Re: How valuable of a use are trekking poles?

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On steep downhills -- with my knees, at least -- and stream crossings, they're great. I think they also promote a nice rhythmic arm swing while hiking, too.
And, like others here, I use them to support my tent or tarp.
I personally suspect that shock absorbers are an invention of some manufacturer's marketing department. They just add weight and expense. There's no shock to absorb in normal use. And if I do make a hard stab with a pole to recover from a slip or something, I want the pole to be strong, not spongy.

Oh yeah: I don't like the sound poles make on rocky trails.

But I would certainly try some. Don't be afraid to use thrift-store ski poles, by the way. They work great.

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