Reasons you need a walking stick:

1. Cheap insurance against the cost of a helicopter ride.
2. Less fingertip wear on sandstone / limestone.
3. Easier hiking in streambeds / rough terrain.
4. Stability traversing cliffs on narrow trails.
5. Better balance boulder-hopping.
6. Saves knees and ankles downhill.
7. Extra push jumping creeks.
8. Support wading swift streams.
9. Snake waker-upper.
10. Blackbrush / catclaw / mesquite bender.
11. Tarp pole.
12. Food pole.
13. Pack stand.
14. Other hikers think you are from Europe.
15. Buy 2, share 1, make a buddy.