Re: Hiking/trekking poles? Yay or Nay?

Siskuwihane wrote:
> Do you use them? Only one or a pair? Purchased or home made? Wood or
> metal? Do you just pick up a stick along the way?
> 
> Mine is purchased, aluminum and only used occasionally in the warmer
> months, always used in winter. Just curious what others use  (or
> don't).

I have an old pair of bamboo x-c ski poles from which the baskets have 
disintegrated.  I put a pair of wrist weights on them, and use them for 
arm exercise when I hike.  I do notice they are handy when crossing 
streams, and going down steep staircase descents, but otherwise they are 
merely extra weight.  They are quite long, by hiking pole standards, and 
have no shock absorption or rubber tips.

My wife likes the stability hers provide for her.

Just my experience.

Dan