Chapter 9: Accessories

Manufacturers and sellers of walking sticks also provide a variety of accessories or attachments for their canes. While some of these are strictly for convenience or even for show, other accessories can be essential under a variety of circumstances.

Among the more critical accessories for walking sticks are attachments for the tip, or foot of the walking stick. Depending upon the conditions or terrain upon which the user is walking, these attachments can prevent a slip and fall that could be potentially very dangerous. Among such attachments are rubber tips. While many walking sticks come with rubber feet as a standard feature, others do not and this may be purchased separately. These rubber soles, like the soles of a shoe, can prevent slipping on a variety of surfaces by providing a grip that is not offered by wood or metal tips.

Another attachment used for traction is a metallic cleat. These can be ridged or spiked and are particularly useful in mud or snow. While these cleats can offer a great deal of traction and protect the user from slipping in appropriate conditions, they should be removed indoors and on any surfaces that can be scratched easily by the roughness of the cleat.

A third option for adding stability to the foot of a walking stick is with a tripod or “quad” attachment. These attachments distribute the weight of the cane’s single foot over an evenly spaced three or four smaller feet. The features enable the cane to be stood upright without the user holding it, and they also offer a much more stable surface for the cane to prevent slipping or loss of balance.

Some attachments for walking sticks are designed for safety or navigation with the adventurer in mind. Many walking stick handles have a compass embedded directly into the handle; additionally, compasses can be purchased separately as attachments for walking stick handles. Another convenient safety feature that can easily be attached to a walking stick shaft or handle is a whistle. These can be useful for calling attention to a dangerous situation, to scare off an animal in the wild, or a potential attacker on the street, to get the attention of a hiking companion from a distance, or to announce one’s presence to anyone out of view.

Many walking stick users appreciate a bag, strap or carrying case for their canes. The simplest of these is a wrist strap that attaches just adjacent to the handle. It offers a convenient way to carry the cane when not in use. Perhaps more importantly, it also prevents the need for the user to stoop and pick up the cane if he or she loses grip on the handle momentarily. This feature is particularly important for the elderly, arthritic or anyone else who might have trouble reaching to the ground and retrieving a dropped walking stick.

Other carrying cases or bags can be purchased that will hold a walking stick over one’s shoulder when not in use. These are also convenient for storage; they can be hung from a coat rack or hook and also protect the walking stick from dirt and damage.