Well, you can just barely see my favorite hiking staff in this (very busy) photo. I insist that my employees carry a stout stick/staff at all times. (This photo was made while we were lined up for this year's 4th of July parade in Montreat, NC.)

I made mine of oak with a maple ball on the end. The ball goes in your hand when you're on a steep downhill grade.

For the folks asking how to size sticks, I cut mine so that the top of the stick is between my elbow and my armpit with my arm straight down.

Here's a pic of the business end. Hiking badges from Scotland and the Grand Canyon on this side, a couple of others are around back.