I'm older (65 next month) but am in good shape and still love trekking, sometimes in or across rivers or streams (e.g., the Narrows in Zion NP). I use two poles, one the Leki with the foam grip and wood spin-off knob and the Wanderfreund as the other. This allows me to change hands/poles to counter gripping fatigue and gives me the unique benefits of each handle configuration.

I had a hip replacement and using this compared to a 'cane' gives me the best outlook going. I hike around at work rather than being disabled. Superb.

I purchased the walking stick to help me get around when my back "goes out". However, soon after receiving it, I was in a motorcycle accident (hit a deer) and suffered some physical damage that made it very hard for me to get out of bed or stand up from a sitting position. I adjusted the walking stick down to nearly it's lowest length, and I was able to use it to help me sit up from when I was lying down and help me get out of a chair I was sitting in. Without it, I would have required much more care and assistance from others. The quality and functionality of this item is exceptional.

This is the second one of these canes I have bought from you. I think that they are perfect. I like the light weight and non-shock spring. I still have the first one, but my bulldog chewed the cork off the handle and I only use it around the house.

Purchased Wanderfreund for an extended fishing trip to Idaho/Montana. 2008 water levels and velocity were unusually high due to Herculean snow pack and resultant run off. I have just returned without immersion thanks in large part to my "freund" the Leki which allowed me to return from rivers to shore dry on several occasions. This staff is light but strong and worked well in the battle with 5,000 to 7,000 CFM flows. The design of the handle is exceptional in that it allows a horizontal as well as a vertical grip depending on the needs of the situation. Trekkers in hilly or steep country will find this very useful as well, especially on the downhill where vertical pressure is indispensable. Conventional hiking will be assisted by the alternative grip to rest the grip and wrist on occasion. The WF is well constructed and designed allowing quick and sure extension for use and telescoping from three to one piece for ease of storage or packing after use. This is a quality and practical purchase for a good price.