To some, canes and walking sticks represent a distant, if elegant, past.  In truth, canes and walking sticks used to be seen as emblems of wisdom and dignity. It is no coincidence that the era in which the elderly used canes and walking sticks was one in which they were highy respected for their wisdom and age. In today's culture, gripped with youthfulness, canes and walking sticks mostly are seen to indicate senility or weakness, though, the right cane or walking stick, can add an air of dignity.

The best varieties of canes and walking sticks are carved out of beautiful wood and have weight and heft. Intricate engraved, these tools of mobility captivate the eye, and tell something of the life lived by their bearer. A number of people fancy plain, unadorned, functional canes and walking sticks, but this is a mistake. A functional one seems only to indicate frailty, while a strong, ornate, captivating one bestows a memorable sense of art and style.

For sure, the best canes and walking sticks depend on who is using them. Many a time a walking stick is often used by hikers in the woods to aid them traverse arduous tracts of ground with ease, where otherwise they might slip. Lots of people, in these circumstances, rather prefer light, high-tech poles instead of the more classic wooden tree branch designs, and this is reasonable as the bearer has to walk several miles holding this walking stick. Though it would look silly in the city, but it can be a practical part of being well prepared in the woods for a day hike or a more difficult multiple week journeys. Obviously, they make a valuable tool as well, as an emergency tent pull, or a way to poke at and tend the fire. Unlike at home the hiker does not really have room for a large number of unnecessary tools like he could keep with him, so a multi-purpose stick sort of tool can come in useful much more often than you would think.

Though not many people would use one of these in the city, nevertheless if you are a cross country backpacker, it might make some sense. Sure, it will help you pass the miles, or be handy as often as if you were in the woods, and can even be used in self defence in an emergency. After all, who knows where you could end up, clearly anything that will make you more prepared in an emergency can't be a bad idea.