Why Use Walking Sticks?
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 othe