Ugghh... similar problem. I just got my first pair of progressive lenses. I used to only need distance glasses, and I took them off or look under them for reading. But, last eye doc visit indicated I needed reading glasses too. (Was doing some soldering a few months ago and borrowed my BF's readers to see the circuit board - first hint that I had a problem. )

I don't really like the progressives. I have to work to find the focus point when I'm reading, and like Deb, walking down stairs is a challenge. I'm really worried about them hiking. My plan is to use my regular (non-progressive, just distance) sunglasses for hiking and biking.