Teddy Roosevelt's saying was to walk softly and carry a big stick. You want your stick to be sturdy and comfortable.

Choosing a stick becomes a challenge when you see the hundreds of sticks available on the internet. Will this stick be a gift for a friend and loved one, or for you?

If you find something to order, please be aware of some very important details. The height is determined by measuring from the ground to the crease in your elbow and adding 6 inches to that measurement. It does not have to be completely straight. There are differing opinions, but the rustic look is cool. You want the stick to have character. Next tip, buy one that is wooden, unless of course you are looking for trekking pole or poles.

Personalize with dates, names, places that you have walked or hiked and make that stick a treasure. You need something that can be inscribed with a wood burning pen.

The grip should be placed about where you would grasp a ski pole. The grip is very important and there should be plenty of grip for your hand to grasp. A leather strap should be centered above the grip to place the hand through, so if you lose your balance the stick remains with you, especially in mountain terrain.

Some sticks come with a rubber tip at the bottom or may have a pointed tip for climbing purposes or for ice.

Walking and hiking sticks that have things carved into the wood or have something attached to the top really make the stick unique and attractive, especially if you have requested something special from the carver who made the stick for you.

Something to grasp is very beneficial when hiking or walking. Sticks function as extra legs on slopes and inclines. They reduce stress,fractures and sprains. Posture and balance is really improved and the stress on the knees and lower back experience less strain. Also if you are confronted by a critter, you have some protection.

Dick Bryant is a retired science teacher and high school principal who began carving sticks for his teachers and friends while living in the mountains of Colorado. When he retired he started his stick business working out of his garage. Sticks are personalized for his customers with inscriptions and whatever else they desire to have included with a stick.