Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
I have thought about getting trekking poles for the light hiking we do in the other local trails. I am not the most sure-footed person, so I thought it might help with stream crossings, etc. I have used my snow shoe poles on occasion.
Well, we shall see how the hip progresses.
A lot of people use them and find them helpful, and they can be nice to have on stream crossings. However, you're also then stuck with something in both hands all the time (unless you collapse them and tie them to your pack, in which case you're stuck with extra weight) and personally I'd rather have my hands free. I picked up a pair of poles for cheap to try, and now the only time I use them is for winter hiking/snowshoeing b/c in the other seasons the disadvantages outweigh the advantages for me (especially having switched to hiking in VFFs etc.--this has resulted in being MUCH more surefooted). You'll have to give them a try and see what you prefer--lots of people swear by them so I know I'm an oddball .