Walking sticks are most useful in rough terrain or in situations where you can't see your feet, such as while hiking in snow that isn't quite deep enough for snowshoes or skis or while wading across a stream. They also ease the pounding on your knees when you’re hauling a heavy load. I’m so sold on the value of walking sticks that I use a pair year-round when the load exceeds 50 pounds. I like to use a pair of old ski poles because the molded grip is easier to hang onto than the smooth shaft of an ordinary walking stick. I should forewarn you, however, that hiking with ski poles in the summer will prompt knucklehead comedians to exclaim, "You forgot your skis!" To which I reply, “That’s true, but you forgot the snow, so it’s really all your fault!”

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