Healthy Habits: Walking Sticks

Few things in this world can rival the combination of crisp fall air, the crunch of leaves underfoot and a trusty companion to steady your gait. November 17 was national “Take a Hike Day” and those who have a passion for exploring the great outdoors know that no adventure is complete without a well-rounded took kit. One of those essential items that will smooth out any unexpected bump in the trail are made-in-the-U.S. walking sticks. The care and craftsmanship that goes into every single one of these walking sticks is impossible to miss once it’s in your hands; the fact that they can be turned into a tool that points you in the right direction should only serve to sweeten the deal.

According to Brazos Walking Sticks, a Texas-based manufacturer of these essential national Take a Hike Day tools, the look, feel, the walking stick is as unique as the end user. Since it’s possible to tweak the design of the stick itself, you can create a Swiss Army knife-like device that adds convenience as well as real-world purpose.

What elements can be added to a domestically-produced walking stick and why should avid hikers upgrade from the basic stick they may currently own?

• A freeform walking stick made from hickory wood is a rugged tool with rustic appeal. From start to finish, craftsmen ensure the strength of the stick itself so that it can stand up to twist and turns Mother Nature throws your way.
• Add-ons aren’t just for show. While custom engraving and other personalized emblems can be added by walking stick manufacturers, Brazos points to accessories that serve a vital purpose in nature. This means having a compass, whistle, thermometer, tip or spike installed on your walking stick. For the shutterbugs, Brazos’ twisted hickory photo stick is essentially a monopod that offers a mounting screw in the handle so that a camera can be spun into place.
• The AHS recommends that hikers opt for rubber tips on their hiking sticks as to prevent scarring of rocks, increasing erosion and widening of trails. To that end, Brazos, as a manufacturer of hiking sticks that should suit the needs of every explorer, offers rubber ferrules in a variety of sizes and designs. Those who’d like to use trekking poles instead can seek out offerings that use a rubber tip to cover the carbide tip for use on asphalt or cement.. 

I had a chance to interview founder Brazos founder Warren Owen to learn more.

Why was Brazos started?

We started making walking sticks in 1996 because we discovered there was a need for high quality, non-medical looking mobility aids. We saw the baby boomers heading towards retirement (60,000 per day now) without many alternatives available to the standard “hospital issue” medical cane.

What are the advantages of using walking sticks?

Walking sticks offer many advantages. They can extend a person’s mobility. They take some strain off the legs and feet, transferring it to the upper body (arms and shoulders). They give a feeling of security when strolling through the neighborhood or hiking a steep trail. They essentially create a “third leg” that gives people something to lean on.

What sets Brazos apart?

The Brazos product line is the largest made in America mobility aid on the market today. Some of our exotic canes are made from imported lumber, but over 90% of our hand crafted sticks are made from domestic hardwoods. Each piece is selected for strength and natural beauty, then hand shaped and finished to produce authentic “one of a kind” canes or staffs. 

How can people make sure they're using the right walking stick or staff for them?

We have video and other sources (FAQ) on our site to help people choose the right stick for them, and we also have customer service available during normal business hours at 800-581-4352 to help folks find the right solution for their individual needs.

You can also visit Nature Sports Central for in-depth guides for all things outdoors.