walking poles? If yes, then when?

[Watertank]

Just came back from a few days in the Victorian Alps. I carried one of the helinox poles on my pack in case I had troubles. On the last day I decided to use it. It made walking so much more comfortable. Having a light pair of poles like these makes the decision to carry one or both very easy. Thete is no reason not to carry one. I have a heavier pair of Leki poles, an older style and I would think twice about taking them.

[norts]

I have just carried a pole, Volkstaf, through the Western Arthurs. This was my 4th trip but first with a walking pole. I was dubious about taking it as I thought it would be more hinderance than help. I was wrong. It was very helpfully on all but the most steep sections, then it was thrown down to the next section.
I also like one pole when traversing most mud, helps keep my balance and I usually move faster.
I am not so sure about 2 poles, havent been convinced that there are many places in Tassie where you can actually use 2 poles as they are intended.

Roger

[forest]

In the scrub two poles or even one can be a bit of a pain, you need space to swing them properly. But on track walks I always take two. I'm faster with them walking, even the flats. The hill benifits and creek/river crossings are a huge plus.
I use a pair of those carbon BD ones, light as, no burden to carry at all if unable to use for whatever reason. My shelter uses a pole too so it's a double duty item if I'm using the hexamid. With a hammock and tarp two poles make a great little front porch under the tarp edge.

[pgrwrx]

Have been using Black Diamond Carbon poles now since 2010. Started using them because of a bad back and quickly found that I moved much better with them. Since having back surgery in 2011 they have been the means by which I have gotten back into walking. Great for going down hill as they take the jarring out of the knees and that are very useful for pulling yourself up steep inclines.

Recently completed the Jatbula Trail in NT then did the first six days on the Larapinta Trail out of Alice Springs and they were brilliant on the last day into Standley Chasm especially walking up rocky dry creek beds.

[scroggin]

Never used them, but grab the old stick now and then. Just a question for those that regularly use them, do you ground one for every step and I assume it's the opposite to the foot you are grounding?

[sim1oz]

@scroggin, yes you generally use the pole opposite to the foot, to create more stability and prevent tripping yourself up. But I sometimes use both poles at the same time when going uphill to give a bit of extra push, especially if I have an injury.

[Turfa]

Never used them, but grab the old stick now and then. Just a question for those that regularly use them, do you ground one for every step and I assume it's the opposite to the foot you are grounding?

On steep uphills or downhills I tend to use a 1 for 1 style (pole plant opposite to the foot) with a firm grip on the poles, but on flats it is a 2 to 1 rythm, with the poles planting only every second step and more of a swinging action with the pole being held mostly by the wrist strap & the fingers only guiding it in the swing forward. it does take some time to get this technique right but it feels very natural & lets you get up a good pace. (Trying to do a pole plant for every step when on the flat is hard work & feels very 'forced')