Vision Wading Staff

When Folstaf stopped making wading staffs, we were genuinely disappointed. The quick-deploy design was hard to beat — compact, fast, and easy to use in tricky water. With those no longer available, we went hunting for a proper alternative and landed on this very solid option from Vision.

The Vision Wading Staff is a seven-section aluminium staff that’s built to take a beating. Thanks to the internal elastic, it straightens out automatically the moment you pull it from the holder, making deployment quick and effortless — exactly what you want when you suddenly need stability mid-crossing. Packing it away is just as easy.

At full length it measures 150cm (59”), giving plenty of reach and confidence in deeper or faster water. Folded down, it packs into a compact 25.5cm (10”), so it sits neatly out of the way when not in use.

The EVA handle is a standout. It’s ergonomically shaped, comfortable in the hand, and paired with a double elastic wrist strap that provides a secure grip whether your hands are wet, cold, or gloved up. It’s also far more durable than traditional cork handles, especially for anglers who fish hard or spend a lot of time scrambling over rocks.

One handy bonus we’ve worked out — the 7-section 150cm model can be shortened if you find it a bit long. By removing the tungsten carbide-tipped end piece, undoing the internal elastic, and taking out the second last section, you can dial it back to a more suitable length. It’s an easy job and worth doing if you want something a little shorter.