How to Make a Utility Walking Stick

My Personal Utility Stick in Progress

Like to take a walk in the woods, be prepared, AND pack light? Try a utility walking stick and spread the weight of preparedness around.

Things You'll Need

• Solid stick
• 2 ft. of lightweight chain
• Small leather pouches
• Drill or Auger
• Varnish
• Paint if desired
• Quick-Link (for chain)
• Carribeaners
• Hand-Saw
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. 

   Find A Good Stick

   Ideally, you want a hardwood branch at a height that is comfortable for you. Many people choose a staff that is just taller than their arm's reach from a standing position. I favor one that is just taller than my chin, and can be used as a fighting staff as well. If you just want a walking stick, shorter may be the way to go.

   Hardwoods depend on your area. Generally, you want maple, ironwood, walnut, ash, or oak. Make sure the wood is dry, but not rotten (soft inside or too mossy). If you cut a new, green branch, leave it out somewhere dry for at least a week or two.

2. 

   Fashioning your Staff

   First, use a pocket knife to shave off any large knots or rough patches. Then sand down the length of the stick using first a rough grain or sandpaper, then a fine grain. When you can run your hands up and down with no splinters or major bumps, it's done.

   Make sure that the bottom is flat and sturdy. If needed, cut off the last inch or two with a hand saw to get a better surface.

3. 

   Utilitarian Walking Stick

   Use a drill or auger to bore two holes into your walking stick: One a few inches down from the top, and another three inches lower than that, perpendicular. Sand the inside of these with the rough grain sandpaper.

4. 

   Finishing your Stick

   If you want to paint it, do so first. Any method will do, and most paints. I used a quart of exterior house paint.
   Once the paint is dry, or if you don't wish to paint, put on a light coat of varnish. Let dry, then put on a heavier coat. This seals and strengthens the stick.

5. 

   Making A Hanger

   Run your thin chain through these holes, using a quick-link or carribeaner to connect the two ends of chain tightly around the stick. Cut off any unneeded chain.

6. 

   Make Use of It

   Use carribeaners or leather straps to connect some small bags to your chain. You can carry a small water bottle, a first aid kit, or lunch!

Resources

• Aubuchon's Hardware: Everything you need for this project