The Pepper Stick is a patented quality shock mounted, heigth adjustable, aluminum trekking pole, with tether, and most uniquely a pepper spray cartidge in the handle. It uses the side slide, downward pressure locking mechanism as other popular pepper spray devices so the odds of an accidental discharge are extremely low. Replacement cartridges are available as well and are self serviceable. Check out our web page at https://www.mypepperstick.com All Pepper Sticks come with a snow shoe and removeable/replaceable rubber tip cover over a carbide tip for traction on smooth surfaces, with replacement components available. It is also the only trekking pole of its kind in the market today. Did I mention its PATENTED?