If I carry sticks, I use my trusty 48" survey laths with a 1/4-20 bolt and lock washer. They are wood and don't make that "tink" noise when you hit them on something. If I see something and don't need them, I can drop them on the ground and not have to worry about them making any unnatural...
I hate that the guy died but I love this story. It's hard not to think about how much that dog loved its owner. I wish they lived forever.
Colorado hiker missing for months found dead, his dog still alive by his side | Fox News