>>2079774This is deeply misguided.
>consumeristicPeople have used various forms of poles to help in long distance walking for as far back as we know. They used to make them out of wood. Now we frequently use carbon fiber, because it's better and we can. If you don't think Urgh in 10000 BCE would've literally killed for one, or wouldn't select the best wood to use for a stick, you're wrong. If you have a problem that you have to buy one, well, valid, but take it up with capitalism, not the people who use them.
>needs to carry a bunch of shit on them to go into the woodsSome people do. Making trails requires heavy tools. Hunting requires carrying out game. Guides need to carry enough gear to cover not just their ass but their clients. Scientists need to carry whatever instruments they use. Also, especially on difficult terrain, using poles can be beneficial at virtually any weight. Am I going to bother on an overnight on smooth, well maintained (by someone who had to haul a bunch of shit in) ground? Probably not. Am I going to have them if I'm going a week without resupply? Fuck yes.
>are for disabled peopleAbility isn't either/or. Everyone is varying degrees of abled and disabled, and assistive technology, as here, often helps everyone. And yes, people who are ~officially disabled~ hike too. Taking wear off your joints and putting it on a stick is a great way to preserve your ability so you don't have to deal with enough impairment to get that status.
