Quick question about hiking poles? Do you use them when you go on a hill walk/ moderate hike. We’ve recently begun some mountain hikes in the area. We’re pretty new to the activity and were told we should use hiking poles for safety.
I find they just slow you down when climbing. Not sure they have any added benefit on the way up.
I can see how they might come in handy on a steep desent. Help prevent a slip and a fall. But we seem to spend most of the time just carrying them around. recently I’ve been just hooking them to a carabiner on my backpack and taking them along for the ride.
Considering retiring them completely.
Any thoughts??