We got some 10 years ago for backpacking in Alaska. I used both of mine, but felt "uncool", as DH followed the lead of the guides and just used one. I tell ya - a fully loaded pack for a 7-day trip is heavy and awkward, so I liked having 2! I haven't used them since, but we took my 'Rents to Alaska 2 summers ago for their 50th (not backpacking), and encouraged Mom to get some after our first day hike. She's pretty afraid of steeper stuff (even more so than I am), and takes rocky, steeper downhills quite gingerly. She loves them, and I think she uses them all the time on her walks on the ski trails.

Ours are collapsible, so you can strap them on your pack, as Itself said, plus it makes them easier to pack for flying.