Ask the Gear Guy

Walking stick height

How tall should a walking stick be?
– Walking Wyatt, El Paso, Tex.

A. First thing to consider is how you’ll be using your stick. If you plan to hike with it, look for a tall and straight stick. Here’s a good rule on sizing: Standing with your arms at your side, the stick should be about 6 or 8 inches taller than your elbow. Pick a longer stick if you’ll be tackling steep terrain. If you’re really just planning on walking with your stick, a shorter one will do. Pick a stick that comes to right around your waist.

Click here to find plans to make your own walking stick.

Read 8 comments about “Walking stick height”

1. 1 - troop547scout says:
   July 25th, 2007 at 8:13 am

   cool

2. 2 - Pack760scout says:
   August 3rd, 2007 at 6:58 am

   I,ll be able to use this!

3. 3 - agent doolin, C.I.A. says:
   August 4th, 2007 at 5:19 am

   great

4. 4 - blingx2 says:
   September 22nd, 2007 at 11:38 am

   i tackle steep paths and my stick is perfect so, listen to these people

5. 5 - fear says:
   December 24th, 2007 at 7:53 am

   it should be about up to your chin

6. 6 - scout says:
   January 18th, 2008 at 10:52 am

   useful!

7. 7 - uncoolguy says:
   March 24th, 2008 at 2:36 am

   nice

8. 8 - cool backpacker 101 says:
   June 27th, 2008 at 6:41 pm

   i like to use trekking poles because they help me keep my balance better because i like to tackle uneven terrain

Write a comment about “Walking stick height”