Trekking Poles

Ok... who uses them... what type / brand do you use... pros / cons?

I have a pair. The only time I take them is when I'm using a shelter I've made that is a modified A-frame tent. I need them to set up the shelter. I also have a tarp that I need them for. If I'm not taking either of those, I usually leave the poles at home. I don't think the weight to benifit ratio is worth it.

However, they do help steady you, and they take some of the impact off of your feet, legs, and joints. I have used them before when the terrian was sketchy.

I have a pair of Leki poles that are a few years old. They have the antishock absorbers (sp?), and those help.

Thats my thoughts on this. Hope it helps.

I have Leki and I can say they have honestly saved my life. On Knifes Edge on Mt. Katahdin in Maine there is a pathway extremely narrow which drops several hundred feet down both sides. A gust of wind almost knocked me off and it was my Leki's that kept me from going over. In that regard in rough terrain I would never leave home without them. On the Buffalo River trail they can come quite handy on the bluffs. The weight of them for me is unnoticable due to having one rested on the ground at all times. They especially help downhill taking alot of strain off your knees. You get used to having them quickly. They can also be used for defense against snakes, spiders, bears, tigers dinoseaurs, you name it, lol. I recommend them for many reasons most importantly it makes things more easy going and stable, for myself anyway.

hmmm... this is about trekking poles.. er no poles but I do enjoy a nice stick to hike with. When younger I just saw sticks and poles as something else I would have to carry. Now.. would not leave home with out one. lol.. sucks getting old.
Eddie

I have never used trekking poles, but I'm about to start. My knees will appreciated it. I don't want to end up like Ouachita Hiker, gimping around on a factory-made knee!

Or maybe his knee is bionic? Yeah, that explains how he bounces up and down the mountains with the ease and grace of a puma. Now it all makes sense. No fair! I want bionic knees!