Ski pole here. Two for a dollar at a yard sale. It has taken my full weight many times, and has saved my bacon many more. I don't wade without it, period. One swim early in my first season of fly fishing cured me of that. Helps climbing up and down the river banks in many places too. There is one spot where I fish that it would be impossible to get to the river without some kind of climbing aid, and forget about getting back up the hill. If you don't desire the foldability of a proper wading staff, then a ski pole or broom handle is all you need.