I've done a considerable amount of hiking with my sons over the past 30 years. The hiking sticks that we found to be our favorites were cut from bamboo (we still have them). They are very strong, very light weight, and hold up for years. Don't worry about any lengthwise cracks that appear as they dry out. The cracks don't seem to affect their strength at all. A little plastic electrical tape around the last few inches at each end holds the ends together and provides a comfortable hand grip. Look for pieces that are 3/4 to 1 inch diameter. The best length to cut them seems to be about eye level of the hiker that will be using them. Cut them so that a rib of the bamboo is left very close to each end of the stick. You can find bamboo at many lumber yards and sporting goods stores, but you usually have to ask for it as they don't seem to keep it out on display. I bought some and got
2 hiking sticks from each. The smaller diameter top section is ideally suited for the younger hikers.-- Charley