Where can I buy a hiking stick?

11 posts / 0 new

Tue, 2012-04-03 09:04

infracaninophile $infracaninophile's picture$

I had a minor fracture of the tibia (or fibula -- I get them mixed up) a few months ago but it is healed now. I was on crutches but can now walk --carefully -- but my physician suggested I use 1 crutch to steady myself until the muscles strengthen themselves again (have exercises to do for that). A cane is not recommended because it means leaning over and actually interferes with balance, in my case anyway.

I find using one crutch to be awkward and think a walking stick, like the ones you see in hiking pictures, would be the way to go. Something I can grip at close to shoulder level and use like a ski pole to steady myself as needed. But where can I buy something like this? Mountain Equipment Co-Op? Sports stores? Ideas welcomed.

Tue, 2012-04-03 09:37

Boom Boom

I need one too, I have a bone disease, can't afford to fall and fracture something.

Tue, 2012-04-03 11:39

Fidel

You can make a fairly nice one out of a piece of diamond willow growing in the bush. I know it grows on the road sides here in Ontario. Not very common but it's around. My father was a wood carver in his spare time.

Tue, 2012-04-03 11:58

Mr.Tea

Mountain Equipment Co-op probably has one. They can't be that hard to find and order online. Google around and I'm sure you'll find plenty

Tue, 2012-04-03 12:10

Westcoast Granny

Here is a web site for a great Canadian product. My husband and mother both use the Activator models. Well thought out design features for people with arthritis.

http://urbanpoling.com/

Quote:

The ACTIVATOR POLES are revolutionizing mobility and rehabilitation for individuals with chronic conditions and those recovering from injuries as well as older adults who require more stability and balance when walking.

The Activator Poles and walking technique ensure the highest levels for safety, comfort and performance. You can feel confident using the Activator Poles and technique because they were designed by a Canadian occupational therapist with input from a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and kinesiologists.

Tue, 2012-04-03 12:12

bagkitty

Manufactured products are available from both MEC and LLBean(Canada) - currently ranged from about $50 to about $150. There are also hand carved wooden ones (including diamond willow) available for order on line (search for "Wupen" or "CanesCanada") prices seem to fall primarily into th $60 range. Not endorsing any of these, they are just the from the first page of results of googling "hiking stick" and "walking stick".

Tue, 2012-04-03 12:21

Westcoast Granny

The reason I like the Activator (about $110) at places like Regency medical is they are specifically designed for people with medical problems. Things like having no the wrist loops are simple but great design features. Old people tend to stumble more than 30 year old trekkers and they trip and break bones. I don't have any stake in this product other than I love to buy Canadian, especially when they make the best.

Thu, 2012-04-05 20:26

Gyroknopter

Fidel wrote:

You can make a fairly nice one out of a piece of diamond willow growing in the bush. I know it grows on the road sides here in Ontario. Not very common but it's around. My father was a wood carver in his spare time.

My friend makes them here in sask. black diamond willow is everywhere. They end up looking gorgeous.

Sun, 2012-04-08 18:36

Tommy_Paine

http://lennyscanes.com/walking-and-hiking-sticks/spalted-maple-walking-s...

Here's one made of Osage Orange. Google Osage Orange, and you'll see the properties that make this wood favoured over many.

No, I don't have an interest in the above site. Although, just this last week, before seeing this thread title, I was wondering first about finding some Osage Orange for my own stick, and later, if I find a source, to make them for some extra cash.

Tue, 2012-04-10 08:14

#10

Slumberjack

I found Diamond Willow from North Eastern Alberta can be used to make a great walking stick.

Tue, 2012-04-10 13:18

#11

Tommy_Paine

It seems to be a preferred wood for this purpose. I would think it's both light and strong.

Osage Orange is a heavy, very fine grained wood. My partiality to it is a bit nerdy. The tree itself is native to only a small part of the U.S. But First Nations people spread it first as it was (and still is in some circles) the prefered wood for making bows.

Later, settlers used this tree as fencing. It grows close together and has formidible thorns, enough to keep cattle in. The advent of barbed wire put an end to Osage Orange hedgerow planting.

However, in SW Ontario, particularly in Lambton County, vestiges of these hedgerow trees can still be found.

I keep my eyes open for them in the London area, but so far I haven't seen any.