Walking sticks for the alps?

For most of the popular hikes listed in Rick's guidebook sticks aren't mandatory. These hikes are on service roads, not rugged wilderness trails. Having said that most people you see (especially the locals) will be using them. For my trips to the region, I do bring a collapsible stick that's small enough to fit in my RS bag. A lot of the souvenir stores in the region sell wooden sticks for around $30USD.

I have a knee that goes gimp at odd times, so i always have one of those telescoping sticks, just in case. I've always had the idea that they were unacceptable to be in carry-on luggage -- could well be wrong.

True, you can't carry-on walking poles, which is why I check the bag;)

Thanks! :-) I will check if REI has those sticks that collapse for a reasonable price.

I purchased a variation of this model:

pole

It's the most compact stick I was able to locate at 23 inches. Full collapsed it was able fit completely inside my RS bag.

You can get them just about anywhere, really - Walmart, Target, etc., as well as sporting goods stores.

We did a hike from Murren to Trummelbach Falls--downhill but tough on knees. Had to find a stick along the way to ease pain in right knee. This helped tremendously. Observed many hikers using two sticks. Next trip I will take one of those collapsable sticks.

Interesting observation about "two" sticks. I do a lot of hiking here in the Catskills and most folks, even myself and hardcore hikers, just use one pole. But without fail Europeans prefer two sticks. I'm not sure what that's all about, but one pole is good enough for me:)

That is true Michael--it was mostly Europeans using the two sticks. They appeared to be walking/hiking faster with those sticks. The sticks may be called Nordic Walkers--not sure.

Thanks for all the replies. Chris was that a "yes" for 1 or 2 sticks or for the name nordic? :-) typically they are sold in sets right? I guess my husband and I can share 1 each. ;-)

They're sold individually.

No, you don't need walking or hiking poles in order to traverse the well groomed alpine trails, but obtaining a "walking stick" from that region and collecting the numerous Stocknagels to place on your walking stick makes for a great souvenir. Each alpine station or small town sells small colorful badges (about 1 1/2 x 1 inches..about 1,50 euro each) that you can afix onto your wooden staff as an indicator of where you've been. Try contacting some of the many walking clubs in the area you're planning to visit. They'll take you in and treat you like family. I've already filled up one alpenstock (about 15 euro) and am working on my second. Just a suggestion...have fun!