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The Stave
 The staff or "stave", was adopted by the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell, because of its usefulness during one of his early military campaigns in the jungle country of West Africa. He used it for testing the depths of swamp holes and dark streams; for guarding his face when pushing through heavy bush; for feeling his way in the dark; and for carrying bundles over his shoulder when wading a stream.
Pathfinders have found many other uses for the staff. It can be especially useful when used with other staffs as poles for making an emergency shelter; for signaling; for improvising a flagpole; for building a light bridge; as handles for an improvised stretcher; for the forming a barrier to control crowds, and for jumping ditches.
The staff should be carried slung over and behind the right shoulder. The thong is passed through two small holes about 10" (or 26 cm's) apart in the upper third of the staff, so placed that the staff clears the ground by several centimeters. The thong is secured by small stop-knots.
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Tips on Hiking with a Stave
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The ideal stick length for ascending and descending rugged terrain is between chest and chin.
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When walking on predominately level terrain, establish a consistent stride and set up a "walking rhythm."
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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)
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Applying this rhythm can increase your overall efficiency by up to one third.
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Using a hiking stave distracts from physical and mental fatigue, while reducing stress on your back and knees.
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A hiking stave gives you increased stability when crossing water and other obstacles "like a third leg".
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They are a great defense against some of the more pesky critters on the trail, like dogs, rodents, poison ivy, snakes, even low branches!
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