake that you might have startled.

Injury is a dngeraous animal in the wild. So having a tool that can help you revent injury is a plus. Both in assistance
in walking to prevent slips, trips and broken bones and as a self defense tool to prevent an attack the walking
stick can be of great use.

A walking staff also provides a unique multiple purpose tool constantly at your disposal. It can be used as a bush whacking
tool to clear dense growth as you walk through the woods. Can be use to dig or hammer, can be used to test rivers and
creeks to tell depth while crossing. Many things can be done with a simple wooden tool that can be cheaply made or bought.

Some considerations for a walking stick can be: The height of a walking stick is generaly your armpit height, however, this is
mostly a personal preferance and what makes you more comfortable works. Some like it taller, some shorter. Find one with a grip
comfortable to you. You want it comfortable since you are going to be holding it for long periods of time. Make sure it is made
hard wood. Especially if you are making one for yourself, you want it to last. Something made of soft woods, and green wood
will not last. If it is green and not dried slowly the heat and sun and use can crack and split the staff makeing it
weak and useless and unstable.

You can make your staff or purchase one from many stores and shops and even online. I have a shop where I handcraft
all natural wood walking staffs, walking sticks and canes and they are available for sale online. Take a look at my
online shop and maybe you will find a walking staff you like.

A walking staff can go a long way for you. I hope you consider using one, for saftety, ease of use and for comfort when
you are out in the wild. I never leave for the woods without mine.

Sgt. Speakman

My online Shop:

www.etsy.com/shop/earthwalkercreations