A quality, wooden walking stick is one of the best investments you can make to improve your hiking experience. Much quieter than metal "poles" ... does not create that artificial clinking noise when it hits the ground (to say nothing of a branch or rock) so will not spook as much wildlife nor offend other hikers. Extremely stiff for outstanding performance, completely waterproof (even under the finish) and virtually unbreakable; you can use them with confidence in the most rugged terrain. Very stylish as well - available in a dozen colors (other colors may or may not be available - see other listings).

Practical enough for that stroll through the shopping mall, yet engineered for the harsh outback trail hike. Walking staffs have long been favored as an effective way to eliminate strain on lower extremities and to provide an added sense of stability while walking or hiking.

Don't delay your purchase - These units are in extremely high demand and only manufactured in limited quantities ... we've waited over 6 months to get them! It is likely your last chance to get one in 2007! This is not a sales pitch, they were unavailable most of 2006 / 2007 and are finally arriving again. When this listing is sold out please do not think there will be any more in anytime soon. This "Colorwood" is in high demand for many other products and walking sticks are way down their list of priorities.

100% American Made from laminated sheets of Vermont hardwoods, spiral-carved to highlight the uniqueness of their colorful construction. NOT imported rubber-wood. The advantages of laminated hardwood construction are numerous:

• Northern Vermont Birch grows slowly in the country's largest renewably managed hardwood forests and is very dense and strong.
• During the lamination process thin sheets are cut and bonded with the grain of each alternating layer perpendicular to the surrounding layers.
• The bonding process is accomplished under tons of pressure, impregnating the pores of the wood with a clear, waterproof synthetic "glue".
• The walking stick is then cut / rounded / tapered and the midsection carved in an attracting spirialing pattern which reveals the brilliant color of the alternating laminated layers.
• The entire unit is finished with a thick, waterproof, catalyzed clearcoat - the finest in the industry.

This results in a finished product that does not warp, split or crack, is impervious to moisture and very strong. We have used / sold these laminated wood products ourselves for many years and can attest to the fact that it literally takes a "train-wreck" to appreciably damage them! We've had reports of them slammed in doors, stepped on by horses, run over by trucks, dropped on rocky cliffs, etc. with minor / no damage. We of course do not recommend this type of treatment but it is used to highlight the usefulness of this particular item. Satisfaction guaranteed, see our return policy.