Sizing a Walking Stick
Using a walking or hiking stick, as opposed to a walking cane with handle, is very subjective ----- it's really what feels good to you. Some very simple guidelines, however, might be helpful.
- First, realize that a walking or hiking stick is moved with your wrist. In order to move it easily, your forearm needs to bend upwards from your elbow, at least slightly.
- For walking on flat surfaces, you could bend it up a couple of inches.
- If you are hiking in the hills, the top of the stick probably needs to come up near to the top of your shoulder, which means you should grip the stick between 2" to 4" below the top of your shoulder. Having a longer stick should help when hiking, especially when you are descending.
Based on our experience the following chart shows suggested lengths of staffs corresponding to individuals's heights.
These are only suggestions.
41" - child up to 4'6"
48" - 4'6" to 5'4"
55" - 5'4" to 5'11"
58" - above 5'11"
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