[lopper]

I concur with Backpacker Joe and kleet. Single cane style for me. I like having one hand free all the time. For trails, I use a wooden broom handle. Bike handlebar grip on the end. Low tech & lightweight. For most hikes and climbs though, my cane is an ice axe. It is very helpful to have the 3rd leg for stability, momentum-maintenance and probing/whacking stuff along the way. As the knees hammer their way into decade #5, it's especially handy on the steep downhills.

[Illimani94]

I've used the poles for years. Reasons have been repeated often enough in other posts. The concern about bushwhacking is legitimate, but other than that I can't think of anyplace I wouldn't use them. I've even rock-scrambled with the things while ascending steeper boulder fields; use the straps, get used to the need to get the things out of your way at times, no problems. Much easier on my knees, great for balancing while rock-hopping streams, crossing log bridges, etc., and I feel less tired if I use them.

[Tres King Poules]

Hey, do y'all prefer 1 or 2 trekking poles? (sorry, 3 is not a valid answer) I sometimes use one pole or an ice axe, but have never converted to duo poledom -- poles generally being more trouble than help. But lucky in the knee department. I used to use two poles when learning to ride a unicycle though.

[Allison]

I haven't seen the new issue of WT yet, but allegedly my review is in there this month.

[Newt]

Just a repeat of the reasons why http://www.backpacker.com/technique/dailytips/0,4466,3306,00.html NN

[polarbear]

I've used them once and liked them but have been too lazy to buy a pair. Also I don't like carrying anything more than I have to. Reading the thread on knee and ankle problems makes me think the extra baggage is worth it.

[Kadesha]

I just started using a trekking pole last year. After I started using it, I wondered how I hiked without it! It helps me balance, especially coming down a steep/slick trail! I have not tried using two at once, my other hand is usually tied up with my dog leash! (I sure like these smilies!)

[#19]

I had used poles all year for over 5 years and I am not so sure anymore. Put down my poles recently for a couple trips and didn't find that I missed them. Noticed no extra "pounding" on the descent on my twice repaired knee cartilege. These were trips with 4500' and 5000' elevation loss. It was kind of nice to have my hands free. Curious if any pole users have experimented by not using them in these summer conditions?

[Dante]

I just started using an 8 oz. "Leki Sport Trekker" last year. I bought it as a pole for an Integral Designs SilShelter tarp tent, but have found it really useful. It is so useful that I am planning to buy another one.

[MCaver]

I've only used trekking poles once and I didn't like them. What I do like is a good walking stick. I picked up one on the Taylor River Trail last year and hike with it every time now. It helps on both up- and downhill elevation changes by simply changing my grip up and down. Plus, it's great to lean on when you're tired. I've even used it to fend off an overly friendly wet dog. Maybe I used the trekking poles wrong, but stopping to adjust their length when the elevation change varied was not what I was looking for. I have found them useful when snowshoeing if they have the snow cups on them though.

[catwoman]

One thing to keep in mind is McCaver is out there to photograph and not to cover much ground, so for him there'd probably not be much need. But if you're trying to get somewhere - particularly on anything with elevation gain, they're WONDERFUL!

[MCaver]

[ajgoodkids]

I like my ice axe as a regular trail hiking tool. I can weight it all I want without concern. Sometimes I use poles, but only occasionally. I bring both for snowshoeing and use either, depending on the slope steepness. Until two years ago, I used nothing. I didn't need anything. Two years ago, I had before-athletics and after-athletics pain in both knees for the first time ever. I visited Virginia Mason Sport Medicine to check it out. If you never want to be pain-free again, just walk into Virginia Mason Sports Medicine. You will be subjected to the most incredible collection of lies and coercion on Earth that something is "torn" in your knee that requires a "minor, little procedure". They take special angry pleasure in permanently crippling every prospective patient who dares to protest that his/her knee feels fine.

[JimK]

I hiked for 16 years without poles. About 4 years ago I picked up a set of adjustables for snowshoeing. I immediately found it much easier on snow. I have used them all winter ever since. I'm 6'4" and balance is not one of my strong points, especially on chopped up snow and ice. Last Spring I developed plantar fasciitis and the pain in my right heel became unbearable. With better shoes and continuous stretching the problem is under control. One thing that has really helped is using my poles all year round. When descending they moderate the pressure on my heel. I also find that I get an arm workout along with a leg workout. My knees are fine but I doubt I will do much hiking without poles in the future. This last weekend I did hike up Mt. Tallac in CA without the poles (too difficult to put in a suitcase). I did just fine without them but had a little heel pain the next day. I used to laugh at hikers with poles but now I almost never go without them.

[ajgoodkids]

JimK, I have a pair of 3-section Black Diamond poles. They collapse down to a go-anywhere 22-inches. They have snap over cam-locks. You have to monkey with them with a screwdriver to get the cam-lock tightness just right, but once they're set they're secure. I don't trust twist lock poles.