If you have ever gone hiking, you should understand the importance of finding the right gear for the job. Having the right hiking stick should make your life that much easier, and it should ensure that you have more comfort when hiking.
What size hiking stick do I need?
One of the first things you need to do when buying a hiking stick is taking the measurements. It would be best if you found out how long the stick is, and you will generally want it to fit in your hands when your hands are by your hips. This will give you plenty more leverage to help you lean on the hiking stick when going uphill.
However, there are plenty of things to keep in mind when looking for a hiking stick, and this is why we have created this article. The article aims to show you how to select the perfect hiking stick for your needs. Aside from looking at the size, we will also look at some steps you will need to take to ensure that you find the right size hiking stick.
Why Is It Important To Have The Right Size Hiking Stick?
If you are an avid hiker, you should know the importance of having the right hiking stick. With the right hiking stick, you should be able to climb up hills, and you should not need to worry about having to bend excessively. If the stick is too long, you won’t lean on it as much when you are tiring and need some support.
The hiking stick will become your best friend, and much like the water you consume, you will trust it to get you from one location to the other. The hiking stick has plenty of benefits, but you need to make sure that you find the right one. Here are some of the most important reasons for you to find a hiking stick of the right size:
Offers Support
The hiking stick is designed to offer you support, and you should make sure that it is the right size or working against yourself. If the stick is too big, you won’t have a comfortable grip, and if the stick is too short, you won’t get the support you need to carry you up some of the steep slopes.
You Don’t Want It To Be A Burden.
The hiking stick is designed to make your life easier and help you make it up some steep hills. It is something you will rely on when hiking as well. However, if the hiking stick is not the right size, it will be very uncomfortable and might feel like a burden.
You Cannot Adjust All Hiking Sticks
Hiking sticks are not something that you can easily adjust, which makes their sizing so important. Since you cannot adjust the hiking stick, you will need to make sure that you have a comfortable option from the start.
They Affect Your Hiking Style
It would be best if you always had a comfortable hiking style and the more comfortable your hiking style, the better it will be for you. If your hiking stick is not the right size, it might force you to adopt an uncomfortable hiking style that could cause pain and discomfort.
Detailed Steps To Find Out What Size Hiking Staff You Need
Now that you know how important it is for you to find the right hiking stick, we should look at some of the steps that you can use to make sure you find the right one. Here are some of the steps that we often recommend to new hikers who might not be clear about the hiking staff they need for their hiking trips:
Determine The Use
One of the first things you need to do is determine if you will be hiking with it or not. If you are walking around an urban area casually, you might want to consider a cane, but serious hikers will look for the hiking staff.
Find A Longer Stick
If you cannot go into the shop or buy the hiking stick online, you might need to scavenge around the yard for a long stick. The longer stick will not be used for hiking, but it should be great for taking measurements before you buy your new hiking staff.
Taking The Measurements
You must order the right size when you buy it online, and for this, you will need to make sure your measurements are correct. You should use the long stick and stand with your hands next to your sides. The stick you choose should be around 6 to 8-inches longer than your elbow. You can make a mark on the stick and measure before buying.
***Tip***
As an additional tip, we should mention that the terrain will also have a big effect on the hiking stick you are about to choose. We would recommend that if you are doing steep terrains, you might want to go for a long stick. This will give you even more leverage, especially when going those downhill sections.
Test The Hiking Stick
Before setting out on your first journey, it is important that you test the hiking stick to make sure that it is comfortable and use it with ease. You can take it for a stroll in town, or if you have a short hiking route, this is the perfect opportunity to test your brand new hiking stick.
What Size Hiking Stick Do I Need Summary
The hiking stick is one of the best things you can add to your hiking repertoire. The better you are with the hiking stick, the more comfort you have as a hiker. You can also significantly reduce the fatigue that you will feel. However, we would love to see some of your tips and how you go about selecting the right-sized hiking stick.
Need Help Preparing for a Hike or Backpacking Trip?
Check out our Hiking Equipment Guide for Beginners. It’s a complete list of gear that every beginner should have!
