I enjoyed the video Greg. I've used my walking sticks for many of the tasks you mentioned, including busting branches off trees. Similarly, when I am walking my forest trails after a new snow fall, which is awesome, I'll use my walking stick to knock snow off the branches weighted down with the snow and in my way. The branches pop up back in place and out of my way. Plus that snow is on the ground and not down my neck and back. Brrrr. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
👍 very good well thought presentation. Thank you. I like walking sticks/staffs. I am in the ‘chin level’ crowd. My favorite one is made from a Blackthorn root - extremely strong and light. Blackthorn roots that long and straight are rare and hard to find; so, a bit pricey, but I have had mine for 10 years. As you pointed out perhaps a bit cumbersome when hunting but not unmanageable.
Been using a walking stick for over 10 years now. Shoulder high piece of black spruce. Started using it for still hunting, but goes everywhere now. Just found your channel, very interesting.
I looked at my staff leaning against a big old Maple just the other day and smiled as I thought, "one of these days I'm going to walk away from you and we'll never see each other again." Haha. My staff is about as tall as me, Poplar and reclaimed from a Beaver. So one thing you didn't mention (I don't think) is something I realized when I started using a staff. If you're navigating a steep incline and slip. If you start free sliding downhill you may be able to use your staff to catch yourself between 2 tree's or rocks if you held it over your head. Great to see you Greg!
Glad seeing you posted a new video; walking sticks are heroes of the Outdoors. I like using Ironwood and locust for making natural ones. I moved rattlesnakes with mine more than once. Crossing ice or swamps saved me from bad, bad, things from happening. I have ones that are aluminum, retract, and extend. Natural wood ones also can work to hold your canoe in moving shallow water. I use them while fishing and driven them into the ground to moor my boat to shore. Animals use sticks and no doubt it was the first tool used by humans even before learning to throw rocks.👍😅🤣
I agree with your comments on self-defense. So many TH-cam channels talk about it in regards to firearms. Here in NZ, part of getting a firearms license is that you aren't allowed to use them in self-defense. As for a stick, as you said, great until they take it off you and use it on you. Thanks for another great video 👍
Great vid 👍 I agree using a stick you put time and effort into you would be a bit dubious to fully use , would be good to see you source and prep your stick ready for use. Thank you for your knowledge.
I have walking sticks which are often taken just to go on the trail in the woods. Some of your ideas really sound great but the notches in the stick was the one that caught my interest the most which I will give it a try on my largest stick.
Great vid Greg. I prefer the longer stick, just above head length as it provides better stability during descents on steep terrain. Handy for many things as your video points out. I often hunt for mushrooms and moving brush aside really aids in finding those little jems. This length works best for me when setting up a freestanding plow point configuration with my tarp as well.
Yes the extra length helps a lot with those things. I probably do more "bashing stuff" than most people - which is why I like the armpit length I guess
Strange that many of the things you mentioned I’ve done but never considered it as a use for the stick. It’s just sort of a tool. And great to take walking.
As usual, good solid, sensible presentation imparting valuable knowledge. I watch your channel because I like your down to earth style. I live in a desert in the SW USA, and some of your recommended uses for walking sticks don't fit well here, but I believe them to be valuable for many uses. We have venomous snakes, lizards, insects, and arthropods. I prefer the stick over firearms for close encounters with all. The stick is usually already in your hand and can be put into immediate action. Another use here is lifting desert vegetation when searching for minerals, semi precious stones, edible portions of plants, survey/boundary markers, and USGS monuments and such. You don't want to get too close...hard to say what might be concealed within a desert bush. Also, makes good, quick to use/quick to store shade when covered with a keffiyeh/shamog, poncho or tarp...Think about Omar Sharif's character in the early scene of Lawrence of Arabia. Thanks for posting this video. 👍👍👍
I use a 5' white oak steel ripped rubber shod trekking staff. Special because it's super durable & basically a legal great club by design, for areas that might expect the need to bash something. Im working on my long trek light duty trekking staff with a quick release stud for socketed knife for spear in a snap moments.
For myself it depends on what I am doing. That begs the question , Which is better a truck or a car , they both ,basically, do the same thing but in different ways. I generally use a trekking pole. Trekking poles are adjustable in height. I had to shorten one and it made an ideal improvised cane. Walking sticks are a lot stronger and can a lot longer , depending on there use. In camp I like to use mine as support for one outside corner of the rain fly ( high side )over my hammock. There's always a good choice available ( dead wood , not green ) when you hammock camp.
I use my walking stick to catapult my rock bag over a tree limb to hang my food, put a loop in cord that just fits around stick, 8 inches down is rock bag, then rest of line, swing stick and stop swing just before straight up and rock bag is catapulted over branch. Going uphill plant the stick on the ground above you and use your arms to pull you up and save leg strength. I lost my stick last trip when I tripped and it went over a cliff, replaced it with a 46" shovel handle from Home depot, a little heavy but a better weapon, call it my "Dog Stick" because it fends off dog attacks. Use two sticks as a "Cheek Spreader" to take a crap, place two sticks parallel about 3 inches apart, put one ends on a log or rock and the other ends in the dirt forming 30-40 degree angle, sit on the two branches facing dirt end, this makes a comfortable toilet seat, poop in between the branches, called a "Cheek Spreader" because when you sit on branches, your body weight causes your cheeks to spread out.
These are both really fantastic tips! I definitely want to try these out. The cheek spreader in particular sounds like it might be revolutionary! Thanks 🙂
As an old guy with health issues I generally have trekking poles with me for many of the some reasons you take the stick. There are many advantages. But quite a few time I've put my poles on my pack a cut a stick for specific purposes. Sometimes it's just common sense.
I was thinking why is there no notch at one end. Was feeding the dogs, so maybe you mentioned it earlier as well. If you make a recess an " or two behind that, and tie on some para cord. You have a nice rope handle, way to carry stuff, form part of some traps, make a staff sling to hurl rocks at stuff. Just have some extra rope for a ton of little things. Doubt staff slings are registered with whatever fishing/hunting body you have there. But you could prob brain some waterfowl, with it, if they were chilling in large numbers. Most likely going to be used to pass the time, while you wait for the kettle to boil. Tod's Workshop just uploaded a video on making and using staff slings. They are easier to use than regular slings, and you can throw fist sized rocks. They tend to get overlooked historically. But you get say 100 random fit people, you can have them trained up in a morning's practice. Sure, they still can't stand and fight, but that's a lot of blunt force trauma for whoever is on the receiving end. Plus, they would have been well-used to threshing ears of corn with flails. Take the bit of wood off the end, add a sling. And now you can hurl fist sized rocks on mass.
Yes there is a notch. I talk about using for lashing on knives/saws, and for lifting pots off fires or out of rivers. Re staff sling - useful in numbers in medieval warfare, not sure how accurate one would be using it for small game. Would require a lot of practice and all rocks would have to be the same size and shape. Probably a great topic for a video thanks
That little hand loop of cord could also be useful for putting the barrel of the rifle through - more steady than trying to balance on top of the pole.
@@outdoorsonthecheap It's about points of contact, with two poles, you have three points of contact, with one stick, you only have two. The difference between that third point is like the physics of a tripod. Doesn't sound like you've walked with two trekking poles? Because you'd understand the difference in stability. Trekking poles are also lighter weight and more ergonomic, often have less vibration transferred into your wrist and hands, and are adjustable in height. For some, that makes a huge difference in comfort.
@@outdoorsonthecheap Have you ever bothered to study any of this or are you just winging it like all these other old guys who think you magically picked up an education from being outside? lmao
I don't lose my balance when I walk. I sometimes lose my balance when I slide though. Maybe people are too heavy and/or weak in general these days to move around as efficiently.
@@outdoorsonthecheap OK. I guess I was misinterpreting what you meant by saying when you step forward you lose your balance and then catch yourself with the next foot. Cheers.
👍🏼good vid. Nothing beats a good stick. Good for kayaking too. :)
I enjoyed the video Greg. I've used my walking sticks for many of the tasks you mentioned, including busting branches off trees. Similarly, when I am walking my forest trails after a new snow fall, which is awesome, I'll use my walking stick to knock snow off the branches weighted down with the snow and in my way. The branches pop up back in place and out of my way. Plus that snow is on the ground and not down my neck and back. Brrrr. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Good point with the snow - I do that too! :)
👍 very good well thought presentation. Thank you.
I like walking sticks/staffs. I am in the ‘chin level’ crowd. My favorite one is made from a Blackthorn root - extremely strong and light. Blackthorn roots that long and straight are rare and hard to find; so, a bit pricey, but I have had mine for 10 years.
As you pointed out perhaps a bit cumbersome when hunting but not unmanageable.
Been using a walking stick for over 10 years now. Shoulder high piece of black spruce. Started using it for still hunting, but goes everywhere now. Just found your channel, very interesting.
Thanks
I looked at my staff leaning against a big old Maple just the other day and smiled as I thought, "one of these days I'm going to walk away from you and we'll never see each other again." Haha. My staff is about as tall as me, Poplar and reclaimed from a Beaver. So one thing you didn't mention (I don't think) is something I realized when I started using a staff. If you're navigating a steep incline and slip. If you start free sliding downhill you may be able to use your staff to catch yourself between 2 tree's or rocks if you held it over your head. Great to see you Greg!
That's true = thanks!
Glad seeing you posted a new video; walking sticks are heroes of the Outdoors. I like using Ironwood and locust for making natural ones. I moved rattlesnakes with mine more than once. Crossing ice or swamps saved me from bad, bad, things from happening. I have ones that are aluminum, retract, and extend. Natural wood ones also can work to hold your canoe in moving shallow water. I use them while fishing and driven them into the ground to moor my boat to shore. Animals use sticks and no doubt it was the first tool used by humans even before learning to throw rocks.👍😅🤣
right on man!
I agree with your comments on self-defense. So many TH-cam channels talk about it in regards to firearms. Here in NZ, part of getting a firearms license is that you aren't allowed to use them in self-defense. As for a stick, as you said, great until they take it off you and use it on you.
Thanks for another great video 👍
Thanks man
Great vid 👍 I agree using a stick you put time and effort into you would be a bit dubious to fully use , would be good to see you source and prep your stick ready for use. Thank you for your knowledge.
I have walking sticks which are often taken just to go on the trail in the woods. Some of your ideas really sound great but the notches in the stick was the one that caught my interest the most which I will give it a try on my largest stick.
Go for it!
Great vid Greg. I prefer the longer stick, just above head length as it provides better stability during descents on steep terrain. Handy for many things as your video points out. I often hunt for mushrooms and moving brush aside really aids in finding those little jems. This length works best for me when setting up a freestanding plow point configuration with my tarp as well.
Yes the extra length helps a lot with those things. I probably do more "bashing stuff" than most people - which is why I like the armpit length I guess
great video, have a nice day :)
Thanks, you too!
Strange that many of the things you mentioned I’ve done but never considered it as a use for the stick. It’s just sort of a tool. And great to take walking.
As usual, good solid, sensible presentation imparting valuable knowledge. I watch your channel because I like your down to earth style. I live in a desert in the SW USA, and some of your recommended uses for walking sticks don't fit well here, but I believe them to be valuable for many uses. We have venomous snakes, lizards, insects, and arthropods. I prefer the stick over firearms for close encounters with all. The stick is usually already in your hand and can be put into immediate action. Another use here is lifting desert vegetation when searching for minerals, semi precious stones, edible portions of plants, survey/boundary markers, and USGS monuments and such. You don't want to get too close...hard to say what might be concealed within a desert bush. Also, makes good, quick to use/quick to store shade when covered with a keffiyeh/shamog, poncho or tarp...Think about Omar Sharif's character in the early scene of Lawrence of Arabia. Thanks for posting this video. 👍👍👍
One of my favorite movies of all time :)
I use a 5' white oak steel ripped rubber shod trekking staff. Special because it's super durable & basically a legal great club by design, for areas that might expect the need to bash something. Im working on my long trek light duty trekking staff with a quick release stud for socketed knife for spear in a snap moments.
Don't forget the handy staff sling
For myself it depends on what I am doing. That begs the question , Which is better a truck or a car , they both ,basically, do the same thing but in different ways. I generally use a trekking pole. Trekking poles are adjustable in height. I had to shorten one and it made an ideal improvised cane. Walking sticks are a lot stronger and can a lot longer , depending on there use. In camp I like to use mine as support for one outside corner of the rain fly ( high side )over my hammock. There's always a good choice available ( dead wood , not green ) when you hammock camp.
Awesome 👍
I use my walking stick to catapult my rock bag over a tree limb to hang my food, put a loop in cord that just fits around stick, 8 inches down is rock bag, then rest of line, swing stick and stop swing just before straight up and rock bag is catapulted over branch. Going uphill plant the stick on the ground above you and use your arms to pull you up and save leg strength. I lost my stick last trip when I tripped and it went over a cliff, replaced it with a 46" shovel handle from Home depot, a little heavy but a better weapon, call it my "Dog Stick" because it fends off dog attacks. Use two sticks as a "Cheek Spreader" to take a crap, place two sticks parallel about 3 inches apart, put one ends on a log or rock and the other ends in the dirt forming 30-40 degree angle, sit on the two branches facing dirt end, this makes a comfortable toilet seat, poop in between the branches, called a "Cheek Spreader" because when you sit on branches, your body weight causes your cheeks to spread out.
good idea!
These are both really fantastic tips! I definitely want to try these out. The cheek spreader in particular sounds like it might be revolutionary! Thanks 🙂
"speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far" - Theodore Roosevelt
😎👍
As an old guy with health issues I generally have trekking poles with me for many of the some reasons you take the stick. There are many advantages. But quite a few time I've put my poles on my pack a cut a stick for specific purposes. Sometimes it's just common sense.
I was thinking why is there no notch at one end. Was feeding the dogs, so maybe you mentioned it earlier as well. If you make a recess an " or two behind that, and tie on some para cord. You have a nice rope handle, way to carry stuff, form part of some traps, make a staff sling to hurl rocks at stuff. Just have some extra rope for a ton of little things.
Doubt staff slings are registered with whatever fishing/hunting body you have there. But you could prob brain some waterfowl, with it, if they were chilling in large numbers. Most likely going to be used to pass the time, while you wait for the kettle to boil.
Tod's Workshop just uploaded a video on making and using staff slings. They are easier to use than regular slings, and you can throw fist sized rocks. They tend to get overlooked historically. But you get say 100 random fit people, you can have them trained up in a morning's practice. Sure, they still can't stand and fight, but that's a lot of blunt force trauma for whoever is on the receiving end. Plus, they would have been well-used to threshing ears of corn with flails. Take the bit of wood off the end, add a sling. And now you can hurl fist sized rocks on mass.
Yes there is a notch. I talk about using for lashing on knives/saws, and for lifting pots off fires or out of rivers. Re staff sling - useful in numbers in medieval warfare, not sure how accurate one would be using it for small game. Would require a lot of practice and all rocks would have to be the same size and shape. Probably a great topic for a video thanks
That little hand loop of cord could also be useful for putting the barrel of the rifle through - more steady than trying to balance on top of the pole.
Would you consider a video on fire management?
Great Idea!
Studies were done on safety and a single walking stick had little to no effect on reducing injury but two trekking poles reduced injury by like 25%.
I find that hard to believe
@@outdoorsonthecheap It's about points of contact, with two poles, you have three points of contact, with one stick, you only have two. The difference between that third point is like the physics of a tripod.
Doesn't sound like you've walked with two trekking poles? Because you'd understand the difference in stability.
Trekking poles are also lighter weight and more ergonomic, often have less vibration transferred into your wrist and hands, and are adjustable in height. For some, that makes a huge difference in comfort.
@@outdoorsonthecheap Have you ever bothered to study any of this or are you just winging it like all these other old guys who think you magically picked up an education from being outside? lmao
I don't lose my balance when I walk. I sometimes lose my balance when I slide though. Maybe people are too heavy and/or weak in general these days to move around as efficiently.
I don't lose my balance either - It's just prudent when in remote places.
@@outdoorsonthecheap OK. I guess I was misinterpreting what you meant by saying when you step forward you lose your balance and then catch yourself with the next foot. Cheers.
If you ever played hockey, you know how to use a stick as a weapon... look in the rule book under 5 minute penalties.
I like carrying a walking stick but prefer them head tall or even a head taller than my head.
I see people on TH-cam walking in the desert or trails with ski sticks. Why?