• The ideal stick length for ascending and descending rugged terrain is between chest and chin.

• When walking on predominately level terrain, establish a consistent stride and set up a "walking rhythm."

• A popular rhythm that is efficient and relaxing is "poke,2,3,4" "poke,2,3,4" (four steps to every 'poke' with the stave)

• Applying this rhythm can increase your overall efficiency by up to one third.

• Using a hiking stave distracts from physical and mental fatigue, while reducing stress on your back and knees.

• A hiking stave gives you increased stability when crossing water and other obstacles "like a third leg".

• They are a great defense against some of the more pesky critters on the trail, like dogs, rodents, poison ivy, snakes, even low branches!

In telling of the origin of the staff in Scouting, Sir Robert Baden-Powell said:

"It was in Ashanti, on the West Coast of Africa where my particular job was to organize and command a corps of native Scouts and Pioneers."

"We were accordingly working two or three days in advance of the main body of European Troops and in the densest primeval jungle and forest, without roads or paths of any kind to guard us. "

"In order to circumvent the enemy much of our advance had to be carried out by night, which meant difficulties at nearly every step among fallen timber, boggy streams, tussocks of reeds and bushes, etc. "

"Without a staff, one could not have got along at all."