Walking/trekking poles?

[gspren]

Anyone use them? Even before my recent knee replacement my balance isn't as good as it used to be so I used a cane or stick outside especially off pavement. My brother got me to try his trekking poles and I believe it might make me walk with a smoother or more natural gait, I've got a pair on order.

[Ron Wenrich]

I use one.  I have a pair, but only use one at a time.  It helps correct my balance, and gives me more speed.  I don't use them inside, although hard surfaces seem to be the worst for me.

I was on a tour in Canada this past fall and there were 2 guys that used 2 poles at a time.  It slowed them down.  They were using the pole with every step.  I tried 2 poles, but didn't like it. 

I read an article by a young guy that said he thought trekking poles were for old people, until he tried them.  He said he wouldn't hike without them again.

[Sixacresand]

I have a few walking poles.  I have seen them at crafts fairs, which look really good and pricey.  If I ever have to walk through the wood, the first thing I do is find a stick to carry.  

[WV Sawmiller]

   I have several of them I use when I am deer hunting. I leave one staged everywhere I park the 4 wheeler and use them to help me climb our steep hills and to keep from falling on the way back. I just find a likely looking stick 4-5 feet long and approximate weight and strength. When they break I find another one.

[Magicman]

I have for many years used a 'shooting' stick when hunting.  It has a padded fork at the top, but is also very useful when climbing or crossing uneven terrain, rocks, etc.  I have a monopod as well as a bipod depending upon the situation.  I usually have the monopod and if accompanied, they have the bipod.

For normal hiking, I have two that sorta look like ski poles with the padded grips.

[Old saw fixer]

I use my Logrite 48" Hookaroon as a walking stick when I tramp around my woods and field edges.
It helps get up off my knee if I get down to look at something as well helping me stay steady on my feet.

[SwampDonkey]

I use two ski poles when snow shoeing. 

Mother uses a stick made from a burdock stalk. 

[Magicman]

I like the Hookaroon idea.  That could also be a good snake-head-whopper.

[Larry]

i have a telescopic aluminum mono pod that gets a lot of use. When collapsed its small enough to put in my day pack or hang from my belt. Doesn't get in the way in the car either. The main reason I bought it was for camera support when off in the boonies but found I like it for hiking also.

 

[Otis1]

I've been using a pair of hiking poles since my first hip replacement about 1.5 years ago. Definitely helps with balance on uneven terrain and climbing over down trees. I think I can move through the woods faster with them just because of the extra support. They do sometimes get hung up in thick brush. They have saved me from taking a digger several times. Most of them are adjustable height, and some have a built in shock absorber.

[Magicman]

Shorten them a bit when climbing uphill and lengthen a bit when descending.  The elbow needs to always be at about 90°.