Have you ever used a hiking/walking stick?

I did in Germany when we went on volksmarches. I have not here but am contemplating getting one. I want it to help if I run across a nasty dog, bear, coyote, or fox. All of that is in my neighborhood. I just don't know how I would do it walking two dogs. I walk one in each hand. I would have too put them both on one side. Still thinking. If anyone has a link to a great one, please link away.

I prefer one when hiking any incline. I have issues with my knees and a hiking stick really helps. It's not a stability issue just a way to help shift some of the weight so that my knees don't yell at me later.

I also have issues with my elbows as they hyper extend if I let them swing and I end but with elbow pain. Holding something makes sure that they don't over extend.

I use one if we're going on a long hike that has lots of downhill. Downhill absolutely kills my knees. And rough uneven terrain. I prefer the collapsible kind so that when it's not needed it can fit in my pack.

And it works well for getting spider webs out of the way...

They are quite popular in Europe, especially with the Germans. I use one if we will be doing a lot of walking, are walking on us paved paths, or are around a lot of cobblestones. It makes a big difference on my back. I tend to stand straighter and am more conscious about keeping my weight over my hips.

I only use one pole because I usually have a dog leash in my other hand. Patter, you could do that, but you’d have to teach the dogs to walk next to each other! I’ve never used a hiking pole with two dogs. Maybe if you used one of those waist leashes? I’m not a fan of those because I feel like I get a lot of communication through the leash. But it could be worth a try.

I finally bought poles for all of us because they ended up being so handy on a trip to Colorado last summer. ODS had an official stick and DH had just bought a pole for wading in rivers when fly fishing, but took it along on one of our hikes. Poles really help when going uphill, but also help when the trail is really rocky and uneven. I got two inexpensive sets on Amazon last fall so we head had at least one pole this summer.

I hike on rocky trails and often the rocks will slip when stepped on, so I have used a walking stick for years to stabilize me in case I slip. Mine is telescoping and can fold in to about 12", fitting into a small backpack.

Have you tried a coupling leash? I don't know the exact name of it but ODS has used it to help corral his 2 Aussies on walks. If he walks them alone, he will tether them up to each other with the lease. It's like a longer leash, shaped in a Y. 

I don't have a walking stick but if I were a serious walker on anything other than a street or sidewalk, I would want one. I am unsteady at times with a bad knee. I can see where one would be very helpful. 

I used one once to climb a volcano, but I didn't find it overly helpful. Over 20 years later, with more balance issues, and I think they might come in handy now.

I have only recently started using a pair of walking poles and they have made an incredible difference. I damaged knee ligaments as a teen and I’m now in my fifties. It wasn’t until I first went for a hike using them that it dawned on me that my knee wasn’t hurting. I’ve lived with knee pain after a bit of a walk all my adult life and it sounds weird but I almost hadn’t realised it was something I always got until I didn’t get it! They take so much pressure of the leg joints but really help with speed and stability too. Having said that, I can’t imagine just using one - it seems to me it’s the two pole action that does the propelling and takes the strain.

<---

I used them for the first time last month when I went hiking in Vermont. I was very glad to have them. The terrain was very uneven and I can’t catch myself as well as I used to if I stumble. Also, they’re supposed to take some pressure off your knees. My 17 year old son decided to try them out a few weeks later and he also thought they were worth having for uneven terrain.

I have a set of hiking poles that I have used in hiking mountains.  Mine also have the ability to change the bottom part to snow baskets.  I used them with my snow shoes and they were great!  They are wonderful for keeping your balance when crossing streams or hiking really rocky areas, especially downhill.  I wasn't sure I was going to like them at first, but my fiancé talked me into buying them for a Yosemite hike we were planning at the time.  I ended up really liking them.  I wouldn't use them for regular walking on the street, but for a steep incline or rocky trail, they really help you hold your balance. And the idea of falling and breaking something when out away from help is so not appealing to me!  I had them with me on a hike when we saw fresh mountain lion prints.  We quickly developed a plan to put our backs against the cliff and hold the sticks out so if the cat pounced, it would impale itself.  They are also great for turning things over that you don't necessarily want to touch with your hands when out in the mountains.

No, but I should. I really struggle with uneven terrain.