Foldable hiking stick

Usually there are only a few times on a trip when I need my hiking pole, but when I need one I REALLY need it, i.e., when fording a rocky stream or climbing down steps of uneven heights.

My Leki, which I regularly use, is too long to put in my small suitcase, even when broken down. My solution is a foldable stick ordered from Rocky Mountain Amblers (Denver, CO; 303/793-0719, www.rockymountainamblers.com).

Ruth, at Rocky Mountain Amblers, was extremely helpful in guiding my selection of just the right stick. They offer them in various heights, weights and diameters to fit the needs of each person. All fold to nine inches, fitting in my small daypack very easily.

My foldable hiking stick cost $70 plus shipping (which would have been minimal had I not needed “next day” delivery). I last used it in Mali on a visit to Dogon country and Timbuktu in February ’08.

CAROL BURROWS

Overland Park, KS