Walking stick

A walking stick (or two) is a tool used by many people to ease pressure on the legs when walking. They come in many shapes and sizes, indeed leading some to build collections of them. Like with all practical objects that take on novelty features, this must not detract attention from their aforementioned primary purpose.

Related Topics:
Tool - Pressure - Walking - Novelty

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They are also useful for hikers who use them for a wide variety of purposes: to clear spiderwebs that have been built across the trail, to part thick bushes or grass obscuring the trail, as a support when going uphill or a brake when going downhill, as a balance point when crossing streams or other rough terrain, to feel for obstacles in the path, to test mud and puddles for depth, and as a defense against wild animals.

Related Topics:
Hikers - Spiderweb - Bush - Grass - Mud - Puddle

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Also serving this purpose are walkers, which are held in front of the user and allow them to lean heavily on it.

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A 'walking stick' may also refer to the stick insect, which uses camouflage to resemble a stick or twig.

Related Topics:
Stick insect - Camouflage

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Many forms of self-defence are based on the practical use of the walking stick (see quarterstaff and la canne). A walking stick is usually within the boundaries of legal self-defence.

Related Topics:
Quarterstaff - La canne

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