Backpack Camping and Woodland Survival/Skills/Crafts/Staff Making

Staff making is a simple, easy, yet effective way to make a walking companion or an effectively defensive weapon in cases of emergency. Simply look for a sapling that is a little higher than you and is as thick as you feel comfortable. The lumber must be stripped from its bark and dried for three to four weeks. After the drying process, make sure the wood is brown, and not any shade of green. Taper the end of the stick with a blunt end, and offer an oil stain or preserving finish. Then you can apply accessories (like a grip, engravings, etc.). What is strongly recommended my many is that the end of the stick (the one that will be touching the ground) has an added metal tip on the bottom, like those used for chairs and sofas.