My hiking stick is my journal. I still use the bamboo hiking stick that I made for my first major hike trip back in rhe early 70s. Each time I went on a major hike, I would scratch the location and date on the stick. As my children grew, I would take each of them on trip to introduce them to the beautiful country that I have loved so much. I would scratch their name, the year, and where we went on my stick. Now that I am in my eighties, I can sit in my rocking chair, pick up my old stick and I am a young man again, walking free on the mountain trails and experiencing again the wonder and excitement just as fresh as it was 50 years ago.
All of this and never underestimate its use as a tool for selfdefense. My experience with the Camino de Santiago and other long hikes, is a good old hiking staff or walking Stick of wood is a better choice than the telescopic walking poles. You can way better secure your weight in difficult terrain, you can use it as a multipurpose tool,and you can brandish it as a weapon for selfdefense. And in the latter case I do not necessarily talk about human predators, highwaymen or your trusty duelist, but also canine. Had more than one incident with guard dogs and wild dogs, when it was necessary though unpleasant to have a sturdy wooden staff to fend them off. Sadly enough often the pose of a human having a stick raised for a strike is enough to scare them off (poor fellows), but if you have to, you want to trust good old wood to give a solid whack.
I live in the coastal region of northern Germany, which used to be the sea bed, until we built dykes. The whole area is crisscrossed by small trenches. I use a slightly bigger and sturdy stick for vaulting over these, as my ancestors used to do. It's actually quite fun, too. Unless you jump to short, then it's fun for everyone else.
Interesting, I have heard of that before. We also have a lot of historic land reclaimed from the see but I have not heard of the trench vaulting here. Thanks for commenting
Hey Mark, I've been using a six foot hiking staff for many years for all the reasons you stated, but here are a few more. I live in the Southwestern US and when I am hiking down "snakey" looking trails edged with brush I will hold the staff out at arms length and move it side to side against the vegetation as I walk. Doing this, I'm hoping to scare any hidden snakes further into the brush, or at least get them to rattle a warning. In the same vein, when I am hiking down trails with overhanging brush that I think could harbor some ticks looking for a ride, I use the staff to beat the intrusive branches in hopes of dislodging some of those nasty blood-suckers before I get there. I'm sure you've also used the staff as a kind of "pole-vaulting" stick to help you jump across a creek that might have been a little to wide to clear without it. I also do a lot of beach hiking, and don't like setting my daypack on the damp sand and stooping stooping over it to retrieve some item from the pack. I fashioned a little pouch that attaches to the top grab-handle of my day-pack that I can easily slip over the top of the staff to securely hold my pack at eye level while I retrieve an item from it. You could probably even repurpose the fustibalus you mentioned in the video to serve dual function to accomplish the same thing!
Glad we don't have poisonous snakes here. I had considered the pole-vault idea but did not think this stick was long enough. Small jumps maybe. Thanks for commenting
I live in Western Oregon and have no worries about venomous snakes here, but used to live in Virginia and once was jumping from the upper bank of a creek (that fed into the Potomac River) to the storm-level boulders below. When I had already committed my weight, I saw below me an enormous black cottonmouth (water moccasin) rearing up and hissing at me. Its middle must have been as thick as my wrist! I went right over it and kept going. I still think a walking stick of some sort is a good idea in the woods!
@Mark Young I use a shorter walking stick to steady my hops from one boulder to another, or from a log to a lower spot of ground while wearing a pack (especially a heavy one). Saves wear on the joints for sure and also a possible fall.
@@patricknorton5788 I had water moccasins in my back yard boat shelter down in Hernando, Florida, but it was rattlers which almost got me twice. Once in 1968 at age 11 when I'd run away from home for 2 nights and slept in the Eagle Rock caves near Pasadena, California and a rattler was on the knife-edge trail on the steep rock face I was committed to be on, or fall off. It rattled right above my head and drew back very angrily. We had both suddenly surprised each other. I suddenly saw it about to strike and had fearfully jumped into a tree, then had to climb my way down about twenty-five feet. I could have lost an eye because of a twig or small branch, or fallen and broken bones. I just launched my little body at the tree. I knew trees well already and I knew they didn't bite boys(just maybe girls!) That was me trying to sound "Fun Knee". Trees like girls climbing up on them, who wouldn't? Forgive me, being that fun thing again because I'm still here and the snakes didn't get me, ha! I knew only boy-brain things about trees though! The second time was just outside of Deming, New Mexico back in 1977. I had left a carnival I worked a 3-day weekend at as a reward for rescuing a full station wagon of cute girls who worked at a man's ring toss joint. They had gotten a flat tire and didn't know how to fix it. I came walking upon the scene while hitchhiking to Los Angeles and had them back on the road in the boasted about, "7 minutes from start to finish" timeframe. The clock started ticking when all was set up to start the job. I hadn't told then the year before I had worked several months at a truck stop and changed lots of semi truck's tires. I earned a huge wad of dough and then had said all my goodbyes. Silly 19 year-old me thought to take a shortcut across a vintage abandoned airstrip right next to the carnival that now was tearing down. The airstrip had big tumbleweeds and chest-high dry-leafed bushes. It also had quite a few small gullies that flash-floods had created after it had been left to mother nature. I was "traveling along, singing a song" when the song of rattles from rattlesnakes suddenly filled my ears. Surprisingly, I seemed to be surrounded by them. The sounds were loud and the sounds had depth. It seemed like a snake audience at a small concert. I never knew a bunch of rattles could group up and grow so loud like that. The freeway I wanted to 'stick my thumb out on' was far, far closer than turning back and going the long, long way back to the carnival and then down a long dirt road where the only street junction was. Plus, I had heard snakes that way I had just come, too. I must have somehow walked by them without awakening them. Their buddie's rattles had snitched on me though! There was NO stick to pick up, only sand was there. Very hot sand, too. I decided to run really really really fast! I'd just be too quick for them! Yeah.....gulp, that! I made it a ways and then I saw a four-foot deep gully a little ways in front of me. "Oh No" I would have to jump over it. Going down and up would take too long and snakes would have eaten me in a 'sand trough'. When I did arrive at full speed and jump, and was flying through the air and about half ways across, I saw a whole pile of thick basking-in-the-sun rattlesnakes. Enough to fill a whole beer keg. The big beer keg, not the "pony" keg. Maybe enough to fill a laundromat washing machine even. The little one, not the big one people try to stuff their carpets into, but fail miserably at doing. Anyways, I knew I'd be toast as soon as I landed. I landed hard on the sand about two foot or less away from the pile of snakes now at my left side. I had just barely made the jump and was thankful I thought to run at high speed. The hard landing pinned me into the sand I landed on and stuck me there for a few precious seconds.... A B O U T T H I S L O N G. I used those seconds to look right at the pile of snakes. It felt like forever before I could start back to running again. Strong fear had also helped me to freeze cautiously and consider options. I had to start running hard from scratch, but I had very strong motivation! No singing this time either! By the time I had started running away from the sun-stupid-brain pile of sleeping snakes I had had enough time to look at each one individually and consider giving it a nickname. I recall watching one twiddle it's forked tongue at me and then slowly wink an eye. I think it wanted me to come closer so we could swap spit. Snakes. You never know what they're really honestly thinking. You and I both got kinda lucky huh?
A hiking staff is great for seniors to use just walking around. As a third leg they are helpful for steadying you as you walk up & down steps. And for getting to your feet from the ground or a chair.
I agree being a senior myself. I have a couple of them, both metal and wooden. My wooden one has the carving of a Wizards head smoking a pipe. I call it my Gandalf staff🙂
Having cared for in-laws the last years of their life with them using walkers they were always bent over. After I got a neck and low back injury, I needed better balance and support to walk. I started using my boy scout staff but it soon became heavy to carry. I was able to stand and walk upright. I purchased an aluminum adjustable staff with an walnut top with inset compass and 1 inch spike hidden in the rubber foot. Under the walnut top was a camera fitting that my husband loved! Dubbed 'Fred' by a friend, we have been buddies since 1998, he's a little worn but I won't plan a trip without him.
I’m not a senior, but I have one especially bad knee and another not-so-good knee. Reducing the load on my knees by just a few ounces can make a huge difference 8 hours later.
There is something special about negotiating the forest with a sturdy staff. Mine is slightly taller than myself and came from a beaver lodge. I especially appreciate the numerous uses it provides, however I never considered using it with a sling to fire projectiles. Thank you for sharing Mark!
Walking Staffs Don't Get Enough Credit For Their Usefulness, Thanks For Sharing Your Uses On This Staff Love It ! Have A Swell Upcoming Week, Mark ! ATB T God Bless
On my bucket list of things I've wanted to do most of my adult life was camping and hiking. This hiking staff video was inspiring. I may have to break out my unused equipment and get out there ...with a staff of course.
Thanks Mark for the video. When I was a boy and not driving a tractor or going to school, I would hike the plowed fields with a hiking staff to use to flip over flint sherds while searching for arrowheads. I recently saw a CZcams video with hobos carrying a staff for defense and tying a bindle bag to the end to contain their few camping possessions. I guess the staff countered the weight of the bindle bag. Interesting!
The staff sling is a lot of fun but make sure you have a lot of space ( no buildings or people) as you will be surprised just how far that rock can go. I added a 1/4 inch thread on the end to mount my bird watching binoculars on, when not in use it is covered with a carving of a dogs head that has a matching nut embedded in it😉
Many years ago I found another use. This was in the military. What I did was use a straight, strong stick I found, not a legit staff. But a decent staff would work. Anyway... I needed to take a dump and a full squat would put my trousers at risk. So, I propped the stick horizontal across two points (rocks, logs, etc.) to make a seat. It was about a foot and a half or so off the ground and trousers were clear of damage. Paying attention to balance and aim was important.
When hiking in a group where there is particularly steep trail to navigate, I go first with my staff, then from the other end extend it to those behind me so I can pull them up. Particularly for those with shorter legs, this assistance has been appreciated.
I had a rabid fox come at me and my dog....I used my walking stick to keep my dog away from the fox, and to keep the fox away from me. I had to tee off on the fox like I was Tiger Woods, broke my stick ....but I was able to put that poor fox out of his misery....Thanks for your videos, I always enjoy them....
Thanks Mark for a video that was well done. I have a twist on my hiking staff I would like to share. My hiking staff is made from a dry 6 foot piece of bamboo. I have place a crotch tip on the end hitting the ground. Now the fun part: I cut a window in between one section. That allowed me to take some small plastic bags. In those bags went cotton balls covered in vaseline, ferro rod, bic lighter, 1/2 inch hemp rope covered in wax, 6 bandaids, split shot, fishing line, and hooks. A good bit of stuff that I have used successfully to catch fish and make a fire when needed. I put the piece of wood I cut out of the bamboo and covered the hole and covered that with several wraps of duck tape and then wrapped the area with 50 foot of 550 cord. The staff goes with me everywhere I go when I am on foot and I will always have a way to make a fire, fix a small cut, and fish if necessary. It was a good woodcraft projuct and I keep the same Items with me in my saddle when doing trail work and can practice with the items on a regular basis. Again, liked your video and you might want to try this in your videos. I think you would enjoy the process and your viewers would to.
I have often thought about building a "survival staff" similar to the one you have made. We do not have bamboo here so I would have to come up with something different. I will give it some thought. Thanks for commenting
Another great educational video from "Professor Mark"! 👨🎓 Thanks for sharing these. I use mine for simple hiking/balance and as a 'potential' weapon (snakes, coyotes, etc.) if needed.
I have a hiking staff made from a hickory sapling. I've had it for years but have not used it as you use yours. You've now inspired me to make another staff with the features you've added to yours. Well done video and thanks for sharing.
Great stuff Mark. I'm a trail runner so I don't use my staff when I am out in the woods for that however when I am going hiking or camping with my family, especially in a wilderness area, I ALWAYS carry a staff. I regularly practice bo staff, and quarter staff for upper body exercise and know how to use it effectively for self defense if necessary. Like you I find the staff quite useful for many purposes. Balance is important especially when carrying a heavy pack. The one that I made can be taken apart into 4 pieces. When I don't want to have my staff in hand I just unscrew it and put it in or on my pack. Also when making camp, I often break the staff apart and place the pieces crossways in the V of a tree. Then I secure my hammock tent to that. Since I have four pieces I often share a piece or two with my fellow campers so that they can do the same thing.
@@BUZZKILLJRJR Dog defense is a big reason for mine. I locked eyes with an off-leash doberman and their inattentive owner was daydreaming. I had no staff at the time but the owner grabbed the dog by the collar and dragged it off when he heard it growling at me.
Loved this video. I put a 1" marks up to two feet on the lower section and opposite them I added random deeper notches for worm grunting. I also put two holes at 90° angles to square up any builds, or navigation, use as peep sights. I have a much taller stave because I use it for polling the canoe at times too. Thanks for the tips. I want to try the sling now!
Hi Mark, I have made some with a 1/4-20 thread stud on the end, this is usually the common thread for Cammera mounds. Also if you are in poisons snake areas it is good for probing underbrush. Some of the early Scout handbooks back when they used staffs used to show many uses.
I have a pair of modern trekking poles which are great for some trips, but on a simple hike I use my grandfather's Bolex monopod (circa 1965?). It originally had three telescoping sections, the lowest of one was broken off crossing a mountain stream many years ago. I was a bicycle mechanic, so I replaced the bottom section with a bit of chainstay from a 1980s Centurion road bike fixed with some epoxy and a rivet. It no longer telescopes so compact. On the upper part I put on a mountain bike handlebar extension (inverted- sloping down) and below that a handlebar grip. It still has the 1/4x20 screw on top for a camera (and if unscrewed and inverted, the larger size for (?) a Speed Graphic from the 50s?. On the bottom, where the bicycle frame tubing meets the trail, I put a piece of fiber-reinforced rubber compressor tubing. It grips the rocks as well as any $20 Leiki trekking pole tip, and is easily replaced. At 50+ years I am still using it frequently. Great bit of kit and it reminds me of my grandfather and also my dad (still alive) both photographers and my using it with my dad's 300 mm lens at the World Coss County Championships in 1984 in New Jersey. Even crossing a stream in Oregon with my wife and child 38 years later, I have that connection. I used it two days ago.
I always felt like I wanted a hiking staff, but I never knew what to look for and didn’t know the various ways to use it. This video was really helpful.
I had a staff tucked away, and after viewing your video, got it out. Marked some depth/height measurements on it . Thought about circumference grooves as you have. Laid it aside to ponder some, and ended up with a prussic knot made with about 5’ of parachute cord. This adjustable-up-and-down rig, with about 6 wraps instead of the traditional 3, provides: (1) hand grip & rest, and (2) lashing for various attachments, (3) lashing to add other sticks for a bipod or tripod, (4) other exigencies as yet unencountered. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
G'day Mark, some great uses and tips there mate and three points of contact, spot on. I like to have an integral Y fork on the top end to pin a snake's head if necessary, also provides some structure to attach a cross member should you need a crutch, (of course cut the staff down to suit your armpit height and use the offcut for the cross member); after all, next to blisters, a twisted ankle or knee are probably the most common of hiking injuries and being totally immobilized is the last thing you want. Alternatively, you have an instant splint if that's what's required. I really like what you've done to the tip to toughen it up and provide more grip, though I prefer to have the ability to carve a spear point, (or even a frog/fish gig, btw I reckon two prongs are enough and less likely to split out in use or construction), or a chisel edge for a digging stick at short notice. Oh yeah; the indigenous here in oz have long used a "woomera", (I believe its called something else in other cultures), to propel a spear further, faster and more accurately, (with practice, lol). Perhaps long winded, .....but you did ask, and rightly so IMO, I've already learned several new things from other commenters, as well as your good self. Many thanks all ; ) Cheers Duke.
Love the video. I’ve carried a six foot length of tulip poplar sapling for 3 years. It is an extremely light stick after proper seasoning and treatment. As a snake lover, I’ve used my staff as a herp hook, clearing the trail of branches, creating a makeshift shift fishing rod, a counter balance when hiking across logs over streams, and much more.
I still have one I made nearly 50 years ago when I began volunteering as a scout leader. A nice, reasonably straight piece of strong, lightweight Tennessee hickory. Still as useful as the day I cut it all those years ago. I couldn’t begin to name all the roles it filled in outdoor improvisational engineering.
I have a very nice piece of bamboo that I'm gonna use for mine. I also have a 7 foot long piece of WHITE WAXWOOD, both of these materials bend without breaking. Every time I watch one of these videos I get more and more ideas about how to use one and how to outfit one. The possibilities are endless. Thanks, your a very humble respectful kinda guy. Keep up the good work and ideas
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I found a few very long pieces in the garbage once about 5 years ago. I'm gonna glue a piece of broom handle in the top. That way I can drill through and mount my bushman knife from Cold Steel and make a spear. Wrap the handle with 550 paracord and dremel out a section to put some fishing stuff, mylar blanket, and some basic first aid items. Maybe some fat wood and a ferro rod too. Ranger beads of course too. And a compas
Good tips on this subject. 👍🏼 My father showed me how to use a hiking staff to ease down from large boulders and rocky crags in the hills, by putting the end of the staff on the level beneath him and then sliding down the staff while leaning forward, sorta like pole vaulting. It beats jumping down from six feet up.
Thank you. I had forgotten about the sling on the stick I used to practice that a lot and got fairly good at it. I also use my stick to probe in front of a log before I step over just in case there happens to be a snake curled under there. My stick is Cedar, my first one was also Cedar and I carried it for years and I don't know whatever happened to it so I got me another Cedar stick. My first one I was in the Grand Tetons walking down a gravel slide and that was the way the trail went and I slid, had it not been for my stick I would have slid down, Lord knows how far, and as strong as the stick was it held me and my pack up as I caught myself from behind. Those are awesome good uses of your walking stick that's why I don't use those adjustable ski poles besides I never have liked having two things in my hands at once. This was a good demonstration for those just starting and not wanting to use the ski poles. On the bottom I also had a nail with a hole in the bottom of the stick that the nail went in and if I needed it for the snow then I would just take the bottom off which was Rubber and attached with two little screws, turn the nail around and put a small wooden plug to keep the nail from going back up the hole and that way I had stability on snow. There's all kind of ways to set up your walking stick but you can't do these with those ski poles although the ski poles does have a point on the bottom. Anyway thank you so much for the demonstration of the walking stick of which a couple I had forgotten about and the one with the saw and the wooden hook I never thought of but makes a lot of sense. Thanks a lot for the video it really was enlightening. I hope some of these younger new hikers and Backpackers take this tutorial to heart and use it wisely. Thanks again.
Interesting. Here in New Zealand farmers and shepherds who spend a lot of time walking in mountainous environments traditionally use a "mountain stick". This is typically about 5-6 ft long and made of seasoned "manuka", a tough local tree species. The stick helps provide stability especially traversing across and steep slopes.
Great video and content Thank you. I harvested my stick with a small branch coming out. I trimmed most of the little branch leaving a short stub which I can use to hang a small pot from boil water or warm up some food. The nub side is at the bottom of my staff and also prevent my staff from sinking to much in soft sand or mud. Thx
Great information, Mark. I could see using a shepherd’s staff that has the hook all ready built in it. I think I’ll try making a smaller version of the staff sling, I like the idea of using it as a sling shot. ✌️
I am trying to go camping in my mini van and have full Intentions of taking my staff with me for many reasons, some of which you show. At my age....it is my sidekick, strength, security and balance when needed. love your videos ;)
Thanks for this. I haven't been in the habit of notching my sticks the way you do, but I'm definitely going to try that to improve binding with cordage. Wild bamboo grows abundantly in my Caribbean island environment, so I usually don't take a hiking stick with me - I just harvest a dry bamboo frond with a sturdy enough Y-branch at the beginning of each hike. I do have a few of them that I've kept for work around the yard. The main uses, given my tropical rainforest environment, are pulling branches and vines into reach for slashing with a machete, and serving as a backstop when slashing grasses and shrubs with a machete. The stick makes clearing more efficient and safer. It can also be used to probe the trail and bush for snakes, especially in the dry season. Of late, I've taken to choosing thicker fronds and harvesting them well below the Y-branch. This allows me to attach a socket-knife that I occasionally carry.
now that I am 81 years young I don't use my walking stick. for about 35 years I used it the stick I use is 6'6" and made of hickory it has the same type of groves that you have at each end butnI have 2 groves at the bottom and 3 at the top each about 4" apart on the top and bottom I turned down a 1/4" coupling nut and epoxied it into the stick now I have a camera mount or a spike or what ever. I also did the same as you and used a 3/4" copper cap on the bottom end also made a special v tool if I were looking for snakes. Great stuff Mark thanks for the vid I can't do it now but I can relive some of my past form your adventures thank you.......💯❤
Try attaching you lanyard directly to the staff with a Prisik knot. It will make your lanyard adjustable and holds very well under tension. You can make a very comfortable and secure hand grip using French hitching. Was a scoutmaster and taught my scouts this for our staves.
The Staff ... Walking stick, and a Bow are 2 of the easiest to buy, or make, and best survival tools for a Must Have survivalist hiker/hunter. The top 3 items in my survival gear, are a Victorinox pocketknife (similar to the Leatherman, but much more practical), a Walking stick, and take-down bow. A lot of people would be amazed at how much just that knife can do, in making anything from a Waterwheel, to Plates, Cups and eating utensils. 👍👍
I enjoyed this, great presentation skills. Your knowledge of knots is most impressive. I actually had a presentation pegboard of about 20 different knots as a kid. Sadly, I haven’t maintained that knowledge, but I do recognize some of the names of them ha ha. I guess that’s Canada. Glad you were able to enjoy the outdoors so much.
You said it all, Mark! Brilliant. Of course I have to rant anyway… 😂 I love my hiking sticks and staffs, almost as much as I do making and customizing them. Any local hikes are always accompanied by one of these. Over here it’s normal for artisanal staffs to have a metal point instead of that flat tip you have, which can be quite useful ;) it also works better in compacted roads or grass where a flat side could slip. I would like to add to the shepherd’s sling. Yours is too short, try anywhere from a palm length to two palm lengths string. And you need a notch for reliable and consistent throws, so I carve them on the upper end of my staffs. I keep the sling on the staff for quick access, and it serves as a resting lanyard for my wrist, as you have that piece of string. Truckers hitch on the ‘fixed’ side of the string allows you to easily adjust the height of your hand, and to reset it to default in case you want to use the sling. Don’t need to worry about predators here in Portugal, but I have scared away stray dogs with that. I hear there’s quite a bit of issues in hiking trails in North America, be it two or four legged beasts im sure this would be a much appreciated addition to many hiker’s gear and skill list. I practice on hiking rest stops, and while clearing farm land (instead of rock picking), and by this point I can reliably hit a pine cone in a pine tree if it’s fairly close to me, or throw tennis ball sized rocks way farther than what I can by hand. Once you get the right configuration of materials, length, rock sized it’s actually way easier to be consistent than with a balearic sling. Some Kevlar string and a leather ‘pocket’ and you could have a long reach flail, though do bear in mind I just thought of that and it might not work too well.
Your experience with the sling is appreciated. We do have larger animals like bear, and coyote and few cougar but contact with them is very rare. I have not seen a cougar but have run into bear and coyote a few times and they run the other way. Thanks for commenting
I have kept a staff with a y end in the back of my enclosed Pickup box for years to grab stuff beyond my reach and pull it towards me .. very easy and handy for that purpose!
Thank you Mark. I have drilled a 1/2 inch hole strait down into the top of my staff. I then filled the hole with an epoxy ( JB Weld ) and lead shot mix. I topped the stick with a copper pipe cap, also on with epoxy. I have used it only once in defending myself against an aggressive dog. Worked well. 98% of the time it's just my walking stick.
When I was in Boy Scouts, we made staffs like that. We put marks on the staff for measuring. Inches for the first 6” or 12” then foot marks until a yard. This was in the US so it was standard measurements but it just as easily could have been metric.
I love Diamond Willow wood. I bought 3 dozen staff size when visiting AK 1999 / 2000. They had bark on and I barked and finished with polyurethane to preserve them as conversation pieces mostly. Fast forward 20+ + yrs I'm going to sand off polyurethane and use as a staff for short hikes. Amazingly beautiful wood to admire & useful. Sure got my moneys worth from these staffs. Also great souvenirs.
I had never seen diamond willow until I visited AK. It grows in some Northern states Minnesota ect in swampy type areas I'm told. I like the story of how it came to look as it does which is actually caused by a disease that causes the tree to split and twist. Very unique wood. Kinda reminds me of Eastern red cedar with the creme & red (mahogany look) color combination.
I didn't think I needed to watch this video , but I'm glad I did. I hike rough terrain as well and usually imploy a walking stick. I prefer a bit longer. When walking across a steep grade I'll use it on the down hill side of the slope and plant it firmly before each (or every other step). It also takes down webs that seem to always get me across the eyes. And I also carry a saw while foraging chaga and reishi and lash it on for the high ones. My kids think us "old folk" need our sticks cause we're feeble. Someday they'll realize we were just smart. Of course at that time we will be feeble but anyhow , great video.
Thank you for this information. I plan to prepare my sticks with the grooves and perhaps the screw on the end. Currently have a “rubber cane tip” on the end. Steve from E TEXAS
Another awesome video Mark, I really like the Y stick idea. Cheers my friend! Fyi I am currently catching on videos, as I am resting in the hospital after right hip replacement. Can't wait to get back on the trails
I haven't been able to watch and respond earlier. I've been on the road for 2 weeks. Some very practical ideas. 👌 My grand daughter is a black belt in Taekwan-Do and is a master at using one for self defense. Again, some very practical ideas to multi-purpose. Thanks
Hi! Mark: It has been a day or two since I watched your video on making hiking staffs. You presented a lot of ideas in this video. But what struck me the most was again, the copper cap you put on the bottom of the staff. It looks very professional. Truly a clean installation with a rather exacting fit. Good Job. In answer to your question about using a hiking staff - When you spend very much time in the outdoors away from towns, you run the very real risk of coming across others who don't have your best interests at heart. Having a good sturdy hiking staff can come in handy in such situations. There is another video that shows the basics of defending yourself from an attacker with a staff. You will need to practice, like all self defense measures. But a hiking staff can persuade someone else to move on. Even in the very threatening situation of a bear approaching you. You should try waving your arms, yelling and throwing rocks and things first. But if that doesn't work, a good sturdy hiking staff can help keep a bear at bay. If the bear continues to act aggressive, you can tap it firmly with the end of the staff, across the nose or near the eyes. But if it gets up on hind legs, don't hesitate to strike at either upper or lower paws. You are not trying to defeat the bear, but distract it long enough so you can get away.
Nice video. I use a hiking stick to help with chopping down brush with a machete. Also makes for a good companion when walking around the yard on a wet day.
I like your fork branch idea Mike, reminds me when I was young, (82 now) if I was in the wood`s and climbing a slippery slope i would hook it round a tree to help me up the slope. Thank you for reminding me.
I like using hiking poles when I’m out on some of the steep trails. Lots of rock with just enough leaves & moss that without a staff or pole you’re probably going to wipe out. I’ve been thinking about making a 6 foot staff to use with my tarp or poncho, easy to cut it if I find it to long.
Thanks for the video! I use a few different lengths of Chinese wax wood, my longest staff includes a 1/4 x 20 insert on the top so I can easily attach accessories!
I use an old ski pole with the circular ring near the end removed, and the handle carved a little for use in either hand. The point is tungsten carbide I think and VERY wear resistant. I think it's stronger than the telescoping poles. Mine is 50" long (I'm 5'6") and works very well. For descending a slope, I can put the palm of my hand on the very top and get more reach (I can see how your longer one would be better here). I also like the split "tangs" on the handle to retain grip better than the loop commonly found on poles. Here in New Mexico I also use it to probe for snakes before sitting down on rocks or bushy areas. It is more pointy than wooden sticks, so would perhaps be a better spear if ever needed for self-defense. Of course your much heavier wooden staff would be much better at swinging at an opponent. But light is an advantage most of the time. It also works as the only support pole for my 2lb backpacking tent. My friend scoffed at it when we started hiking together, but soon changed his mind when I loaned him the other one of the pair.
love it! you can wrap the handle with kevlar line, (or line of your chice) and you could inset a compass into the handle. also practicing using it as a weapon is key, because if you dont know how to use it, its not going to help
@@MarkYoungBushcraft you’re lucky that it doesn’t grow there because it is invasive and takes up more property than it should , but it is very lightweight and flexible. I keep mine extra flexible by sealing it while it is green. It is so light weight that it is almost fun to carry.
Made my staff out of a 48" by 1.25" wooden dowel from Home Depot, cut down to 45 inches, then coated with 2 coats Spar Urethane to waterproof. Call it my "Dog Stick" when walking around neighborhood because sometime have to fend off loose dogs. Use my staff to throw my rock bag over a branch to hang food bag. I have a loop that fits over the staff, then 8 inches down is rock bag, then rest of bear line. Get more power and better directional control to sling that rock bag over the branch.
My hiking staff is a seasoned and treated (sanded and oil with boiled linseed oil) length of Tulip Poplar. Tuff but very light. Love the idea of the grooves and the copper end cap. I fire hardened the end of my staff but an extra bit of support for integrity is sensible.
Oftentimes, when I pass a water source I have to descend a steep bank to get to it (erosion and safety concerns), or I’m at a lake where getting water close to the bank means more sediment in the water. In both cases, I attach a collapsable bucket to my staff, and retrieve water in a way that keeps me safe and dry, with less silt to deal with.
My hiking stick is my journal. I still use the bamboo hiking stick that I made for my first major hike trip back in rhe early 70s. Each time I went on a major hike, I would scratch the location and date on the stick. As my children grew, I would take each of them on trip to introduce them to the beautiful country that I have loved so much. I would scratch their name, the year, and where we went on my stick. Now that I am in my eighties, I can sit in my rocking chair, pick up my old stick and I am a young man again, walking free on the mountain trails and experiencing again the wonder and excitement just as fresh as it was 50 years ago.
Very nice. Love the idea. Thanks for commenting
All of this and never underestimate its use as a tool for selfdefense. My experience with the Camino de Santiago and other long hikes, is a good old hiking staff or walking Stick of wood is a better choice than the telescopic walking poles. You can way better secure your weight in difficult terrain, you can use it as a multipurpose tool,and you can brandish it as a weapon for selfdefense. And in the latter case I do not necessarily talk about human predators, highwaymen or your trusty duelist, but also canine. Had more than one incident with guard dogs and wild dogs, when it was necessary though unpleasant to have a sturdy wooden staff to fend them off. Sadly enough often the pose of a human having a stick raised for a strike is enough to scare them off (poor fellows), but if you have to, you want to trust good old wood to give a solid whack.
Great suggestions. I have also realized how often I use it for knocking snow off branches. Thanks for commenting
Hickory is my preferred stick material. Purple Heart Armory makes nice laminated hickory canes and staffs.
I live in the coastal region of northern Germany, which used to be the sea bed, until we built dykes. The whole area is crisscrossed by small trenches. I use a slightly bigger and sturdy stick for vaulting over these, as my ancestors used to do. It's actually quite fun, too. Unless you jump to short, then it's fun for everyone else.
Interesting, I have heard of that before. We also have a lot of historic land reclaimed from the see but I have not heard of the trench vaulting here. Thanks for commenting
czcams.com/video/ElrSMj_YEEs/video.html
Our west Frisian brothers turned this into sports. Traditionally, the poles were not that long, of course.
These skills have been forgotten by so many in todays world. Thank you for keeping them alive.
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Hey Mark, I've been using a six foot hiking staff for many years for all the reasons you stated, but here are a few more. I live in the Southwestern US and when I am hiking down "snakey" looking trails edged with brush I will hold the staff out at arms length and move it side to side against the vegetation as I walk. Doing this, I'm hoping to scare any hidden snakes further into the brush, or at least get them to rattle a warning. In the same vein, when I am hiking down trails with overhanging brush that I think could harbor some ticks looking for a ride, I use the staff to beat the intrusive branches in hopes of dislodging some of those nasty blood-suckers before I get there. I'm sure you've also used the staff as a kind of "pole-vaulting" stick to help you jump across a creek that might have been a little to wide to clear without it. I also do a lot of beach hiking, and don't like setting my daypack on the damp sand and stooping stooping over it to retrieve some item from the pack. I fashioned a little pouch that attaches to the top grab-handle of my day-pack that I can easily slip over the top of the staff to securely hold my pack at eye level while I retrieve an item from it. You could probably even repurpose the fustibalus you mentioned in the video to serve dual function to accomplish the same thing!
Glad we don't have poisonous snakes here. I had considered the pole-vault idea but did not think this stick was long enough. Small jumps maybe. Thanks for commenting
I live in Western Oregon and have no worries about venomous snakes here, but used to live in Virginia and once was jumping from the upper bank of a creek (that fed into the Potomac River) to the storm-level boulders below. When I had already committed my weight, I saw below me an enormous black cottonmouth (water moccasin) rearing up and hissing at me. Its middle must have been as thick as my wrist! I went right over it and kept going. I still think a walking stick of some sort is a good idea in the woods!
@Mark Young I use a shorter walking stick to steady my hops from one boulder to another, or from a log to a lower spot of ground while wearing a pack (especially a heavy one). Saves wear on the joints for sure and also a possible fall.
@@patricknorton5788 I had water moccasins in my back yard boat shelter down in Hernando, Florida, but it was rattlers which almost got me twice. Once in 1968 at age 11 when I'd run away from home for 2 nights and slept in the Eagle Rock caves near Pasadena, California and a rattler was on the knife-edge trail on the steep rock face I was committed to be on, or fall off. It rattled right above my head and drew back very angrily. We had both suddenly surprised each other. I suddenly saw it about to strike and had fearfully jumped into a tree, then had to climb my way down about twenty-five feet. I could have lost an eye because of a twig or small branch, or fallen and broken bones. I just launched my little body at the tree. I knew trees well already and I knew they didn't bite boys(just maybe girls!) That was me trying to sound "Fun Knee". Trees like girls climbing up on them, who wouldn't? Forgive me, being that fun thing again because I'm still here and the snakes didn't get me, ha! I knew only boy-brain things about trees though!
The second time was just outside of Deming, New Mexico back in 1977. I had left a carnival I worked a 3-day weekend at as a reward for rescuing a full station wagon of cute girls who worked at a man's ring toss joint. They had gotten a flat tire and didn't know how to fix it. I came walking upon the scene while hitchhiking to Los Angeles and had them back on the road in the boasted about, "7 minutes from start to finish" timeframe. The clock started ticking when all was set up to start the job. I hadn't told then the year before I had worked several months at a truck stop and changed lots of semi truck's tires. I earned a huge wad of dough and then had said all my goodbyes. Silly 19 year-old me thought to take a shortcut across a vintage abandoned airstrip right next to the carnival that now was tearing down. The airstrip had big tumbleweeds and chest-high dry-leafed bushes. It also had quite a few small gullies that flash-floods had created after it had been left to mother nature. I was "traveling along, singing a song" when the song of rattles from rattlesnakes suddenly filled my ears. Surprisingly, I seemed to be surrounded by them. The sounds were loud and the sounds had depth. It seemed like a snake audience at a small concert. I never knew a bunch of rattles could group up and grow so loud like that. The freeway I wanted to 'stick my thumb out on' was far, far closer than turning back and going the long, long way back to the carnival and then down a long dirt road where the only street junction was. Plus, I had heard snakes that way I had just come, too. I must have somehow walked by them without awakening them. Their buddie's rattles had snitched on me though! There was NO stick to pick up, only sand was there. Very hot sand, too. I decided to run really really really fast! I'd just be too quick for them! Yeah.....gulp, that! I made it a ways and then I saw a four-foot deep gully a little ways in front of me. "Oh No" I would have to jump over it. Going down and up would take too long and snakes would have eaten me in a 'sand trough'. When I did arrive at full speed and jump, and was flying through the air and about half ways across, I saw a whole pile of thick basking-in-the-sun rattlesnakes. Enough to fill a whole beer keg. The big beer keg, not the "pony" keg. Maybe enough to fill a laundromat washing machine even. The little one, not the big one people try to stuff their carpets into, but fail miserably at doing. Anyways, I knew I'd be toast as soon as I landed. I landed hard on the sand about two foot or less away from the pile of snakes now at my left side. I had just barely made the jump and was thankful I thought to run at high speed. The hard landing pinned me into the sand I landed on and stuck me there for a few precious seconds....
A B O U T
T H I S
L O N G.
I used those seconds to look right at the pile of snakes. It felt like forever before I could start back to running again. Strong fear had also helped me to freeze cautiously and consider options. I had to start running hard from scratch, but I had very strong motivation! No singing this time either! By the time I had started running away from the sun-stupid-brain pile of sleeping snakes I had had enough time to look at each one individually and consider giving it a nickname. I recall watching one twiddle it's forked tongue at me and then slowly wink an eye. I think it wanted me to come closer so we could swap spit. Snakes. You never know what they're really honestly thinking. You and I both got kinda lucky huh?
@@willoughby1888 What a story ;)
They're great for checking for snakes when going over a log. Thank you for a wonderful video, very enjoyable.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
A hiking staff is great for seniors to use just walking around. As a third leg they are helpful for steadying you as you walk up & down steps. And for getting to your feet from the ground or a chair.
Right on. Being a senior myself I can appreciate that. Thanks for commenting
I agree being a senior myself. I have a couple of them, both metal and wooden. My wooden one has the carving of a Wizards head smoking a pipe. I call it my Gandalf staff🙂
Having cared for in-laws the last years of their life with them using walkers they were always bent over. After I got a neck and low back injury, I needed better balance and support to walk. I started using my boy scout staff but it soon became heavy to carry. I was able to stand and walk upright. I purchased an aluminum adjustable staff with an walnut top with inset compass and 1 inch spike hidden in the rubber foot. Under the walnut top was a camera fitting that my husband loved! Dubbed 'Fred' by a friend, we have been buddies since 1998, he's a little worn but I won't plan a trip without him.
I’m not a senior, but I have one especially bad knee and another not-so-good knee. Reducing the load on my knees by just a few ounces can make a huge difference 8 hours later.
Great idea! I bought a chestnut hiking stick some years back and it's probably the lightest stick you can get but it's strong despite that.
There is something special about negotiating the forest with a sturdy staff. Mine is slightly taller than myself and came from a beaver lodge. I especially appreciate the numerous uses it provides, however I never considered using it with a sling to fire projectiles. Thank you for sharing Mark!
Your staff sounds perfect. A staff with a story adds to the experience. Thanks for commenting
Walking Staffs Don't Get Enough Credit For Their Usefulness, Thanks For Sharing Your Uses On This Staff Love It ! Have A Swell Upcoming Week, Mark ! ATB T God Bless
So true. Thanks for commenting Terry
On my bucket list of things I've wanted to do most of my adult life was camping and hiking. This hiking staff video was inspiring. I may have to break out my unused equipment and get out there ...with a staff of course.
Right on. I am happy you found this helpful. Thanks for commenting
I'll admit I clicked on this wondering what in the world I could learn about the use of a simple walking staff. Then you taught me. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting
Thanks Mark for the video. When I was a boy and not driving a tractor or going to school, I would hike the plowed fields with a hiking staff to use to flip over flint sherds while searching for arrowheads. I recently saw a CZcams video with hobos carrying a staff for defense and tying a bindle bag to the end to contain their few camping possessions. I guess the staff countered the weight of the bindle bag. Interesting!
I had not thought of the classic bindle. Thanks for commenting
Often called a bindle stick back then. Kinda miss the hobo's. Now it's just homeless people. Doesn't have the same romance to it.
The staff sling is a lot of fun but make sure you have a lot of space ( no buildings or people) as you will be surprised just how far that rock can go.
I added a 1/4 inch thread on the end to mount my bird watching binoculars on, when not in use it is covered with a carving of a dogs head that has a matching nut embedded in it😉
I like the idea of adding the 1/4" threading for cameras, etc. Thanks for commenting
Many years ago I found another use. This was in the military. What I did was use a straight, strong stick I found, not a legit staff. But a decent staff would work.
Anyway... I needed to take a dump and a full squat would put my trousers at risk. So, I propped the stick horizontal across two points (rocks, logs, etc.) to make a seat. It was about a foot and a half or so off the ground and trousers were clear of damage. Paying attention to balance and aim was important.
Yes, that would be a good use. Thanks for commenting
When hiking in a group where there is particularly steep trail to navigate, I go first with my staff, then from the other end extend it to those behind me so I can pull them up. Particularly for those with shorter legs, this assistance has been appreciated.
Good idea. I lead guided hikes often. I will remember this. Thanks for commenting
I had a rabid fox come at me and my dog....I used my walking stick to keep my dog away from the fox, and to keep the fox away from me. I had to tee off on the fox like I was Tiger Woods, broke my stick ....but I was able to put that poor fox out of his misery....Thanks for your videos, I always enjoy them....
Wow, amazing story. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Mark for a video that was well done. I have a twist on my hiking staff I would like to share. My hiking staff is made from a dry 6 foot piece of bamboo. I have place a crotch tip on the end hitting the ground. Now the fun part: I cut a window in between one section. That allowed me to take some small plastic bags. In those bags went cotton balls covered in vaseline, ferro rod, bic lighter, 1/2 inch hemp rope covered in wax, 6 bandaids, split shot, fishing line, and hooks. A good bit of stuff that I have used successfully to catch fish and make a fire when needed. I put the piece of wood I cut out of the bamboo and covered the hole and covered that with several wraps of duck tape and then wrapped the area with 50 foot of 550 cord. The staff goes with me everywhere I go when I am on foot and I will always have a way to make a fire, fix a small cut, and fish if necessary. It was a good woodcraft projuct and I keep the same Items with me in my saddle when doing trail work and can practice with the items on a regular basis. Again, liked your video and you might want to try this in your videos. I think you would enjoy the process and your viewers would to.
I have often thought about building a "survival staff" similar to the one you have made. We do not have bamboo here so I would have to come up with something different. I will give it some thought. Thanks for commenting
Another great educational video from "Professor Mark"! 👨🎓 Thanks for sharing these. I use mine for simple hiking/balance and as a 'potential' weapon (snakes, coyotes, etc.) if needed.
That is what I use it for most as well. Thanks for commenting
I have a hiking staff made from a hickory sapling. I've had it for years but have not used it as you use yours. You've now inspired me to make another staff with the features you've added to yours. Well done video and thanks for sharing.
Glad the video was helpful. Thanks for commenting
Great stuff Mark. I'm a trail runner so I don't use my staff when I am out in the woods for that however when I am going hiking or camping with my family, especially in a wilderness area, I ALWAYS carry a staff. I regularly practice bo staff, and quarter staff for upper body exercise and know how to use it effectively for self defense if necessary. Like you I find the staff quite useful for many purposes. Balance is important especially when carrying a heavy pack. The one that I made can be taken apart into 4 pieces. When I don't want to have my staff in hand I just unscrew it and put it in or on my pack. Also when making camp, I often break the staff apart and place the pieces crossways in the V of a tree. Then I secure my hammock tent to that. Since I have four pieces I often share a piece or two with my fellow campers so that they can do the same thing.
Some interesting uses I had not thought of. Thanks for commenting
Brushing spider webs out of my path.
Yes, for sure. Me also. Thanks for commenting
😄 Also chase Bigfoot away!
And absolutely could swing that like a bat and seriously injure or kill a coyote or dog.
@@BUZZKILLJRJR Dog defense is a big reason for mine. I locked eyes with an off-leash doberman and their inattentive owner was daydreaming. I had no staff at the time but the owner grabbed the dog by the collar and dragged it off when he heard it growling at me.
Amen to that! Been doing it for decades!
Loved this video. I put a 1" marks up to two feet on the lower section and opposite them I added random deeper notches for worm grunting. I also put two holes at 90° angles to square up any builds, or navigation, use as peep sights. I have a much taller stave because I use it for polling the canoe at times too. Thanks for the tips. I want to try the sling now!
Great additions. Thanks for commenting
Great ideas Mark, I picked up a couple tips!
I did cut two grooves in my staff, as per your previous video!
So yes the hiking staff is very useful!
Glad you found the video of value. Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, I have made some with a 1/4-20 thread stud on the end, this is usually the common thread for Cammera mounds. Also if you are in poisons snake areas it is good for probing underbrush. Some of the early Scout handbooks back when they used staffs used to show many uses.
I had though of the camera mount. May do that yet. Thanks for commenting
I have a pair of modern trekking poles which are great for some trips, but on a simple hike I use my grandfather's Bolex monopod (circa 1965?). It originally had three telescoping sections, the lowest of one was broken off crossing a mountain stream many years ago.
I was a bicycle mechanic, so I replaced the bottom section with a bit of chainstay from a 1980s Centurion road bike fixed with some epoxy and a rivet. It no longer telescopes so compact.
On the upper part I put on a mountain bike handlebar extension (inverted- sloping down) and below that a handlebar grip. It still has the 1/4x20 screw on top for a camera (and if unscrewed and inverted, the larger size for (?) a Speed Graphic from the 50s?.
On the bottom, where the bicycle frame tubing meets the trail, I put a piece of fiber-reinforced rubber compressor tubing. It grips the rocks as well as any $20 Leiki trekking pole tip, and is easily replaced.
At 50+ years I am still using it frequently. Great bit of kit and it reminds me of my grandfather and also my dad (still alive) both photographers and my using it with my dad's 300 mm lens at the World Coss County Championships in 1984 in New Jersey. Even crossing a stream in Oregon with my wife and child 38 years later, I have that connection. I used it two days ago.
Love your style of instruction. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
I always felt like I wanted a hiking staff, but I never knew what to look for and didn’t know the various ways to use it.
This video was really helpful.
That is just what I was hoping to accomplish. Thanks for commenting
Thank you Mark! I agree totally with you: a long stick in the wild or the forest is a VERY useful tool,....and company!
Totally agree! Thanks for commenting
I had a staff tucked away, and after viewing your video, got it out. Marked some depth/height measurements on it . Thought about circumference grooves as you have. Laid it aside to ponder some, and ended up with a prussic knot made with about 5’ of parachute cord. This adjustable-up-and-down rig, with about 6 wraps instead of the traditional 3, provides: (1) hand grip & rest, and (2) lashing for various attachments, (3) lashing to add other sticks for a bipod or tripod, (4) other exigencies as yet unencountered.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
All good uses for sure, Thanks for commenting
Lots of things to consider !! 👍
G'day Mark, some great uses and tips there mate and three points of contact, spot on.
I like to have an integral Y fork on the top end to pin a snake's head if necessary, also provides some structure to attach a cross member should you need a crutch, (of course cut the staff down to suit your armpit height and use the offcut for the cross member); after all, next to blisters, a twisted ankle or knee are probably the most common of hiking injuries and being totally immobilized is the last thing you want. Alternatively, you have an instant splint if that's what's required.
I really like what you've done to the tip to toughen it up and provide more grip, though I prefer to have the ability to carve a spear point, (or even a frog/fish gig, btw I reckon two prongs are enough and less likely to split out in use or construction), or a chisel edge for a digging stick at short notice.
Oh yeah; the indigenous here in oz have long used a "woomera", (I believe its called something else in other cultures), to propel a spear further, faster and more accurately, (with practice, lol).
Perhaps long winded, .....but you did ask, and rightly so IMO, I've already learned several new things from other commenters, as well as your good self. Many thanks all ; ) Cheers Duke.
I believe the womera is similar to the atlatl as a spear thrower. I have not made one yet but have considered it. Thanks for commenting Duke
Love the video. I’ve carried a six foot length of tulip poplar sapling for 3 years. It is an extremely light stick after proper seasoning and treatment. As a snake lover, I’ve used my staff as a herp hook, clearing the trail of branches, creating a makeshift shift fishing rod, a counter balance when hiking across logs over streams, and much more.
All good suggestions. Thanks for commenting
Thank you for the valuable information!
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Absolutely awesome video. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
I still have one I made nearly 50 years ago when I began volunteering as a scout leader. A nice, reasonably straight piece of strong, lightweight Tennessee hickory. Still as useful as the day I cut it all those years ago. I couldn’t begin to name all the roles it filled in outdoor improvisational engineering.
Lots of history with that staff. We have hickory but it is not common. Will need to see if I can find some. Thanks for commenting
hard to beat a good piece of hickory.
Probably the best Staff video I've seen... thanks
Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting
I have a very nice piece of bamboo that I'm gonna use for mine.
I also have a 7 foot long piece of
WHITE WAXWOOD, both of these materials bend without breaking.
Every time I watch one of these videos I get more and more ideas about how to use one and how to outfit one. The possibilities are endless. Thanks, your a very humble respectful kinda guy.
Keep up the good work and ideas
I am interested in trying bamboo but it does not grow here, Glad you found the video helpful
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I found a few very long pieces in the garbage once about 5 years ago.
I'm gonna glue a piece of broom handle in the top. That way I can drill through and mount my bushman knife from Cold Steel and make a spear.
Wrap the handle with 550 paracord and dremel out a section to put some fishing stuff, mylar blanket, and some basic first aid items. Maybe some fat wood and a ferro rod too.
Ranger beads of course too. And a compas
Good tips on this subject. 👍🏼 My father showed me how to use a hiking staff to ease down from large boulders and rocky crags in the hills, by putting the end of the staff on the level beneath him and then sliding down the staff while leaning forward, sorta like pole vaulting. It beats jumping down from six feet up.
Good technique. I do pretty much the same thing. Thanks for commenting
Great job, good ideas. Thank you
Thanks for commenting
Thank you. I had forgotten about the sling on the stick I used to practice that a lot and got fairly good at it. I also use my stick to probe in front of a log before I step over just in case there happens to be a snake curled under there. My stick is Cedar, my first one was also Cedar and I carried it for years and I don't know whatever happened to it so I got me another Cedar stick. My first one I was in the Grand Tetons walking down a gravel slide and that was the way the trail went and I slid, had it not been for my stick I would have slid down, Lord knows how far, and as strong as the stick was it held me and my pack up as I caught myself from behind. Those are awesome good uses of your walking stick that's why I don't use those adjustable ski poles besides I never have liked having two things in my hands at once. This was a good demonstration for those just starting and not wanting to use the ski poles. On the bottom I also had a nail with a hole in the bottom of the stick that the nail went in and if I needed it for the snow then I would just take the bottom off which was Rubber and attached with two little screws, turn the nail around and put a small wooden plug to keep the nail from going back up the hole and that way I had stability on snow. There's all kind of ways to set up your walking stick but you can't do these with those ski poles although the ski poles does have a point on the bottom. Anyway thank you so much for the demonstration of the walking stick of which a couple I had forgotten about and the one with the saw and the wooden hook I never thought of but makes a lot of sense. Thanks a lot for the video it really was enlightening. I hope some of these younger new hikers and Backpackers take this tutorial to heart and use it wisely. Thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed the video. It was a lot of fun making it. Thanks for commenting
Thanks , very informative.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting
Thank You for Sharing !! Enjoyed !! H.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for commenting
Well presented Mark! I have to remember the “Y” stick trick for next year’s blackberry harvesting. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
Interesting. Here in New Zealand farmers and shepherds who spend a lot of time walking in mountainous environments traditionally use a "mountain stick". This is typically about 5-6 ft long and made of seasoned "manuka", a tough local tree species. The stick helps provide stability especially traversing across and steep slopes.
Very interesting. I had not heard of manuka trees before. Thanks for commenting
Well, now exactly how I'm going to make my next staff. Thanks for this demonstration!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
Great video and content Thank you. I harvested my stick with a small branch coming out. I trimmed most of the little branch leaving a short stub which I can use to hang a small pot from boil water or warm up some food. The nub side is at the bottom of my staff and also prevent my staff from sinking to much in soft sand or mud. Thx
Right on. Great suggestion. Thanks for commenting
Wow! Never knew so much could be done with a walking stick before. Thank you, Mark, for giving great tips. Very useful.
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting
Great information, Mark. I could see using a shepherd’s staff that has the hook all ready built in it. I think I’ll try making a smaller version of the staff sling, I like the idea of using it as a sling shot. ✌️
A shorter stick makes an easier to use sling staff. Thanks for commenting
I am trying to go camping in my mini van and have full Intentions of taking my staff with me for many reasons, some of which you show. At my age....it is my sidekick, strength, security and balance when needed. love your videos ;)
I so agree. My aging knees thank me every hike for taking a staff. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for this. I haven't been in the habit of notching my sticks the way you do, but I'm definitely going to try that to improve binding with cordage. Wild bamboo grows abundantly in my Caribbean island environment, so I usually don't take a hiking stick with me - I just harvest a dry bamboo frond with a sturdy enough Y-branch at the beginning of each hike. I do have a few of them that I've kept for work around the yard. The main uses, given my tropical rainforest environment, are pulling branches and vines into reach for slashing with a machete, and serving as a backstop when slashing grasses and shrubs with a machete. The stick makes clearing more efficient and safer. It can also be used to probe the trail and bush for snakes, especially in the dry season. Of late, I've taken to choosing thicker fronds and harvesting them well below the Y-branch. This allows me to attach a socket-knife that I occasionally carry.
I have not had the pleasure working with bamboo. Sounds like a great material. Thanks for commenting
now that I am 81 years young I don't use my walking stick. for about 35 years I used it the stick I use is 6'6" and made of hickory it has the same type of groves that you have at each end butnI have 2 groves at the bottom and 3 at the top each about 4" apart on the top and bottom I turned down a 1/4" coupling nut and epoxied it into the stick now I have a camera mount or a spike or what ever. I also did the same as you and used a 3/4" copper cap on the bottom end also made a special v tool if I were looking for snakes. Great stuff Mark thanks for the vid I can't do it now but I can relive some of my past form your adventures thank you.......💯❤
Thanks for sharing your experineces
Well presented, and learned a lot.
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for commenting
Very useful video. Thank you for sharing.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
Much appreciated. Mostly, I just walk and use the staff for balance. I have used my staff to steady my rifle for a good shot. Kentucky
Great suggestion. Had not considered it. Thanks for commenting
Try attaching you lanyard directly to the staff with a Prisik knot. It will make your lanyard adjustable and holds very well under tension. You can make a very comfortable and secure hand grip using French hitching. Was a scoutmaster and taught my scouts this for our staves.
Great idea. Thanks for commenting
Good video and demonstration Mark , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
The Staff ... Walking stick, and a Bow are 2 of the easiest to buy, or make, and best survival tools for a Must Have survivalist hiker/hunter. The top 3 items in my survival gear, are a Victorinox pocketknife (similar to the Leatherman, but much more practical), a Walking stick, and take-down bow. A lot of people would be amazed at how much just that knife can do, in making anything from a Waterwheel, to Plates, Cups and eating utensils. 👍👍
Thanks for commenting
fantastic video! thanks for putting it out there!
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I enjoyed this, great presentation skills. Your knowledge of knots is most impressive. I actually had a presentation pegboard of about 20 different knots as a kid. Sadly, I haven’t maintained that knowledge, but I do recognize some of the names of them ha ha. I guess that’s Canada. Glad you were able to enjoy the outdoors so much.
I enjoy practicing knots, at least the ones I find useful. Thanks for commenting
Excellent teaching video. Smart man.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting
You said it all, Mark! Brilliant. Of course I have to rant anyway… 😂
I love my hiking sticks and staffs, almost as much as I do making and customizing them. Any local hikes are always accompanied by one of these. Over here it’s normal for artisanal staffs to have a metal point instead of that flat tip you have, which can be quite useful ;) it also works better in compacted roads or grass where a flat side could slip.
I would like to add to the shepherd’s sling. Yours is too short, try anywhere from a palm length to two palm lengths string. And you need a notch for reliable and consistent throws, so I carve them on the upper end of my staffs. I keep the sling on the staff for quick access, and it serves as a resting lanyard for my wrist, as you have that piece of string. Truckers hitch on the ‘fixed’ side of the string allows you to easily adjust the height of your hand, and to reset it to default in case you want to use the sling. Don’t need to worry about predators here in Portugal, but I have scared away stray dogs with that. I hear there’s quite a bit of issues in hiking trails in North America, be it two or four legged beasts im sure this would be a much appreciated addition to many hiker’s gear and skill list.
I practice on hiking rest stops, and while clearing farm land (instead of rock picking), and by this point I can reliably hit a pine cone in a pine tree if it’s fairly close to me, or throw tennis ball sized rocks way farther than what I can by hand. Once you get the right configuration of materials, length, rock sized it’s actually way easier to be consistent than with a balearic sling.
Some Kevlar string and a leather ‘pocket’ and you could have a long reach flail, though do bear in mind I just thought of that and it might not work too well.
Your experience with the sling is appreciated. We do have larger animals like bear, and coyote and few cougar but contact with them is very rare. I have not seen a cougar but have run into bear and coyote a few times and they run the other way. Thanks for commenting
Nice! Really enjoyed that!
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I have kept a staff with a y end in the back of my enclosed Pickup box for years to grab stuff beyond my reach and pull it towards me .. very easy and handy for that purpose!
Great idea. Thanks for commenting
Thank you Mark. I have drilled a 1/2 inch hole strait down into the top of my staff. I then filled the hole with an epoxy ( JB Weld ) and lead shot mix.
I topped the stick with a copper pipe cap, also on with epoxy. I have used it only once in defending myself against an aggressive dog. Worked well.
98% of the time it's just my walking stick.
Interesting idea. Thanks for commenting
Thank you! I knew I liked JB weld for a lot of reasons! Now you've given me another!
What a fun video Mark. Very good info since I own a few sticks.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
Except for the tent pole this had several great ideas that I never considered and a very well done video.
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Great video Mark! Thanks for sharing! :) :)
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting Jackie
When I was in Boy Scouts, we made staffs like that. We put marks on the staff for measuring. Inches for the first 6” or 12” then foot marks until a yard. This was in the US so it was standard measurements but it just as easily could have been metric.
So simple and effective. I will be doing this. Thanks for commenting
Love the ballista sling
Takes practice but is a lot of fun. Thanks for commenting
This is an awesome vid, thanks for your efforts
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting
I love Diamond Willow wood.
I bought 3 dozen staff size when visiting AK 1999 / 2000.
They had bark on and I barked and finished with polyurethane to preserve them as conversation pieces mostly. Fast forward 20+ + yrs I'm going to sand off polyurethane and use as a staff for short hikes. Amazingly beautiful wood to admire & useful. Sure got my moneys worth from these staffs. Also great souvenirs.
Diamond Willow is so nice. I have not found any around here yet. Thanks for commenting
I had never seen diamond willow until I visited AK. It grows in some Northern states Minnesota ect in swampy type areas I'm told.
I like the story of how it came to look as it does which is actually caused by a disease that causes the tree to split and twist. Very unique wood. Kinda reminds me of Eastern red cedar with the creme & red (mahogany look) color combination.
I’veused mine for knocking down Spider Webbs crossing my pathway, all of the other points you have mentioned are spot on.
I use for the same. Thanks for commenting
I didn't think I needed to watch this video , but I'm glad I did. I hike rough terrain as well and usually imploy a walking stick. I prefer a bit longer. When walking across a steep grade I'll use it on the down hill side of the slope and plant it firmly before each (or every other step). It also takes down webs that seem to always get me across the eyes. And I also carry a saw while foraging chaga and reishi and lash it on for the high ones. My kids think us "old folk" need our sticks cause we're feeble. Someday they'll realize we were just smart. Of course at that time we will be feeble but anyhow , great video.
Lots of good uses there for sure. Thanks for commenting
In the classic book, The Complete Walker, Colin Fletcher says, "A staff changes a man from a quivering biped to a confident triped."
Great quote. I read Fletcher's book when I was a teen. Thanks for commenting
Thank you for this information. I plan to prepare my sticks with the grooves and perhaps the screw on the end. Currently have a “rubber cane tip” on the end. Steve from E TEXAS
Great ideas Steve. Thanks for commenting
Especially on rainy lazy days,
I ask everyone on my hiking staff
to go do my hiking for me. B-)
Must be nice to have such good staff😉. Thanks for commenting
Another awesome video Mark, I really like the Y stick idea. Cheers my friend! Fyi I am currently catching on videos, as I am resting in the hospital after right hip replacement. Can't wait to get back on the trails
I sincerely hope your recovery goes well. Take care
What a relaxing and informative video. I like it very much.
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You're a genius! Thanks for the video. I enjoyed it!
Thank you for your kind words
Very nice. We used to talk about and try this kind of stuff when I was ooa.
Thanks for commenting
Another great video. Always interesting and to the point. Wish the rest of utube would be more like this. thanks.
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Always interesting and informative 🤗
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Un saludo muy grande desde México CDMX, video genial para el crue montañista. Muchas gracias x su sabiduría!!!
Hello and thanks for commenting
I haven't been able to watch and respond earlier. I've been on the road for 2 weeks. Some very practical ideas. 👌 My grand daughter is a black belt in Taekwan-Do and is a master at using one for self defense. Again, some very practical ideas to multi-purpose. Thanks
I have watched a few videos using staffs for defense. Amazing and practical, as long as you have your staff with you of course. Thanks for commenting
Hi! Mark:
It has been a day or two since I watched your video on making hiking staffs. You presented a lot of ideas in this video. But what struck me the most was again, the copper cap you put on the bottom of the staff. It looks very professional. Truly a clean installation with a rather exacting fit. Good Job.
In answer to your question about using a hiking staff - When you spend very much time in the outdoors away from towns, you run the very real risk of coming across others who don't have your best interests at heart. Having a good sturdy hiking staff can come in handy in such situations. There is another video that shows the basics of defending yourself from an attacker with a staff. You will need to practice, like all self defense measures. But a hiking staff can persuade someone else to move on. Even in the very threatening situation of a bear approaching you. You should try waving your arms, yelling and throwing rocks and things first. But if that doesn't work, a good sturdy hiking staff can help keep a bear at bay. If the bear continues to act aggressive, you can tap it firmly with the end of the staff, across the nose or near the eyes. But if it gets up on hind legs, don't hesitate to strike at either upper or lower paws. You are not trying to defeat the bear, but distract it long enough so you can get away.
Good points on using a staff to defend yourself. Thanks for commenting
Nice video. I use a hiking stick to help with chopping down brush with a machete. Also makes for a good companion when walking around the yard on a wet day.
Right on. Good suggestion. Thanks for commenting
I like your fork branch idea Mike, reminds me when I was young, (82 now) if I was in the wood`s and climbing a slippery slope i would hook it round a tree to help me up the slope. Thank you for reminding me.
Glad it was helpful. Thanks for commenting
You could also use the Y-branch to pull yourself up steep terrain using trees or hooking the ground 😊
Possibly, as long as you trust the attachment. Thanks for commenting
Excellent video bud, alot of good information. 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting
Great video! That Y stick method also can work as a hook as an aid in pulling yourself up a steep hill. Thanks
Yes, good suggestion. Thanks for commenting
I like using hiking poles when I’m out on some of the steep trails. Lots of rock with just enough leaves & moss that without a staff or pole you’re probably going to wipe out. I’ve been thinking about making a 6 foot staff to use with my tarp or poncho, easy to cut it if I find it to long.
Exactly, you can always make it shorter but not longer. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for the video! I use a few different lengths of Chinese wax wood, my longest staff includes a 1/4 x 20 insert on the top so I can easily attach accessories!
That is a great suggestion. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I also have paracord wraps..the Chinese staff is actually a Bo staff
I use an old ski pole with the circular ring near the end removed, and the handle carved a little for use in either hand. The point is tungsten carbide I think and VERY wear resistant. I think it's stronger than the telescoping poles. Mine is 50" long (I'm 5'6") and works very well. For descending a slope, I can put the palm of my hand on the very top and get more reach (I can see how your longer one would be better here). I also like the split "tangs" on the handle to retain grip better than the loop commonly found on poles.
Here in New Mexico I also use it to probe for snakes before sitting down on rocks or bushy areas. It is more pointy than wooden sticks, so would perhaps be a better spear if ever needed for self-defense. Of course your much heavier wooden staff would be much better at swinging at an opponent. But light is an advantage most of the time. It also works as the only support pole for my 2lb backpacking tent.
My friend scoffed at it when we started hiking together, but soon changed his mind when I loaned him the other one of the pair.
Right on. Great uses for sure. Thanks for commenting
Nicely explained ,🇬🇧
Thanks for commenting
Awesome video!!
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love it! you can wrap the handle with kevlar line, (or line of your chice) and you could inset a compass into the handle. also practicing using it as a weapon is key, because if you dont know how to use it, its not going to help
Great suggestions. Thanks for commenting
Thank you.
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Thank you
Most welcome. Thanks for commenting
Awesome tips !!! I carry a bamboo staff.
Glad you enjoyed it. Would like to try bamboo does not grow here. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft you’re lucky that it doesn’t grow there because it is invasive and takes up more property than it should , but it is very lightweight and flexible. I keep mine extra flexible by sealing it while it is green. It is so light weight that it is almost fun to carry.
Made my staff out of a 48" by 1.25" wooden dowel from Home Depot, cut down to 45 inches, then coated with 2 coats Spar Urethane to waterproof. Call it my "Dog Stick" when walking around neighborhood because sometime have to fend off loose dogs. Use my staff to throw my rock bag over a branch to hang food bag. I have a loop that fits over the staff, then 8 inches down is rock bag, then rest of bear line. Get more power and better directional control to sling that rock bag over the branch.
Cool idea. Thanks for commenting
My hiking staff is a seasoned and treated (sanded and oil with boiled linseed oil) length of Tulip Poplar. Tuff but very light. Love the idea of the grooves and the copper end cap. I fire hardened the end of my staff but an extra bit of support for integrity is sensible.
We don't have tulip poplar here. Would love to try it out some day. Thanks for commenting
Oftentimes, when I pass a water source I have to descend a steep bank to get to it (erosion and safety concerns), or I’m at a lake where getting water close to the bank means more sediment in the water.
In both cases, I attach a collapsable bucket to my staff, and retrieve water in a way that keeps me safe and dry, with less silt to deal with.
Now that is new and novel. I like it
Excellent idea!!! Hadn’t thought of that but a common sense natural use of the stick. God bless!!! Chuck Knight. 👨🌾✝️🙏🖖👍