If you've ever been out hiking on a trail, or even walking along a back road, you've probably seen people using walking sticks. Walking sticks (also known as hiking sticks or poles) are long poles or sticks used to help a hiker keep their balance and for many other duties while in the great outdoors. Some people may wonder if a walking stick will help them out while climbing mountains or hiking trails, and the answer is unequivocally, yes!

Walking sticks are very commonly used by hikers in areas of Europe with mountainous terrain, such as in the Alps. The stick or pole can help you to balance while you're walking in areas that can be slippery or hard to get footing on - such as shale, mud or sand. You can dig into the material with your walking stick and then use it almost as a third leg so you don't slip. You can also use a walking stick to help your knees and back, as you can either prop yourself on it to rest, or use it as a lever to help pull yourself uphill when hiking. Among other uses for walking sticks can include using it as a place to prop up a blanket for a makeshift tent, or even as a way to push aside tall grass or brush so you can pass through these areas more easily.

A good height for a walking stick is between 4 feet and 5.5 feet, depending on your height and the way you plan to use your stick. Walking sticks can be made of all sorts of wood (some people even use broom handles), but an important necessity for a good walking stick is a handle or strap. Hiking poles, which are a type of walking stick, are generally made of metal and may have a spike or cleat at the end for digging into the ground. No matter which type of walking stick you choose for your hiking needs, you can definitely benefit from the use of a stick.