I don't have much advise other than that mine is telescoping (three
sections) and I like it that way. The two main benefits are that the
length is adjustable in case you want to loan it to someone of a
different height and that it is easily packed. Mine came from REI and
was pretty spendy but I managed to get it while on sale for a pretty
good price.

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "gallant_rogue"
wrote:
>
> Thanks in advance!
> If I may, I'd like to get some advice from you guys on the purchase
> of a walking stick. There are hundreds available on line. I'm sure
> there are expert opinions in the house. I'm not getting any younger
> but I still love those "long hike letterboxes". I'm always making a
> walking stick out of tree limbs found along the trail. (Maybe
> getting ticks from handling them too)
>
> So what are the important features?
>
> Should I buy a cheap one to experiment with... or can sombody
> endorse a really good one?
>
> Alloy or wood?
> Super compact, compact or big?
> Collapsible or solid staff?
> 4-section or 3 sections?
> Locking systems?
> Grips?
> Weight?
> Stiffness?
> Tips?

I have arthritis in both knees and hips, but I won't give in to it if
it means no letterboxing. So I got myself a walking stick, and what a
difference! The one I use is solid wood, with a spiked tip.

Recently, we have started lettterboxing while traveling, and I realized
there was no way I could take my walking stick on an airplane. And it
sure won't fit in a suitcase. So I got a telescoping walking stick at
EMS that collapses down to 28" inches, which will easily fit into my
suitcase. If you plan to take yours on your travels, it's something to
consider.

Patti, the "Lady" of Lord & Ladybug

Gallant Rogue,

I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one a Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,

Irene - H&H

gallant_rogue wrote:

Thanks in advance!
If I may, I'd like to get some advice from you guys on the purchase
of a walking stick. There are hundreds available on line. I'm sure
there are expert opinions in the house. I'm not getting any younger
but I still love those "long hike letterboxes". I'm always making a
walking stick out of tree limbs found along the trail. (Maybe
getting ticks from handling them too)

So what are the important features?

Should I buy a cheap one to experiment with... or can sombody
endorse a really good one?

Alloy or wood?
Super compact, compact or big?
Collapsible or solid staff?
4-section or 3 sections?
Locking systems?
Grips?
Weight?
Stiffness?
Tips?





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.

Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,

I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one a Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,

Irene - H&H

gallant_rogue wrote:

Thanks in advance!
If I may, I'd like to get some advice from you guys on the purchase
of a walking stick. There are hundreds available on line. I'm sure
there are expert opinions in the house. I'm not getting any younger
but I still love those "long hike letterboxes". I'm always making a
walking stick out of tree limbs found along the trail. (Maybe
getting ticks from handling them too)

So what are the important features?

Should I buy a cheap one to experiment with... or can sombody
endorse a really good one?

Alloy or wood?
Super compact, compact or big?
Collapsible or solid staff?
4-section or 3 sections?
Locking systems?
Grips?
Weight?
Stiffness?
Tips?





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.




---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That's often quite true.

A friend of mine bought a cheap one at Walmart. I was going to also.
Decided to wait to see how good hers worked "out in the field." It didn't
work that great. It vibrated, just didn't have a sound feel to it, and
about the 4th or 5th time out, she was using it for balance across a stream
and it collapsed and folded, and she took a bath.

I've got a wood one that I really like from Diamond Willow. It's not
telescopic/expandable which can sometimes be a problem. But it's nice and
solid if we happen to meet stray unfriendly dogs along the way. Especially
since I often hike with my own dogs. I've been looking at some of the more
expensive expandable ones. Wish I could take them for a "test hike" tho.

~~ Mosey ~~

-----Original Message-----
From: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Lillie Gilbert
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2005 8:44 AM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Advice please.... Recommendations for a Long Hike LB
Walking Stick


What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.

Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,

I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one a
Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,

Irene - H&H

Exactly. Try the Leki Makalu with the cork handle. The 3 pole system is telescoping and has shock absorbers, lifetime guarantee (and they aren't that expensive). I've tried many types and believe this is the best. I have saved myself embarrassment and pain by not face-planting with these. Contact me off the list serve about a discount on a pair. Kayaklil

Mosey wrote:That's often quite true.

A friend of mine bought a cheap one at Walmart. I was going to also.
Decided to wait to see how good hers worked "out in the field." It didn't
work that great. It vibrated, just didn't have a sound feel to it, and
about the 4th or 5th time out, she was using it for balance across a stream
and it collapsed and folded, and she took a bath.

I've got a wood one that I really like from Diamond Willow. It's not
telescopic/expandable which can sometimes be a problem. But it's nice and
solid if we happen to meet stray unfriendly dogs along the way. Especially
since I often hike with my own dogs. I've been looking at some of the more
expensive expandable ones. Wish I could take them for a "test hike" tho.

~~ Mosey ~~

-----Original Message-----
From: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Lillie Gilbert
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2005 8:44 AM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Advice please.... Recommendations for a Long Hike LB
Walking Stick


What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.

Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,

I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one a
Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,

Irene - H&H




---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'd say the most important rule is that if one is good, two are
better. Most long distance hikers use the Leki Makalu. Mine have
held up for over 2,000 miles of hard use and no maintenance. I've
found it to be impractical to adjust the length while hiking, so I
just leave them so that my forearms are parallel to the ground on a
flat trail. Using the hand straps incorrectly can cause blisters.
Make sure to put your hands UP through the holes so that the weight
is resting on the TOP of your wrists.

Ninja Rob

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, "gallant_rogue"
wrote:
>
> Thanks in advance!
> If I may, I'd like to get some advice from you guys on the purchase
> of a walking stick. There are hundreds available on line. I'm sure
> there are expert opinions in the house. I'm not getting any younger
> but I still love those "long hike letterboxes". I'm always making a
> walking stick out of tree limbs found along the trail. (Maybe
> getting ticks from handling them too)
>
> So what are the important features?
>
> Should I buy a cheap one to experiment with... or can sombody
> endorse a really good one?
>
> Alloy or wood?
> Super compact, compact or big?
> Collapsible or solid staff?
> 4-section or 3 sections?
> Locking systems?
> Grips?
> Weight?
> Stiffness?
> Tips?

Leki Makalu is the ONLY way to go. I have been a seriuos backpacker for years. They are guarenteed for life. I damaged one on MT Washington and the store fixed it no questions asked. No I am not a sales man or in any way associated with them.

http://www.leki.com/html/trek_main.asp


Lillie Gilbert wrote:
Exactly. Try the Leki Makalu with the cork handle. The 3 pole system is telescoping and has shock absorbers, lifetime guarantee (and they aren't that expensive). I've tried many types and believe this is the best. I have saved myself embarrassment and pain by not face-planting with these. Contact me off the list serve about a discount on a pair. Kayaklil

Mosey wrote:That's often quite true.

A friend of mine bought a cheap one at Walmart. I was going to also.
Decided to wait to see how good hers worked "out in the field." It didn't
work that great. It vibrated, just didn't have a sound feel to it, and
about the 4th or 5th time out, she was using it for balance across a stream
and it collapsed and folded, and she took a bath.

I've got a wood one that I really like from Diamond Willow. It's not
telescopic/expandable which can sometimes be a problem. But it's nice and
solid if we happen to meet stray unfriendly dogs along the way. Especially
since I often hike with my own dogs. I've been looking at some of the more
expensive expandable ones. Wish I could take them for a "test hike" tho.

~~ Mosey ~~

-----Original Message-----
From: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Lillie Gilbert
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2005 8:44 AM
To: letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [LbNA] Advice please.... Recommendations for a Long Hike LB
Walking Stick


What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.

Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,

I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one a
Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,

Irene - H&H




---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



---------------------------------
Discover Yahoo!
Get on-the-go sports scores, stock quotes, news & more. Check it out!

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Patti wrote

I realized there was no way I could take my walking stick on an
airplane

ACTUALLY !

YOU CAN !

The airline companies are required to allow disabled folk to take
their aids onto aorcraft.

It simply the law.!

Whether that is an ECV (Electric convenience vehicle) or wheelchair or
whatever.

A metal tipped walking stick is no problem !

You just ..must ..tell em in advance.

(Note) You don't need any document to prove you are disabled..you just
have to say you need a stick to walk..they aren't empowered to dispute
your assertion !



Heartland.




A final few PS's and a plea.

please don't lets discuss security on this site and get into off topic
flames again...just look it up if you don't belive me.....disabled
folk must be facilitaed on airlines, at home and overseas.....it's a
legal requirement about equal access..simple

and finally...just to be sure no one feels a need to get all hot and
emotional..and says "my airline wont"

let me tell you that they will...becasue I know from real experience.

...I carry my stick around the world and across the US by plane.

and yes I am physically disbaled..(not that its anyone's business ..I
know!) and yes I do walk twelve miles (slowly) with my stick "up and
down" hills across wild country and I thoroughly enjoy my walking and
adore my letterboxing !

You might even see me on the Applation Trail..still with my stick and
still walking slow...carrying a pack !

I am section hiking it and fly between start and end points every year
..with my stick !

So if you've arthritic joints you have my sympathy...but if you walk
and need or want a stick its not sympathy just common law....Take your
stick and go fly gal !

Happy Letterboxing !

Oh well, hey, what the heck do I know anyway? I only spent $14 for two
of them last year (Feb '04 - on Sale) and would still have 2 if my
darling husband hand't left one behind in a park. My original one is
still working perfectly 16 months later. So much so that I went and
bought another one. Dumb me I guess.

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Lillie Gilbert
wrote:
> What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.
>
> Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,
>
> I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one
a Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,
>
> Irene - H&H

To each his own (chacun son gout)....

hikers_n_hounds wrote:Oh well, hey, what the heck do I know anyway? I only spent $14 for two
of them last year (Feb '04 - on Sale) and would still have 2 if my
darling husband hand't left one behind in a park. My original one is
still working perfectly 16 months later. So much so that I went and
bought another one. Dumb me I guess.

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Lillie Gilbert
wrote:
> What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.
>
> Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,
>
> I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one
a Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,
>
> Irene - H&H





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Oh now you're just gettin' fancy schmancy on me Sheba! Hey, I like my food, toys and men just like me...cheap, fast and easy!

Suzanne Coe wrote:To each his own (chacun son gout)....

hikers_n_hounds wrote:Oh well, hey, what the heck do I know anyway? I only spent $14 for two
of them last year (Feb '04 - on Sale) and would still have 2 if my
darling husband hand't left one behind in a park. My original one is
still working perfectly 16 months later. So much so that I went and
bought another one. Dumb me I guess.

--- In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, Lillie Gilbert
wrote:
> What's good isn't cheap, what's cheap isn't good.
>
> Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Gallant Rogue,
>
> I love the expandable aluminum sticks. I just picked up another one
a Walmart for $14. Can't go wrong at that price. JMHO,
>
> Irene - H&H





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yup, that's me--I even have fancy schmancy boots.... And would that be cheap food, fast toys & easy men?

Hikers_n_ Hounds wrote:Oh now you're just gettin' fancy schmancy on me Sheba! Hey, I like my food, toys and men just like me...cheap, fast and easy!

Suzanne Coe wrote:To each his own (chacun son gout)....




---------------------------------
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

anything that feels comfortable to you. Although it should have a spring for absorbtion much better on the knees. Also a telescoping one is a nice feature just because it's easy to store or carry if you don't feel like using it. Light weight is also a bonus. Cabella's carries one for much less than a lot of other places. That is where I got mine and it is a saving grace on my knees and other joints. Also a good stabalizer when scurrying over rocks or down hill sides.
Good luck

gallant_rogue wrote:

Thanks in advance!
If I may, I'd like to get some advice from you guys on the purchase
of a walking stick. There are hundreds available on line. I'm sure
there are expert opinions in the house. I'm not getting any younger
but I still love those "long hike letterboxes". I'm always making a
walking stick out of tree limbs found along the trail. (Maybe
getting ticks from handling them too)

So what are the important features?

Should I buy a cheap one to experiment with... or can sombody
endorse a really good one?

Alloy or wood?
Super compact, compact or big?
Collapsible or solid staff?
4-section or 3 sections?
Locking systems?
Grips?
Weight?
Stiffness?
Tips?





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/letterbox-usa/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
letterbox-usa-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.



---------------------------------
Yahoo! Sports
Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]