I use an 8' fiberglass telescoping paint roller extention pole. Works great, folds down to fit in the car, super sturdy while hiking. I wrapped 50' of 3/8" rope around the top, this makes for a great wide grip, as well as having emergency rope when ya need it! I also strap my gps'r to it so I don't need to hold it and also this keeps it parallel to the ground most of the time which makes for the best reception you can get. Total cost was about $25 from home depot. It works great for saving the knees, hanging food sacks in the trees, making sure there are no guardians in those small hiding spots, pushing rattlers off the trail, as well as numerous other tasks. I put a rubber cane tip on it, but this only works on dirt trails, I take the tip off for steeper, rockier climbs. Good Luck! Here is an ok picture of it. Another pic of the top of the stick