walking sticks: yea or nay?

I take a walking stick that folds up into 3 parts and fits well in my backpack. Some walks are on boardwalk type and walking sticks are hopeless there as they fall into the cracks. But any uphill walking definitely needs a walking stick. Have a look around camping shops, they usually have quite a variety of sticks.

It sounds like a question of a (it must be very) small bag vs. a slightly larger bag and >comfort walking - especially downhill. I use trekking poles when trekking and at this stage of life really do need them going downhill on day 5 or 8 or whatever.

I agree - take the sticks! And the pair, not just one. I have seen some that break into thirds quite awhile ago at Capital Iron here in Victoria, and I know that Canayjun has one. I don't know what the quality of that type is, but I do know that one of my cheapies bit the dust while I was on my last trip.

I don't know what's happening in Canada, but in the US, REI and Campmor always have some good very light ones (pairs) on sale for around $60-70USD.

mine are the kind that roll up into themselves and do become quite small, but not small enough for the bag I would like to take (as bun_cha guessed correctly!)..I bought mine at REI and they are the good kind, a pair. I have some time to make the decision, but I guess the bigger bag may have to be used. Airlines won't let these things on in carry on luggage anymore.

#5 properly used the wrist straps are there to carry a good amount of your weight. Actually they go around your hand not your wrist. Buy a video on how to use them. Some poles come with a video.

I use the tie straps on my backpack to secure them to the outside of my pack. Sticks on one side, umbrella on the other. No problem. You can put them inside a backpack but it is a pain taking them in and out. You must check in your luggage.

Don't leave home without them.

There are different views on the type and use of hiking sticks.
I experimented with different sticks in preparing for Mt. Fuji a few years back. For hiking I now use two aluminum walking canes. They give good support and are better than hiking sticks for weight bearing. I turn them around. The weight/support is then on the palms of your hands and not on the wrists and fingers. They are more maneuverable. They telescope for packing. I last used them in Machu Picchu, where hiking stickes are prohibited, altho' I saw some folks using them, with the tips of the sticks covered with duct tape.

Anyway, that's my two cents on this topic.
SanchoPanza

Third time lucky as this is not posting. grrr. Take the stick. \
Heres a link to a product that has given me considerable relief from the pain and swelling associated with joint injuries. It was primarily designed for equine use which is how I found it from friends who are involved with world class eventing and use it on knock injuries.

My knee joint has reduced in circumference by 1 and a half inches - giving significant pain and mobility relief.

http://www.backontrack.co.nz/

After last trip where I was in a fair bit of pain, next time I'm taking my fold up stick. It helps take the pressure off my bad knee, I don't limp so much, and it gives me more stability. I don't do trips that involve a lot of hiking any more but even walking around historic sites - especially somewhere like Petra which is where I hope to be later next year - involve a lot of walking and some climbing.