Walk on the wild side

EVEN IF most of the world has already been plodded through, paved over and drilled into, rugged stretches of local wilderness still beckon a good walking stick. And the market in three-legged ascents and descents is more sophisticated than ever, offering a load of high-tech materials, shocks and survival tools that are easy on the trail, and the knees. Here are three for the road.

1. REI HIKER ANTI-SHOCK STAFF The shock absorber turns on and off with a twist of the shaft for quick knee support, and you can choose between a thermometer or compass in the cork-knob inset. ($52; 800-426-4840; www.rei.com)

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2. CRAWFORD KNIVES SURVIVAL STAFF The anodized aircraft-aluminum shaft comes in two threaded sections that hide a forward-mounted six-inch blade, a barbed spear for fishing and an amazingly accurate blowgun. Good for long, dangerous hikes -- and 007 ($225; 870-735-4632; www.crawfordknives.com)

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3. CASCADE DESIGNS TRACKS COMPACT TRAVEL STAFF The lightweight, aluminum Tracks breaks down into three shock-corded sections, offers height adjustment with the push of a button, and houses a camera mount under its removable walnut knob. ($65; 800-531-9531; www.trackspoles.com)

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COPYRIGHT 2001 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning