>>1139998>Are trekking poles actually meming poles?They make sense in certain terrain. Ascents/descents on rocky terrain are much easier with poles. In areas with brush/no vegetation you can't just pick up a good walking stick. So if you've already got poles for dealing with that situation, you might as well use them for all your hiking if you plan steep ascents/descents because they will work better than any walking stick you find on the ground. Poles also have niche use on the AT and long trails in general, as many people use a pole to set up their shelters.
I'll also say that anytime I see older people going /out/ it seems like 90+% have poles. They help with balance and reduce impact on knees and joints, which will allow us all to enjoy being /out/ later in life.
This is coming from someone who doesn't have poles, but wished for some when hiking through Norway. Many peaks are covered in a layer of loose rocks. The fact that Nordic Walking exists makes much more sense after visiting there. I plan to buy some poles this winter when they will hopefully be discounted.
