Who uses walking poles?

[KyleL]

Do you use walking poles?

If so, all the time or just when you are doing a steep hill walk, or in the snow?

Which make do you use?

If not, why not?

[whoRya]

You've covered all the bases there Kyle.  Feel like I am obligated to reply!

I have a set of Craghoppers poles.  I use them sometimes, normally only when walking with a full pack, and usually only for the downhill bit where they've stopped me going on my back side, lots.

If going up on my own for a day walk they'd go in too, mostly in case I have to limp off the hill myself.  Thankfully that hasn't happened yet. 

[LandyLiam]

I used to use them all the time, but rarely bother now, very handy when you crossing very boggy ground as they can be used to test water depth or make a mini pole vault, particulary handy for night hikes as its harder to see how deep the water is.

[LennyJ1]

Yes. I use them when mainly going down hill

[Mourneman]

Again like the others only on steep descent or in the snow/craghoppers

[Ed]

I bring mine for the tarp sometimes

[Oisín]

I don't use any because I'm not old and crippled yet.

Hopefully that will arrive 50 years from now

[whoRya]

I don't use any because I'm not old and crippled yet.

Hopefully that will arrive 50 years from now

It could be arranged for much earlier if there is any more of your cheek 

[Oisín]

Catch me if you can 

[Wolf_Larson]

I used to use them all the time, but rarely bother now, very handy when you crossing very boggy ground as they can be used to test water depth or make a mini pole vault, particulary handy for night hikes as its harder to see how deep the water is.

Great idea !

[dexterdogget]

I broke my back 5 years ago and still have two herniated discs. I really believed my hill walking days were over until a friend of mine lent their poles last summer. I know i'm a special case ( or head case ) but they are brilliant fir taking the load off your lower back and keeping posture upright  especially shen carrying a pack. Mine black diamond and they're a godsend as far as i'm concerned !

[summit86]

I've tried using two poles a few times, but I find it more comfortable just using one. I got mine from Sports Direct, the only cost about 20 quid for the pair but they are a great job. 

[ChuckMcB]

Yup, agree, with a heavy pack (or a long distance walk) poles help keep your posture right (as long as you have them at the right height (elbow should be at right angles)...a pair is best to stop one leg getting tired, they are a god send coming down hills/crossing boggy patches.

I started with hand be downs from my dad, upgrade a couple of times, ended up getting a couple of ultra light Leki ones for £80...shouldn't have bothered...bent one coming down off Bearnagh...lost one third of one in the Bog of Donard (just came unscrewed...no idea were it went!).....ended up buying a £16 hazel walking staff in some garden shop, been using that ever since, love it (but I do miss the handles of the Leki, lovely to hold....but for £80 they better be!!)

[robertsreilly]

I use a couple of rank looking bright red ones from McCanns army surplus in smithfield market, they were a fiver each I think. I use them because they help my posture and i use them as bivi poles (main reason I use them) also handy for slippery bits, crossings and getting down hills safely.

[Glenn B]

Just the one pole for me very handy over rough or slippy ground kinda like havin a third leg ;o)