>>1335541Ever since before they were fashionable. I used to XC ski a lot, so I am muscle-memory programmed to use them. They make carrying a heavy pack easier and, pack or not, they make stream crossings a lot easier. They are a mechanical advantage if you know how to use them, turn the biped into a more stable quadruped. They take cumulative tons of load off your legs, knees, etc. I wouldn't go backpacking without them, and they double as tent poles for pic related, an MSR Missing Link. I think there is a new model called a Fast Stash, similar concept.
