Hiking or trekking poles help stabilize the walker on uneven surfaces and provide additional support when climbing or descending slopes or when using stairs. Styles vary from simple wooden sticks to collapsible metal poles with shock absorbers. Most trekking poles or extended walking sticks (longer than canes) have a rubber tip at the end, which can usually be removed to reveal a metal spike for greater traction.
Hiking poles and extended walking sticks are easy to find in outdoor-recreation stores or online. Sample models are listed below.
