How to Choose a Wooden Hiking Stick: Length, Diameter & Weight
Choose a Kingfisher WoodWorks wooden hiking stick for adaptability rather than a fixed grip position. A straight, uniform staff lets you move your hand higher or lower as the terrain changes, adjusting your reach without being confined to a single position. This guide explains how to choose the length, diameter and wood grade for the feel and balance you prefer. Kingfisher WoodWorks began making wooden martial arts weapons in 1986, and that experience informs our approach to hiking staff design.
Why choose a straight hiking staff?
A straight, uniform staff gives you flexibility in choosing your hand position and working length. When hiking uphill or downhill, grasp it higher or lower for the reach and balance you prefer. You can adjust your grip instantly and switch between hands without a left- or right-hand bias.
Branches and irregularly shaped sticks have their own character, but can restrict hand placement and the adjustments possible with a straight staff.
Choosing Appalachian hickory and a wood grade
Kingfisher hiking sticks are made from resilient Appalachian hickory from the American Southeast. Choose among three designs according to the feel and construction you prefer.
Standard hiking stick
The standard hickory hiking stick is available in L5 and L7 grades, two diameters and custom lengths.
Hand Cut hiking stick
The Hand Cut Hiking Stick is an all hand-carved staff with a distinctive feeling of torsional grip. It offers a solid feel without being excessively heavy and is our personal favorite.
Enhanced hiking stick
The Enhanced Hiking Stick uses resin-infused wood and is the heaviest option in this comparison.
How to choose your hiking stick length
Some length above your hand grip provides counterbalance and extra reach for downhill pitches. As a general guideline, we recommend measuring from the jugular notch at the base of your neck to the ground, as shown below.
How to choose your hiking stick diameter
Choose 15/16-inch diameter if you prefer a slender profile and a lighter, faster feel. Choose 1-inch diameter if you prefer a slightly thicker grip and heavier staff.
Approximate hiking stick weights
Use the estimates below to compare grades and diameters at your chosen length. Multiply the weight per inch by the staff length in inches, then add 0.5 ounce for the carbide tip.
| Grade and diameter | Approximate weight per inch |
|---|---|
| L5, 15/16-inch diameter | 0.35 oz |
| L5, 1-inch diameter | 0.38 oz |
| L7 and Hand Cut, 15/16-inch diameter | 0.39 oz |
| L7 and Hand Cut, 1-inch diameter | 0.43 oz |
| Enhanced, 15/16-inch diameter | 0.42 oz |
| Enhanced, 1-inch diameter | 0.48 oz |
For example, a 56-inch L5 hiking stick with a 15/16-inch diameter weighs approximately 56 × 0.35 = 19.6 ounces. Add 0.5 ounce for the carbide tip for a total of approximately 20 ounces.
Staff design and tradition
For the history behind Kingfisher's approach to staff proportions, read The Wooden Staff of Japan.
Choose your hiking stick
If you have questions about choosing a size or design, contact us for guidance.