How to Make a Hiking Stick

A good hiking stick acts as a stabilizing third leg on slippery downhill slopes and an aid in balance while crossing uneven terrain. This trekking pole also spreads some of the load to your arms, thus reducing fatigue. You might pay over $100 for a fancy carbon fiber pole and even up to $30 for a simple seasoned and coated wooden staff. Save some money by making your own hiking stick and then personalizing it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Saw
• Sapling
• Knife
• Wood drill and 1/4 inch bit
• 200 grit sandpaper
• 400 grit sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Small screw
• Paint brush
• Boiled linseed oil
• Rawhide strip
• Cane tip

1. Look for a suitable hiking stick among saplings in the woods. The pole should be straight for at least 66 to 72 inches. Make sure the base of the staff has a diameter of 3/4 to 7/8 of an inch with the bark removed. The stick should then taper wider towards the top to a diameter that fits your hand comfortably.

2. Use a hand saw to cut the sapling down. Remove the top at about shoulder height. Be sure no defects exist that would weaken the pole. Some natural inclusions like knots, insect holes and slight crookedness however all add character to the hiking stick.

3. Remove all side branches and strip the bark from the stick with your knife. Shave all knots off as close to the main trunk as possible. Use the knife to round off the top and square off the bottom.

4. This may be the hardest step. Leave the staff alone in a dry area for at least 3 to 4 weeks to season it.

5. Once the pole has fully dried, drill a quarter inch hole about 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches from the top. Taper both edges of the hole with your knife.

6. Smooth the pole with sandpaper. Rough sand the staff with 200 grit sandpaper followed by 400 grit to finish the hiking stick. Remove sandpaper dust with a tack cloth or a cotton cloth sprinkled with some linseed oil.

7. Push a tack or turn a small screw into the bottom of the hiking stick and then hang it for coating. Brush the boiled linseed oil over the pole evenly. Let the hiking pole dry until it is not sticky to the touch.

8. Remove the tack or screw used to hang the trekking pole and push the rubber cane tip over the bottom.

9. Thread a short length of rawhide lacing through the hole at the top of the pole and tie the ends together to make a loop for holding and hanging the hiking stick.

Tips & Warnings

• Trees like birch, cottonwood, ash, oak, alder, maple and even fruit tree saplings make fine trekking poles.
• Before coating, carve or otherwise decorate your hiking staff to personalize it.
• Paint a bright colored ring on your hiking stick or tie a bright ribbon on the staff so it is easier to find if you misplace it while hiking.
• Only cut saplings with permission from the landowner. Never cut them on public lands.
• Be sure you are aware of the safe use of a saw and knife.
• Most pharmacies stock cane tips or crutch tips.

Resources

• Pros and cons of hiking poles
• Large collection of beautiful sticks